ok am i the only one that thinks 1/2 day kindergarden is silly?

MrsKimberlyD

maybe its just me.... i went to full day kindergarden. i didnt think i was overloaded or anything, in fact i remember LOVING it..... i just have never understood the whole 1/2 day K thing.  arent we in need of educating our young???  arent we behind other countries in education? ive always thought it silly for a half day. just mho

katiegrl

Speaking as a teacher who taught full day Kindergarten for several years- I have no idea how teachers can even fit in a proper curriculum in 2.5 hours. I think a half day (it's not even really a half day- half day would be at least 3 hours) is silly. I know there are some great teachers who probably do very well fitting it all in- I just don't know how!

My kids had a rest time. None of them napped but they had quiet time on mats with books and small, individual games. They were well able to handle the full day, even those who had never been in school before. I was careful to always alternate more active activities with more mellow activities, so they did not wear out.

 

 

love10

No, not silly at all.  I wish ours was full day.  At least it's not like when I went - mornings for half the year, then you switch to afternoons for the other half.  Talk about a scheduling nightmare!

mrs.magoo

I personally like 1/2 days - I've always thought it was important for children to have "free play" at home before or after their 1/2 day and I personally have always thought that a full day of school is far too much for a child that young....but the majority of women don't SAH now, so that's pretty much a mute point.....I really think parents should have an option of full or 1/2 day kindergarten...because I'd really like my kids to be able to only go for a 1/2 day, but I can totally understand why other parents would want their kids to go a full day...

WideSmileMama

Kindergarten is not even mandatory for cities/towns to have in NH and many do not have public kindergarten at all.  I count myself lucky in that I live in a place where it is offered.

EastCoastFamily

It depends on the curriculum and expectations of the school.  Full day K is not necesary in my school, at least not IMO.  They get plenty accomplished in 2.5 hours including a recess and a special.  Full day K at my school would completely wipe the kids out.  I also think that K is a stepping stone to school ... but IMO, first grade is the authentic "real first experience" with school.

carryl

In England not only did I go a full day but I started a year earlier than here in the States. So I completely agree with you.

tmp-62868

I have mixed feelings on it. I think both should be available and allow the parent to decide if they feel their child can handle/will thrive in a full day program. Some simply won't have the maturity (well, as mature as a 5yo can be) to do so. If we go with public school I surely hope Gabby gets into a full day programs since she will be nearly 6 years old before starting, thanks to cut-off dates..