What's the Best Kindergarten Schedule?
There's quite the debate nationally on this issue. On one side, we have the schools who are trying to focus on more skills at earlier ages to prepare children for standardized testing. We also have beleagured parents who need child care while they work. On the other side, we have children's advocates and research showing that many children simply aren't ready for a full day of academic work and that poorly-designed programs interfere with these kids' opportunities to learn through free play and in a more natural way.
What do you think?
Here are resources and informative sources on both sides of the debate. Inform yourself! This issue affects us all, not just parents of four-year-olds.
What do you think?
Here are resources and informative sources on both sides of the debate. Inform yourself! This issue affects us all, not just parents of four-year-olds.
For or Against All-Day Kindergarten?
The debate is on. Schools around the country are beginning to offer full-day kindergarten to at least some of their students. States are pushing the program in many areas as a way to combat lagging test scores. What do you think?
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Resources to Help You Decide
Inform yourself about this debate.
- What Parents Should Know
- Here is a nice summary of both sides of the debate, including a synopsis of what research shows.
- Pros and Cons
- Wondering which is best? Check out this list of pros and cons on both sides of the issue.
- National Trends
- This document unravels the policies of various areas around the United States.
- Does Full-Day Kindergarten Help Students?
- A research brief outlining study results on full-day kindergarten.
On One Hand....
Points in Favor of Full-Day Kindergarten
Proponents of full-day kindergarten point to a number of positive aspects. First of all, much more is expected of children in school these days, and it's expected much earlier. Full-day kindergarten allows more instructional time to accommodate these extra requirements. Secondly, many children are in child care settings anyway, while their parents work all day long. Full-day kindergarten eases some of the financial burden for these families and possibly makes more productive use of the children's time. Finally, many children are starting kindergarten at older ages in many parts of the country. Older children are more likely to be able to hold up for the rigors of a longer school day.
On the Other Hand....
Points Against Full-Day Kindergarten
Some people feel that more poor quality school time simply will not be in children's best interests. They also are concerned that kindergartens will become miniature first grades, and that these young children will be subjected to inappropriate activities, such as a preponderance of worksheets or other inappropriate programs. Some families object to having their young child away from home for such an extended time, since kindergarten plus bus transportation time can get close to 8 or even 9 hours daily.
Join the conversation!
Share Your Views
Tell the world where you stand on this issue (or at least join in the debate).
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More Kindergarten Info
School Readiness and the Transition to Kindergarten in the Era of Accountability
Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 01/08/2010) 
JumpStart Kindergarten Reading Readiness Workbook
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2010)
Kindergarten: It Isn't What It Used to Be
Amazon Price: $11.66 (as of 01/08/2010)
Essential Kindergarten Assessments for Reading, Writing, and Math
Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 01/08/2010)
Kindergarten Reading Readiness (Sylvan Workbooks) (Sylvan Learning)
Amazon Price: $10.13 (as of 01/08/2010)
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