Opinion Needed on Long School Day for Kindergarteners

I think it's insane to go all day- they are 5 for god's sake. Still babies in the scheme of things. They make us send them all day to an understaffed, overworked and, in most cases, underfunded atmosphere during the most formative time in thier lives. Goodness, most kids still take naps at that age. We are all forced to send them to preK and other classes just to prepare for the class that is supposed to prepare them for actual grade school. Personally, I feel slighted of my own family teaching/learning time.

I was a first grade teacher and reading specialist for many years, I promise your son will get used to it. He willbe tired in the beginning, as all children are at the start of the school year. But, at this age kids think school is fun. They also transition the kids. There is rest time in the beginning of the year and extra recess. Trust that the teachers know what they are doing!

My daughter went to full day kindergarten last year and I have my second daughter going next year. I honestly don't like full day. I think they are too young. I wrote a letter to the board of education to express my concerns. Their reply stated that Maryland started the full day kindergarten as part of their new program, Bridge to Excellence. The Bridge to Excellence program began to meet standards for the national "No Child Left Behind" Act. I have relatives in PA and they do not have a full day kindergarten where they live. I know that several private schools in the area also offer half day kindergarten. It costs a lot. Last year when my first daughter went into kindergarten, only the first part of the day was spent on academics. From about 9:15 to about 10:45, they spent time on the rug, learning that day's concept. Afterwards was recess, then about 20-30 minutes of breaking into smaller groups to do various supervised activities around the room reinforcing the concept taught that morning. For example, they would complete simple art projects, ditto sheets, or short educational games. Then they went to lunch. After lunch they didn't do much academically, because the children start to loose focus. They go to a special(gym, art, music, or library), they may have another recess period, and they may complete some of the morning activities. I still don't necessarily agree with full day school at such a young age but I suppose there are some benefits. You may also want to consider homeschooling. I would voice any concerns you have to the Board of Education. Watch your child next year and see how he adjusts. The teacher will have lots of ways to communicate with her, I am sure. Write a letter or email her about anything your son has problems with. Good Luck!

Our school day starts at 9AM and goes until 3:25PM.

In Howard County there is no transition - just a full day. Just one day before all classes begin for the children to come in with parents to see the classroom and meet their teacher for 45 minutes. I recommend a big breakfast and have a snack and drink ready asap for afterschool. Avoid a lot of scheduled afterschool activities until later on the year. And give downtime on the weekends. And stick to bedtime on time 7 days a week. Try to get some outdoor play in at a park or bicycle, etc, to wind down. Imagine how you would feel just starting a 9-5 job after a long break of not working.

Can't say if I agree or disagree, but it is mandatory and all the kids go, so if you choose a shorter program at a private school instead, they will still have the transition the following year when most of the children have already adjusted and made friends and learned the school's routines. At least they will be better prepared for 1st grade.

I just think of all those children in before and after care and somehow they are just fine. My son could not manage the before care so I put off returning to work until 1st grade. He was usually too tired and found himself getting into trouble during the day, being unable to focus or pay attention.

Hi I'm not a kindergarten teach but I know the prosses from working in the school system.The transition should go well. I think if it's still the same. They send the kids a 1/2 day in the A.M. for 2 days and then 1/2 day for the P.M. for 2 days and on the last day Friday is a whole day. Most ids transition well and some don't. I cant say there wont be tears but I can say if you do the same rutine and get up every morning it should be a lot smoother. I recomend having him go to school every day for a month just get him use to it. Some kids like to be play sick and so on. I hope it all works out for you and I'm sure it will be easier for you than kids that have never been to school at all!

I am not a teacher and my daughter doesn't go to school yet, but I remember when I went to kindergarten and all the way through 6th grade (in the 80s) we went from 8:30 to 3 and got out at 2 on Wednesdays. The schedule you mentioned seems long because kids get out later, but sounds pretty standard. I'm sure your little guy will be just fine.