Kindergardens and all day school?

Hi there! I used to teach Kindergarten and we went from 8:30 till 3:00. It seemed awfully long for these little guys but most of them got picked up by an after school program and then would stay there till 5:30. So sad. None of my kids are in kindergarten yet, but next year!!! I think all the schools here go from 8:30 till 1:00.

7 hours a day for kindergarten is just short of cruelty to children. The issue to be taken up with education department of your locality. At the most, it can be 3 to 4 hours.

I think most kindergartens are set up this way, especially in schools where there is pre-K. I think it is good fod kids to be in school all day and have a set routine. Their day is planned so that they get snacks, naps, and have alot of non-study time.

I think our country is way behind on the all day kindergaden. Other countires have their children going all day at younger ages. The majority of kids entering kindergarden have already been exposed to all day daycare because their parents work and when school is finished, they go to the daycare for the rest of the day. So now it is no longer a few hours a day to get accustomed to regualar all day school..it is school. It allows parents who don't work time to get a pt time job if need be, spend time with younger children and gives our kids a head start by starting them when their minds are at their most active to learn retain and pick up things easier. The social aspect of it is also highly important. I had to pay for my daughter to be in all day Kindergarden, the first 2 1/2 hours were free..I paid for her to stay the afternoon session. Also by being on school all day those who qualify get both free lunch and breakfast..in some cases this is all these kids get to eat some days.

No, I don't think that's good, but then again so many kids are in daycare for that long and longer, so I'm sure she'll be ok. I think school for kids in kindergarten should be short and not overwhelming. Is it optional in your district to only go half day? If so, I'd go for that.

My son (my oldest) just started K also. He goes 5 days per week for 2.5 hours a day - which I think is perfect.

I went to all day kindergarten. We had nap times and quiet times. I was writing in cursive by first grade. If you schedule the day so it does not wear them out and their needs are being met both active and inactive, absolutely then can go all day, the younger your are the easier it is for you to learn. I did sign language and Spanish and French those first two years.

oh my god .. poor soul .. are they crazy .. i suggest u take ur kid out of that kindergarten .. its in ur childhood that ur kids deserve to play enjoy and have a nice time .. 7 hrs a day is no different from a prison .. they will develop a hatred towards school right from childhood .. i definitely feel its the wrong approach