Submitted by Linda Mackenzie (not verified) on July 5, 2007 - 20:35.
Kindergarten expectations have changed quite a bit over the last 10 years and not in a developmentally appropriate way. Newer research has supported the belief that young children can and do learn quite a bit more than we have previously expected. This is the rub. We can and should present ideas and activities in a developmentally appropriate way that can lead to greater learning in areas traditionally considered first grade territory. As long as these ideas and activities are presented in a playful manner with lots of movement, creative thinking, and cheerful support, they are developmentally appropriate. As long as every child is not held accountable to be reading and writing by the end of kindergarten, it is developmentally appropriate. As long as every child is able to experience feeling success and accomplishment at whatever level they can function, it is developmentally appropriate.
As far as entrance age goes, the argument has been that to be totally fair--especially for at risk children, chronological age is the best way to decide entrance to kindergarten. I don't subscribe to that. It is vital that parents, who know their child best, be allowed to decide when their child is ready for kindergarten. It is each child's only first time to start school. Being ready is so very important. Age isn't.
Kindergarten entrance age
Submitted by Linda Mackenzie (not verified) on July 5, 2007 - 20:35.
Kindergarten expectations have changed quite a bit over the last 10 years and not in a developmentally appropriate way. Newer research has supported the belief that young children can and do learn quite a bit more than we have previously expected. This is the rub. We can and should present ideas and activities in a developmentally appropriate way that can lead to greater learning in areas traditionally considered first grade territory. As long as these ideas and activities are presented in a playful manner with lots of movement, creative thinking, and cheerful support, they are developmentally appropriate. As long as every child is not held accountable to be reading and writing by the end of kindergarten, it is developmentally appropriate. As long as every child is able to experience feeling success and accomplishment at whatever level they can function, it is developmentally appropriate.
As far as entrance age goes, the argument has been that to be totally fair--especially for at risk children, chronological age is the best way to decide entrance to kindergarten. I don't subscribe to that. It is vital that parents, who know their child best, be allowed to decide when their child is ready for kindergarten. It is each child's only first time to start school. Being ready is so very important. Age isn't.