My son is starting kindergarten in the fall, we live in Allen Park and they do not have full day here. I am not concerned about that fact because I only had half day kindergarten and I was fine. But my concern is now that they do have full day I feel that my son is going to be at a disadvantage. When he enters first grade I am sure that there are going to be a lot of kids who attended full day kindergarten because the parents had to because of working. I feel those kids might be a little more knowledgeable entering first grade then my son and others. Growing up I can remember feeling very discouraged when everyone seemed to know something and I had no clue. I don't want my son feeling that way. Does anyone have any experience with my concerns on both ends full day and half day experiences with there children? I am a little confused and worried, also a little mad that they don't make it mandatory across all school districts to have all day kindergarten. And sending my son to a different school district just is not something I am able or willing to do.
In my opinion, he's probably the more advantaged one. Don't worry about it. If you want, work with him a little over the summer with reading. If not, that's fine too.
I personally don't think it should make a difference between full day or half day kindergarten. Kids that have full day kindergarten need it because their parents can't spend the time with them at home reinforcing the skills that they learned in part time kindergarten. If you are a stay at home mom and send your kids to 1/2 day kindergarten you could and would I am sure, spend time with your kids reinforcing what they learned in school. Basically you would be doing the job of the full day kindergarten teacher.
If I get a choice when my daughter is ready for school, right now I would choose 1/2 day kindergarten and reinforce at home. I think all day is too long for a 5 year old to be in school.
I'm sure he'll be fine. :-)
You may want to talk to your school district because I was just told by a teacher that all school districts have to offer full day kindergarten starting next year in order to receive funding. I don't know if that is true or not but it's worth asking. My daughter is in full day and she loves it! She has learned so much this year it is unbelievable. Her school also offers 1/2 day kindergarten. I'm not sure how much they have covered since everyone I know is in the full day. The thing I liked the best was the way they weaned them from 2 snacks a day and a nap to one snack a day with no nap. It's now called quiet reading time. Students can still put their heads down and sleep if they like but they no longer get to lay down on the cots. It really has prepared my daughter for first grade.
Good Luck!!
Hi C... I actually have thought about the same thing! As you know I'm going to Allen Park by school of choice because even though I'm in Allen Park, I'm in the Melvindale district. However, the school over in this neighborhood (Rogers Early Elementary) is a really good school. Its only kindergarten and 1st grade. The lady across the street from me is a 1st grade teacher there. I have heard many many good things about the school. Its just after that school that I don't want Emily is Melvindale district. At Rogers they do ALL DAY kindergarten. I have been struggling with whether to send her there for kindergarten. There is a lot of openings at Allen Park schools this year and I worry that if I don't get her in this year, that maybe they won't do school of choice next year! Thats why I was planning to put her in AP schools this year while I have the chance. However, also would rather have the full day. The lady across the street said that the kindergarten program there is great and that at the end of kindergarten each child reads very well.
I think the state of Michigan is trying to get something passed to make all day kindergarten mandatory. But of course that probably won't be in affect til our kiddies are in 1st or 2nd! Figures!
I would not be to overly concerned. My son was in an all day kindergarten, they had to have a rest period everyday, they also had gym, library (twice) music and art classes everyday of the week. My niece is in another district and they are learning everything that my son did even being in a half day program. They did seem to have a lot more homework to do at home. Good luck!! It will all work out.
