Is This Normal for Kindergartener's Day?

A.,

My oldest son was in kindergarten last year. He went to the public school in our neighborhood. After reading your post, it is understanding why your daughter thinks it's boring. Children from ages 3-6 enjoy play, but they also enjoy learning through play. It seems that your daughter's class is doing too much seat work. They should be moving around a lot more than what they are. The school day should be structured for the children (children need structure) but not to the extent of what she is doing. And, children need time outside-I have never heard of a kindergarten class that misses recess time. They need art, music, science, they need their creativity nutured. It is important for developing their conceptual thinking ("thinking outside the box") I would consider first speaking with the teacher about her teaching. If that doesn't work, talk to the principal. If all else fails, send her to another school if you can. her total educational experience should be wholistic, incorporating lots of learning areas. it should definetley be fun and should be a bit more active. Save the continuous worksheets for 4th grade ;) Hope this has been helpful. I offer this bit from 6 years experience as a early education teacher.

Wow! I would talk to someone at the school about your concerns and then look for another Kindergarten program. I just transferred my Kindergartener into a private school. She, of course, has structed learning time, but also has recess, and a classes they rotate through during the week (like sign language, gym, library, art, music, spanish, computer, science, etc). She loves her new school so much more than her old one (which actually sounded a lot like where your daughter is at now).

If I can be of any more help, please let me know. Good luck with your decision.

My son is in Kindergarten at a public school. He goes full-time 5 days a week. He has Math, Language Arts, Writing, coloring, Reading, story time, comp. lab, library, gym, art, guidance counsler even comes in to talk to them. He is writing short sentences and adding. They also have group activities like little learning games. They have morning & lunch recess along with an afternoon snack. I would say his class is pretty productive and seems to be doing well. I would look into other schools. It seems almost like daycare what your child is doing.

Hi A.,
I'm a former first grade teacher and visited regularly K classrooms. There is no story time? circle time? pretend play time? ... it does sound like this teacher is relying on worksheets only, if you could, ask if you can volunteer a day in the classroom to experience first hand. And otherwise, talk to the teacher and ask her about this and/or the principal. This teacher might need to get more and better ideas as to how to deal with a kindergarden class. But it is certainly not your job to do that, but to make sure your daughter has a great experience at school!
As a mother myself, I would either speak up and/or move her out to another school.
good luck!
M.

well, A., I have four boys who went thru public school and they did do some worksheets, but they also had reading time where the teacher or aid read to the class (reading circle on the floor and all)... they had a time where the teacher taught the kids from the board about letters / numbers / colors etc.... I think they even went over tieing shoes (sorry I can't spell). I remember them singing and learning poems that help them learn the ciriculum too and the old stand bys like its bitsy spider (or was that last one pre school?) they painted and had 'art time' regularly also.. I think you should talk to someone if that is all they are doing.. children that age do not learn that well from just work sheets. They need the time to do things that seem like them to be play like the art and music that teaches them things and brings out thier imaginations and creativity. Especially if you are paying money for a private school you should really do something about that... for your son and his classmates

My son attended private K in a Montessori school. It was much different. In the morning he was in a class with other kids his age and also younger preschoolers. They all did hands on learning at their own pace. They would get themselves snack when they were ready and clean up after themselves. They learned by doing things. They would have circle time first thing in the morning to talk about the weather, season, time, plans for the day, etc. They went outside to release some energy for about 15 minutes later in the morning. They ate lunch around 11:45am when the preschoolers left. After lunch they went outside again.

After recess they returned to the classroom for another meeting (circle time) to discuss the afternoons activities. They did more hands on learning, a reading group/story time, and then cleaned up for the day. The children each had their own assigned jobs for the week. They would each do their jobs to help clean up at the end of the day including feeding/watering class pets, watering plants, putting up small chairs, wiping off the tables with a sponge, making sure all materials are put away, etc. My son had so much fun in school learning that it was almost like he was playing all day. They hardly ever do papers but I guess that's because they are Montessori.

Oh, and each morning they would have one special such as music, art, spanish, etc.

I used to teach Kindergarten at a private, Catholic school. My principal was adimant that the kids needed to be in chairs working through books every morning. I was adamint that 5-year olds learn through play. Needless to say, we had some issues! We did reach a compromise where the kids would do worksheets as part of a "center rotation" that included a writing station, reading corner, art, blocks, pretend play, and a math (counting) center. This was a hard sell at my school, but I think it benefitted the kids! I've taught other grades since (both public and private) and I know that Kindergarten is not what it was when I was in school, but instead, a "training zone" for rigorous teach to the test practices in many schools. However, it is not necessary for Kindergartners to do so much paperwork! If your child's teacher is really just doing worksheet after worksheet all day, here are a few suggestions she might be willing to accept while students still "work."
- let kids journal daily by writing and drawing something about thier day
- working on math by counting objects and sorting groups (items can be brought from home if materials are an issue for the school)
- let students include workbook time as part of other centers or activities
- organize parents to volunteer and do a non-workbook activity as a special treat once a week

Good luck with your daughter's schooling! If you have any other questions or need more suggestions to integrate workbooks with learning through play, please email me.

Definitely NOT a normal day for a kindergartner. I would not spend my money on a private kindergarten for that type of day!

I teach in a public school & we have a written curriculum for our kindergartners with benchmarks that the students are required to meet for each quarter in all subject areas: reading, writing, math, science & social studies. The students having difficulty reaching those benchmarks are very well supported by aides and specialists in the building for extra help (even in a half-day program).

The kids are out of their seats using materials to help them with math, they are writing every day (in journals/books, not just letters on worksheets), they are reading every day. They ARE learning science and social studies. That is all in a place where school is free! I know that may not be in every public school around, but it certainly is in many. So many worksheets are completely inappropriate in kindergarten.

If I were you, I would start visiting other kindergartens - public or private - & transfer her! To be honest, I think my son does more than that at his nursery school (he's only 2 1/2). I don't think they are preparing her properly for 1st grade!

no, this is absolutely NOT okay. Get her out of there and fast. She should be doing things that are developmentally appropriate for her age... pretend play, reading and being read to... everything should be hands on and constructive. I am a teacher and this is not an eduction. There is absolutely NO value in doing papers at any age.

Hi A.,

I am a former teacher and what you are describing is definitely not normal. She should be doing a lot more hands on projects, manipulatives, and activities for each subject. All children learn differently, some may learn well with just paper, but most work better with the hands on techniques. I would definitely question what is going on.

Also, I hate to be negative about private school, but I spent time in both public and private and private just does not have the same resources as public schools have. Private schools depend more on tuition money than state aide to obtain supplies for the school. That could be why there are so many papers and not enough manipulatives. I personally feel, even though many people think public schools get too much state aid, that public schools have better resources available to them therefore, the education is a little more advanced.

Oh my gosh, this is not normal or good. I have two daughters in public school, and they seemed to have plenty of opportunity to get up, move around, and handle things. Plus they had recess every day, as well as music, art, or gym.

I'm not a teacher, but I know kids that age need a variety of stimuli. They should be hearing stories, learning about each other, having show and tell ... having fun with learning! I'm so sorry you and she had this experience, but I think you should get her out of there before she starts hating school.

Hi A.,
I was a kindergarten teacher in philadelphia before birthing my first child... I miss it - and it was nothing like what you are describing! While I read your message, I couldn't help but feel sorrow for your little girl who is spending valuable moments in an environment that seems so mundane.
And this is private?? You are paying money for this?
There should be centers - science, imaginative play, construction, art, painting, clay, computers, sensory games, listening to books on tape (or cd's), journal writing, easy readers... and, yes, there should be specials - like gym, music, art...
Have you gone to spend some time there? I don't know if you have or not - but, if not, I would recommend setting up a time (probably in the morning when you said all of these papers are loaded onto the kids) to spend in the class - and I would try really hard to not give the teacher too much notice (otherwise, she may put on a good "show")
Your e-mail solidifies my choice to homeschool my children. After being in the system for over 10 years - I know that what I provide in the real world will enrich the lives of my children 100 times more than an institutionalized and state-mandated system.
Good luck - would love to hear outcomes... your daughter is lucky to have a proactive momma.
be well,
A.

I can tell you that is not what my child's day was like in kindergarten. They had a special every day such as art, music, library and gym. The teacher had them sit on the carpet and she went over what ever lesson they were doin gthat day ( practicing letters on dry erase board, tally marks. patters, letters etc0 They also had reading time on the carpet with her as the reader. They did a variety of things each day with all subjects being covered and it was only a half a day. They did not do paper after paper and they also did what is called kid writing.

That sounds so weird to me! I have a second grader and a preschooler, and neither of them sit all day to do worksheets! My daughter did 1/2 day kindergarten in a public school, and there are no tests, but plenty of outside time, and music,circle time, show-and-tell, computers, and a weekly visit to the school library to check out a book. I wish you the best, and I also belive that you are always right to trust your instincts!

Not in my experience. I have three kids that have always attended public schools, two had full day programs one had half day programs. At the start of the day all my girls had "seat work" to keep them busy until the bell. "Seat work usually was a picture to color or a letter page or something to do with an upcomming holiday or event. After the bell they started with many different activities from computer time to library time not to mention science, art, music, and gym. Yes, there was instruction and papers or workbooks to do and they did come home with homework every night but Friday's. I got my children in the habit of comming home and doing their homework at the dinner table right after school...that pays off as they get older!! Good study habits need to start in Kindergarten. After reading your discription I am glad my kids went and are going to public schools! Good luck & happy holidays.

Wow. This sounds like something you'd be surprised to hear from a public kindergarten, let alone a private one. I have had 2 kindergarten age kids, and my son will be going soon. They did all kinds of things that I thought were really cool, like group activities, show and tell, and even put on little plays for us. There are a lot of worksheets in K, but it sounds like overkill in your case. I think if she's even letting incorrect answers slide by, she's not doing a very good job at teaching anyone anything. I would probably have a talk with someone at the school or maybe have a meeting with her. It couldn't hurt right?

THat doesn't sound like a normal day for any child in school. Even in the higher grades they have music classes, art classes, gym, science. And the teachers try to make things fun and interesting. This souonds like the kind of busy work a child would get when they have a sub teacher for the day. I would look into other schools. My daughter goes to a private catholic school(we're not catholic but they don't teach religion in the classroom) and they have a lot of fun. Very little time is spend on typical paperwork. The teacher and aid have fun ways of learning that make it interesting and not like studying. Good luck and let us know what happens!

It is hard to find a good teacher in the brick and mortor (typical public)schools. They have too much freedom to teach however they see fit, they can't be fired. They don't seem to care about the children most of the time, it's all about a paycheck for them. I have my son enrolled in a cyber school. He goes to school on the internet. The teachers are great. They couldn't be better. You don't have to pay a cent, it's all payed for just like regular public school. I am always recommending this to people. Kids suffer going to school. It is better if you can have them at home, safe. They also don't learn all the bad stuff from other kids. They have events to socialize with the other families too. They have great curriculum, you won't have to worry about your child learning, an the teachers love to help. It's wonderful. I will give you the links: www.k12.com www.agora.org Good luck.

Wow, if this is really the schedule, I think you might want to look at other options in your area. My 2.5 year old does way more than this in preschool. I think at this age children need a variety of methods that incorporate using the 5 senses to learn. I think neatness matters at this age and if she is saying she is bored, she needs to be challenged or she will stop paying attention in the long run. Have you talked to other parents in your childs class and also parents of Kindergardener in other schools in your area. It sounds to me that your instincts might be right, and you should research other options.

Wow that does sound like a boring day. A child is not gonna want to learn by doing the same thing everyday. I know I wouldnt. Learning should be fun thats what keeps them wanting to learn. And also they need play time. I think maybe you should talk to her teacher. And see what exactly they are doing in the day. Anyway I hope this helps.

Wow...that doesn't sound normal at all. My son goes to public kindergarten and they get every day they get 2 recess periods, an interactive class activity, word study, reading, social studies, writing, math, lunch and then free time at the end of the day until the buses come. During the span of 2 weeks they also have music, art, phys ed and library. The kids don't have time to be bored and are always doing something. Sure, he brings home papers he's worked on, but not all are writing letters. Some are pictures he's drawn and collages or art projects. I'm so sorry to hear that your daughter's bored. It doesn't sound like you're getting much for your money. Have you said anything to the principal? Have any other parents had the same complaints from their kids?

It sounds like a bit much for a kindergartener...most kindergartens in our area are still 1/2 day or full day 3 times per week. My kids have done kindergarten, one in private and one in public. My amazement was all of the work they had! However, now that my oldest is in 1st grade, I see why! The schools are sooo demanding of these kids! Kindergartens are expected to prepare kids for 1st grade so my guess is that your daughter is probably learning things that are expected of her for 1st grade at THAT school for next year.
There is such little time to play or just have down time. The schools rely on test scores for funding and you can't blame them, afterall, schools need money to exist! I think that I would question the teachers tactics in educating these little guys and see if she could do more education through play. My kindergartener is being taught to read books and do math and I'm absolutely amazed because I was still coloring and napping in kindergarten.

No way is that normal. They need crafts, art, music, gym, recess. That is an abnormal day and it sounds like her teacher doesn't even try to teach. I would pull my child out if I were you and change schools. I am a certified teacher and I would never never never teach a kindergarten class the way your daughter's teacher is. That is not a learning environment that is her teacher just trying to get through the day with as little work for her as possible. It is absolutely ridiculous.

From what I have experienced, this is NOT a normal kindergarten experience! Those poor kids! I have a 5 year old in 1/2 day K and he would NEVER be able to handle doing worksheets all day long. I'm also a teacher (music) and my training has taught me that young kids learn best when they are being active and creative. most classes read stories, have circle time, outside play, learning centers in the room, etc.
Talk with other parents and see if anyone else has these same concerns, then talk with the principal. good luck!

Hi, I just wanted to let you know that my daughter goes to 3 year old preschool and that does not sound like anything that she does. she is enroled in the public school dis. And the do have play time and then they usually do some arts and crafts and coloring sheets. And than she also goes to 3 year old preschool in the day care on the days she does not go to reg school. And there they do playing in the moring, eat a snack, then they do some arts and crafts, and then they have some cicrle time where they all sit down in a cirle and read a story and then they have a nap and at the end of the day they go outside to run aroud. So to me that sounds like alot of paper work to be doing. I would check with the teacher to see why it is some much paper work. Well I hope I helped.

A.

This really breaks my heart to hear! I was a 2nd grade teacher and spent lots of time in/observing kinder classrooms and they were nothing like that! Kids that age learn through active, authentic experience not worksheets. I know things have changed and they need to be prepared for a more rigorous curriculum but that sounds pretty ridiculous. They need lots of reading aloud, activities to extend books, basic science experiements, writing and drawing in journals, center activities, time for dramatic play, etc.

As someone else mentioned ask if you can volunteer for a good chunk of time to see what is really going on. Maybe it's not quite as bad as it seems. If it is, I would definitely have some conversations with the principal and have her moved. Good luck!
K.