Is This Normal for Kindergartener's Day?

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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