Letters to the Editor
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kinder kindergartens
My memories of kindergarten (in the early ‘70s) included intensive studies of important subjects like using scissors, coloring inside the lines, sitting still during story time, negotiating for a turn on the swings, and taking naps on a funny plastic mat. I managed to muddle through primary school and now hold a Ph.D. Most of my classmates who attended our 20-year class reunion also hold good jobs and for the most part can read and write.
Kindergarten today is a whole different ballgame. Schools start cramming academics down kids throats at an increasingly early age and as far as I can see, without any evidence that this will produce a better educated high school graduate. My nephew attended an all-day academically intensive “magnet” school kindergarten. The kids got one 45-minute break during the day for lunch/recess. What 10 kinds of nuts is that?
It is no wonder that parents are “red shirting” kindergarteners today. Kindergarten today is like 1st grade when I was a kid. Some kids are developmentally ready for that and some are not.