Recently, I heard
on the news that Governor Christie vetoed a bill that would create a task
force that would begin a study of possible legislation that would
mandate full-day Kindergarten. It was intended that this task force would gather
data, which would include opinions of parents and elementary school teachers with
regard to kindergarten programs. The task force was to conclude its study by providing a report on their
findings and make recommendations to Governor
Christie. In New Jersey,20% of the 650 school districts do not offer
full day Kindergarten.
Research
indicates that children who attend full day kindergarten programs perform
better than students in half-day programs. NJEA supported this particular piece of legislation and
mentioned the research that indicates that "money spent on high quality early
childhood learning has long-term academic, economic, and social benefits ." NJEA
also mentioned that research further indicates that full day Kindergarten also
contributes to increased school readiness. Even though there is a great deal of
research available that indicates that full-day kindergarten is worthwhile, the
Governor still vetoed the bill that
would create a task force to study this issue.
What
are your views on full-day kindergarten?
Should children this young be asked to perform in a full day Kindergarten
at such a young age, especially with education changing? Do you applaud the governor's position? I look forward to reading your comments
Suzanne Struck
I believe full day kindergarten is beneficial for the students and the teachers. Most children going into kindergarten have already been in some sort of day care or pre school where they attended all day long. Full day kindergarten gives more time for the students to learn. If they get out of school mid day that only gives the teacher and students a few hours together. Also, they will get used to staying in school all day and eating lunch in the cafeteria with the other students. Another issue would be specials. If they are only in school half day they will loose more time in the classroom to go to their specials. Overall, I think full day kindergarten is beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI believe that full day kindergarten would also be beneficial. I do not want to repeat what everyone has said; however, the fact of the matter is kindergartners take longer to unpack, eat snack, sit on the carpet, etc. There is nothing wrong with this but it does take time out of the day where learning can be taking place. Therefore, if every school had a full day kindergarten then the time used for the students to get situated would not affect the day as much.
DeleteI also think that full day kindergarten is beneficial. In my school district the kindergarten is full day, I went to kindergarten for a full day. I feel that of course pre-k should have the option of being half day but once students reach kindergarten it is that time for them to transition into the full day schedule. There is only so much that could be taught in a day, if teachers only had a half day to teach they would never cover what they have to. It will certainly be hard for some in the beginning of the year to get use to a full day but once they are in the swing of things it will become second nature. With a full day schedule they get to participate in school activities, specials, lunch, and just being in the school environment for more than a couple hours will help the student grow.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in kindergarten, I enjoyed a half-day schedule. It did not seem to cause any problems for me in my future by not attending kindergarten for a full day. However, I do see the benefits of full-day kindergarten and am in favor of this program.
ReplyDeleteThe first reason I am think that full-day kindergarten is a positive program is that it will help students adjust more to first grade. First grade is a time when students dive even deeper into mathematics, reading, and writing than they did in kindergarten. There is no time for the emotions seen in kindergarten that come along with children feeling separation anxiety from their parents or from simply wanting to go home. The sooner that students adjust to a full day of schooling, the sooner they will arrive at school feeling emotionally secure and ready to learn.
Another reason why I am in favor of full day kindergarten is that students get a level of academic and social skills building that they probably could never receive at home. Students are much better off in school, surrounded by their peers and strong role models, than possibly sitting at home and playing video games in isolation. As mentioned above, it has been shown that students who attend full-day kindergarten do better on test scores later on in life. Perhaps a couple of extra hours per day of being present in an academically stimulating environment is just the thing that young students need to get ahead.
Full day kindergarten is also a positive program for schools in New Jersey because it eases the burden on families within the communities. In many families, both parents work full-time. Half-day kindergarten would mean that parents need to pay for day care services. Also, for families with multiple children in a single elementary school, a full-day kindergarten program would allow for older siblings to take care in walking their younger siblings who are in kindergarten home from school. It would be very chaotic for parents if their children, all attending the same elementary school, all had different pick up times.
I am a full supporter of full day kindergarten programs. When I was in Kindergarten, my town had a half day program. However, a few years ago, the program changed to full-day. I have spoken with kindergarten teachers who agree that having a full day with their students allows for more instruction and a better foundation. I firmly believe that a full day program helps to build and solidify that foundation that students need to succeed in their academic careers. Through my student teaching in a first grade classroom, I have personally noticed the positive changes that have ensued after the full day program was implemented. The foundation that is created in kindergarten is vital to a student's future, therefore having a full day allows for as much instructional time as possible.
ReplyDeleteI believe that full-day kindergarten is a great idea and truly benefits the students. I have observed in half-day kindergarten and honestly not much learning gets done because of specials, lunch, snack, and not to mention the time it takes for them to unpack and then pack up again. Full-day kindergarten gives students more time for learning and prepares them for what the school year will be like in first grade. I agree with Danielle's statement that full-day kindergarten allows for more instruction and a better foundation that students need to succeed in their academic careers. Half-day is great for preschool, but I feel that kindergarten is the time to transition to full-day.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most people and believe that full day Kindergarten is a benefit to the students. I feel that by the time the students Un-pack and get ready for their day to begin in a half a day setting most of the time is wasted. I think that this also prepares them for first grade. Student's usually go to preschool for a half a day so it is important for kindergarten to be full day so they can follow instruction and learn all different academic areas.
ReplyDelete