98 PER CENT? HMMMM…
This is as depressing a statement as one is likely to see:
Kindergarten, which is German for “children’s garden,” is serious stuff these days. With half-day programs giving way to full days in state after state, the curriculum once saved for first grade has been pushed down to 5- and 6-year-olds. Nearly 98 percent of youngsters in the United States attend kindergarten, 60 percent of them in full-day programs, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Once focused on a child’s social and emotional development, kindergarten is now a largely academic experience, sometimes with math drills and daily homework and worksheets. In many schools, time for music, art, recess and games has withered.
Anyone want to bet where the missing two percent is? I’ll lay 10 to 1 that they’re not missing out on music, art, and games.
2 Responses to “98 PER CENT? HMMMM…”
 Comment by Roy W. Wright October 31st, 2004 at 11:34 am |
Once focused on a child’s social and emotional development, kindergarten is now a largely academic experience… That, at least, seems like a good thing. |
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Comment by Anonymous October 31st, 2004 at 9:24 pm |
If kindergarten has to be full time, then music, art, and recess should be included in the day. |