"ABC's and 123's is what kindergarten has for me!" These words came out of my daughter's mouth on the first day of kindergarten. Whether the day was a full-day or a half-day it didn't matter to her. She was proud to have learned something. Proud to have walked out into the world and spent her first day in the educational system. She made friends, she made pictures, she went to the library, she had recess, and she had fun, while she was learning.
Full day kindergarten gives children the opportunity to better prepare themselves for first grade, as well as the complete opportunity to foster their own independence. Kindergarten is the first step in the "educational career" that your child will embark upon. Your child will spend the next 12 years in the educational system, kindergarten is just the first step.
Full day kindergarten is designed to prepare your child for what lies ahead of them. It is designed to give them independence, a structure in which to learn rules and guidance, and a strong foundation for them to grow upon. Through design and education, educators foster full day kindergarten to give children the opportunity to build their own foundation that is strong and stable. Educators foster giving children the confidence to succeed.
Full day kindergarten is not designed to be like first grade or any other grade for that matter. Kindergarten implements the school's rules, giving children the feel of being at school all day, giving children the opportunity to learn about school and to learn the school, as well as giving them the opportunity to participate in the schools activities (e.g. lunch, library, and extracurricular activities). Kindergarten gives children the opportunity to still be children while making their mistakes without serious consequences and better preparing them for what next year will hold for them.
Granted full day kindergarten does have structure, rules, lessons, and homework. But it also provides time for relaxation, time for socialization, time for recess, and time for extracurricular activities. The kindergarten day is designed based upon the developmental level of a kindergartner. Snacks are provided, relaxation time is provided, and the opportunity to change and move due to the short attention span of the children. The day is not designed to hinder the development of the child but to foster it while introducing children to the educational world.
On the day's that my daughter does not go to school all day, she wonders why. She loves going to school all day. At the end of the day, she cannot wait to share what she has learned with her family. She gets excited over book orders, going to music class, and visiting the library. Due to the opportunity to pick and order her lunch at school she has gained more confidence in herself. The shy, timid child still exists but a more out-going child has begun to appear. Full day kindergarten has given her that opportunity.