It's hard to find the words to explain it, but my feeling is, kindergarten really shouldn't be this way. What way is that you ask?
The sit at a table and drill sight words, writing, reading, counting, mathematics, maybe some science thrown in for the fun of it. For the fun of it! Where it seems to me, the day requires more sitting than playing. More book learnin' than social learning. And maybe, just maybe, the teacher is a little less enthusiastic than she should be.
I don't know. That's just what I think. I remember kindergarten for me. It was half day. Which here it is full day because heaven forbid the kids go home and watch PBS instead of watching it at school.
Our classroom was filled with play space not tables and chairs. We had dress up clothes, puzzles, books and toys. What I remember most was our 2 person jungle gym in our classroom. I remember that because I yelled at a kid who took my spot on it and then I got my name on the board. Oooooh, that's what I call a punishment. Worse if you got a check mark.
However, that is no the case with kindergarten now. It quite possibly could be that I'm a person who pushes against conformity and establishment. But I don't think this how kindergarten should be.
It's hard too to feel as if you don't have a voice for what happens to your child. You know, that child that you have been loving and caring for and protecting since the day he was born. And yes, there were moments that you might not have gotten along with that child, but you always had his best interest in mind. I'm wondering when he is at school all day if anyone has his best interest in mind?
A got a teeny, tiny glimpse of what the day in the life of a kindergartener looks like. It put a pit in my stomach. I wanted to grab my son and run for the door. But instead, I calmly took his hand and squeezed it. I hoped he could feel all my love and protection. I said a silent prayer that his Heavenly Father would look out for his best interest, each and every day. Then with a forced smile, a wave and "I love you" I went home.
But it still sticks with me. Kindergarten shouldn't be this way.
5 comments:
I totally agree. My K teacher was names Mrs. Fitzpatrick. She was Irish. She had red hair and glasses. She always greeted us with a huge smile-- the kind that lets you know you are truly wanted and loved-- and a hug (heaven forbid). I learned to love learning from her because we were putting our feet in paint just to see what it feels like. I loved kindergarten. I fear for Preston as he starts this next fall, it is only half day, but will it be enjoyable and fun? Good luck with your little man!
Sending kiddos off to school is so hard, especially when you don't agree with the teacher or the system in general. I am sorry things aren't going how you would like. I know I have had several "conversations" (that's polite for "arguments-sans-yelling") with Ryan's teacher. You are such a good mom, good luck dealing with Teach.
I'm totally on the same page you are on. I hate standing back and watching (or hearing) about what goes on at school. I just keep telling myself, Connor had a great teacher last year so maybe this is just a bad year and it will get better next year. One can only hope, right?
I know all of my friends think I am crazy, and I question my decision sometimes too, but we're not going to send our kids to school until at least 3rd grade, maybe even wait until middle school. yep, that's right...dun dun dun...Homeschooling. Those unsocialized crazies. I am learning more and more about it, and it makes me realize how much better it is for the little ones to get their solid foundation and confidence at home. I appreciate your post because I hear so much from my friends about their kids teachers which (unintentionally) sways me more towards homeschooling benefits for the youngsters. I hate flashcards and drilling information into kids anyway. It doesn't stick, and it doesn't get applied. That kind of learning isn't fun.
Yikes! I'm not looking forward to that...
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