Kindergarten Enrichment Opportunities

Hi N.,
I would just, if time and your energy level permit, take him out and about around the town doing and seeing different things in Kansas City. You can teach a child in just about every discipline (meaning that it will inevitably be enriching) with just about any endeavor. For example, if you wanted to take him to Kaleidescope for some creative time and then you took him for a picnic (near Crown Center, for ex.) and then you guys played in the water fountains at Crown Center, this would be a really enriching experience for both of the at-home kiddos. And you could cover aspects of math (do you think there are enough fountains for both of you to play around in if you both had three favorite fountains?) (how many markers do you suppose Kaleidoscope uses a week? - estimation)(how many sandwiches will we be eating?) , science (how do you think that machine that dries those paitings works?) (what happens to the crayons when they melt?), art (what do you get when you mix blue and green?) (how did you make your crown/ what materials did you use?), and he'd be spending some quality time with his mama and sibling.

Sorry to have gone on a soapbox, but I am a stay-at-home mama soon to expect my third as well as a licensed elementary teacher who sees the merits of homeschooling. There are so many things that you could go out and do that are in themselves, "teachable moments"... Save yourself the $250/mo. and go spend some meaningful time with your son during that time in the afternoons. Oh, and if you're looking for scheduled activities and classes, the Kansas City Parent magazine has pages and pages of color advertisements and a calendar of events at the back. Good luck, and enjoy your time together,
K.

One of my favorite school years was the year my daughter (now 3rd grade) went to half day kindergarten in the afternoons. We utilized Blue Valley rec for gymnastics and dance classes, you could do swimming lessons there too. She did gymnastics and / or swim lessons at Elite Gymnastics and Aquatics - which may still have a boy-only class. We did frequent trips to the library - check for special story hours. We did picnics at Deanna Rose and the Zoo. We usually had one lunch out per week together at Fortune Wok, her favorite. We didn't spend very much because we could split an entree. She would feel so special - having that time with Mom. We did not do too much academic enrichment, although I am sure you can find some, even thru the rec centers. They have the rest of their lives to go to school, so enjoy having fun together and developing large motor skills, coordination and social skills. Enjoy!

I have a morning kindergartener and we do Gymnastics in the afternoon. Kansas Gymnastics and Cheer has classes that start at 1:00 on. My 3 year old and 5 year old are able to take together. BV Parks and Rec also has some afternoon choices!

We've also done Young Chef's and soccer.

If the extra $250. is not too big a burden, consider sending him all day. I know it's hard! My son and daughter both had full-day kindergarten (before they started charging extra) and they both really benefited from it. If you know he is ready and wanting full-day it will be all the better for him next year in 1st grade. Otherwise, Johnson County Parks and Recreation has many classes and activites for all ages. You can visit them on-line at www.jcprd.com
Take care,
V.