Kindergarten - Full Days Vs. Half Days

Hi S.. I guess I would start by asking what does the all-day kindergarten look like? Do they get to take naps, and have a decent amount of down time? I work at a Head Start program. I see many kids who go to preschool for 2 years, and they are more than ready for a full day of school. However, where I live, only a half day is offered in the district. It's really nice that you have the option.
Without really knowing more details, I would be inclined to recommend the half day. It will already be a step up from preschool because she'll be attending 5 days per week (I'm assuming?) There will be plenty of years ahead where she'll be in school all day, it might be nice to hang on to this last opportunity to keep her home a little. :)

We are in the same situation, we decided on half day after talking with many people about it, I was told by the time you take out lunch, recess, quiet time and bussing it is about the same amount of learning time. And I like the more gradual build up of time in school, it does seem like a big jump from 3 half days of preschool to 5 full days of kindergarden
Good luck

You are SO lucky to have the half day choice! Do it! Full days are so long and most of the second half of the day is not spent on "heavy" academics anyway!

Satcey,

It's more to do with quality than time. Before you decide, you may want to observe the program. Some full day programs are not very stimulating and offer a push-down curriculum. If it is a quality program, she'll probably enjoy being there all day so try this option first. Worst case scenario is she doesn't adjust well and has to move to half days. With so many working parents unable to have days free, I'm sure the there will be vacancies and most child-centered schools leave room for this.

I'm a SAHM and used this tactic this year with my clingy 5yr old son. Figured if it backfired, he could just do half days but the program is awesome and he loves every minute of it.

BTW, don't feel bad about chosing to go 1/2 day. Full day kindergarten originates from inner city programs meant to help with transition and daycare expense for low income families. As the first grade teacher below stated, there is NO concrete evidence that supports full day giving kids an academic advantage. Any program that states otherwise is pushing your child to do 1st grade work before she's ready. I worked in one of these kindergartens and it totally turned kids off to school. Saddened me so much, after 6mos I quit.

No matter what you decide, you will do what is best for YOUR child. Good luck!

My daughter is older for her class (October birthday) so we are going with full day. She has 1/2 day preschool every day this year and when she comes home she is always looking for things to do. She wants play dates, make projects, play school, color... I'm putting her in full day - she wants to be busy. Plus she likes being with her friends. We were just on vacation and every day she asked if she was missing a school day and wanted to go to school as soon as we got home. Go by your daughters cues. You are right - you could still do after school activiites with her. You could schedule playdates at home in the afternoon. You will always be able to do more letter writing at home with her on your own. It would probably be easier to sign up for 1/2 day and then fill the afternoon with fun things and maybe if you would need switch her into full day if she needs more. It sounds like your heart is leaning towards 1/2 day - and I'd listen strongly to that intuition! After all, the following year you won't have the chance to have this extra time with her.

I see you have lots of responses. I'll just add my two cents quick. As a former teacher (I stay home now), I've seen the research and the kids in both situations. Children are much better prepared for first grade if they go to all day, everyday kindergarten. Not only that, but it is much easier to catch those "at risk" children and get them some help earlier. There just isn't enough time during half day kindergarten.

Hi Stacy-
I'm a stay home part time mom and we struggled with the same decision for our twins. They turned 6 shortly after we started them in K- garten. We chose full days cuz one was way ready and the other is really social. The way ready one- up and at em - the social one- gets tired by weeks end but loves school and cries now as she knows the school year is ending in 3 mo. They also attended 3 days a week 1/2 day preschool. They also ride the bus. We attend a private school and most places you do pay for full day K-garten.
Our friends in the school whose kids were only 5- 1/2 did full day and 1/2 did half days with the option to switch to a full day program in Jan. which most did. It was a great option because most of them were ready by then and had made the transition to the routine. If you're local- our school is in New brighton and I can tell you more about it. Only one child started full day and then dropped back to 1/2 days. We debated the extra curricular- but felt they learn so much more in full day K-garten and have the extras for the social/team building there too. We do one-2 extras in the eve and it's pushing it for their age because we do have weekly homework.
Good luck with your decision and feel free to email me back too.
B. Jarmoluk - 47yo mother/spouse with 6yo twin girls.
____@____.com
http://www.mydietshop.org

My daugther did the same amount of preschool as your child and did fine but once in (half day) Kindergarten she was very tired at the end of every day and totally exhausted by Friday after school - and this was half days! When I sent her off to first grade this year, I was so thankful for the extra time I had with her during Kindergarten due to her half day schedule. I am a stay at home mom too. She is excelling in first grade, reading at a third-grade level and she's a whiz at math so missing the other half day apparently didn't hurt her. Trust your gut!

Hi S.,

My son is in Kindegarten now, all day every day, and he loves it. They have a lot of free play time in between the subjects so that they day stay's fun.
He took the transition well from the preschool every other day for 2 1/2 hours, to all day every day. Our decision was made a lot easier though since the school we send our kids to only has all day every day kindegarten. I wasn't really concerned about it because he no longer took naps anymore when he was home anyway. And the teacher explained to us for that the first semester they integrate a "rest period" by having the kids lay on mats and watch a short educational video after lunch. That way the kids that needed a break got one.
When he got home after that first week it felt like he appreciated being with me a lot more as well. I wasn't the boring mom he saw all day anymore. :)
As a side note, my nephew who is the exact same age as my son (born a day apart) goes to a half day program, and I've noticed a difference in their conversations and when they play and write.
I know that this seems like such a huge deal because Kindegarten is like the first big step on the rest of their academic life. For me it was as if we make the wrong decision now will he hate school all together for the next twelve years. Maybe find out if you start her in the all day every day if she would be able to switch to the half day if it proves to be too much on her. You could also try to explain the differences to your daughter and see if she wants to give going all day a shot. A lot of times though it seems like they kids are ready for it, even if we have misgivings.
Good luck with your decision.

Hi S. - I totally know what you are going through as I was SO upset last year when our city was one of the LAST to transfer over to all-day Kindergarten. I am a stay at home mom, married since 1994 and my daughter is our one and only. I was so NOT ready for the all day thing - even though my daughter is an on-the-go, non-stop one! She dropped naps so long ago I can't even remember the last one she took. Just because others are doing the all day thing, does not mean you have to. You need to look at your little girl and decide if you think she will love it and do OK socially or not. My daughter was reading even before she went so I don't think it's an issue of academics at this age, that's done at home, I believe. My daughter was tired the first month or so in the pm, however she LOVED the challenge, as she is above average as well. She always talks about helping others in class and I think it's important to learn to interact with all kinds the younger the better. There are still days I miss my girl being at home but I'm just looking forward to Summer Break! She does look forward to weekends when she can just stay in her jammies and chill - but after a couple of days like that, "she's bored". Either choice will be the right one as long as it comes from your "mommy" mind and I know you will make the right decision for her! Good luck and be prepared for the ride - they do change from when we stayed home with them! But it's fun too! :o)

Keep her home as long as you can! As a past public school Kindergarten teacher and homeschool mom, no matter how sharp she may be, the long she spends under your care the better in the long run!

SAHM of seven - one early college grad, one about to graduate college early, one high school senior graduating early, four younger adopted kids.

Well, I certainly agree that 1/2 day versus full day kindergarten is a tough choice to make. I'm originally from Iowa, where I was a teacher, and our kindergarten was all day. I really liked it because I could include more enrichment activities for my students. I didn't feel I had to rush through the curriculum.
That being said, since we moved to MN I have done some substitute teaching, including a long-term position last school year in a kindergarten classroom that was 1/2 day. The days were hectic, true, but the students received the same curriculum as did the full-day class.
I think the key to making your choice is to decide what is right for your daughter individually. If she loves her 1/2 days in preschool and you feel that she would thrive in the same type of situation in kindergarten, then 1/2 day may just be the right choice for you!
If it helps, when my daughter enters kindergarten in a couple of years, I plan to opt for 1/2 day. I feel that she will have plenty of time to spend the entire day in a classroom starting in first grade.
Good luck with your decision, and know that when you have any questions or concerns, your daughter's teacher will be happy to help you. That's what we're here for as educators, and really appreciate involved, concerned parents.

Studies all show evidence that full-time kindergarten is in the best
interests of the child. I am not a fan of filling up a kid's time with extracurricular activities, most of which are adult led. Seems to me that (1) they create stress for the child, too much scheduled time; and (2) if everything is adult led, it encourages children to follow adults or leaders, but does not give them the skills of cooporation, shared leadership, creativity, etc. they learn in natural play.

S.,

We lived in Arkansas when my oldest started Kindergarten and full day was mandatory. My daughter was ready to go academically - started reading by age 4, 1st grade math by age 5, etc. She had stopped napping and attended 3 hours of preschool twice a week for 2 years and I stayed at home full time. Full day kindergarten EXHAUSTED her. She frequently fell asleep on the bus on the way home and came home grouchy and irritable every day. Thankfully she had a year round schedule so she had breaks about every 6 weeks. She was so ready for a break every time it came. Granted, the day was longer. She was gone from 7:15am to 4 pm every day. Here she goes to first grade and is gone from 9-4 and that is perfect.

My son is going to Kindergarten next year and he might survive the 9-4 schedule, but we are just doing 1/2 day even though it is a little short. He is also very ready academically. Something else to take into consideration is that they don't do any extra academics or move them ahead of the other kids. That time is dedicated to center time, social time, play time, etc. Your daughter won't miss out on anything.

Good luck,
S.

Are you sure that half days means it's only for a couple of hours a day? My son went to kindergarten every other day at Parkview and it was for full days when he went. I felt that was perfect and not to overwhelming for him. He had an awesome teacher who we just loved and he ended up learning so much. Right now he is in first grade and absolutely loves school and can't wait to go the next day. His grades are either above grade level or right where he should be at. I don't think going to kindergarten everyday would have made any difference.

Our daughter will be going full days. I have done a lot of reading about it and there is an obvious difference when the kids get to first grade. Most schools eventually will be full days. Times are very different when we went to kindergarten...It is a difficult choice to make. Try talking with teachers who teach kindergarten and first grade. That is what I did. You might want to speak with her pre school teachers and see what they think about her going to full days vs. half. Some schools don't offer half days anymore and there is a reason for it. There was a huge article in the Pioneer Press about this fall. Try and see if you can archive on www.twincities.com Best of luck.

When we lived in BIg Lake they only offered 1/2 days, and I really disliked that. BUT 2yrs ago we moved to Becker, and they have 1/2 day every other day, and I like that much better. I guess I don't like the 1/2 days because the nyour child starts 1st grade and has to go full days. I'd much prefer my child go full days every other day to get int othe full day routine.

Go with your gut. You know what's best for her. I don't want to offend anybody, but I think that all day kindergarten was created to replace day care. It came about when most women went back to work after having kids. If you're at home, and she is bright like you say, you're doing something right. I agree that it will give her a chance to do other extracurricular activities. Plus, who wants their child to grow up faster? Let her stay a kid and have free play a little longer.

I'm sure there are lots of cases where kids could, would and do benefit from all day kindergarten, but it sounds like your daughter would be a better fit for 1/2 day.

It sounds like you have pretty much already decided.

We are sending our son to half day in September, but our school has a great option where we can decide in January to keep him in half day or change to full day. This way we can kind of test the waters to see how he does w/ half day for a while and maybe he'll be ready for a full day by January. You can always check your school to see if this might be an option. Our school just started doing it last year and it was met with great success. About 1/3 to 1/2 of the class moved to full day, but some still wanted half day. All our friends are doing half day so it didn't make sense to have our son in school in the afternoon when all his friends go home. What they teach in the afternoon isn't going to impact my son either if he doesn't go.

My 10yr old only had the option to go full-time. I think it started the year she went to Kindergarten. She never went to Preschool and was home with me and she adjusted very well. My daughter like yours is and was very smart for her age. I think it was great for her to be there full time and if I could go back and change it, I wouldn't have. If she is already in preschool PT, than I don't think going FT would be hard for her as well. Since she is smart, she would probably love being at school learning as much as she can!!

Hi S.
My twin girls started kindergarten this school year. I too was apprehensive about the full day. (half days was not an option) I thought "how will they manage a full day without me!" I have to admit part of my worry came from me not being ready to have them gone all day. They attended a 4 k program our school district implemented for the first year last year. that was a half day every day.
I quiclky learned that they were more than ready. There was more routine to their day than we had at home. Between learning time, choosing time, snack time, rest time, lunch time and recess......their day was full of fun ,learning, socializing, and independence. I was so proud that they did so well. I have never once regretted the big step into all day.
Check out your options. Perhaps you could switch your choice if down the road you feel you made the wrong one.
Maybe you will be more comfortable once you have met the teacher and experiance the class room. Have a list of questions ready on enrollments night.
Just remember, whatever you do will be o.k.

Our school also has the option but I chose 1/2 day because all day is $320 a month and I just don't want to pay that since we're not used to paying daycare at all. They said that the main difference is that in all day class they spend more time on each thing. If your daughter is really smart she might get bored???
If I were you I'd ask what the difference is in schedule. Here that extra time is spent eating lunch, having gym class and library/computer time for the most part, I think.
Hope this helps,
J.
Mom to 4 and soon one more through another adoption.

I have my first child in K this year. All of our schools are going to full days, so we didn't have a choice unless we transferred to another school that was still 1/2.
He never went to daycare, I work PT, and he went to preschool 3 mornings a week for 2 years. I was sure he would come home worn out, he is ther 9-6:00(he attends the after school program for 2 hours while I work) but he really isn't tired at the end of the day.
We moved his bed time up about 1/2 and hour and I am really glad he is in full time.
I think it makes it more like big boy school and less like another year of preschool.
I also think he wouldn't learn nearly as much if it were 1/2 days.
I am very glad he is in K all day!!

Hi S.,

I know it's a tough decision to make since you want to do the best for your child. Personally I went the half-day kindergarten route with my son, who is attending this year. He went to preschool for 3 days last year and excelled, too, learning how to read, etc. I chose to ease him in a program since he goes every day even though it's still for 2-1/2 hours. At our school, the kids don't learn more material if they go full day, they might just review the lessons through various activities. Plus, I feel that this is the last year I'll be able to spend time during the day with him while he's little - he has the next 13 years to attend school full time (and hopefully more). He really enjoys school and doesn't feel he's missing out on anything, and I get to enjoy the last year of mornings together with my little guy. For us, it's the best option, but you have to decide on what is best for your daughter. You really can't make a bad decision - you know her the best and will do what is right.

Good luck and have fun at your kindergarten info night (it's a lot of fun)!

S.

it depends on the maturity of the child and the attitude of the parents. How do you feel about it..?? How many current friends of hers will be there?? Most children if they are 5 do very well and half days are not enough but there are a few who are not mature enough to be gone that long and so play it by ear. As the mother of 5, foster parent of 3 , grandmother of 25 and greatgrandmohter of 8 I am experienced ....

Hi S.,

We started my oldest in half day, more for economic reasons than anything else.

Then around Thanksgiving we were told that the school wanted him all day so that they could do enrichmnet with him. It turns out he was gifted, nad the stuff they were doing in the classroom was very very boring to him. We decieded to give it a try, cosly watching how Max would do. He did wonderfully. Yes, he ws tired the first week or so, but quickly adjusted, and I kept askiign him if we would like to come and eat luinch at home with me and his brothers, and he said he like being at school.

Now this nextyear, we have another son heading into Kindergarted, and I can tell you that he is totally ready for the all day. He does not nap, and loves to stay busy, so we know he will be in papradise wth stuff to do all day.

You really just need to look at your child's persoanlity and make the call from there. I do not feel all day makes ANY difference on where the child is at the end of the year.

Good luck with your decision.

A.;)

SAHM to 3 boys, ages 6,4 and 2 and two exchange students age 16 from Korea, and 17 from Vietnam.

I have a five year old daughter who is now attending kindergarden this year. She goes everyday for a half of a day. She starts at 8:00 and school lets out at 11:15. I dont know about your child but my daughter still needs a nap and she would never at this age make it in school a whole day. I think personally that for the first year of school the children need to go a half day to get adjusted. Seven hour days is just to long for these little ones! Hope this helps

C.

If you can pay for I would do Full Days. You said that she was already doing 1/2 days for perschool so she has had that "baby-step" already. I have seen a big differance in my son(full days) verses my friends's kids who only go 1/2 days. He seems to be much further along in reading and math. He also really likes being at school because he is with kids his age instead of his little sisters. I know it will be hard on you to have her gone for the whole day but that will also mean that your younger one will have you all to herself for the last year.

My daughter will be in K next year, too! And I am in the exact same boat as you. I have been told that it is OK to change your mind on this even after school starts. (Check with your school)I also talked to a few 1st grade teachers that I know and they both said that there is no difference academically between kids who were in half day vs. kids who attended all day. It is just like the difference between stay at home kids and daycare kids. Go with your gut and see how it goes. I am pretty sure you can change your mind if whatever you choose doesn't seem to work out. I just think it is a shame that we even have all day K, just to placate working parents who do not want to pay for daycare. Because of this, kids of stay at home parents have to either go to all day school before they arre ready, or are made to feel like they are "missing out" when they go home mid-day while their friends stay at school. Good luck!

Although there are may facets to this decision, it may be a good thing to remember that your daughter will be in a first grade class with students who have had a full day of kindergarten. Most parents choose the full day option, which leaves the half day participants a bit behind in skills and knowledge in grade one. This as been my experience as an elementary counselor.

S.,

Here is my advice for you. Keep her home with you as long as you can. She will have the rest of her school years to go all day and will have plenty of time to learn. You don't get this chance again and once first grade comes, it is all day no matter what you want. They grow up so fast and before you know it they are thinking of college. I kept all my girls in half day and I don't regret it for one minute. My youngest did not have any preschool and I was somewhat worried about how she would adjust to learning and where she would be in comparison to many of the other children coming from years of preschool. She is doing wonderful in first grade and has gone from an average reading level for first grade, to a second grade reading level in just a couple months.
Even with having her in 1/2 day kindergarten, she really had a tough time adjusting to the full day of first grade. She used to ask me to call the principal to ask her to make her day shorter! It was so hard to see her so sad and crying that it was too long. She was really tired for the first month of first grade and gradually adjusted to the long day.
Just keep her in half days and spend the rest of time with your baby while you still can. Kids can learn a lot from fun and love.

K.

About Me~ I am a professional childrens photographer and mother of three girls. 16,12 and 7.

S.,

How wonderful that you have the choice between half days and full days! I currently live in a very rural community and it just isn't practical to have half day kindergarten - the bus drivers would be driving all day! I went to half day kindergarten and was very disappointed that my community couldn't offer it. Like you, I feel that going from such a short day only a couple times a week for preschool to full days every other day is just a big jump for 5-6 year olds. My son is also very bright (his scores on placement tests is leaps and bounds higher than the class average!) but he struggled with kindergarten despite his amazing test results. I think at 5-6 years old, it's still hard to remember everything that was crammed into a full day and then to add to it, you have a day off in between. Everyday I would pick my son up and ask him what he did that day at school - he never remembered. He also would forget his mittens or his hat frequently - something he had never done before (mid-way through the year I was no longer able to pick him up from school and therefore couldn't ensure that he got all of his things). It's hard to say if things would have been different had he gone to half day kindergarten instead, but I'm convinced that there was just too much crammed into that full day. It's just my personal opinion, but between my experience in kindergarten and my sons, my suggestion is you go with half days.

Good luck with the decision making! Either way you're daughter will do just fine, I'm sure!

Take a deep breath and relax. You can't really make a wrong decision in this case. One might prove to be more of an adjustment but in 15 years it probably won't matter how long her kindergarten day was. You are asking good questions. I'd like to add a couple more to the mix. What do YOU want? What does SHE want? Is continual activity benefical for her development? If so, which activities? Some children thrive on activity and some enjoy a slower pace of life. Some children are incredibly social and some need more "play-alone" time. Spend some time contemplating her style. And relax.

My son started Kindergarten last August and I was extremely nervous to send him to all day kindergarten(that is our only choice). He had just turned 5 in July and I have also stayed home with him since he was born. The first few days he was tired and they did start the first month out with a nap or rest time during the day but it has been wonderful. He learns so much, is already reading chapter books, and you don't have to worry so much about the extra activites. They have music, art, computers, p.e., guidance, recess, library and they are constantly interacting with others and socializing. Overall, it has been a wonderful experience for us and he loves school. I don't know if he would be as far if he only went half days.

I have heard good things about full day kindergarten and most people will probably recommend it. However, I think it is a personal decision based on your family needs and your daughter's needs. We chose 1/2 days for our son for many of the reasons you listed and he did not suffer as a result. He is now in 2nd grade and is one of the highest readers in his entire grade. He routinely tests in the 98-99% on the standardized tests. As you mentioned, if she attends 1/2 day I think the key is to provide her with enriching activities and plenty of opportunities to read and be read to when she isn't in school. The academic curriculum is supposed to be exactly the same in 1/2 day and full day kindergarten. The full day program will provide more "enrichment" type activities (special projects, field trips), more specialist time (music, library, gym) and more down time (lunch, recess, rest). They also have more time to cover the academic curriculum. If you thought she needed some extra help or she was already in full time daycare, full day kindergarten would be a great option, but do whatever you feel is best for your family and your daughter. If you choose full days the first month will probably be an adjustment from what I've heard from other parents, but whatever you choose will work out in the long run!

S.,
I am a mother of 4, 15, 12, 3, 2 and my older two started school when they were 3. It was full days. What you need to know is does she still need or take naps. Some full days might be too long if the school doesn't give them a nap, or if she still needs them. If she doesn't still need them, there is no reason why she can't handle the full days. If she is doing well with the half days, the upgrade her to full days. I don't think the extracurricular activites is really important at this age group. If she is in school, she is getting what she would get if she were doing extracurricular activites. I think that now days parents are putting kids in too much activites and don't give them the down time, or the regular, imagination play that they should.

Hi S.,

I am a mother of 3 boys-Ages 11, 9 and 5. My preschooler will be going to all day this fall. That is the only thing our school offers. If I had a choice as a mother, I would just do half a day. My 2 older boys just did half days in Indiana but at our new school in Iowa they only offer a full day kdg.
My reason for a half of day is I do think it is a huge change for them and my sons always needed a nap when they came home from 1/2 kdg. Besides, they grow up so fast! Enjoy them as much as you can. They are only little for a short time. I told my 5 year old that who is going to be with mommy when your in school boo hoo! and he replied, "Daddy will stay home with you." So my choice would be the 1/2 day. Both my older boys are in excel classes so I don't think a full day of kdg. is going to make them smarter. Enjoy them while they are young! My vote is 1/2 day!

A little About me:

Stay at home mom that has been blessed to stay home with my boys for 11 years. Married for almost 17years to a wonderful husband and father.

D. S

Hi S.,

We just went through the whole all day, every day thing with kindergarten. My daughter is in kindergarten this year and for the first year they went with an aded program. Just my luck!! I was and am still against it. In our case, our daughter was very ready for school and she does well so it was no big deal for her. She is actually very gifted and reads at about a 4th grade level. What they told us was that an aded program would allow the children who were having trouble to maybe make up ground and then allow more time for her and maybe even add some enrichment programs. Well what it has done, is make the teacher have even more trouble with those kids that are having trouble because they are tired out from going to school every day all day. I've talked with teachers that have had these programs in place for several years and they have said that it does not seem to improve anything. More times than not, it just makes kids not like going to school quicker because they have been going for so long.

Good luck with your decision and I'm sure your child will do great with whatever you decide!!!

From the way you talk, it sounds like you know what you want to do but you want others to tell you it's ok. If you don't feel your child is ready for full day, then don't do it. Kindergarten is still a time in a child's life where they play. Do they learn while playing? Of course and that's how it should be. I do believe that no K should be full day every day. That is a huge jump that many children aren't ready to handle. I believe that's the first step to kids hating school - but that's just me. If you don't think she's ready, don't send her. If you believe that she would do fine and it's your issue with not wanting her to grow up, then you might want to think long and hard about what's best for her. Remember, the decision is NOT set in stone. If you pick all day and she isn't doing so great, switch to half day. If they won't let you, just happen to need to pick her up everyday half way through the day. (I'm great at letting them know that I am the one in charge of my children's education.) They do not control her education - you do.

where we live we don't have the option of half days. My son didn't go to preschool, so it was quite an adjustment for him to suddenly be in school. Also they aren't allowed to start kindergarten unless they turn five before a certain date in October so he was almost six when he started which helped alot I think. He absolutely loved it!! He even got upset when Christmas break came and he had 2 weeks off. He's in first grade now and he still loves school. Good luck.

Does your older daughter ever express a desire to be at preschool more often? If so, I would highly recommend full-day K.

I thought my daughter (who can be somewhat shy and depressive) would not want to deal with the demands of full-day, but she asked me to transfer her to a full-day. *shrugs*

This was a REALLY difficult decision when I made it for my older son (now in 4th). I had been with him virtually 24/7 since the day he was born! I actually decided to send him half-day, but there were NO other parents who requested half-day for their children at the time. In the end, I decided that it would be worse on my son to leave mid-day when all of his friends were going full day so I (reluctantly) went with full day. It turned out to be the BEST decision. My son was/is one of the oldest kids in his grade and is very bright, so he thrived in kindergarten! Sure, he was a little tired after school during the first week, but he adjusted very quickly! My younger son is starting kindergarten in August and I have not given the decision about full day vs. half day a second thought.

I used to teach preschool and kindergarten at a small Lutheran school in Michigan, and we had half day preschool, full day kindergarten, but three days a week. I personally think that all day, everyday kindergarten is a huge jump for children that age. From my experiences, the kids were very tired by the end of a full day of kindergarten. The parents have told me that on their off days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) their child was tired and not their usual wired selves. I am sure some kids adjust well, and eventually all will adjust but for some it will be harder than others. The other thing to consider is if she goes half days, will she be missing things the full time students will be having? My preschool was two or three days. Some came for two days (half days) and some came three during the week. I scheduled it so that the two day students didnt miss anything new from the three day students. I guess it might be a good idea to see what the teacher(s) think too. See what their experiences have shown. But I agree with you, it is a big jump from half day preschool to full time kindergarten. Anyway, I hope I helped a little!

I have a 6 yr old and 9 yr old. With both of them I did not have an option of choosing half or full day for Kindergarten, there was only full day available, for 9 yr old was Texas and 6yr old was in Iowa. They both love school so much. They youngest went to preschool for 4 days a week and hated not going on friday when her sister got to go still, she said it was not fair. My advice is to let her go full time. My 6 yr old has never missed a day of school yet, preschool, K or First grade so far, she is also above average for her age. I think it really perpares them for first grade and on to go full time, especially if they have had preschool already. If I would have had to do it over again and had a choice I would chose full day. My younger brother went half days to school for K and he hated school and always tried to get to stay home. My girls both love school and do not like to miss ( 6 yr old wont not even to go to see Hannah Montana hehe).

Our public school district didn't offer us the choice - they only have full-day kindergarten. My son made the transition fine, and from how you describe your daughter, she likely will too. The first week, he was tired (missing naps and more-than-usual stimulation) but after that it was a breeze.

Hi there. A little from our experience and maybe it will help. We have 5 kids. Our oldest, now almost 10, did preschool 3 days a week, 3-1/2 hours a morning, and then went into 1/2 day kindergarten (4 hours 5 days a week). I had 2 year old twin boys, and a newborn at the time and she seemed very ready, and I was able to carpool w/ a friend. When my twin boys were 4, I wasn't ready to let them go, and we did some preschool at home, although I wasn't very diligent, and they jumped right into kindergarten and did great.

I kept my now 5 year old at home as well, and although he was nervous about starting kindergarten this past fall, he has done great. We are fortunate to have 1/2 day kindergarten in a small private school, again 4 hours 5 days a week, and the teacher-student ratio is lower than most schools. Our kids have done great, all reading by the end of kindergarten. I plan to keep my youngest at home w/ me as long as I can, as well.

I realize that we have some advantage w/ a smaller school, and 4 hours versus 2-1/2 hours in your situation. However, given the fact that she has already done preschool and is probably doing well with her pre-reading skills, I think you would be fine w/ the 1/2 day, even if it is only 2-1/2 hours. I know the teachers would rather have them there all day because they can get more done, but a lot of times the reasons they can't do more in less time is because they have so many students. I think that extra time at home w/ Mom is much more valuable than anything they'd gain in the full day. They are tired, they need some downtime in the afternoon, and there is more to learning and life-readiness than just academics. The main goals of age 0 to 5 are to know that they are loved, secure, learn to express their own needs, and learn to live under authority. You are the best teacher for all of the above.

Trust your instincts. Plenty of time for academics in the years ahead, and reading to your children is one of the best teaching tools anyways, and you can do that at home. Is there a possibility that you could transition her to full day later in the year if you/she were ready?

Good luck.

I have definite opinions on this since I've faced this in two different situations. Our school system recently went to all day kindergarten only. My first two children went to half day and they were "young". One was 4 when she started but with it only being half day and having been in preschool, I knew she would be fine and she was. As she gets older (now in 4th grade) her social naivety is making me nervous. I have another daughter who started kindergarten this last fall. Her birthday is in September and we decided since it was all day, we'd hold her back a year until she was 5 almost 6. So glad we did that! She was definitely ready for something more than 3 day preschool last year so we put her in preschool everyday. Many preschools have that now but if they don't, do what we did and put her in M-W-F in one place and T-TH in another place. That helped with transitioning. I say all this because all day kindergarten is much more difficult for "young" 5 year olds and is NOT recommended for 4 year olds. Everyday, half day is great and is still a nice transition from preschool and then into 1 st grade then next year not only for the child, but for mom too!

It really depends on the child, for us all day every other day is an option and Was exactly the perfect fit for my oldest son now 8 he loved it and wouldn't rather be any where else. (My husband and I take turns being home, so if he is here I work and if i am here he works, although i would love a job at home to be home more) however for my youngest one at first he thought all day was too long, but now he loves it. He had no issues with it,, for him if we had the option i would have done half days to start. At first i didnt' let them take the bus home at least btw I would drive to school and then let the bus bring him home. It worked out great! We use the summer time for the extra activities and that seems to work for now.

Well, I have experience with both full and half day Kindergarten. My oldest duaghter went to a school in Ohio for half day program(from one of the top districts) and my twins now attend a full day program. I would say go for full day. Here are my reasons: When we moved from Ohio to Omaha, my oldest daughter(now in 2nd grade) had to play catch up to her classmates. She was not reading much if at all when she finished Kindergarten and she was excellent in all areas when she got report cards. Half day does not have the time to work on all the areas the kids need to succeed. My twins are reading books, sounding out words adding simply numbers. Things they bring home from school are nothing that my older daughter did in Kindergarten. She worked basically on the Alphabet and counting and simply reading. She has had to work extra hard to catch up to her classmates as she only had half year of Kindergarten since she was half day and the rest were full day. My twins went to preschool in the same district we are now and they were doing what my older daughter did in Kindergarten. Full day programs allow the kids to do more activities to help learn the basics and help improve their social skills as well. For the time away from home the kids don't have any trouble going to school for the full days. By the time they hit Kindergarten age they do not need to have a nap anymore but need to be stimulates both mentally and socially. Hope this helps with your decision. For my older daughter if there was a full day program offered in hidsight I would have sent her as well, but there was not full day program.

My son went right into full days last year. Besides being a bit tired, he thrived. Last year was the first for his school district to go all day every day kindergarten and this year the 1st grade teacher are playing catch up because the kids were so much further ahead. The only reason I might give for half day is to stay in control of food intake for another year. School food tends to be terrible and can create little monsters.

Mine is in Kindergarten this yr and hd preschool 3 days a week too. Where she thrived and right now is enrolled in half days which is great as we have her in several extracurrircular activities too. Shes in gym dance where they just dance around to music kids like, Soon its swimming lessons for her and her sister whos 3, we go to the library and listen to the stories read there, she helps with grocery shopping when we go lil things like that we practice all her school work while we are doing them.Specially her spelling and her math skills she loves it. But next yr shes full time and that will be an adjustment for us all. Good luck with your desicion its a difficult one for sure. But here at our school if they dont do half days we would have to pay extra.

My son goes half day mornings Monday-Thursday. Then on Fridays, I pack his lunch and he stays at the school at the school childcare (the same one they use as an after-school program. (They also offer if for half-day kindergarteners.) Then I have a full day to run errands, etc.

S., I know you've had a ton of responses, but I had to add my experiences. I have a 10 and 7 year old and both went to all day kindergarten. There was no choice for my oldest, but when my son went and I had to pay for him to go all day everyday I did it! I wouldn't have changed a thing! My son was a little more overwhelmed than my daughter, but his teacher wasn't patient or fun or even very nice (she was fired after that year). He didn't attend preschool & I was home off & on since he was born so it was more of an adjustment for him. I have a relative that had twins and only put them in the every other day program and she regretted it. It turns out to be a huge ordeal with scheduling anything and it's not a consistent schedule so it's harder on the kids. Plus, they adjust slowly but surely and the every day program really gets them ready for first grade.
Good Luck!

Hi S. -

We are in the same position, as my oldest will be in Kindergarten next year. We are going with the full-day option. It was explained to us that the curriculum is the same, but they can go more into depth with subject that seem to be really interesting to the kids. Also, ask what will be "missing" if you choose half day (most likely it will be phy-ed/recess, language, music, etc). If those things are important to you, it should help with your decision. Since our school district only does 2 1/2 hours a day for half-day Kindergarten, I felt like it was a step back because he goes for 3 hours of preschool. Good luck!

Hi S.. Both of my sons went to all day kindergarten. Since I worked full time, half day would not work for me otherwise they would have been in daycare the other half of the day. But I do not believe there is really any harm switching from short-term preschool to all day kindergarten. When she gets to 1st grade, it will be all day. One way or another, she'll be switching to all day either now or later. I had been worried at first of my sons taking a bus to school but were fine. My oldest started taking the bus at 2nd grade and my youngest at 1st grade. I am not sure how your kindergartener would feel taking the bus at this age. It would depend on her level of independence.

My daughter is full days right now and I have absolutely no problems with it. She loves it and it amazes me how much she is learning. She is learning things I did in 1st and 2nd grade. We have 4 year old kindergarden in our district. So last year she did 2 full days a week, so she did have an opportunity to ease her into it.

My son is a lot more energetic so we are taking the easing into school a little more....preschool 2 1/2 days, next year 4K 2 full days, then full day kindergarden.

I agree with you with the extracirriculars and both have been involved with them for a long time.

It seems long for a 5 year old to be in school ALL day, but just 1/2 day is not long enough. The teachers don't get enough time with the children when they're only there a few hours. Plan for an earlier bedtime as your daughter will be exhausted! My son was at the beginning of the school year.

When my son was going into kindergarten I was given the choice of full days two days a week and half day on friday or half day every day. I asked my aunt who was a teacher and she told me that kids learn better in the mornings. I put my son in kindergarten in the mornings every day. When my daughter started the next year we didn't have that choice, that teacher wanted the full days two days a week and half on friday. My daughter got bored on the days she didn't go to school and I don't feel that she had the kindergarten experience that compares to my oldest son's. My son was reading by Christmas and very advanced as were the other children in his class. All 9 of them were reading by Christmas while the all day class hadn't even started. This gave the 9 a real advantage come first grade. My youngest son went in the mornings also. Parents voted on which way they wanted to have kindergarten and we all chose half days. He was still napping in the afternoons and even in 1st grade the teachers told me that he would fall asleep in class and after the first week of trying to get him to stay awake they found it was a loss cause. My kids went to bed at 8 and got up at 7 so it wasn't loss of sleep at night. So my advice is to chose what works best for your schedule and hers. If she is more run down in the afternoon and needs more quiet time, morning kindergarten would be your best bet. If she likes sleeping in and does better in the afternoon, afternoon kindergarten would be better. I wouldn't recommend the full day unless you are a working mother or living out where the bus takes them home and picks them up. Which ever you decide on, I am sure she will adjust to it fine and have a possitive experience.

Hi S.,
I just have a little to add, though it may not help your decision. I taught 1st grade for 4 yrs. and I wanted to tell you that I noticed the kids who came from 1/2 day kindergarten were a little more tired the first few months of 1st grade than the full day kids. (for obvious reasons). So really it's a huge jump for kids either in K or 1st when they have to go full days. If you decide to wait for full days til 1st grade, don't be surprised if she's wiped out for a few months after school. I've even had kids falling asleep in class! I should say that I didn't notice any real difference in kids who came from 1/2 day or full as far as academics goes. It really matters more what the parents are doing before they even get to school. Just thought I'd add my 2 cents! N

Hi S.! I know you've had a ton of responses so I'll keep mine short and sweet =) Go with the all day kindergarten. Not only will they get plenty of acedemic time but they'll get plenty of social skill/making friends time. I'm sure the teacher is well aware that the kids are coming from a couple hrs of preschool to a full day of kindergarten and will plan accordingly.

Full days, definitely! Your child will adjust better now than they would in 1st grade. My 10 year old had the option of both and we chose full days and I am so glad we did because he was able to develope relationships with the other kids and continued them through to now 4th grade. I am a stay at home mom too, and when my soon to be four year old gets to kindergarten he will most definitely be all day. I will be able to get more done in a day and he will be able to learn more in his first year than he would in a half day program. My ten year old got a boost from being there all day and was the only 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade child who was invited to be in a math master after school program at his school because he was the only one ready for it. It was something that made him so proud. It has given him a lot of confindence and excitement. This past year I got a call from the teacher of the after school program to tell me that she witnessed him stand up after a 5th grader tried to explain an algrebra question to say what the other kid was doing was not the right answer. He went to the board and wrote out the entire problem explaining where he got his answer and where the other child went wrong. Starting out school strong is very important to us. My husband is a Mpls. public school teacher and even says that our 4th grader knows more than his 6,7, and 8th graders! I have no doubts that your child will adjust to the longer days and although it will be hard at first the pays offs are so great!

My oldest went to half day kindergarden until after the christmas break. This seemed to work out great. I have four year old that will miss the cut off by two months she will go to pre-k this year and all day kindergarden next year. Stay at home mom of three girls.

I have been a kinder teacher, full days. I have a four year old boy who will not be going to K next year, too young. I advocate for half day if it works for your family (money, transportation, etc.). Your kiddo is bright enough to only go for half day. Let her be a kid as long as possible.
Deb.