Reply #31: KIndergarten should be about learning how to socialize and organize oneself.

[yellowcanine]

Not academics other than learning how to classify things into groups, problem solve, etc. My own daughter did not learn to read in kindergarten (University based). Her first grade teacher was all concerned about it. Guess what? My daughter and her classmates from that kindergarten were the top readers in that class by Christmas. Why? Because they knew how to learn. The focus on day long kindergarten heavy on the academics is misplaced. I myself did not even go to kindergarten. I learned to read in first grade. I have always been an excellent reader and read for recreation as a kid. Most kids, particularly boys, are not ready to read before 6 or 7 years old. Push some kids too much and you are going to make them dislike reading. It is far better for them to be read to by a trusted adult at that age than to push them.