This is in response to David Seiden’s letter to the editor ("East Brunswick Can Wait No Longer for Full-Day Kindergarten") that appeared in the Jan. 29 issue of the Sentinel.
In the present trend of rushing to educate children in academics as quickly as possible, we have forgotten that children are children.
Most children of kindergarten age are still babies in many ways. Most of these young children still nap in the afternoon or need to sleep in the morning. Waking up, eating a good breakfast and being out the door at a certain time; interaction with other children; learning to get along; eating lunch in a noisy cafeteria; carrying that lunch and waiting for containers to be opened; sitting and focusing on what the teacher is saying; following directions; controlling the frustrations that go along with being 5 or 6 years old; missing home; waiting your turn to use the bathroom; practicing fine motor skills; specials (music, art) with more directions — these are just a few of the tasks a student must be expected to do. This is an exhausting place for a kindergarten-age student.
Being expected to function well for six hours is stressful and will be disheartening for these youngest of students. The day care and preschool facilities I am familiar with have a rest period after lunch. All students, including kindergarten students, are able to nap or rest to recharge their batteries for the remainder of the day.
All children learn. Maturity to learn comes at different times for children of this young age. Because a child hits the age of 5 does not guarantee an instant understanding of reading or math concepts. A full day of school will not assure quicker learning for all but will create children who instead of acquiring a love of learning, learn that school is long, tedious and tiring.
There was an article in the Sentinel a few weeks ago in which it was stated that the East Brunswick Board of Education is considering the addition of more guidance counselors to help the high school students deal with stress. Let’s not start school any sooner than is necessary for these new students.
My children have benefited from being in the East Brunswick school system. I do not believe that a full-day kindergarten would have made any difference in their education and preparation for college.
To say that the students who have gone through this fine school system and those presently in our schools have been deprived of the chance "to do it right" is incorrect. Just attend the high school graduation and check out the commencement program that lists the students and their plans for the future. They are prepared for tomorrow, half-day kindergarten and all.
Kathleen Kirby
East Brunswick