Talk me down re kindergarten at an arl school
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Anonymous
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Hi - my kindergartener came home from school today and yesterday describing how he got about 10 minutes for recess and walked in a line with his hands by his side, his mouth pursed, and his feet "pointing straight". He is no stranger to public school having been in a public pre-k, and the vibe I get from this school is just so different - I feel like the next stop is vmi. Talk me down. Is there a way to get more physical activity in his day? His teacher told me yesterday that kids were awfully wiggly. I want to say "add a recess!!!" On these bright sunny days!! - but I suspect that would not be welcomed.
I'm so close to just pulling him! This isnt developmentally appropriate! Thanks. |
Anonymous
| I agree that this isn't developmentally appropriate but it's the reality of public kindergarten these days. Short or private or red shirting I'm not sure what can be done. Does he seem miserable? |
Anonymous
| is this north or south arlington |
Anonymous
It is NOT the reality of public K.  My DD's public K was nothing like that at all. My DD literally skipped out of school every day. OP, I would give it a little more time. I've come to realize one small interaction during the day can set the whole tone in her mind. Just make sure you get the straight story before making such a decision.
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Anonymous
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How about asking the teacher (1) to see the daily schedule and/or (2) how much recess time do they get.
Don't forget that they may have had PE and/or music (which may involve dance/movement) in addition to "free play" time in the classroom. Before you decide to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on private school... seems like it would be worth investigating the details of public school. |
Anonymous
| North. At a much hyped school. |
Anonymous
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They should provide the schedule at BTS night next week or it should be posted in the classroom.
2 hours seems like 10 min to my son. He has no concept of time. DC could be a bit off on the time. |
Anonymous
| Your 5yo told you he had 10 minutes of recess and you believe him without question? |
Anonymous
How much recess does your child get? |
Anonymous
| What part isn't developmentally appropriate? The short recess wouldn't be good, but that is probably just part of settling in and not the norm I'd expect. |
Anonymous
Hahaha - no. I have the schedule. It lists a 15 minute recess and it was shortened today, per him. Even if he's wrong about that, I think 15 mins is inadequate. |
Anonymous
15 min may be inadequate, but it seems to be the norm. What would you suggest they do about it? |
Anonymous
If 15min is the only physical time he gets all day,then I agree with you, however my guess is that it isn't. Find out at BTSN how else they get the kids moving. Teachers at our Arl K have told us that they regularly are doing active breaks throughout the day. Not on the playground but a good physical round of Simon Says or a short dance party get them moving. PE twice a week isn't ideal but it also helps on those days. It's only the third day of school but DD's already come home with two different dance/movement type numbers. One she learned from her homeroom teacher and the other was from music class, of all places. Arlington schools are good. The teachers know that 5yr olds need to move. I'd ask more questions before pulling him out. |
Anonymous
| Take him to the playground or do something physical before and after school. |
Anonymous
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My K is in a N Arl elementary and gets 25 minute recess every day plus 2 days a week of PE for 40 minutes and 2 days of music for 40 minutes (which I would imagine is a lot of movement). So 4 days of the week, he's getting over an hour of physical activity built in before they've done anything else. He's an active boy and is loving school so far.
I can't imagine it's so different across the schools in the same school system. But maybe it is. I would talk to the teacher. |