[dr_lew]

I know. Kindergarten is practically High School these days. You know, in spirit. Originally it was Nursery School, essentially ... a garden for children.

I remember my own early grades fairly well. I was in second grade when I sought to demonstrate to my mother my ability to read by writing “Here Tippy Here” on a piece of paper, and reading it. I was upset when she laughed, and insisted upon completing my demonstration. That was circa 1955.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

I remember doing some school work in Kindergarten, learning the alphabet song, learning how to do my letters, in cursive no less, but mostly I remember doing stuff with clay and construction paper, listening to stories and taking naps. Then I went home at noon and spent the rest of the day at play.

Now it lasts all day and really seems to be a bit much for a five year old.

I am all for kids learning but they seem to pile it on in the first few years even pushing the kids into areas where abstract thought is required long before most have the ability.