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Explore the characteristics of kindergarteners, demographics of those in kindergarten classrooms, and engage in discussions on the importance of kindergarten, full-day versus half-day programs, and the role of socialization and play. Discover the influences on young children and prepare to observe and arrange a kindergarten classroom.
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Who is in the kindergarten classroom? • 18% leave in poverty • 23% leave in single-parent households • 9% are ELL • 58% are European American • 19% Hispanics • 15% black • 3% Asian • 50% of single parent households are low income. • 39% of ELL are low income
Characteristics of kindergarteners “kindergarteners are more independent, self confident & exuberant about mastering new skills than they were just a year earlier. They are better coordinated physically, eager to be entrusted with responsibility, more emotionally strong, more willing and able to work cooperatively with others” (Berk, 2006)
Kindergartens in US • 43 states require schools to offer K, & • 9 of them require to offer full day K. • 14 states require age-elligible children to at attend least ½ day & • 2 states require full day K
Discussions • Based on our learning so far from theories and discussions: • Should kindergarten be required? • Should there be full day or half day kindergarten?
Going back to the 15 children we talked about in Mrs K’s classroom • There are 3 types of children in kindergarten: • Immature • Inexperienced • Those with disabilities. • Major influences: parenting styles, home environment & preschool preparation.
A metaphor for kindergarten’s role & style: • What is more important: family or work??? • Socializing & play
For your assignment in the field this coming week • Get to know the children and their names • Observe the classroom and come with a plan of the classroom arrangement: show teacher’s desk, various centers, desks, etc. Come prepared to discuss.