HALF-DAY KINDERGARTEN

This year, my son is enrolled in half-day kindergarten.  Our town has full-day kindergarten, but it is by choice only and has a pretty hefty price tag.  I actually love half-day kindergarten.  It is my preference and, to be honest, I am so grateful that our town still offers it.   I have heard of more and more towns that are requiring full-day kindergarten for all students.  Personally, I think that that change is a shame.

Kindergarten kids are still little, and I think half-day kindergarten is the perfect transition from preschool to first grade.  It is  the last year to have extra playtime.  Let's face it---once full-day school hits, the kids are busy and free time is very limited.  In fact, we asked some children from the full-day kindergarten class to come for a play date after school, and their moms both said that they simply cannot do after-school play dates this year because their children are just too tired.  I can certainly understand, because, with the bus ride, these little guys are gone from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.  That is over 7 hours, and they are only 5 and 6 years old!  I love half-day kindergarten because it lets our little kids be little for one more year.

I look forward to my alone time with my little guy each day.   My son goes to afternoon kindergarten, which I love.  We have relaxed mornings, only having to worry about getting my daughter off to school.  My son stays in his pajamas until mid-morning.  We have "Mom and Son" time, where he gets to choose the activity we will do together---sometimes building with blocks or Legos, sometimes playing air hockey, and sometimes shooting hoops in the driveway.  Occasionally, we meet friends at the park to play or go to the library.  On snowy mornings, we snuggle up in our pjs and read stories cuddled under a blanket.  It really is the most special time together!

We eat an early lunch together so that he can get on his bus just before noon.  I love our lunches, just my son and me.  If the weather is nice, we eat outside on the patio.  Always, we read a book while we eat.  Usually, we eat a bit and then, I read a picture book or two to him while he finishes his lunch.  He chooses the book, although sometimes he asks me to pick one and surprise him.  We read a lot of books about volcanoes, super heroes, and sports.  Then, we go to the bus stop and while we wait for the bus, he plays in the snow banks, or we finish reading a book together, or we play I Spy.  The bus pulls up and my little guy gives me the biggest hug and kiss and says, "See you at the end of my day, Mom.  I love you!" Then, he gets on the bus and disappears (his head is not tall enough to see over the tops of the seats!).

Half-day kindergarten has been a blessing for us.  Lately, I have been trying to soak up all the moments the two of us have together each morning because the school year is coming to an end in a month and he will be off to full-day school next year.  I will miss my little buddy, but will treasure the memories of this half-day kindergarten year.  Let them be little!