Reflections on Kindergarten: Giving Young Children What They Deserve‪.‬

After being directly and intensely involved with the educational aspect of this unique time, it seems appropriate to reflect on what kindergartners truly deserve as l begin a new sort of journey, through my grandson's eyes. Walking into school with my grandson on several mornings of his first few weeks of kindergarten has brought back a rush of memories. My senses tell me that some things never seem to change, such as the sight of the crossing guard holding up her red sign, the sounds of screechy school bus brakes, the smell of fresh wax on the shiny floors, the glare of the fluorescent lights overhead, and the colorful posters hanging on the walls with their not-so-subtle reminders of the school's rules. As a parent, kindergarten teacher, program director, supervisor of student teachers, and consultant, I've been involved for well over 40 years with a vast number of children as they've had their very special first school experiences. After being directly and intensely involved with the educational aspect of this unique time, it seems appropriate to reflect on what kindergartners truly deserve as I begin a new sort of journey, through my grandson's eyes.