What do you remember about kindergarten? Has kindergarten changed since you attended? Does kindergarten seem more academic? Read on to understand the reasons for some of these changes.

    Many changes have taken place in the kindergarten curriculum over the years. During the 1980's the kindergarten curriuculum began to shift upwards. This means that what was previously learned in first grade, was now part of the kindergarten curriuculum.

    These changes can be attributed to the fact that over the last 30 years kindergarten attendance has become more universal. This means that most children now attend kindergarten. Therefore, first grade teachers expect more from their incoming students. Additionally, more kindergartners have attended preschool and watched programs such as Sesame Street than they did 30 years ago, and therefore teachers are more likely to expose children to a more difficult curriculum.

    Some school districts advocate developmental kindergarten programs. Ideally, these programs are designed to accomodate the needs of all children. However, developmental kindergarten programs look very different from school to school. When choosing a kindergarten for your child, it is important to observe and ask questions. Remember kindergarten has changed over the decades and you should understand how these changes may affect your child.