I’m increasingly concerned that the full-day academic approach in Kindergarten may be too demanding for young children. I’m curious if anyone with teaching experience from that era recalls a less rigorous curriculum. What subjects and activities were typically included in the Kindergarten program? Additionally, what practices were viewed as suitable for the developmental needs of 5-6 year olds?
Hey everyone! I was just musing about my old kindergarten days and it’s funny to remember how much fun we had back then. From what I recall—and what I’ve heard from a few friends who were around during that time—the days were more about learning through play than strict academics. There was definitely some early introduction to numbers and letters, but it mostly happened naturally as part of songs, art projects, and imaginative play rather than formal lessons. It always seemed like the teachers were really in tune with our pace, letting us explore in a relaxed environment. I wonder, did any of you feel that this approach helped you develop a better love for learning later on? What were some of the activities or moments that you remember most vividly from those days? Would love to hear your stories 
hey, i rember kindergarden being all about fun vs strict academe. we did doodling, storytimes & little games rather than heavy reading. it was more laid back, letting us learn thru play. kinda missed that natural flow of learnin’ back then.
Based on my observations from that period, Kindergarten education was far less academic and more centered on holistic development. The approach was gentle, with emphasis placed on enhancing social skills through structured play, art, and music rather than strict classroom learning. Even though basic literacy and numeracy were introduced, they were integrated into fun activities that encouraged exploration and creativity. In our classrooms, the balance was maintained by using interactive storytelling, hands-on crafts, and group activities designed to accommodate the developmental pace of young children.