# Resolved: Kindergarten is too academically focused and should be more play based

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-kindergarten-is-too-academically-focused-and-should-be-more-play-based/1023564>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [October 1, 2025, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-kindergarten-is-too-academically-focused-and-should-be-more-play-based/1023564 "2025-10-01T13:50:18Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 4

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**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2025, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-kindergarten-is-too-academically-focused-and-should-be-more-play-based/1023564/61 "2025-10-09T20:33:41Z")

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MandaJo, you left out an important part. Teachers are tired of pushing back against parents (and get no support from admin) who demand that teachers stop challenging their students and have a curriculum that let’s their child get an easy A.

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**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\
**Post date:** [October 14, 2025, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-kindergarten-is-too-academically-focused-and-should-be-more-play-based/1023564/62 "2025-10-14T18:37:39Z")

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I got a link to a sample “kindergarten” report card from my son’s principal.

The sample card clearly states, “Student understands and can apply basic principles of economics.”

Maybe they _are_ getting a bit carried away…

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**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\
**Post date:** [October 14, 2025, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-kindergarten-is-too-academically-focused-and-should-be-more-play-based/1023564/63 "2025-10-14T20:56:02Z")

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Less K, more 401K.

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**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2025, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-kindergarten-is-too-academically-focused-and-should-be-more-play-based/1023564/64 "2025-10-15T09:30:04Z")

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> [@Spice\_Weasel](#):
>
> The sample card clearly states, “Student understands and can apply basic principles of economics.”

I tried to teach my kids (7 & 4) at the time basic economics by having them run a lemonade stall at a local street festival.

They immediately squandered the profits on second hand toys. They do love the pair of stuffed tigers they bought, still have them and 3 years later still enjoy them, so maybe I am being a little harsh…

(Of course, I was not setting a good example by drinking vodka and lemonade in the background)

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