As I try to squeeze a large number of great teaching/learning standards, investigations, and explorations into each day, I'm wondering if it's time for all-day school. I've never been a fan of all-day school because I saw it as a giant add-on for teachers, but now I'm a fan of all-day school that includes a number of differing components. Essentially all-day school means the synthesis of multiple programs in meaningful days. This is what it would look like:
Academic Program
8-12 would be the academic program. During this time students would invest in traditional academic learning in multiple ways.
Lunch and Play
12-1 would include a nutritious lunch and lots of play.
Arts and Science
1-3 would be a two hour block for arts and science--creative, hands-on, team projects and learning.
Sports and Physical Education
3-5 would be time for sports and physical education. There would be a wide variety of sports activities and contests available.
Teachers would work a schedule of about 3-4 hours with students, 2-3 hours of prep and planning, and one hour of lunch.
I think that this could truly create programs for young children that match families' work schedules as well as the need for healthy, positive holistic learning programs. What do you think?
