Learn more sooner

I was checking my blog tonight and I noticed that yesterday's blog never published even though it confirmed a posting. I don't know what's going on so I'm trying again tonight.

I had the special privilege of keeping my cute little grandkids Thursday night while their mom went to the grocery store. They were so cute and seem to be quite happy and satisfied to be spending some time with their grandparents. They went outside to play and had the best time rolling down the little hill which is sown in that very soft, golf course-type grass. When their dinner was ready, they only had to be called once and they came in laughing and eager. When Livvy had finished eating, she looked at me and asked, "May I be excused?" Of course, Clay followed suit. (Such nice manners!) Realizing their desserts had not arrived, they quickly changed their minds about going back outside. I can see them growing up so quickly! Before I know it, they will be in kindergarten! Speaking of which, just tonight I was talking with my sister who is an assistant in kindergarten. She informs me that now the kindergarteners have workbooks! They must learn more sooner! They must now learn to read in kindergarten, at level 3.4 (whatever that means). She said she is about ready to retire because she misses having the time to cuddle and play with the children anymore. So much is required during their 5th year of life. Children just have so little time to be children anymore and I think that's a shame! I was thinking that I was almost 7 when I started first grade (no kindergarten then and I was a late-year baby and had to wait a year to start) and I really don't think it hurt me any to be a child that long. I learned to read in the first grade and maybe add and subtract a little too. I must have made out okay since I did earn my doctorate without too much trouble. What does all of this early education mean for our grandchildren: will they be smarter, more successful, wiser? I truly hope that this is the result. We all want to see our children and grandchildren turn out more successful and more accomplished than we. I wonder if that will be result, especially when I study the achievement test results all over the country. What do you think?