Students learn through play and hands-on science experiments. (Photos provided)

MENTONE — Kindergarten is not what it used to be. As academic standards continue to increase, kindergarten students are learning things that, a generation ago, they would not have studied until later.

With this in mind, programs like Mentone Elementary School’s Kindergarten Readiness Center go beyond a typical preschool format to make sure the youngest students are prepared for what they will need to know in the future.

“We find there’s a huge gap when kids start kindergarten,” Mentone Elementary School Principal Randy Dahms said. “We’re trying to shorten the gap a little bit. Kindergarten is so much more than basic concepts.”

While the high-scope program includes traditional aspects of preschool like snack time, playtime and an afternoon nap, it also focuses on early academics like literacy, math and science. It also takes things  a step further, incorporating concepts like planning, problem solving and decision making.

The day begins at 8:45 a.m. with greeting time. Students then plan what they are going to do during work time and carry out those plans, such as, “first I will draw, then I will build with blocks.” After work time, students gather for recall time to explain how they followed their plan, any changes they made and why.

“We’re big into learn as you play,” Mentone kindergarten readiness teacher Ashley DuBois said.

After recall time, students have a snack, then meet in small groups for class time. They have an outdoor recess, then a large-group session with movement and music.

Lunch comes next, then an hourlong rest time. Students bring their own blankets and pillows from home and nap on small cots. Following an optional afternoon snack, students disperse for a second work time, then cleanup and more outside time before class dismisses at 2:45 p.m.

In October, students participated in science experiments like making pumpkin-based slime, critical thinking activities like predicting whether a pumpkin will sink or float and problem-solving projects like building roads to go through pumpkin tunnels. After only the first few weeks of class, DuBois said, students were already showing progress.

“Parents are very surprised at how much their child has grown and matured in just a few weeks,” DuBois said.

For students who will be old enough to go on to kindergarten next year, DuBois noted that there will be follow-up with their teachers to see how well they are adapting and to find out where the readiness program could improve.

The current class consists of 20 students, though there are approximately 15 families on a waiting list. While there are many other preschool options around Mentone, this is currently the only high-scope program in the area. Students must be at least age 3 by Aug. 1 to qualify.

There are no qualification assessments or other requirements to sign up. A registration night takes place the April before the start of the school year. If the number of applications exceeds the number of open class slots, the school goes from there, assessing each based on needs of individual students. Whether or not a second class is introduced will depend on the level of interest.

For more information, visit the Mentone Kindergarten Readiness Center Facebook page.