If the reason for celebrating were up to parents and adults who are not familiar with child development in conjunction with the day to day of challenges the classroom presents and child's growth then it probably would not exist because to us it seems simply like a over glorified party. Will they accept this transition without it, yes. These outward celebrations are important for children's understanding of life. Kindergarten grad marks the entrance into academia. High school graduation used to exist to mark the entrance to the working world (now college grad takes the place of that).
Second, just like all graduations it is the marking of a change in life status. I could not be more proud of this age group. This is what teachers (and hopefully parents) are celebrating. The amount of growth they go through is unlike any other year in education because they have never been in this type of situation before. However, many parents do not see the day to day struggle that they go through, but please don't think that they don't struggle. For most children Kindergarten is a struggle (albeit not one to cause concern). Kindergarten is not about academic progress (while still important), it is a time for social emotional growth. These 5 year old students have accomplished the same level of achievement that there high school and college counterparts have based on their developmental level and goals. Yes, the pictures from a Kinder grad are cute for the memory books but it is so much more. Graduations or promotions fulfill two roles: a celebration of accomplishment and a marking of a specific time where you are moving into a new phase in life. As a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, I would like to challenge your thinking.
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