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The kindergarten curriculum has undergone fundamental change over the past 50 years. The shift in curriculum in favor of reading preparedness has had the effect of emphasizing boys' weaknesses and girls' strengths. Two changes are proposed. First, alternative kindergartens emphasizing group activities and nonverbal skills must be established. Second, boys must be encouraged to enter such a kindergarten when they turn 5 years old. After 1 year of alternative kindergarten, the boy would enter contemporary kindergarten at age 6. Girls would continue to enter kindergarten at age 5. Most boys would therefore enter first grade at age 7, most girls at age 6. Substantial evidence suggests that such a change would have many benefits, particularly for boys.
