Kindergarten Shouldn’t Be the New First Grade The pressure to accelerate academics in kindergarten has led to rigid schedules, seated classwork, and a decline in joyful learning. Rediscovering Kindergarten: Embracing Play & Joy in Learning offers a powerful call to reimagine kindergarten as a place where play-based learning and challenging academic content go hand in hand. Author Laura Bornfreund—education policy expert and nationally recognized voice in early childhood—argues for developmentally appropriate practice that supports the whole child. Drawing from research and real-world examples, this book shares ideas for teaching that nurtures curiosity, social-emotional development, and equity. For educators, leaders, and advocates, this is a practical and inspiring guide to reclaiming kindergarten from push-down academics to restore it to what it was always meant to be: playful exploration full of rich learning. Discover how to: •    Create a classroom environment where play supports rigorous learning  •    Build a developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned curriculum •    Support social-emotional learning as foundational to academic success •    Engage families and administrators in advocating for change •    Understand the research behind early learning and achievement gaps •    Position kindergarten within the pre-K–3 continuum of learning Rediscovering Kindergarten is a guide for building a learning environment that fosters curiosity, equity, and joyful growth—without sacrificing academic excellence.