Childhood is full of truths and myths, some of them perpetuated by moms to get something done, but learning to read as soon as possible really can help students do better in English 101.

Earlier this year, in an effort to enhance student performance, the Utah Legislature passed a plan that made optional extended-day kindergarten available to more schools. Many Title I schools, which receive additional funds based on the number of students receiving free and reduced-cost lunch, already had the program.

"My kids love it. The first couple weeks were hard for them," said Ashley Backman, the all-day kindergarten teacher at Sunset View Elementary in Provo. "They love being here, and when we don't have school they hate it."

The goal of extended-day kindergarten is to promote literacy and give students extra help so they will be better prepared for first grade.

"Our goal is for these kids to be on grade-level," Backman said.

Backman said she is always working to get her students ready to read, "constantly working on the alphabet and letters."

Early childhood literacy prepares students well beyond elementary school, said David Doty, an assistant state commissioner of higher education who also co-chaired the state's task force on minority and disadvantaged students.

"The theory is that the earlier you can get children reading and proficient with literacy, the better off they're going to do down the road throughout their academic career," Doty said. "The foundation of all success is their ability to be a proficient reader and writer."

Provo school district this year began to offer full-day kindergarten in selected elementary schools for students who could use special attention because they tested low in literacy and oral language skills. There are also average students placed in the class to be examples for their fellow students.

In Alpine School District, which has had programs in Title I schools, teachers and administrators really like it. Michael Pratt, one of the district's K-6 administrators, said it helps students catch up in reading and writing.

"I know first hand from some teachers that they love all-day kindergarten because they see students who have come from kind of a shallow background," Pratt said. "They see some great enrichment."

Extended-day kindergarten isn't all hard work for students, though. Backman said her students have music class, P.E., lunch, two recesses and time for a nap. The longer class also gives them extra time for math, which sometimes gets squashed in half-day kindergarten because there is so much focus on reading. "I just wish it was every kindergarten class," Backman said. "I think the kids need it."

• Brittani Lusk can be reached at 344-2549 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it