One day this week, my daughter brought home a book from her kindergarten class entitled "A Fine, Fine School" by Sharon Creech. It is the story of a well-meaning principal who is so proud of his fine, fine students and teachers that he decides to extend school to weekends, holidays, and the summer.

At first, though miserable, no one dared to object because it was obvious that the principal only wanted the best for his fine, fine students. After all, they were learning so much in school. Eventually, one brave girl helps the principal to see that ,although they are learning a great deal, there is much that was not being learned, such as how to climb and sit in a tree for an hour.

Last week the New York Daily News reported that President Obama proposed an increase in school hours as a means to achieving significant academic gains. The article included a quote from Education Secretary Arne Duncan suggesting that children in the US are being out-performed academically because they spend less time in the classroom.<!--more-->

The (working) mom in me can definitely see practical benefits in a longer day. No longer would I have to endure the annual search for a decent, yet affordable, after-school program. Truthfully, that was the only benefit I could imagine.

Children are learning and developing in multiple domains, and they learn in so many different ways. They need time for both structured and unstructured play and for learning how to make and keep friends. They are building problem-solving skills when they figure out how to climb that daunting net structure in their neighborhood playground. Reading skills can be fostered by sharing books at home and perusing signs on city buses. Math happens when your little sous chef helps measure the milk. And even the brightest, most motivated adolescents can become burned out from a lack of time to "chillax."

An increase in class time might very well result in higher test scores. But are we raising test-takers? I would like to believe that we are raising critical thinkers and scholars who are also compassionate citizens of the world. I want my children to grow into adults who play well with others, find the cure for AIDS, and can make wicked Lego structures. If extended time in school means that there will be more time for play, music, physical activities, the arts, meaningful science activities, and socialization, then I am all for it...in moderation. But more time for teaching to a test would be unhealthy and could lead to an even greater disconnect from school for many kids.