I went to Kindergarten in 1983 and while there was some academic aspect to it, and while I could read at the time, it was mostly about socialization and "learning" how to be in school. I certainly didn't have homework like my 5 year old who just started Kindergarten (on time, but will still turn 6 halfway through).

Reading wasn't formally taught until I was in first grade, with all the endless phonics workbooks and worksheets, blech. About half the kids if I remember correctly couldn't really read yet beyond a their names and a few basic words while the other half could make their way through the Hop on Pop type stuff (like me).