At dinner last, my friend Alex made a comment about his niece and nephew that really struck me. His sister has decided not to put the twins in a “good” preschool, one with an academic focus, but rather one that focuses on play.
So, of course I say:
A) Good for her; and
B) Why on Earth would a preschool that focuses on play not be considered good?
As I quoted in my first post, “Play is the work of children.” – Friedrich Froebel
According to a host of contemporary and historical experts, including the pioneering developmental psychologist Lev Vygotsky, play is the leading source of development in the preschool years. Piaget studies taught us about child development through play, while Parten went beyond that to emphasize the role of play in teaching children how to relate to others.
It used to be that the academic fast-track started in middle school, then elementary school, and finally it has reared its ugly head in preschool. It’s astonishing and, frankly, very sad. It also isn’t necessary.
Three year-olds do not need to study Mandarin Chinese or be involved in five different enrichment programs to have an advantage in the academic world. Children can go to “good” preschools that emphasize play, and thrive in the process. You are NOT a bad parent for taking that route. In fact, The Grass Stain Guru will give you a gold star if you do.
Today, groups including The Alliance for Childhood and The National Institute for Play (both featured in the Play-Friendly links section), are working to restore play in schools as well as educate parents, caregivers, and parks and recreation professionals in the art, joy, and science of unstructured play. I am so thankful for the work they are doing, and hope that parents and professionals alike will take note of the importance of play in the education and development of children. Not to mention their happiness. As a society, that is a goal we should all have.
Of course, where and how you educate your child is up to you. That said, I do hope you will investigate the power of play and take a honest look at the options available to your child for their education and development, and of course, their happiness.
Now, go outside in play. Remember, it’s good for you!
See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru.
NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Is Play Endangered by “Good” Preschools http://bit.ly/u7hS Pls RT
RT @balmeras: NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Is Play Endangered by “Good” Preschools http://bit.ly/u7hS Pls RT
RT @obilon: RT @balmeras: NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Is Play Endangered by “Good” Preschools http://bit.ly/u7hS Pls RT
Great post! I am lucky enough to be surrounded by some very enlightened teacher friends who helped me “see the light” about preschools. Marley is in a WONDERFUL cooperative preschool that focuses on play (their motto is “Play is the work of children.” – Friedrich Froebel), and she is learning so much. She might not be able to write short stories in cursive at 3 years old, but the things she’s learning amaze me. I feel grateful to have found the right preschool for our family – one that is setting my child up for a lifelong love of learning.
RT NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Is Play Endangered by “Good” Preschools http://bit.ly/u7hS
RT @balmeras:NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Is Play Endangered by “Good” Preschools http://bit.ly/u7hS
LOVE this post!! The preschool thing is CRAZY. Can’t tell you how many tours I went on (in my progressive No Cal town) where the preschool I chose was disparaged for it’s lack of academic focus. It’s nuts.. but so hard to remain your distance and not get sucked in – must read by kindergarten (now), so must know abc’s etc by end of preschool. It’s MADNESS and it’s so sad. Look at Finland — no school until 7, way better educated kids.
Thanks for the great comments! Glad you both found good fits for your kids.
It is crazy. There is so much pressure on kids and parents alike, and we are SO on the path to educating the love of learning and creativity OUT of this generation, and those to come.
Systematic reform is needed — and from preschool up.
Cheers- Bethe
RT @balmeras NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Is Play Endangered by “Good” Preschools http://bit.ly/u7hS Pls RT
RT @balmeras: NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Is Play Endangered by “Good” Preschools http://bit.ly/u7hS — Amen, Bethe!
RT @balmeras New post from The Grass Stain Guru: Is Play Endangered by “Good” Preschools http://bit.ly/u7hS
RT @ctorgan @balmeras New post from The Grass Stain Guru: Is Play Endangered by “Good” Preschools http://bit.ly/u7hS
I love this! My home daycare is called Play To Learn Home. I have always felt that children learn best through play. Even in my homeschooling of my own children, we use a lot of fun and games to learn new things!
Be sure to check out my blog to see some of the fun things we have learned about recently!
[...] Yesterday’s post on “Good” Preschools prompted a great discussion, not only on the site, but also in person. Seems like the preschool debate is on a lot of peoples’ minds these days. I find this fact encouraging. People starting to question the necessity of starting an academic push so soon, as well as the pressures being put on parents to fast-track their kids is definitely a step in the right direction for society. [...]