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.
Today I spent a lovely morning with my friend Jess, a stay-at-home mom of two. She was telling me about a parents’ meeting she attended last night where about 30 parents gathered, most of whom have toddlers and/or preschoolers. Among the topics of discussion were school choices in and around their DC neighborhood.
During the meeting, one mother stood up and informed the group that she was intentionally choosing a preschool that DID NOT focus on academics, but rather on play. The reasoning: Her child is too young to do worksheets and spend all day at a desk, and has many years of that ahead in school. Preschool-age is the time to play and be a kid.
Naturally, I think this is fantastic! And very brave, actually, to put it out there. To verbalize what many parents might agree with, but many others might judge as a foolish or uninformed choice. Regardless of how folks felt, her comments should provide food for thought for the other 29 parents in the room and hopefully spur more conversation.
My friend Jess summed it up nicely, saying, “Good for her. It’s like she gave us all permission to make that decision too, without worrying so much about what others might think.”
Keep your thoughts on play and preschool coming. I love to hear what’s on your mind or going on in your community.
Now, who wants to meet me in the sandbox? There is fun to be had!
See ya outside! - The Grass Stain Guru
It is sad, to some degree, that there is a preschool debate at all. Children are not allowed to be children. We want little adults, like on TV or in the movies. Kids are not grown-ups, most grown-ups aren’t grown-ups.
Play is good for all of us, and I hope that your readers will join us for Pot Luck Dinners and Game Nights the week of April 20-26, if not before and after! Free games for people willing to organize their communities. For those who are interested, Bethe knows how to find me.
Thanks, Robert. Much like unstructured play and time outdoors, things like family dinners, game nights, and neighborhood events are so important — not just for kids, but for us all!
For more info on screen-time, please visit:
http://www.scrrentime.org
Cheers- Bethe
I’m always delighted to hear that there are folks who still recognize the value of play for kids! We homeschool our 9 yr son and a big part of his day revolves around hands-on, experiential, and play activities. If he’s up and moving around, I leave him be. Direct experience is a mightier teacher than mere description.
Hooray for parents who understand the value of play and cherish a child’s young years!
Early childhood education organizations endorse play as essential in supporting young children’s healthy growth and development. Quality preschools build nurturing relationships, have qualified teachers who understand and value unhurried play, and warmly encourage every family to be involved. Children learn much in a happy, active, well-planned setting with knowledgable teachers.
Play is good! –Vicki
Is Play Endangered by “Good” Preschools? Weigh in @ The Grass Stain Guru. http://bit.ly/CcpH Preschool & Play: Sandbox Saga Part 2
Is Play Endangered by “Good” Preschools? Weigh in @ The Grass Stain Guru. http://bit.ly/CcpH Preschool & Play: Sandbox Saga Part 2