Recently, I wrote a post on the change in America’s Kindergartens, which charts the increased movement from blocks and sand tables, to worksheets and test prep. (If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to read the post and the very thoughtful and informative comments.) While standardized testing required by No Child Left Behind doesn’t officially start until 3rd grade, the race for the score begins at age five, often putting undue stress on children, educators, administrators, and parents alike.
Now, it must be said that there are still some Kindergartens that are using play-based models, and I was encouraged to read the comments from some lucky parents and educators that are attached to such programs. At the same time, this is a real issue, and one that should be a growing concern as the new administration looks at education reform. The time to act is now.
The discussion here is not play versus academics, or giving up learning and learning readiness for play. Play-based learning in early childhood education is actually quite academic and purposeful in focus. It is a proven methodology and approach, and one that aids a child in not only academic success, but in development and socialization.
The Alliance for Childhood has just released a 8-page summary of the Kindergarten report that gives a great overview of the 72 page report. I encourage you to read it and share as appropriate. In the coming weeks one of the report’s co-authors, Ed Miller, will be guest posting here at TGSG. I look forward to continuing this discussion and learning more about how we can advocate for the nation’s youngest students.
Below you will find a PDF of “Tips for Parents: When Kindergarten Testing Is Out of Hand,” from The Alliance for Childhood. It’s a great resource, and will be helpful as you begin to navigate the school-age years.
I hope that you continue to be a part of the dialogue on education reform and play for America’s children. Now, don’t forget to go outside and play today — it’s good for grown-ups, too.
See ya outside! – The Grass Satin Guru
RT @TwilightEarth Written by @balmeras Kindergarten Crisis Part 2 http://twurl.nl/bod42i
http://tinyurl.com/de4g7v Too much emphasis on test prep for our little ones – need more play!
RT @balmeras: New post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Kindergarten Crisis Part 2 http://bit.ly/uWH07 #playoutdoors #edreform
Unless the American educational system embraces the essential nature of play and serendipity in the learning process, our children’s skills will continue to lag hopelessly behind those of other children. Remove joy from learning and we will all become drones.
RT@balmeras For the night shift: Today’s post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Kindergarten Crisis Part 2 http://bit.ly/uWH07
I completely agree with Cindy. The state of the schools is a big part of why we are homeschoolers. There is too much emphasis on book work (busy work) and not enough hands-on, fun learning.
Thanks for weighing-in ladies. And I think that Danica is not alone — people are turning to homeschooling in growing numbers, often out of the frustration with the system and choices that they have.
Play, curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning should be cornerstones of childhood. We need to create a system that fosters these things and learns how to measure success in educating the “whole child.”
Cheers- Bethe
RT@activekidsclub RT@gosner RT@balmeras: Today’s post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Kindergarten Crisis Part 2 http://bit.ly/uWH07
We have some really great charter schools in Oregon that are providing a rich education that is engaging, fun and interactive for this children. And they’re incredibly successful! Our hope is that more communities will approve budgets and plans for charter schools to give families a choice in public education and to prove success in their own districts.
I feel that the time has come for parents to homeschool their children. I am not familiar with charter schools but they do sound like a great alternative for those parents who do not feel confident or have the available time to homeschool.
One of the homeschool methods we support is Thomas Jefferson Ed. They are very much in harmony with our program F.U.S.E. at Home, in that teach the importance of mission or purpose, and encourage a child led education. I have always felt that if children could learn what they are interested in they would learn faster and retain the information. Love of Learning created Life Long Learners.
RT @balmeras: The Grass Stain Guru: Kindergarten Crisis Part 2 http://bit.ly/uWH07 #playoutdoors #edreform – A MUST read!
RT @MyGreenSide RT @balmeras: The Grass Stain Guru: Kindergarten Crisis Part 2 http://bit.ly/uWH07 #playoutdoors #edreform – A MUST read!
RT @NNUS: RT @MyGreenSide RT @balmeras: Grass Stain Guru: Kindergarten Crisis Part 2 http://bit.ly/uWH07 #playoutdoors #edreform -A MUST
RT @NNUS: RT @MyGreenSide RT @balmeras: The Grass Stain Guru: Kindergarten Crisis Part 2 http://bit.ly/uWH07 #playoutdoors #edreform – A …
RT @NNUS: RT @MyGreenSide RT @balmeras: The Grass Stain Guru: Kindergarten Crisis Part 2 http://bit.ly/uWH07 #playoutdoors #edreform – A …