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Why the Hurry?
August 29, 2016
Success isn’t about the end result, it’s about what you learn along the way.
-Vera Wang, Fashion Designer
-Vera Wang, Fashion Designer
In a recent Parent Toolkit blog (produced by NBC News,) educator Rae Pica debunked the notion that—academically and athletically—earlier is better for children.
Regarding academics Pica writes, "Kindergarten, according to a study from the University of Virginia, has become 'the new first grade.' And, based on my observations, preschool has clearly become the new kindergarten. All of this is happening despite the abundance of research demonstrating that children enrolled in play-oriented preschools don’t have a disadvantage over those who are enrolled in preschools focusing on early academics. Studies, in fact, have shown that there were neither short-term nor long-term advantages of early academics versus play and that there were no distinguishable differences by first grade. Additionally, fourth graders who had attended play-oriented preschools in which children often initiated their own activities had better academic performance than those who had attended academics-driven preschools."
Pica believes that parents and educators would be wise to remember that, "Childhood is not a dress rehearsal for adulthood, nor is it a race. It is a separate, unique, and very special phase of life."
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The Learning Moments series (for use on a computer) presents real-life video files that are the perfect complement to workshops, lectures, and online courses on how young children learn. These video clips bring to life general principles of child development and early education by allowing viewers to see what children know. |
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Comments (3)
Displaying All 3 CommentsFresno City College
Fresno, CA, United States
I whole heartily agree with this article. This is the message I've been sharing with my students. What is the rush in promoting academics to young children? Pre-reading skills? Yes; through opportunities of being in a print rich environment in a home, classroom, or the STOP sign outdoors. Math skills? Yes; by providing daily experiences such as passing out spoons to others at a table. (one-to-one correspondence) As a former licensed family child care provider of 23 years, I can recall a parent who was interviewing for her child's enrollment in our program. When she stated, "I want my child to learn to read;" I explained my program's philosophy of developmentally appropriate practice. Somehow, this is not what she wanted for her child; so I suggested she continue to interview other programs who might offer what she sought. By the way, her daughter was 3 years old.
Kids World
Bellingham, Wa, United States
We know this to be true. We know it's really wrong to do otherwise.
Why then, do we allow things like " Early Achievers " in Washington state?
Counter to what we know, we allow politicians to dictate practice.
Shame on us. Money and power corrupting early learning.
Pennsylvania, United States
Early childhood is a special time that needs to be protected from inappropriate academic and testing demands. Children learn so much through conversation and play with peers and adults. We need to provided opportunities, experiences, socialization, support, dialogue, comfort and care. Even the words 'early childhood education' may set the stage for academically based instruction--perhaps it should be termed 'early childhood development'. My philosophy/curriculum is life---learning is found everywhere---as adults we need to be engaged with the children, not focused on lesson plans. As Mr. Fred Rogers said "Children need adults who are convinced of the value of childhood". Amen
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