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Rise of Direct Instruction
April 4, 2017
Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?
-Frida Kahlo, Artist, 1907-1954
-Frida Kahlo, Artist, 1907-1954
"Many of today's state-run pre-K programs rely more on direct instruction. They instruct and drill kids on math, vocabulary and literacy skills rather than letting children learn these skills through play and other self-directed activities." This is the conclusion of Melinda Wenner Moyer, in her article "What Science Says about How to Get Preschool Right" in Scientific American Mind.
"There are many potential reasons for this curriculum shift. First, state run programs are usually formally connected to the public school system, so they tend to adapt the same teaching strategies. Second, preschool teachers may not have the time or resources to devote to creative curriculum development, so they rely on ‘curriculum kits’ that often lead to scripted, teacher-led instruction…
"Finally, because children who enroll in state-run programs are at high risk for future academic problems, administrators and teachers may feel they have to provide more formal instruction to give them an edge – even if this approach is not supported by science."
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Comments (6)
Displaying 5 of 6 Comments [ View all ]Pennsylvania, United States
Children learn through play and conversation with adults and peers. I am constantly amazed at the amount of topics we talk about as I play with the children. Learning is natural and normal. Why do we try to make it artificial with these boxed curriculum? Why do we place so little value on this precious time in a child's life? Children need to play and have caring, involved adults/teachers.
Portland, OR, United States
This article from Scientific America sounds amazing and I would love to read it but it's not accessible--you have to purchase the article or issue to read it and quite honestly as ECE funding gets slimmer these are things we can't afford to buy just to read. It would be great to see you have a link where we can actually read this article and share it with the world. Or maybe choose articles that are accessible by readers.
Plymouth Children Center Inc
Burlington, WI, United States
This is so true! We have had 4K in our public schools for 3 years. It is not developmentally appropriate. A teacher directed curriculum is used. There are 2 long circle times, along with long periods of time spent at the tables doing paperwork. I guess time will tell if this approach works well for children.
I.J. and Jeanné Wagner JCC ECC
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
This is a very important topic of discussion and I appreciate your efforts to bring it to light. I am unable to access the Scientific American Mind article with the link above. Can you please provide another way to access it?
Thank you!
All God's Children Preschool
Delafield, WI, United States
We are a preschool that works collaboratively with our school district and currently have one of the school district 4K sites here at our center. Our center has a strong play based curriculum and very creative. When reading this article, I couldn't help but think this is NOT happening in our district. Where have they been using their research on 4K? Also the link in the article is not working so I couldn't follow up.
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