Spending time with the director, who is a "working" director, which means she also teaches in the classroom, displayed the level of play needed in an early childhood program and how it works with young children in learning. The atmosphere is comfortable, busy, fun, inquisitive, welcoming, loving, inclusive, and engaging. And all of this is contributed to the main learning method of play. Interviewing and talking about about how play is used in the classroom proved to be all I believe in. The director, the lead teachers, and the teachers all shared how they have become more intentional with using play to foster concepts for learning. This is right on with where I am leaning in researching and advocating. They shared the need to educate the community and the parents in understanding how play is used and how it is essential to teach young children.
The conflict is about what use to be kindergarten and what it is now. Most educators see it as as first grade rather than kindergarten. The director also shared her concerns about this change. First, kindergarten is still not a requirement to take before entering elementary school. Second, it is no longer about introducing young children to the educational system. And third, the pressures to read and perform other academics is developmentally inappropriate for the age and stages the children allowed to come into kindergarten are. They feel its a transition with all of the standards as well as the understanding from parents who is causing the high increase in young children repeating kindergarten.
It feels like we are in a cyclone of transition with the demands in kindergarten and what is developmentally appropriate. Again, I am wondering exactly what to research as far as play and kindergarten readiness. One of the parents shared with me about how they are sad to see their time with the early childhood program come to an end. They have two older children and have been through kindergarten already and feel for their youngest because of how he has grown and learned through all of the play he has engaged in at preschool. They are a little worried, yet they know he is of age and needs to go on. I am not sure what to think of this but will set up a time to interview this family for my research. Do you think that would be helpful?
It would be a good idea to research the family if it will give you more information to help with your education. When our daughter was old enough to start Kindergarten, we did not feel that she was socially ready, we started her a year late, it has made a big difference in her ability to learn. She is more mature, wants to learn and enjoys school. Every child is different and you have to make your decision based on that individual. We have to remember that each child is their own individual and mst be treated that way.
ReplyDeleteI believe play is essential in the classroom setting. Playing does so much more for the child that parents aren’t aware of. Play teaches the child how to socialize, interact, and use their imaginations. I believe that you should interview the parents and show them that through play, the child has learned some of the social skills that will help him through kindergarten.
ReplyDeleteI do think meeting with the parents and all the staff within the center would be very helpful for research. I have meet and discussed with a couple of parents whether or not they feel parent involvement is important. Are you getting to see many of the parents during drop off in the morning or are you arriving a little later? It seems to help me if I arrive early and have a brief meeting with a couple of parents. Transitions are a difficult but very valuable topic. In my opinion, Kindergarten should be required and full day. There are so many standards to complete; the teachers really need a full day. I am sure many parents would agree with me on this subject but some feel this would be to overwhelming for their child. I think parents would provide just the right amount of research you may require. Many websites should help you during your research.
ReplyDeleteFaith,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with what is appropriate for kindergarten readiness. I have one concern about having play as the main way to teach and that is how do children become ready for the school setting of sitting and interacting in a classroom if they do not know the discipline of a classroom setting. If play is the way they are learning will they become confused when asked to sit and listen to a teacher and do seat work? I think play to learn is good as part of the learning but also the classroom setting of sitting and listening and doing seat work needs attention. I also agree we are expecting many things for kindergarten and for it not to be a required grade is great controversy. I do have to say not all parents know kindergarten is not required.