Finland has much to share about the needs of our young children. Children learn differently than adults, and the best way they do that is through play.
The Joyful, Illiterate Kindergarteners of Finland
(below is a repost)
Parents today hear that it is important to get your child academically ready for school, making sure that direct instruction is used at their child's academic preschool. But most of the research show the same result, that kids in academic preschools do not have advantages over those in play based preschools, in fact, it shows the opposite. Kids who went to play based preschools tend to like school more, are less stressed about school, are more creative, and perform better academically and socially. Here's an article from Parents Magazine that give guidance on how to find a preschool.
Play's the Thing! If you want your preschooler to be ready for the academic rigors ahead, forget about the curriculum. Instead, look for a classroom that lets children learn the way they do best.
The main ways to get your kids ready for school is to 1) Have conversations with your kids (this also helps with attachment) 2) Read books with them regularly, and 3) give them time to PLAY. Really, you don't even need to enroll your kids into preschool. Here are two articles that I give every semester:
The Early Education Racket: If you are reading this article, your kid probably doesn't need preschool.
Class Announcement
This week (beginning December 14) is the last week of the semester. We will be having a potluck in every class, please bring food to share to celebrate our semester together.
The Joyful, Illiterate Kindergarteners of Finland
(below is a repost)
Parents today hear that it is important to get your child academically ready for school, making sure that direct instruction is used at their child's academic preschool. But most of the research show the same result, that kids in academic preschools do not have advantages over those in play based preschools, in fact, it shows the opposite. Kids who went to play based preschools tend to like school more, are less stressed about school, are more creative, and perform better academically and socially. Here's an article from Parents Magazine that give guidance on how to find a preschool.
Play's the Thing! If you want your preschooler to be ready for the academic rigors ahead, forget about the curriculum. Instead, look for a classroom that lets children learn the way they do best.
The main ways to get your kids ready for school is to 1) Have conversations with your kids (this also helps with attachment) 2) Read books with them regularly, and 3) give them time to PLAY. Really, you don't even need to enroll your kids into preschool. Here are two articles that I give every semester:
The Early Education Racket: If you are reading this article, your kid probably doesn't need preschool.
This week (beginning December 14) is the last week of the semester. We will be having a potluck in every class, please bring food to share to celebrate our semester together.
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