If you are reading this article, your kid probably doesn't need preschool, Slate.com calls it the Early Education Racket. But if parents need time without their children, please read on. It is often assumed children need direct instruction and academics to become kindergarten ready, but research has shown something different--play is most important. Kids in academic preschools do not have advantages over those in play based preschools, it shows the opposite. Less structured time to play can build more executive function. 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.
Why kids deserve a preschool that lets them play
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. But if you want more information... Here are descriptions of the different type of preschool philosophies:
Why kids deserve a preschool that lets them play
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. But if you want more information... Here are descriptions of the different type of preschool philosophies:
Comparing Preschool Philosophies
BOOK DISCUSSION
This week of September 23, we will discuss Chapter 4 & 5 from the book, How To Raise An Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims.
As you read, consider these ideas:
-Was there a story, statistic, real life example or quote that stood out to you?
-What resonated with you? What did not?
-Did you learn anything new?
-Is there anything in the reading you found challenging?
-In the reading, did you find practical applications that you can begin using?
-Is this changing, challenging or affirming your parenting framework?
EXTRA
Last week our article on play discussed PLAYDOUGH. As requested, here's the fabulous and easy Playdough recipe that our Child Development department has been using for over 20 years:
Playdough
Combine in a pot or pan: 2 cups of flour, 1 cup salt, 4 teaspoons cream of tartar, 2 cups warm water, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and food coloring. Cook over low/medium heat until a ball forms and is not sticky to touch. Remove from heat, add more food coloring if needed, knead. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
BOOK DISCUSSION
This week of September 23, we will discuss Chapter 4 & 5 from the book, How To Raise An Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims.
As you read, consider these ideas:
-Was there a story, statistic, real life example or quote that stood out to you?
-What resonated with you? What did not?
-Did you learn anything new?
-Is there anything in the reading you found challenging?
-In the reading, did you find practical applications that you can begin using?
-Is this changing, challenging or affirming your parenting framework?
How To Raise An Adult:
Chapter 4 and 5
Chapter 4: Succumbing to the College Admissions Arms Race
Taking A Shot At Homework
Grabbing The Glue Gun
Finger On The Button
Schools In The Crossfire
Strategic Defense Initiatives
On The Front Lines For Them
Bringing In Reinforcements
Marching With Them Into Battle
Chapter 3: To What End?
“Can we for a moment, flash back to the benign neglect of the late 1970s and ‘80s? To children helping themselves to three slices of cake, or ingesting secondhand smoke, or carrying cocktails to adults who were ever so slightly slurring their words. To those evening when they were not noticed; they were loved, just not monitored. And, as I remember it, those warm summer nights of not being focused on were liberating. In the long sticky hours of boredom, in the lonely, unsupervised, unstructured time, something blooms; it was in those margins that we became ourselves.” -- Katie Rolphe p.72
“There are two things children should get from their parents; roots and wings,” --Johann Wolfang von Goethe (p.73)
“Hell-bent on removing all risks of life and on catapulting them into the college with the right brand name, we’ve robbed our kids of the chance to construct and know their own selves. You might say we’ve mortgaged their childhood in exchange for the future we imagine for them-- a debt that can never be repaid.” p74
EXTRA
Last week our article on play discussed PLAYDOUGH. As requested, here's the fabulous and easy Playdough recipe that our Child Development department has been using for over 20 years:
Playdough
Combine in a pot or pan: 2 cups of flour, 1 cup salt, 4 teaspoons cream of tartar, 2 cups warm water, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and food coloring. Cook over low/medium heat until a ball forms and is not sticky to touch. Remove from heat, add more food coloring if needed, knead. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
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