I’m shocked to read that, even in half day Kindergarten programs, a teacher is so pressured to teach via structure that there is no time for “plays or art projects.” In my opinion, this is a detriment to the healthy development of children. (And I am certainly not blaming our teachers.)
Children are active, concrete, experiential learners who acquire information and knowledge with all of their senses. Studies have shown that: Movement is the young child’s preferred mode of learning; Lessons that are physically experienced have more immediate and longer-lasting impact; The integration of body systems allows for optimal learning to take place; The more senses used in the learning process, the more information retained; Play is linked to greater creativity and problem solving, improved reading levels, and higher IQ scores; There is a strong correlation between the time children are most playful and the time when the brain is making the most connections.
Forcing a 5 year old to sit in a seat for structured instruction is contrary to the child’s natural learning process. And a full day of this would be exponentially worse than a half day. Let’s give our children what they need to learn – less seat work and active learning. A half day of active learning at school would be absolutely wonderful for our children.
Finally, we should not be using our schools as a daycare replacement. Asking a highly-educated teacher to fill the role of a daycare provider is a terrible waste of talent and time.
