Below, DMB Contributor Danielle, a former teacher, shares her opinion on the importance of play in an early childhood curriculum. We welcome all viewpoints here at DMB. If you have an opposing view, we’d love to discuss it in a cordial manner!
Play
Such a simple sounding word, but so important in early childhood development.
Today there is so much pressure on “academics” that play is getting put on the back burner. Think back to how kindergarten was when you were growing up. For me it was a 1/2 day filled with play and exploration. Sure we learned about the letter people, and had circle time, but over all it was spent socializing and exploring. Kindergarten today is what first grade was like when I was growing up. By the time students leave kindergarten they are expected to not only know the letters and their sounds, but also how to read. With common core and standardized testing teachers are feeling more and more pressure to prepare students to perform well (since if they don’t funding may be cut. Sure, we have to differentiate instruction for students, but expect them all to take the same standardized test. That makes sense). This focus on “academics” is starting to trickle down to the preschool level where some parents expect teachers to sit down and formally “teach ” numbers and letters.
Eeek! This is no good folks. Young children are active learners (hey, even some older children are tactile learners). They need to be able to move, touch, manipulate and use their senses when learning. Young children do not learn by sitting at desks or tables, doing worksheets. They learn by doing. They learn by being actively involved. Expecting young children to sit for long periods of time is not developmentally appropriate (and we wonder why there has been such a rise in ADD and ADHD).
Kids are naturally curious. For the most part they are pretty eager to learn. They are like sponges soaking up everything around them. It amazes me how much my three year old knows and remembers (especially words she shouldn’t). Did she learn this stuff doing worksheets? Nope, she learned it through play and hands on learning. Have you ever stopped to think about everything your child is doing while playing?
Take dramatic play. Children are using their imagination (great for when the write stories), assigning roles to each other, problem solving and using conflict resolution skills. Playing with blocks involves using trial and error to figure out how to best stack blocks. Students are figuring out which shapes work best creating a skyscraper, and just how many blocks they can use before the building topples over. Drawing is a precursor to writing, and helps to develop the fine motor skills needed to actually write letters.
In my opinion, kids have their whole life to sit at desks and learn. Why are we starting this trend so young? Let children run, let them climb, let them use their hands to learn. In short, let them be little. Let them play.
Yes!! I completely agree. My little one is only 11 months old, but I’m already a bit apprehensive about his experience in kindergarten. I loved Mr. Rogers growing up and I’ve always loved what he said about play: “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” xo
I couldn’t agree more! This race toward rigorous academics and absence of play is a large reason why our famy decided to home school for kindergarten. Educating at home wasn’t every anything I imagined myself doing, however I am confident that it is best for my children at this time.