Writing in the book, Cultivating Curriculum in Early Childhood Organizations, Carol B. Hillman discusses the “intangibles” we want to provide for children in “the child care centers around the world, the nursery schools, the public schools and the home care settings.” She asks, “What is it we want young children to know beyond the
When given choices during child-directed play, children are learning key skills like self-regulation, empathy, creativity, imagination, and problem solving. Why is it then, that in America we have lost a joyful kindergarten experience and replaced it with academically driven, teacher-directed instruction? Researchers at the University of Virginia, led by the education-policy researcher, Daphna Bassok,
Educator Rae Pica debunked the notion that—academically and athletically—earlier is better for children. Regarding academics Pica writes, "Kindergarten, according to a study from the University of Virginia, has become 'the new first grade.' And, based on my observations, preschool has clearly become the new kindergarten. All of this is happening despite the abundance of research
“Kids have changed.” Over the last years we have heard this statement repeatedly from educators, parents, and the media. But have children really changed? In reality, it is society, parents, and schools that have changed. These changes have transformed the way our children play, interact, and learn. This has created issues beyond poor behavior. “The
I just received another call asking me if Iliff is a preschool or a day care. Why do we as a society try to separate early education and care? After all the best programs are all carefully designed to encourage children's cognitive, social/emotional, and physical development. Maybe part of the reason for the separation is
“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.” Friedrich Froebel Over 175 years ago, Froebel asserted that children learn best through play and hands –on exploration in a nurturing and carefully planned environment. He believed that a child naturally
KIDS LOVE Our staff which promises that learning is fun and fun is never ending. A small class size and more time with their teacher. The DC7 airplane magically converted into a classroom just for them, with plenty of space and materials to expand their love of learning. Play-based, hand on experiences in
On January 19, the country was celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Here, at school, our recognition was two-fold: First,we used our time at school to participate in community volunteering. The Kindergarten went to a younger classroom to read and talk about books. We learned a lot during our first
Getting off to a good start is the objective of every parent of a 4 year old who will be entering a Prekindergarten program this fall. Whether it be in a public school district, federal Head Start program, religious institution, or privately run school or early learning center, there are signs of a quality Prekindergarten
Sympathetic and trusting teachers can be of use to learners, not by deciding what they are to learn but by encouraging and helping them to learn what they are already busy learning. – from the brilliant mind of John Holt One of the best approaches to early learning will emphasize a studio (small or
