Submitted by Nancy Olson (not verified) on March 16, 2008 - 16:49.
As a long time educator and kindergarten teacher of many years I am saddened by the state of the curriculum shoved at our four and five year olds whether they are ready or not. I see children who enter kindergarten reading and others who are just starting to understand that letters have sounds connected to them mid-year. They beat to their own drum whether we like it or not. "Ready or not here comes the test" is a game that frustrates them and causes them to want to give up. The process and flow that each child takes to reach fluent reading and writing is so unique that it takes a master teacher with years of experience to successfully use this locked- step curriculum designed for the students that learn the same way, auditorily. The kinesthetic and visual learners who benefit from the many forms of language learning that to the untrained eye looked like "pure play" are definitely "left behind". I hear children daily ask for more opportunities for hands-on learning, experiences they can manipulate, singing, dramatic play and creative problem solving. They do know best. All we have to do is listen and follow what we know to be best teaching practices. They are depending on us.
Children at play equals children at work
Submitted by Nancy Olson (not verified) on March 16, 2008 - 16:49.
As a long time educator and kindergarten teacher of many years I am saddened by the state of the curriculum shoved at our four and five year olds whether they are ready or not. I see children who enter kindergarten reading and others who are just starting to understand that letters have sounds connected to them mid-year. They beat to their own drum whether we like it or not. "Ready or not here comes the test" is a game that frustrates them and causes them to want to give up. The process and flow that each child takes to reach fluent reading and writing is so unique that it takes a master teacher with years of experience to successfully use this locked- step curriculum designed for the students that learn the same way, auditorily. The kinesthetic and visual learners who benefit from the many forms of language learning that to the untrained eye looked like "pure play" are definitely "left behind". I hear children daily ask for more opportunities for hands-on learning, experiences they can manipulate, singing, dramatic play and creative problem solving. They do know best. All we have to do is listen and follow what we know to be best teaching practices. They are depending on us.