Why Preschool Is Shifting Towards Academics: A Look at the Impact

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It’s common to hear parents express concern about how much more challenging kindergarten has become for kids these days. I can relate. My little one started kindergarten at just four years old, thanks to the age cutoff in our state, but I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. After just two months, I made the tough choice to enroll him in a private pre-K program, which wasn’t exactly in my budget. But hearing him come home every day saying he “hated school” and felt “sad” was too much for me to bear.

With many states now offering six-hour kindergarten days, complete with just a 20-minute recess, it’s no wonder preschools are trying to step up their game to prepare kids for this intense environment. In her insightful book, The Essential Role of Play in Early Childhood, educator Sarah Jenkins highlights a significant issue: many of today’s preschoolers are in settings that overlook their genuine needs.

“The more I watch young children, the more I believe they are capable and imaginative,” Jenkins shared in an interview. “However, our expectations are often misaligned. We ask too much of them in practical terms but too little in terms of cognitive engagement. Many preschool classrooms are overly noisy, chaotic, and uninviting, with schedules that are too packed. There’s excessive teacher-led discussions on trivial topics and not enough time for uninterrupted play.”

Playtime: An Essential Component

Playtime. Why is it so hard for us to grasp that this is essential for children’s growth? Is there truly a structured lesson plan in preschool? If so, what’s the point? Jenkins argues that today’s preschool settings have “adultified” our kids. “We design children’s spaces with adult perspectives in mind, pushing them to fit our schedules, habits, and preferences,” she explains. “But there’s a better way to focus on the child, one that doesn’t drive parents or adults crazy.”

How do we achieve this? By viewing the environment through a child’s eyes. “When we consider childhood from the preschooler’s viewpoint, we discover many surprises,” Jenkins elaborates. “The little one who seems to dawdle every morning is often the same child who can delicately hold a newborn sibling. The kid who needs a nudge to cut red construction paper for a Valentine’s card can create an intricate drawing of beach sand seen through a microscope.”

Many of us have seen this firsthand, right? Our kids can concentrate deeply on certain things, yet struggle in others. I was taken aback when I received a call from my son’s teacher, saying he was having trouble focusing in class. Was this the same child who spent hours sounding out words from books and had taught himself to read before even stepping foot in school? This was also the child who navigated advanced learning apps on his tablet with ease. His passion for learning was always evident—until he entered the classroom.

Jenkins emphasizes that teachers should take the time to listen to children, share laughs, and engage with them at their level. “This kind of respectful observation is rare in early childhood settings,” she notes. “Instead, many kids receive uniform doses of highly scripted instruction that doesn’t cater to their unique needs.”

Worse yet, this approach might backfire. “There’s evidence suggesting that kids who endure the same tedious preschool routines, like the monotonous daily calendar tracking or rigid class rules, may lose interest in school and actually perform worse academically down the line.”

Comparing Approaches: U.S. vs. Finland

Recently, comparisons have been drawn between the U.S. and Finland’s approach to early childhood education—where children consistently excel academically and play is prioritized. While Jenkins acknowledges that we need to be cautious about comparisons due to cultural differences, she points out that “the Finnish model emphasizes the physical and conceptual space necessary for a child to thrive. They even have large room-sized clothes dryers for snow gear, allowing kids to enjoy the outdoors multiple times a day. This approach reflects a respect for early childhood as a valuable life stage, not merely a stepping stone to adulthood.”

Perhaps it’s time to shift our mindset from preparing children for adulthood to embracing the joys of childhood itself!

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Summary

As preschool becomes increasingly academic, it’s essential to recognize that young children thrive through play and exploration. Educators and parents should prioritize child-centered environments that cater to the unique developmental needs of preschoolers, steering away from adult-centric expectations. By embracing a more playful approach, we can foster a love for learning rather than stifling it.