A while back, while enjoying a pizza dinner with my family, we ran into my kids’ preschool teacher. There were hugs and happy squeals, and she commented on how much my boys have grown. I asked how she was doing, and we chatted for a bit. When it was time to say goodbye, I felt a lump in my throat.
We were fortunate to find the preschool we did. I didn’t do extensive research; I quickly picked it based on a neighbor’s recommendation. The fact that it was just two blocks away was a bonus, especially since getting out of the house on time with toddlers is like herding cats. Moreover, the teachers were incredibly warm and nurturing, and the environment was relaxed, focusing on play-based learning. There was ample free play, storytime, and music classes led by a woman who could only be described as a saint.
There were no tests, drills, or literacy assessments. Instead, kids learned sharing, listening, and friendship. They were encouraged to explore, experiment, and take risks—essentially, to just be kids.
I didn’t realize until recently how lucky we were to find such a calm and joyful preschool. It’s evident that the philosophy surrounding early education has changed significantly, and it’s affecting even the youngest learners. According to The Atlantic, preschools today are shifting towards more structured environments, filled with “seat work” and direct instruction.
A study titled “Is Kindergarten the New First Grade?” reveals a startling trend: the percentage of teachers expecting children to read by the end of kindergarten has surged from 30% to 80% in the last 20 years. Kids are spending more time with worksheets and less time engaging in music and art.
As expectations for kindergarteners have ramped up, many parents have started to panic, and this anxiety is trickling down to preschool. Erika Christakis points out that if children are expected to read by the end of kindergarten, they better be getting ready in preschool. This has resulted in expectations that might have been reasonable for 5- and 6-year-olds now being thrust upon even younger children who simply don’t have the motor skills or attention spans to meet them.
Unfortunately, these new approaches are backfiring. Kindergarten, which used to ease the transition into school, has morphed into a pressure cooker of unrealistic expectations. Instead of nurturing creativity and independence, teachers today are observing that children seem less curious and engaged than before.
Essentially, we’re setting them up for failure, equipping them with inadequate skills, and driving ourselves nuts in the process.
However, this isn’t to say that preschool isn’t valuable. A quality preschool program can foster confidence, independence, creativity, and communication skills. Plus, it offers childcare options for working parents and a much-needed break for those staying at home.
What Constitutes a Good Preschool Program?
Experts agree on several key elements: opportunities for children to interact with adults and peers, development of social and emotional skills, active learning, meaningful family involvement, and quality educators.
“Conversation is gold,” says Christakis. It’s the most effective early-learning system we have. Essentially, preschoolers (and all young learners, for that matter) should be encouraged to talk, listen, and question. Skills like communication, friendship, and teamwork are far more crucial than whether your 5-year-old starts kindergarten reading 17 words a minute.
In my humble opinion, a good preschool helps children become the best versions of themselves. Like the one we were lucky enough to discover, it builds kids up, fosters independent thinking, teaches friendship, and empowers them to grow and learn. These aren’t just educational skills; they’re life skills.
So let’s all take a deep breath and relax about preschool. These are just 3- to 5-year-olds. Let them be kids.
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Summary: The article discusses the changing landscape of preschool education, highlighting the shift from play-based learning to more structured environments that emphasize early literacy and academic skills. It argues for a more relaxed approach to preschool, emphasizing the importance of social and emotional skills over academic pressures. Ultimately, it advocates for allowing young children to be kids.