So why are some administrators and supervisors so afraid to let children play and have a little fun? I've got to share some of the comments teachers have told me their administrators have said:
No play dough in kindergarten.
Only lined paper for writing activities.
No nursery rhymes.
No crayons or markers. Only use pencils.
Games are a waste of time.
Children should not use their fingers for math.
YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!!!! (P.S. By the way, there is NO research to support the above statements!)
As I've said before, if you've never taught a grade level you should not write curriculum, make skill lists, or supervise that grade level. (It would be like me trying to tell a band instructor how to teach someone to play the clarinet!) What we need in education is a little more commonsense, flexibility, and balance! I've been at this rodeo long enough to know there is NO ONE correct way to teach reading, writing, or math. Every 5-10 years a new bandwagon comes down the road and everyone jumps on it. The good news if you don't like something, it will change. If you do like something, don't be too happy because it will change as well.
Childhood is precious, and we have a responsibility to protect it like we do endangered animals. The brain is meant to talk, play, laugh, move, and do hands-on activities. That's how it's developed for thousands of years. One day it might be too late!!! And that's why I keep doing my blog and FB Live and workshops! Someone needs to say it's O.K. to sing and dance and play games and have FUN and remember they are just little children!!!
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
There will be time for computers and screens when they are grown...
But will children be able to make snakes with play dough or build a castle with blocks?
There will be time to play video games and text when they are grown...
But will children be able to play "Farmer in the Dell" or do the "Tooty Ta"?
There will be time to do worksheets and code when they are grown...
But will children be able to do a finger play or pretend to be a scarecrow?
There will be time to surf the web when they are grown...
But will children be able to make a bird feeder or mix goop?
There will be time to sit still and listen to lectures when they are grown...
But will children be able to play "girls chase boys" or blow bubbles?
Cherish childhood - it's a once in a lifetime opportunity!!!!
Singing and dancing with the children at Head Start in Salina, KS, last week.