A while back, during a casual pizza outing with my family, we unexpectedly bumped into my children’s preschool teacher. We exchanged warm hugs and excited chatter, and she noted how much my kids had grown. As we caught up, I felt a wave of emotion wash over me when it was time to part ways.
We were fortunate to have found a preschool that truly fit our needs. I didn’t conduct extensive research; rather, I chose the school based on a neighbor’s recommendation, and its close proximity—only two blocks away—was a huge bonus, especially since getting ready and out the door with toddlers is no small feat. The teachers were nurturing, creating a laid-back environment that emphasized play-based learning. My kids enjoyed ample free play, story sessions, and delightful music classes led by a teacher who seemed to possess infinite patience.
There were no standardized tests, no stressful drills, and no preschoolers being evaluated on their literacy or math skills. Instead, they learned essential life skills like sharing, listening, and friendship. They were encouraged to explore, experiment, and take risks. Essentially, they were allowed to be just kids.
However, it dawned on me recently how lucky we were to find such a peaceful and enjoyable preschool. Unfortunately, our society’s approach to early education has shifted dramatically in recent years, and this shift is now reaching even the youngest learners. The Atlantic reports that preschool structures are increasingly leaning towards more traditional “seat work” and direct instruction, rather than the play-focused methods that benefitted my children.
A study titled “Is Kindergarten the New First Grade?” (spoiler alert: it absolutely is) revealed that the expectation for kindergarteners to read by the end of the year has skyrocketed from 30% to 80% over the last two decades. Kids are spending more time with workbooks and worksheets and less time cultivating their creativity through music and art.
As the expectations for kindergarteners continue to rise, many parents are understandably anxious, and this pressure is trickling down to preschool. Erika Christakis, writing for The Atlantic, noted that the expectation for children to be ready to read by kindergarten is now influencing preschool curricula. This means that skills once reserved for older children, such as sitting at a desk and completing tasks with pencil and paper, are now being thrust upon much younger kids who simply aren’t equipped for it yet.
This trend is backfiring. Kindergarten, once a gentle introduction to the school experience, is now packed with unrealistic demands. Teachers have observed that children today appear less curious and less engaged, as the focus shifts away from fostering creativity and independence.
We’re not suggesting that preschool is unimportant. Quality preschool programs can indeed build confidence, independence, creativity, and communication skills. They also provide essential childcare options for working parents and a much-needed break for stay-at-home parents.
What Should a Quality Preschool Look Like?
Experts agree that the most effective preschool programs share several key characteristics: they promote conversation between children and adults, nurture social and emotional skills, utilize active learning, encourage meaningful family participation, and employ skilled teachers. As Christakis aptly puts it, “Conversation is gold. It’s the most efficient early-learning system we have.”
In essence, preschoolers should be encouraged to communicate, listen, and ask questions. Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and friendship are invaluable life tools that often outweigh whether your 5-year-old can read a few words by the time kindergarten starts.
From my perspective as a parent—who by no means claims to be an expert—a good preschool is one that helps children become the best versions of themselves. Like the wonderful preschool we found, it should nurture their growth, teach them to think independently, show them how to build friendships, and empower them to learn and flourish. These are not just academic skills; they’re essential life skills.
So let’s take a collective deep breath and relax about preschool. After all, these are just 3- to 5-year-olds. Let them enjoy their childhood.
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Summary
It’s essential to remember that preschool should be a time for kids to grow, play, and learn at their own pace. With growing pressures on early education, it’s vital to focus on fostering creativity and social skills rather than stressing over academic achievements. Let’s allow our little ones to truly be kids during these formative years.