There’s no way I would actually want to turn back time and raise my family in the 1950s. The thought of the submissive roles that wives and mothers were expected to fill during that era is downright nauseating. Plus, I’m all for civil rights, and I certainly wouldn’t want to live in a time when women’s reproductive rights were non-existent and LGBTQ+ issues were completely ignored. No thanks!
However, it’s hard to ignore that some aspects of the ’50s had their perks. Imagine being able to support a family on a single income or letting your kids play outside without worrying about someone calling child protective services.
Interestingly, early education back then had some great features too. A kindergarten expectation sheet from 1954, shared on the Happy Hooligans Facebook page, illustrates just how different things were. In Margaret Bramer’s kindergarten class, the focus was on basic skills such as color recognition, writing their names, understanding their address, knowing the days of the week, and counting aloud. It’s striking that children were expected to know their father’s first name but not their mother’s—a clear reflection of the patriarchal society of that time.
In stark contrast, modern kindergarten has changed dramatically. According to a study by the American Educational Research Association titled “Is Kindergarten the New First Grade?”, many teachers today feel that kids should already know the alphabet and how to use a pencil before even stepping foot in kindergarten. Moreover, about 80% of educators believe that kindergarten students should be able to read by the end of the year. It’s quite shocking to see that most of the skills expected of kindergartners back in the ’50s were much less rigorous.
Over the last two decades, kindergarten has witnessed a significant shift toward academics. Since 1998, the amount of time spent on subjects like math and reading has skyrocketed, often at the expense of creative play. Looking back at that 1950s kindergarten expectation chart, you’ll notice that children engaged in activities like music, clay play, cooking, sewing, and outdoor activities. They were also taught essential social skills like sharing, kindness, and manners.
The focus was on allowing kids to be kids and helping them develop into respectful citizens. What more could we ask of a group of five-year-olds?
Let’s not forget how today’s early education often stifles the natural curiosity of young children. According to the American Educational Research Association, from 1998 to 2010, the percentage of teachers providing daily music instruction dropped by 18 points, while daily art instruction fell by 16 points. Additionally, the opportunity for child-selected activities has significantly decreased.
The most disheartening aspect? Research indicates that giving children ample time outdoors and encouraging creativity helps them academically and reduces behavior issues in the classroom. But the growing emphasis on standardized testing, even for kindergartners, is concerning. Monthly tests for kids who are just starting their educational journey? Really?
Despite these challenges, there is hope. Many teachers still strive to create a nurturing environment for their students, balancing the pressure to teach to the test with the need for creativity and play. Parents are also becoming increasingly vocal about their frustrations with these academic pressures.
My hope is that we’ll begin to see a shift back toward a more wholesome approach to early education. Countries like Finland have demonstrated that not pushing academics too early leads to better long-term outcomes for children, both academically and socially.
In the meantime, it’s crucial that we express our opinions and support our children’s teachers who are often doing their best to create a fun and nurturing environment despite facing many challenges. These educators are the unsung heroes of the system and deserve our gratitude and backing.
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In summary, while the 1950s had its issues, some aspects of kindergarten during that time remind us of the importance of creativity and play in early education. The hope for change is growing, and by voicing our concerns, we can help shape a future that prioritizes the well-being of our children.