“Let them be little.” These four words encapsulate a vital truth that educators and parents alike should prioritize. As a first-grade teacher, I witness daily the constraints placed on our young learners. With only 20 minutes of recess amid nearly seven hours of classroom time, I have voiced my concerns to school administration. Despite my respectful arguments for an additional ten minutes of break time, I was met with the disappointing response that our recess time is strictly mandated.
I backed up my requests with research highlighting the importance of gross motor skills, attention, and the myriad benefits of unstructured playtime, but was informed that any deviation from policy could lead to repercussions. Consequently, we occasionally take our lessons outdoors, under the guise of “outdoor learning.”
However, recess isn’t the only concern. Free play is being systematically eliminated from classrooms, replaced by activities that are strictly “standards-based.” While I appreciate the efforts of educators to align lessons with academic standards, shouldn’t we allow for the simple joys of creativity? Why can’t we craft a fun Groundhog Day hat just for the joy of it? Isn’t it essential for children to find excitement in school, to wake up eager to discover what the day holds?
We can create engaging vocabulary games and interactive stations, but we should also feel free to allow our students to engage in crafts without the fear of administrative scrutiny, wondering if they can articulate what standard they’re working on. This lack of freedom not only diminishes the joy of learning but also deprives students of essential experiences they may not encounter outside of school. It astonishes me when students share they don’t have basic art supplies at home or have never crafted anything. Seeing a child struggle with tape can be eye-opening; for instance, “Billy, that’s not how you use tape. You need to connect two things, not just stick it to one piece of paper!”
When I ask my students about their plans on a pleasant day, the most common responses are often, “I’ll play video games” or “I’ll be on my iPad.” Many children today lack the opportunity to engage in traditional play activities like puzzles, arts and crafts, or imaginative role-playing. While technology has become a significant part of our lives, I worry that we are losing touch with the essence of childhood.
Recently, we proudly wore our Groundhog Day hats without any questions from administration. However, I was prepared with a justification about how we created them as part of a lesson on weather tracking journals. Yet, when I encounter administrators in the hallway and they ask about the kids’ whereabouts, I can’t help but respond with a hint of sarcasm, saying, “They’re just coloring, nothing to worry about.” It pains me, knowing that my students are engaged in far more than that.
Parents, cherish your child’s artwork. Display it prominently at home. This simple act can make your child feel valued, and it contributes to a positive educational environment. In this way, everyone wins — the children, the parents, the teachers, and ultimately, the joy of childhood prevails.
For further insights on parenting and education, check out our other posts, such as this informative piece on privacy related to home insemination.
In summary, it is crucial to allow children the freedom to engage in play and creativity in both home and school settings. This not only fosters a love for learning but also ensures that children develop essential life skills.