The landscape of early childhood education is evolving, and nothing illustrates this shift more vividly than an insightful examination of American kindergartens. Writer Jake Rivers recently traveled to Finland to gain a firsthand understanding of how their kindergartens operate compared to those in the U.S. After spending a day with Finnish children and observing their activities, he discovered that the American trend of minimizing play in kindergarten may not be in the best interest of our kids.
In Finland, kindergarten is a refreshing departure from what many American children experience. The school day lasts just four hours, with a weekly schedule that emphasizes play-based learning through activities like field trips, ball games, singing, and creative stations. There are no worksheets or standardized tests to be found.
Rivers contrasts this with the typical day in a U.S. kindergarten, where kids endure hours of rigorous curriculum, often interrupted by a mere 20-minute recess. Teachers frequently struggle to incorporate playtime or allow their students to explore freely. The joyful kindergarten days filled with blocks, songs, and outdoor games that many parents fondly remember seem to be a thing of the past.
Interestingly, research indicates that the American approach to early education—pushing children toward formal academic work at increasingly younger ages—doesn’t yield positive outcomes. A study from the University of Otago in New Zealand suggests that early reading provides little to no advantage for children. Moreover, an article in the Boston Globe highlights that stringent kindergarten standards are leading to teacher burnout and putting excessive stress on young learners.
While it’s unlikely that the U.S. will adopt a kindergarten model similar to Finland’s anytime soon, there is still room for improvement. We can create a more supportive environment for our children by reducing the emphasis on academic standards and testing. After all, every child develops at their own pace, and it’s alarming to think about four-year-olds being subjected to rigorous worksheets and standardized tests just a year later. How did we allow this to happen?
Children don’t need to be reading before they can walk to thrive later in life. There’s ample time for them to learn everything they need. We can prioritize play, outdoor exploration, and creativity, allowing our kindergarteners to be kids for just a little longer. By stepping back from unnecessary standardized testing, we can spare our five-year-olds from the anxiety and pressures that accompany formal education.
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In summary, Finland’s approach to kindergarten highlights the importance of play in early childhood education. By re-evaluating our own practices and allowing children the freedom to explore and learn through play, we can create a more nurturing environment that benefits their overall development.
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