A few months back, while enjoying a pizza night with my family, we unexpectedly crossed paths with my children’s preschool educator. After warm hugs and excited chatter, she remarked on how much my boys had grown. I inquired about her well-being, and as we chatted, I felt a wave of emotion when it was time to part ways.
Finding the right preschool for my kids was a stroke of luck. Without conducting extensive research, I chose the school based on a neighbor’s recommendation. Its convenient location just two blocks away was a major bonus, especially since getting out of the house with toddlers can be a real challenge. The teachers were nurturing and the atmosphere was centered on play-based learning. They provided ample opportunities for free play, story time, and music classes led by a remarkably patient instructor.
There were no tests, no drills, no assessments to gauge literacy or math skills. Instead, the focus was on teaching kids how to share, listen, and be good friends. They had the freedom to explore, experiment, and take risks—which is what childhood should be about.
However, I now realize just how fortunate we were to be in such a nurturing and enjoyable preschool. It seems that societal views on early education have drastically changed, and this shift is affecting even the youngest learners. According to The Atlantic, preschool structures have evolved significantly in recent years. Unlike the play-centered approach my children enjoyed, many preschools are moving towards more formal “seat work” and direct instruction.
Research found that the percentage of kindergarten teachers expecting students to read by the end of the year has surged from 30% to 80% over the last two decades. Children now spend increasing amounts of time on worksheets and workbooks, while art and music take a backseat.
With these heightened expectations for kindergartners, parents are understandably anxious, and this pressure is cascading down to preschool levels. As Erika Martinez notes in The Atlantic, “A child who’s expected to read by the end of kindergarten had better be getting ready in preschool.” Consequently, expectations once deemed reasonable for 5- and 6-year-olds are now being placed on even younger children, who often lack the fine motor skills and attention spans required to meet them.
Unfortunately, this approach is backfiring. Kindergarten, which used to provide a gentle introduction to school, has become a pressure cooker of unrealistic expectations. Teachers are reporting that children today seem less curious and engaged, stifling their creativity and independence.
This doesn’t mean that preschool isn’t valuable. A quality preschool program can boost confidence, independence, creativity, and communication skills. It also offers much-needed childcare for working parents and a break for stay-at-home moms and dads.
What Defines a Good Preschool?
Experts assert that the best programs share key characteristics: they promote communication between kids and adults, foster social-emotional learning, utilize hands-on experiences, encourage family involvement, and employ skilled teachers.
“Conversation is invaluable,” says Martinez. “It’s the most effective early-learning mechanism we have.” In essence, preschoolers should be encouraged to converse, listen, and ask questions. Developing soft skills like communication and teamwork is far more crucial than whether a 5-year-old can read at a certain speed.
In my view, a quality preschool is one that helps children become the best versions of themselves. Like the one we were fortunate to find, it should empower kids, promote independent thinking, and teach them how to forge friendships—all essential life skills.
So, let’s all just relax a little about preschool. These are young children, after all. Let’s allow them the space to truly embrace their childhood.
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In summary, the focus of preschool should be on nurturing children’s developmental skills rather than imposing academic pressures. By allowing children to learn through play and social interaction, we can help them thrive and develop essential life skills.