“Let them be little.” These four words encapsulate a significant philosophy that should resonate throughout educational institutions.
As a first-grade educator, I witness firsthand the challenges children face. With only 20 minutes of recess in a seven-hour day, I often find myself advocating for more time for free play. Despite my respectful appeals to school administration, the response was clear: “We are mandated to provide only a 20-minute recess.”
I presented research supporting the benefits of unstructured play, highlighting its role in developing gross motor skills, enhancing attention spans, and boosting overall focus. Yet, the administration remained resolute, warning that extra recess time could lead to disciplinary actions. Thus, we occasionally resort to “outdoor learning” under the watchful eye of our administrators, who often seem more concerned with compliance than the well-being of our students.
Recess is just one facet of the problem. We are increasingly minimizing free play in classrooms, prioritizing activities that align strictly with educational standards. While teachers are adept at integrating these standards into engaging lessons, shouldn’t we also allow for creativity and fun? Shouldn’t we be able to create Groundhog Day hats simply for the joy of it? It’s crucial for students to find excitement in school and to wake up eager to discover what the day holds.
Of course, we can make learning enjoyable through interactive stations or engaging vocabulary games. However, we should also be free to craft without the fear of administrative scrutiny over standards.
Eliminating joy from the school experience denies children valuable opportunities that they may not receive elsewhere. I am often taken aback when students share that they lack basic art supplies at home or have never engaged in simple crafts. Witnessing a child struggle with tape is an eye-opener—like, seriously, Billy, you need to connect two things, not just stick it to one piece of paper!
When I ask students about their plans on sunny days, many respond with, “I’ll play video games” or “I’ll just use my iPad.” It’s concerning that so many children are disconnected from traditional play, like puzzles or arts and crafts. As technology becomes more pervasive in our lives, it appears we are losing touch with the very essence of childhood.
Recently, we proudly showcased our Groundhog Day hats without any questioning from the administration. I had prepared a response, ready to explain how these hats were part of a larger project on weather tracking—data collection for our six-week journals. Yet, when I bump into administrators in the hallway, and they ask me, “Where are the kids?” I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness when I reply sarcastically about their “coloring pages.” They know my students are engaged in far more than just that.
Parents, cherish your child’s artistic expressions and display their creations with pride. By doing so, you uplift your child, support their teacher, and ultimately, foster a happier childhood.
For more insights on the journey of parenthood, consider visiting our post on at-home insemination kits to learn about the options available for starting a family. Additionally, if you are contemplating options like egg freezing, check out this informative resource for guidance. For those exploring insemination options, Hopkins Medicine offers excellent information on various fertility services.
In summary, it is vital to allow our children the freedom to play and engage in creative activities, both at home and in school. This not only enriches their learning experience but also nurtures their overall happiness.