There’s no way I’d ever want to turn back time and raise my kids in the 1950s. Just pondering the limitations placed on women and mothers during that era gives me a headache. I’m also a staunch advocate for civil rights and would never wish to live in a time when women’s choices were restricted, and LGBTQ+ rights were non-existent. No thanks!
That said, a few aspects of the ’50s seem appealing. For instance, the idea of comfortably raising a family on a single income sounds nice, and I wouldn’t mind living in a neighborhood where I could send my children outside to play without fearing a call to child protective services.
Interestingly, early education during that decade had some notable advantages as well. Check out this kindergarten expectation sheet from 1954, shared on a popular Facebook page. Margaret Bramer’s kindergarten class looks vastly different from today’s. In terms of academics, children were expected to master basic skills like recognizing colors, writing their names, knowing their address, and counting. Although it’s a glaring example of the 1950s patriarchy that kids were required to know their father’s name and not their mother’s, this was an era that clearly had its limitations.
In contrast, kindergarten today has evolved dramatically. A study by the American Educational Research Association titled “Is Kindergarten the New First Grade?” reveals that most teachers believe children should already know the alphabet and how to hold a pencil before entering kindergarten—something that wasn’t even on the radar for 1950s kindergartners! Currently, about 80% of educators think students should be able to read by the time they leave kindergarten. This statistic may not be shocking, but it’s still concerning to see it laid out so starkly. I’d bet that most kindergarten teachers back then would find the notion of teaching reading and math to just-turned-5-year-olds quite ludicrous.
Kindergarten has undergone significant changes, especially in the last two decades. Since 1998, the focus on math and reading in classrooms has surged, according to the same study. This increased academic emphasis has unfortunately led to a decline in other essential activities that were once commonplace.
Reviewing that 1950s expectation chart reveals that most activities centered around creativity and play. Music, clay play, cooking, sewing, outdoor play, and even skipping were essential parts of the curriculum. Children were also expected to learn social skills like sharing, kindness, and basic manners. Essentially, the rules encouraged kids to be kids while starting their journey to becoming well-rounded citizens. Honestly, what more could we expect from a room full of five-year-olds?
And don’t get me started on how modern early education tends to restrain the natural exuberance of young children. According to the American Educational Research Association, “Between 1998 and 2010, the number of teachers reporting daily music instruction decreased by 18 percentage points and daily art instruction decreased by 16 percentage points.” The availability of child-selected activities and play areas has also shrunk significantly.
It’s disheartening to see that today’s kindergarteners are subjected to monthly standardized testing. Really? That’s our current reality? As a mom about to send my youngest to kindergarten, just thinking about this situation makes my nerves fray.
But here’s the silver lining: despite the pressure on educators to focus on standardized testing, many teachers still strive to create environments where kids can express themselves. Most educators dislike these changes and actively seek ways to prioritize their students’ needs. Furthermore, parents are increasingly voicing concerns about the excessive testing and academic standards, which bodes well for the future.
Research shows that pushing academics too early can have adverse effects on children. Countries like Finland, where early education emphasizes play over strict academics, are witnessing remarkable long-term success in both academic and social realms. Here’s hoping for similar changes soon. In the meantime, let’s keep advocating for a more balanced educational experience. And we should always express gratitude to our children’s teachers for their tireless efforts to make school a fun and nurturing environment, despite the many challenges they face.
This article was originally published on Aug. 10, 2017. If you’re interested in topics related to fertility, check out our posts on fertility boosters for men and helpful resources for your pregnancy journey.
Summary: The 1950s had significant shortcomings, especially regarding women’s rights, but their approach to kindergarten—with a focus on creativity and play—offers valuable lessons for today’s education system. As pressures mount for more academic rigor, it’s essential to advocate for a balanced environment that nurtures children’s natural curiosity and development.