Have you heard the recent news about the “death of preschool?” What’s it all about and what does this mean for children?
In an article published in the Nov./Dec. issue of Scientific American Mind, the author reveals a growing trend in early education that has captured the attention of educational facilities, teachers, administrators, parents, and others. It’s about the movement away from play-based learning toward a “direct instruction” curriculum. This brings up some interesting points and raises controversy among some parents and educators.
Primrose Schools included the following information on this subject in their recent newsletter. We’ve included their insights here for our Richmond moms, dads, and grandparents. Let us know what you think about this topic.
Excerpted from Pointers for Parents newsletter, January 2012:
While it may seem children would learn more from direct instruction, recent research has uncovered that early education which focuses too strictly on direct instruction and removes all play from its curriculum can actually hinder a child’s later successes and mental stability. At the opposite end of the spectrum, daycare facilities that offer little to no teacher initiated activities, leaving it entirely up to the child to learn from his surroundings. At these all-play institutions, children are not being given enough instruction to explore their abilities and talents.
We are left with two separate schools of thought, and while both are strong in opinion, they lack balance. At Primrose Schools, we believe in a balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Our exclusive Balanced Learning® Curriculum not only helps our students build a foundation of knowledge through teacher-instructed lessons, it also allows for well-rounded development through the child’s freedom to play and explore in the natu
ral environment. Balance allows for the following:
- Character development. At Primrose, we strive to develop confident, happy children. Our students learn about all aspects of character development, from friendship and generosity to sharing and honesty. Happy children are knowledgeable children.
- Hands-on learning. We believe that preschool education is greater than numbers and letters. Through our Helping Hands program, we teach our children about social responsibility and giving back to others through book and food drives in the winter, in addition to family fundraisers in the spring.
Thanks to Primrose Schools for their valuable input and information on this topic. Now, let us know what you think by leaving a comment below or visiting our Facebook page. And be sure to visit one of the Primrose Schools in the Richmond area where you’ll find a welcoming environment and caring teachers.
Primrose School of Atlee Commons
9650 Atlee Commons Drive
Ashland, Va 23005
804.550.3400
Primrose School at Ironbridge Corner
11351 Iron Creek Road
Chester, VA 23831
804.751.0233
Primrose School of Twin Hickory
4801 Twin Hickory Lake Drive
Glen Allen, VA 23059
804.364.6540
Primrose School at Westerre Commons
3855 Westerre Parkway
Henrico, VA 23233
804.290.7969
Primrose School of Midlothian at Waterford
13300 Tredegar Lake Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23114
804.639.1011
Primrose School of Midlothian Village
13801 Village Place
Midlothian, VA 23114
804.378.8773
Primrose School of Swift Creek
4750 Brad McNeer Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23112
804.744.0787
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