Play versus Academic Preschool

To many parents searching for the perfect preschool, it can become quite complicated and confusing as there are so many great programs out there.  However, through many conversations with parents who come to the school looking for information on the place, the common question is: "Are you play-based or academic-based?".  It's a valid question and even though I shouldn't feel this way, but occassionaly I almost feel awkward saying "play-based" when I know the parents are looking for the other.  On the other hand, I'm proud to say it at the same time because its through play that all of that learning happens.  Some just don't realize it. 

When I do my orientation nights before the school year begins, I always go into detail about the fun we have through play, with the intent that something is learned.  Whether its building towns in the block centre.. but using measuring tapes or, creating menus for house centre because some of the kids went to a resturant on the weekend.. there is always learning happening.  Sure, we do academic learning as well such as through our small group time sessions.  There, the students learn the basic of early literacy and language development like phonics, recognition, and print.  We also explore mathematic concepts such as shapes and numeracy.  We concentrate on fine motor IMMENSELY as it makes every activity so much easier to approach with confidence.  But at the end of it all, it doesn't take them 30 to 45 minutes of sitting and pencil writing, head-down approach.  Fun still happens.  Socializing still happens.  A balance of independence and dependence holds a healthy balance between student and teacher. 

Although I have never been a part of an academic-based preschool, it wouldn't be fair to make assumptions.  I'm sure they can be just as rewarding.  My personal philosophy as an early years educator has always been learning through play and along the career-path, I have always worked in agencies that also believed the same.  Year after year, I see the development a child gains under the teaching of learning through play and I have yet to proven wrong, that play isn't a bad thing. 

On top of that.. they're kids!  Why shouldn't they be playing?!  How else are they going to experience childhood!?

Anyways, I'm sharing an article that I found quite enjoyable and satisfied with its findings.  To the point, where I will be posting it at the preschool for parents to have a look at it.  If you've already given this blog less than five minutes to read, just add another three.  I promise you won't be dissappointed!

Flashcards or Finger Paints by Melissa Taylor

http://imaginationsoup.net/2012/01/flash-cards-or-finger-paints-should-academics-or-play-the-goal-of-preschool/

I like to make up stuff!

Today, our Autistic student's program supervisor came in for the afternoon to observe.  This included watching every form of learning and interaction he has within the classroom environment for the duration of class.  It happened to be that because we were closed on Monday due to the Thanksgiving holiday, I had decided we would do our catch-up time of back to back sessions of music classes and small group times.  My Teacher's Aide conducts the 30 minute music classes and I do the small group times which includes focusing on the 'academic side' of preschool learning. 

This week, the students are learning about the letter "B".  Small group time typically looks something like this:

• Begin by singing the "ABCs" song
• Recap what letter was learned last week, its sound, things that start with that letter, and then asking the students to tell me how would I write both a upper and lowercase "Aa"
• Introduce new letter with letter card and picture
• Introduce its sound and do several times of "B sounds like buh buh buh"
• Introduce real objects that start with the "buh" sound and repeat three times and reciting as a group
• Items are then taken away and children are asked to recall what objects started with "B" and making sure they are doing the sound of it i.e. "buh-buh-boat"
• Introduce printing the upper and lower case by showing on a dry erase board, reciting "Big line, bump, bump"
• Provide children with clipboards, paper with uppercase Bs' and lowercase bs' three times and crayon
• As I write my letters on the board, they follow along with their crayon and clipboard by tracing the Bs' on the paper
• Do a recap of printing the letter followed by sound and objects of Bb
• Introduce worksheet with letter of the week that involves tracing and colouring a picture related to the letter (this week was a bear with a ball)

I'm not following any program or curriculum whatsoever as the preschool itself is community-based, non-profit.  So realistically, you have to work with what you have.  I did this setup last year and doing it a second time as it appears to be working (the magic word).  Parents have told me that the interest in printing has grown because of what they are learning and that's all they want to do at home..!  Yippee!

Anyways, so once the program supervisor had witnessed this, I was really interested to hear what she had to say in terms of something is wrong with what I'm doing or what can be altered, etc.  She asked me what program I was following and I simply replied with a "none" and a giggle because I almost felt a little embarrassed to admit it (why, I don't know, but I just did).  So she replies with a "Oh, okay" and explains that the break down is very appropriate for our special friend is very interested in the fact that it does not originate from a hand writing program. 

With that said however, if any of you reading this find the above worth tweaking, let me know. I would love to hear new ideas!

Teaching kids to print is very challenging especially if the fine motor skills aren't fully developed or be where they should be.  More so, using a program that does, can be extremely costly especially ones like Hand Writing with No Tears.  But, I guess this is a simple case of just making the most of the materials you have. 


Which leads to my next point..but closing thought..

As a preschool teacher myself or anyone working with the Early Years people, man, you definately learn how to make the most of what you have.  Those little plastic cups make look like just that to you, but for someone who works with kids, those cups are a great pot for glue or paint!  Next time you're in your classroom, look around.  Observe all of the things in the room and note how many of them are reused yogurt containers, empty juice bottles, muffin tins, or paper towel rolls.  What are you using them for now?  Or better yet, what are the kids using them for now?

Twas the Night before Friday..

As I sit here waiting for a load of laundry to go into the dryer and also wait on sugar cookie dough to chill, I figured this would be a good opportunity to do some blogging.  I'm sure cleaning my house should actually be what I'm doing this very moment, but somehow.. That just doesn't make sense to me right now.

Hello October!

I'm not sure about you, but my goodness am I glad September is over.  What a rough month it has been on the preschool front and never, have I seen and experienced so much crying!  Like I have said several times in the past, I get that transitioning into a large group setting can be intimidating.  I really do.  But, should children still be experiencing anxiety at this point?  When do you have that conversation with parents pertaining to the topic of their child's possiblity that they just may not be ready yet?

I've turned to many professionals on this front and have tried various methods to help both the child and parents.  Bringing in a stuffed animal, have family pictures in the classroom, working on "mom staying" plans..  Even professionals holding 25 years and more, couldn't give me anymore advice than what I already know. 

And the odd thing out of all of the tears and screaming, is that this is happening to at least one child per class, everyday.  Granted, those that are experiencing it are definately new to any large group of children environment.  I even asked one of them today, why they were crying and if they saw anyone else around them doing it too.  The answer was, "No.. and..I don't know why I'm crying."  After he said that, he stopped and went to play in a centre.

I don't get it.  I'm sure you don't either.

Thanksgiving and the Gobble Gobble!

This year we only focused on Thanksgiving for one week; first learning about why we should be thankful and then moving onto feasts and the popular bird, the turkey.  Discussing with three and four year olds what it means to be thankful, can be challenging.  So in order to help, I decided we would create a "Thankful Tree" in the classroom. The students were asked to think of a time when they said thank you, who they said it to, and why they said "Thank you".  Then, an adult scripted it on a cutout of a fall coloured leaf and the child decorated it.  Afterwards, their leaf was placed on our Thankful Tree in our book corner.  Offically, we have over 70 leaves on our tree and the answers are outstanding!  Who knew a three year old would be thankful for all the suppers they get to eat?  Or who knew a four year old would say they're thankful for the times they get to snuggle with their Mom or Dad?

I haven't taken a picture of it, but I'll be sure to and post it next time.

Once that was conquered, we then moved onto feasts and the turkey. 

The four year old classes made their lists of what OUR Thanksgiving dinner at preschool would consist of (Mac and Cheese, Hamburgers, and sliced cucumbers were a must from both classes).  We also made turkeys with construction paper and feathers and tomorrow we`re making Turkey Hats.  We have also learned a Thanksgiving poem that they absoluately love to act out called I'm A Little Turkey. 

(to the tune of I'm a little teapot)

I'm a little turkey, (students put hands on their hips and move from side to side)
Waddling in through town!
Here are my feathers (turn around and shake your bum!)
Orange, Red, and Brown
I will run and hide if I hear you say:  (slowly raise hands and cover your face)
It will soon be Thanksgiving Day! (slowly rub hands on stomach in a circular motion)

We parade around the classroom like a bunch of turkeys at circle time and they go nuts!  It is so funny to watch as they really are a bunch of turkeys to begin with!

Anyways, all this talk about being thankful leads me to ending this post by telling my fellow readers what I am thankful for this year.  This year, I am thankful for my wonderful husband and the family we have started (this meaning our dog Hudson.. THAT IS ALL!), our families, friends..the home we have.. and I am also thankful for the wonderful families I am in contact with everyday as they have created some amazing little people that I learn so much from. 

I am also thankful for all of you who are reading this very sentence!  I cannot BELIEVE how many people are actually following this and find comfort in this blog at times!  Thank you!

Take a second and think about what you are thankful for.  And of course, enjoy your turkey in some great feasting pants too.. I know I will be.