I can only express my own views of teaching 4 and 5 year old kids what we used to teach 6 an 7 year old children. I do not think that is wise on our part. Some people see it as giving a head start and I see it as pushing these kids into a structured process 1/3rd of their lifespans earlier.
Two years is a very long time in the life of a four year old child. What seems like an hour to us, at that age seems like a week. What seems like a year to us seems like a decade to them.
My aunt was the education secretary for a parochial school network in Texas. She taught in the class room for many years. In her opinion young boys especially, were not geared to be trapped inside a school until seven. Her observation was that they might start a little later, but they caught up quickly, when allowed to be a child first, then go to school when they were ready.
I cannot help but think we are seriously screwing up the growing process of these children.
"My aunt was the education secretary for a parochial school network in Texas. She taught in the class room for many years. In her opinion young boys especially, were not geared to be trapped inside a school until seven. Her observation was that they might start a little later, but they caught up quickly, when allowed to be a child first, then go to school when they were ready. "
And now when the boys act fidgety they take away what they need the most...recess time.
Even gym class is being considered for the chopping block.
Boys need a chance to move around and run or they'll go crazy.
When the boys don't sit like they're "supposed" to - some teachers are pushing the parents to have them put on meds.
Pretty soon, just being a boy is going to be considered a special "disability."
"I cannot help but think we are seriously screwing up the growing process of these children."
The little ones need to play as well as learn.
Elementary kids actually seem to be working very hard - we seem to be missing the boat when the kids hit grades 6-9.