Supporting Our Children!
Recently the early years of children's education has been receiving a great deal of attention. (Finally!) Of course I see this as wonderful since it is long over due. This focus is due to President Obama proposing a greater emphasis on early childhood education.
This is positive since we know how critical the early years are in the physical growth and development of the maturing brain. And it is advantageous for us to support the most positive development when brain growth is greatest. Numerous economists are demonstrating how extremely cost beneficial it is for us to invest in the early years.
However, there is some debate on this issue with a couple main areas being discussed by professionals in the field.
One: If we focus on 4 year old kindergarten, is that soon enough to make an impact? What about the critical time from 0-3?
Two: Is pushing academics early the best thing to do for the most positive outcomes?
This issue of Creating Great Connections and HOPE will present views with the developing brain in mind. It is my hope that we will use all we have learned and now know to provide the most advantageous learning environments and relationships for ALL children.
To begin this focus, below is a quote I shared in a recent blog post. It is taken from a book I have had sitting on my shelf for awhile:
"Play, is the development of the human mind, its first effort to make acquaintance with the outside world. The child indeed sees no purpose in it, sees not the end that is to be reached; but it expresses its own nature, and that is human nature in its playful activity."
Additionally, it goes on to say...
"It is the duty of every teacher, whether in city or country, to impress upon pupils, by emphatic iteration, the laws of health in relation to food, air, sleep, rest, exercise, play, work and personal habits in general. Teachers should give attention to the encouragement of games, play and amusement."
"It is a mistaken notion of some pedagogues that the chief end of children is to go to school and study lessons from books. It is painful to witness, in many schools, how the plastic, growing bodies are cramped, how natural impulses are repressed, how the laws of nature are systematically violated. Physicians know this, though teachers and parents shut their eyes to the painful facts."
Are you surprised to find out that these statements were published in,
Methods of Teaching by John Swett ... In 1883!!!
We have known what is best for children's healthy development and learning for at least 130 years. And, now due to technological advances, we even have scientific evidence to show us what is best for young growing bodies and brains. It is no longer only based on theory and behavioral studies, and we are still having to promote, educate and advocate for children to get all of what they need most!!
Let's ALL continue to share and enlighten all adults until every child gets the learning environments and relationships they deserve!
Filled with hope,
Deborah
ALSO:
VERY SOON something very new will be available from Brain Insights!
It is going to be great to share with you!
