Teacher Tom: Not Helping

Parents often have a difficult time with letting go of their "caregiver" role and continue to do things for their Preschoolers when the children are capable of doing things for themselves. I often observe this with dressing and undressing routines, where parents help with shoes, coats, hats etc. when their children should be encouraged to be independent and at least try to do what they are capable of.   Teacher Tom has a post on his blog that addresses this issue with play. It is an interesting read.

Teacher Tom: Not Helping

PLAY!

Pre Kindergarten is PLAY BASED.  This means that you will not see children in Pre K sitting at desks doing worksheets.  You will not see children being required to sit and listen to teacher directed lectures.  You will not see flash cards or drill based lessons.  You will see children playing.  Playing does not mean that learning is not taking place.  On the contrary, much learning is taking place!  Through play, many skills are practiced.  Social skills, problem solving, language skills, and math skills, are practiced and learned.  These skills are learned while the child is having fun and playing.  Teachers help those who have troubles engaging in play by encouraging, questioning, and wondering out loud.  Teachers challenge children to try something just beyond their comfort level in order to learn something new.  When you see children in Pre K playing, remember, they are not "just playing".   They are learning.  They are doing the work of childhood.

Pre K is Play Based

Found this picture on Pinterest.  This is what Pre K is all about!

What Learning Looks Like in Pre K

What Learning Looks Like in Pre K

Pre K is Play based.

Here is a link to an excellent post by "Teacher Tom". 

http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/what-real-learning-looks-like.html#.U6GRfyqgQAY.facebook

I strive for good Play based learning in our Pre K classroom.

The Gift of Time

The Gifts that your child needs the most do not require money, but something that is much more precious.  Your child will learn more and be more successful in school, if you can find the time to give him/her some TIME.  READ to your child.  TALK to your child.  PLAY with your child.  It seems simple, but in today's busy world it can be difficult to find the time.  Yet, if you find the time to spend with your child, I promise you, your child will bloom!   Read more about this here at The "Fireflies and Mudpies" blog:

THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR KIDS