Early Education: More Paperwork And Less Time With The Kids?
July 13, 2010 by Galina Ozgur
Filed under Featured, Super Informed
I have recently come across this article on the BBC News website telling about how the British government is planning a careful review of guidance for nurseries. Brits seem to be concerned with the current learning standards for the under-fives.
Education professionals back up the concerns saying the framework introduced to nurseries across the country is “too rigid“, difficult and might lead them to a “tick-box” approach. They also doubt the positive effects of such an intensive program considering educators spend more and more time filling out reports, and less time working with kids.
Early learning goals are as follows:
- Writes own name
- Uses pencil effectively
- Orders numbers one to 10
- Develops mathematical ideas
- Retells narratives
- Reads familiar words
Well-known children’s authors including Michael Morpurgo and Philip Pullman were among those who campaigned for the scrapping of milestones , such as requiring five-year-olds to be able to write their own name and use punctuation.
And some educationalists argued the framework could harm children’s development and restrict parents’ freedom of choice in childcare and education.
Ministers say they want to focus on getting children ready for school and raising the results of those from poor homes.
While different countries employ different education practices, it’s fair to observe a certain similarity in how early education systems in developed countries are applying more and more pressure on the under-fives – something my generation never experienced. Hopefully, whoever conducts the research and submits the results, will also be able to show us, the parents, the right way to educating our kids AND keeping them happy.
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