As a trained nursery nurse and an early years specialised teacher I have strong views on child development and the best ways that children learn.
But I’m so shocked to see the views of many reception teachers that believe in formal type teaching for 4 year olds!
I think learning can be created in a play based way which is engaging and enriching for young children rather than children being pushed though a set of instructions sat at a table like a product on a conveyer belt!
I do feel like I’m on a bit of a rant with this rather than a blog post, but my passion for this is so strong!
I enjoy reading about the ways in which children learn and the provision teachers can plan for children to support this.
Play based learning can help children develop critical thinking, problem solving and social skills in self initiated activities with the teacher being the facilitator of this.
(Taken from the conversation).
Although research has provided that this is much more effective than adult led learning, it still isn’t looked upon as being as important in many schools?I personally think this is due to the demands of the curriculum and the pressure of the job. Teachers feel they have to get children to a certain point and the only way they can see them reach that point is through more adult input…
With the whole debate of a child’s ‘readiness’ for school it’s clear to see how teachers are pressurised into doing the opposite of what child development states.
I’m hoping one day this will change, as education is definitely not a one size fits all, and we should be creating a curriculum that fits in with the child rather than a curriculum that we try fit the child into.
I’d love to know your thoughts?
#MissPinnock
I strongly believe that children learn while they play. I have learned to balance the two by creating specific play based instruction paired with open ended play for a balance for my 4s. They have to do one “must do” learning area each day (math, art, writing are my typical stations) and then they can do play at any number of “may do” stations. This allows them to have both structured and unstructured learning each day
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oh that sounds like a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I think a balance is definitely needed x
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There is a place in Japan called the outdoor school worth taking a look at. It brings a whole new concept to learning.
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Ooh il have a look! Sounds great. I know a few nurseries are trying to use the outdoors a lot more and there is one that’s completely outdoor in the uk too! Thank you for your comments☺️
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Really where? My daughter is director of primary for a trust and has four schools i am sure she’d be interested.
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Ooh is she! There’s this one based in London, it sounds amazing! http://www.littleforestfolk.com
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Thank you they look amazing.
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No problem and yes they do. Such a great idea z
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Maybe our adult thinking gets in the way! I write children’s books and I wrote and produced TV shows for children for years, but I still sometimes get locked in my own adult view of the world. I think you make a good point about play-based learning.
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Oh did you! I’m so interested in writing a book I will have to have a chat with you. Sounds like you’ve done some amazing stuff! And yes I’m really passionate about play based learning.
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I find it so sad how early formal education begins now. It worries me that testing seems to come in earlier and earlier.
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I know it’s awful! But because of the pressure many teachers go with it and think it’s the only way!
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Learning is easier for anyone when it’s fun. Totally agree not one size fits all.
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Definitely! some children will switch off by the age of 7 if it’s just passive boring worksheets as a way of learning.
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