I feel like I'm crazed lately over the lack of play that is allowed in children's lives. It seems like cruel and unusual punishment. I feel like teachers have to do what their schools make them do or give up their jobs, but shouldn't someone be advocating for these kids who are stressed out at 6? the research is there...Relearning How to Play and All work and no play ...
I know it seems like I talk about this a lot, but I have been working non-profit for years and this is only my first year back teaching after a long hiatus. I feel shocked by the kind of work expected of children. Why do they need to take test after test? Why do they have so much homework? Why aren't teachers and parents fighting back? I know if it was an easy answer, someone would have done it already. But, can someone help me out here? No one who is teaching fidelity to the core is getting better results than when some fun was in the room, so why do they keep insisting we work harder and expect more?
Honey, your preaching to the choir here. I feel like I (if I could bold this I would) need play in my life as an adult/teacher. If I need it, I can only imagine my students need it!
ReplyDeleteღDeAnne
First Grade and Fabulous
Isn't it sad? We were told that recess is a waste of instructional time for our kindergarteners. The district policy is that all students are required to have recess except k because they are only at school a half a day. Unfortunately the united states is compared to other countries academicly. The problem with this, is that we teach and test everyone and other countries don't.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like more of a problem in the States than in Canada (well, at least BC), but having said that, we have our issues, too (classes too big, not enough support with special needs kids). We don't have any of the tests I read about on your blogs (thankfully) but I still find the expectations a little high. It's a fine balance, that's for sure!
ReplyDelete❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
I teach full day kinder. Thankfully my principal is on the same page with me and knows how important play is. When the school board did their walk through last week the principal actually explained to them how important the play was-It was FABULOUS to have that backup. Wish it was that way for everyone!
ReplyDeleteDon't I know it! I take some time out to do things I want to do, but the pressure of getting in all the curriculum, assessments, intervention, etc. is ridiculous. At my school we've calculated the number of required minutes. It leaves 15 minutes a day for kids to enter the room, clean up, do art, social studies, science, and music. We do some fun things like this, but it's hard to take the time. Very frustrating!
ReplyDelete-Chrissy
http:/firstgradefoundme.blogspot.com