North Carolina

Mr. Geeson hits the nail on the head in this plea for more childlike play and less classroom orchestration. What he suggests is what we do at the Garden School. We've hired teachers in the past who have come to school ready to teach the line up. "That's not what we are about," I lament. "We are about learning by play. We are about making it fun.

"Learning isn't fun. Learning is learning."

Then the teachers with GS experience howl with laughter. "Learning is always fun." These teachers don't last long.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Parent Connection by Bryan Greeson
Preschool Learning Need Not Always Be Structured


I try to stay off my high horse, but some days I just can't help myself. Pretty soon, little Bradley will be preparing for the SAT at age 7, and little Susie will be pushed into writing a complete sentence by age 3. Parents all over are enrolling their preschool children into tutoring programs to prepare them for kindergarten. "It's a highly competitive world," they say. "We must make sure our children get ahead so they will not be left behind."

I agree that our culture today does present itself as being highly competitive. Parents are not only concerned with how in the world they're going to pay for college 15 years from now, but will their child even get accepted? Yes, many colleges and universities are requiring higher SAT scores and classroom performance from incoming freshman. But if college admission is so competitive, I can't help but wonder why the high school senior in our home has received more unsolicited college brochures than teen shopping catalogues in recent months.

If you have enrolled your preschooler in group or individual tutoring, don't be offended. Parents have the right to choose what they think is best for their kids. I realize that entrance into some schools is competitive, and I understand why parents want to do what it takes to compete for limited enrollment. But you need to know two things: First, the jury is still out on just how effective preschool tutoring is. Second, you also need to know there are many things you can do as parents that will greatly enrich your little preschooler's learning. Theses activities are age appropriate, and they will not require you to take out a second mortgage.

Here are a few tips:

• Preschoolers learn through play activities. Make-believe, simple art, creative games that stimulate the imagination, interaction with stories/children's books and simple toys are all great for growing bodies and minds. Learning does not always have to be a "structured" activity. Preschoolers exploring the world around them is great for learning.

• Let your preschooler help you around the house and in the yard. Don't make it like work. Make it fun and interactive. Just talking about what you are doing will lead to endless questions from your preschooler that equal learning. However, whether talking in the car or around the kitchen table, avoid making every interaction a "learning experience." I have witnessed this first hand, and not only is it overkill — it may become annoying to all (including your preschooler!).

• Toys can be simple and not expensive. When I was growing up, I loved building things with Legos and Lincoln Logs (and our daughters did too). Not only is building with blocks good for fine motor development, but it stimulates creative thinking as well.

• Never forget — more books and less TV/videos equal better learning. Read, read and read with your child!Bryan Greeson, a nationally certified school psychologist residing in Gastonia, N.C., will answer your parenting questions. E-mail him at parentconnection@hotmail.com