....But they just play..... where's the learning in that???

So often I hear the cry that children just play at kindergarten and that the real work begins at school. this is said directly or indirectly with the inference that some parents feel that if their child has been recommended for a second year of kindergarten that it would be wasted and they the child would be better off repeating a school year.

Play is never 'JUST' any one thing, children learn far more at this time in their lives and at a greater rate than they will ever again... They make sense of their world by playing out situations and roles and build the foundations for a love of learning that will carry them through their academic years and beyond...

And since when is doing one thing 'just' doing that thing??? An example would be since when is watching tv at the end of a busy day... simply 'just' watching tv... it is unwinding, tuning out, and often rarely is it just watching tv.
The same can be said of play, very rarely is it just what we often observe on the surface. Play is complex and a skilled early childhood educator interpretes this play and extends it where it needs extension and plans and predicts for more challenges and outcomes. Play is never 'just' play... it is fun, absorbing, intricate, simple, solitary, social....

Luke... parent/teacher and latest news...

The children are preparing to say farewell to Luke... this has been done in several ways from children seeking him out... to chasing him for that elusive +kiss+ to sitting with him, or asking if they can visit... so I am anticipating a build up of this for the week with tomorrow's party/get together being a great opportunity for the children to get down and party with him, lol.

Parent/teacher interviews or update sessions are about wrapped up... I hope the information exchange has been usefull to many, I know I have found some of your feedback and insights helpful too.

I am grateful to those parents who also keep me updated with some relevant newspaper articles... two of late which are particularly good are from the Age, dated Nov 3 in the Education section, titled Dangers of too much safety, and the other titled, "I'm telling on you" is a powerful tool when push comes to shove... if you would like a copy just let me know.