My son started grade one this year. He has gone from a 1/2 day of social interaction and play, to homework and scheduled play time. I think he is ready for more structure but many kids have a hard time adjusting to their new academic careers. What we know intuitively, and studies are reinforcing, is that kids learn a heck of a lot from unstructured play.
Obviously, they can’t play all of the time but a recent study from the Economic and Social Reserach Council in England shows that the strong focus on literacy and academics in 4 and 5 year olds does not leave enough time for play and could actually slow their academic development. The study called for more play time and outdoor play spaces so that children could have more choice over materials, locations, and playmates.
Margaret Morrissey, from the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations, said many parents were concerned about the issues raised in the report.
"We would like to see less emphasis on keeping small children focused on classroom working," she said. "We know, as parents, that young children learn at their best when they are learning through play. It is really important. We are putting too much emphasis as a nation on formal learning for very small children. We have really lost our way on this."
Although many schools in Canada do focus on a balance between play and work in the primary years, a recent study by KaBOOM!, a U.S. non-profit group and advocate for children’s play, illustrates a disturbing trend outside of school. 75% of pediatricians surveyed report that there has been a decline in unstructured play for children over the last 5 years. The majority of physicians surveyed believe that unstructured play is important to help build children’s social skills and confidence (96%), to help a child from becoming overweight (89%), and to help kids improve problem solving skills (82%).
The major factor contributing to the decline in play? 97% of pediatricians surveyed cited children spending more time in front of a TV or computer. Alarmingly, 99% of these doctors believe that the obesity rate among their patients has increased over the last 5 years.
Ever been by an Elementary school at recess? You will experience first hand a young child’s need for play. The difficult part is finding the right balance between structured learning and unstructured play. Offering children both will enable them the freedom to explore their interests while still making room for their ABCs.
Please share your comments below or send me an email with suggestions.
Jen