Twenty-First Century Kindergarten
Twenty-First Century Kindergarten
Gina R. McCarthy
ECE 311
Dr. Moore
July 12, 2011
In the seventies, kindergarten consisted of song singing, snack time, little instruction and nap time in a half day setting. Now, in the twenty-first century, it consists of; math, reading, science and the fine arts in a seven hour day five days a week. The competitiveness of kindergarten in the twenty-first century includes academic standards traditionally reserved for upper elementary students. The fundamental goal of teaching is to instill a love for learning in the students. Although everyone is capable of learning, it is the teacher’s responsibility to teach the students how to effectively learn in an environment that is respectful and encouraging. Since humans have multiple learning styles, it is important for the teacher to get to know the students and how they learn best. The classroom can encourage or inhibit learning depending on the dominant learning style of each student. By accommodating the different learning styles in the classroom, the teacher can create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Teachers must have the desire to guide their students though the learning process. By creating a relaxed environment for the students, stimulating conversation about concepts being presented and organizing material in a way that makes it easier to understand are great ways to encourage learning. Some teachers are having real struggles with new standards. For instance, kindergarten now has a ninety minute reading block. This is a long time period for most kids to sit still, especially five year olds. It does not allow much time for the teacher to plan “fun teaching” to help kids acquire a love for learning. Teacher’s must take the curriculum and put their own edge to it to make it more interesting for the students. Sometimes it seems like they are forcing kids to grow up too quickly. Children must have time to play, after all, play induces
Gina R. McCarthy
ECE 311
Dr. Moore
July 12, 2011
In the seventies, kindergarten consisted of song singing, snack time, little instruction and nap time in a half day setting. Now, in the twenty-first century, it consists of; math, reading, science and the fine arts in a seven hour day five days a week. The competitiveness of kindergarten in the twenty-first century includes academic standards traditionally reserved for upper elementary students. The fundamental goal of teaching is to instill a love for learning in the students. Although everyone is capable of learning, it is the teacher’s responsibility to teach the students how to effectively learn in an environment that is respectful and encouraging. Since humans have multiple learning styles, it is important for the teacher to get to know the students and how they learn best. The classroom can encourage or inhibit learning depending on the dominant learning style of each student. By accommodating the different learning styles in the classroom, the teacher can create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Teachers must have the desire to guide their students though the learning process. By creating a relaxed environment for the students, stimulating conversation about concepts being presented and organizing material in a way that makes it easier to understand are great ways to encourage learning. Some teachers are having real struggles with new standards. For instance, kindergarten now has a ninety minute reading block. This is a long time period for most kids to sit still, especially five year olds. It does not allow much time for the teacher to plan “fun teaching” to help kids acquire a love for learning. Teacher’s must take the curriculum and put their own edge to it to make it more interesting for the students. Sometimes it seems like they are forcing kids to grow up too quickly. Children must have time to play, after all, play induces
References: Eliason, C., Jenkins, L. (2008). A Practical Guide to Early Childhood Curriculum (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River: New Jersey: Merrill Prentice Hall. Papalia, D., Olds, S., Feldman, R., (2008). A Child’s World Infancy through Adolscence (11th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. Pennsylvania Standards for Kindergarten as per website www.pde.state.pa.us/early_childhood/cwp/view.asp?Q=101699&A=179