My tagline is “Shifting the focus from preparing for kindergarten to mastering preschool”….so what does that even mean? Isn’t a child who has mastered preschool prepared for kindergarten? The answer is a resounding YES! If that’s the case, then why does it matter what we call it? It matters because the way that your mind and attitude approaches a task can make all the difference in how you accomplish it.
I believe there is a powerful change that occurs when our mind shifts its focus to what kids need now–in the moment–in order to master preschool. If the ultimate goal is kindergarten readiness, we ought to be putting our energy into the skills that will get us there….which is mastery of PRESCHOOL skills. All too often we find ourselves pushing skills on preschoolers that are really meant to be obtained in kindergarten, and this is such a disservice to our kids.
I like to think of my little preschoolers much like the very hungry caterpillar in the popular and much beloved book by Eric Carle. The caterpillar starts as a tiny little egg and then emerges as a small caterpillar. We all know that caterpillars will eventually become butterflies, and the best way to fast-track that process is to push the caterpillar off of tree branch over and over and over again so that she can practice flying, right? Of course not! Nobody in their right mind would find that method effective. And yet, it is done every single day in preschool classrooms. Rather than letting our students eat, and grow, and get fat through play, we push them to complete academic skills while sitting quietly at tables. Rather than giving them time and space to develop within the cocoon of the their preschool years, we push them to spread wings they don’t yet have.
When the very hungry caterpillar has had her fill of sweets and treats and delicious foods, she settles in and begins her metamorphosis. When enough time has passed, she emerges a brilliant and beautiful butterfly. She is now ready to fly and she will do so with confidence. Giving our preschoolers the things they actually need developmentally during their preschool years is exactly what will give them the confidence to fly into kindergarten prepared for what is to come.
Take care not to cave to the pressure of those who would have you move away from developmentally appropriate practice in order for your students to “get ahead” or “have a leg up”. Give your kids the gift of a preschool experience that truly prepares them for the many years of learning ahead.