Preschool pressure may lead to burnout

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Sept, 1996

Too many reading drills, flash cards, and math worksheets in preschool may cause burnout a few years later, cautions Pat Clark, a Ball State University early childhood professor. Preschool instructors can introduce and reinforce academic concepts to children through play without the harsh reality of the academic world, she maintains.

"I think we are facing a major concern over pushing erupt academics into preschool, which may lead to problems later in life. What early childhood educators want in preschool is the development of attitudes and dispositions that are conducive to learning. We want children in the early grades who want to read, write, and learn. .

"But, if they have been doing flash cards and worksheets since ages three and four, it doesn't take long for learning to cease to be fun. We want children to have fun in preschool. That is where they can learn many important educational matters while socializing."

Clark partially attributes the recent push of academics into the preschool curriculum on parents and educators who are concerned that kids will not be ready for increasingly academic kindergartens. "Most parents want their children to succeed. So, many are looking to enroll their children into academically oriented preschool programs. They feel their children will then be ready for kindergarten."

When searching for a preschool, she advises that parents should look for:

* An area which contains a large variety of building blocks that allows youngsters to erect houses, forts, and other imaginary structures.

* A dramatic play area that includes clothing to help children engage in role playing.

* A library with books on varing space.

As academics become a priority at some preschools, parents should worry that their offspring may not develop much-needed social skills. "Children can be at risk if the preschool provides no opportunity for social interaction. These schools should allow some time for playing and talking."