On a weekly basis we have several prospective parents come and tour our center. I am very proud of both Murrieta and French Valley University’s staff and curriculum. However, I sometimes feel as if I am defending the way we do “things” around here. I often hear “there is just not enough structure” or “it looks like all they are doing is playing” or even “there is just not enough academics for my child”. What does all that mean exactly? Maybe I have been in this industry for so long that I lost focus… I thought children were supposed to play, I thought children were supposed to have fun! Most people as adults, don’t have that much “fun” anymore. Maybe an occasional night out with friends or even a vacation once a year. I am lucky because I have fun at work. I enjoy watching how much fun the children have at our centers. I see smiles all day long. I see children that aren’t ready to go home there having so much fun. But guess what? They are learning, every minute of the day. How, do you ask? Because they are only 2, 3, 4 and 5 they haven’t been in this world all that long. So wouldn’t every day, every new thing they see, touch or explore be a new experience to them? The children at Murrieta and French Valley University learn new things every day! We just don’t make them sit down and do dittos or look at flash cards to do it!
I love this post. I was guilty in the beginning of wanting an “academic program” for my son. Like all parents, I want my child to excel at school and life, and thought an academic preschool was the way to go. (I personally love workbooks, flash cards, etc.). But there’s plenty of time for that. Childhood needs to be fun, and I agree that kids learn primarily through play. I chose FVU for several reasons, but a mainly I realized that all children want to learn, and by experimenting with the things in the world around them, and having active participation in play that coordinates their brain, senses & muscles, they become more independent, self-confident and creative little problem-solvers, which, are crucial attributes if they really are to exceed in school and life.
Thanks Pamela for your input! Wait until Back to School night when I share with you why traditional workbooks can be confusing and intimidating for preschoolers! I like to think of us as sort of “sneaky” they are having so much fun, they don’t even realize they are learning. And, you are right, you can do all the other stuff at home if it important to you! They will have plenty of time to hit the books real soon! A quote from my high school son “Once I got to 5th grade, they started sucking the creativity right out of me! Now it is even hard for me to come up with a creative writing paper”. This is from the mouth of a 16 year old! Thank you to all the parents that support and applaud our type of curriculum!