Child Capabilities vs Parents Expectations...

[finsup]

Dcb is almost 3. Dcm wants and expects things like worksheets etc to show he's "learning" I have explained about learning through play etc but well, she doesn't quite get it. I have given her more academic resources to look into and do at home with him since she was really pushing for that type of work. She still wants him to do it here too so I thought OK, not a huge deal. I homeschool my son who's doing pre-k, I'll adapt some of his stuff for this kiddo's level and have him work on it with my son. It's about half an hour out of our day and my son really enjoys it so hey maybe this kid will too. Problem is he refuses. Screams, cries, breaks crayons and is really not capable of any worksheets yet. Or typical 3 year old skills, he's more at a young 2 despite his age. I'd much rather let him play, do projects/art etc to help strengthen fine motor skills etc. But if I send him home with these projects its too "baby-ish." I can't even send him home with poorly attempted worksheets because he flat out refuses to do them. And absolutely cannot have him sitting at the table, crying, screaming etc as I try to homeschool.

So what do I do here? Do I keep pushing because dcm wants it? I'm leaning more towards just letting the kid play and say to you know what with the worksheets. She can find an academic program that better fits what she wants and let them handle it. But I'm curious to how others would handle this and maybe there's a middle ground somewhere?

[daycare]

I tell parents upon enrollment what the expectations are.

I show them what kids of this age group are developmentally ready for.

I go by abilities and interest not age.

Since I have a pre-kinder program I do a few worksheets here and there, but even still not like one would think when you think of school.

I would tell her I will offer plenty pf opportunities for him to learn to read and write but it will be at his interest. No one wants to be forced to do anything it wouldn't be beneficial to anyone.

The kids learn more through okay with Writing and reading incorporated into it.

Example we just had a full day of pizza shop play. I had play money and cash register. When the pretend phone rang someone would say 5 pizza please and the kids would do their best to write the order down. They loved it and they took on their own writing games while playing pizza shop.

I take tons of pics and post to our page. This is proof on itself plus the fact that the kids show their parents what they know. A piece of paper won't be the proof, it won't be fun, kids won't learn by sitting at a table writing because they have to. They will do it when they are interested and it's fun.

Do you tell parents anything at enrollment. ??

[snbauser]

I would not force the child to do them. Worksheets are not appropriate at that age. I honestly would tell mom that if that is the type of environment she is looking for that your program isn't a good fit since you will not do things that are not developmentally inappropriate.

[finsup]

I tell parents upon enrollment what the expectations are.

I show them what kids of this age group are developmentally ready for.

I go by abilities and interest not age.

Since I have a pre-kinder program I do a few worksheets here and there, but even still not like one would think when you think of school.

I would tell her I will offer plenty pf opportunities for him to learn to read and write but it will be at his interest. No one wants to be forced to do anything it wouldn't be beneficial to anyone.

The kids learn more through okay with Writing and reading incorporated into it.

Example we just had a full day of pizza shop play. I had play money and cash register. When the pretend phone rang someone would say 5 pizza please and the kids would do their best to write the order down. They loved it and they took on their own writing games while playing pizza shop.

I take tons of pics and post to our page. This is proof on itself plus the fact that the kids show their parents what they know. A piece of paper won't be the proof, it won't be fun, kids won't learn by sitting at a table writing because they have to. They will do it when they are interested and it's fun.

Do you tell parents anything at enrollment. ??

Well he was enrolled at 2 months old so its been a while . I do go over what I do, my philosophy, etc but at that time they were more concerned with infant practices. I do the same thing with photos. Even capture it with "here's what they're learning in this picture." But lately it hasn't been enough. They were fine with it until the last month or so :confused:

[Pepperth]

Well he was enrolled at 2 months old so its been a while . I do go over what I do, my philosophy, etc but at that time they were more concerned with infant practices. I do the same thing with photos. Even capture it with "here's what they're learning in this picture." But lately it hasn't been enough. They were fine with it until the last month or so :confused:

I wonder if she has a fear about his development that she is not vocalizing. Maybe that's why she's suddenly pushing the worksheets.

[Thriftylady]

I would just tell her that he is refusing, and try yet again to explain that worksheets do not show learning. I have a 4 yr old preschooler here, and we only do two worksheets a day. And those are only tracing and writing letters to get him using a writing utensil and hopefully learning his letters (which he doesn't seem to be grasping).

[daycare]

i think its just because parents just don't really know when a child is ready for this type of stuff.

they saw another child on FB that age doing it or on the Ellen show and now they think their kid has to be doing it too. They want their kid to be accomplished and they think that this is the way to do it. Little do they know it's not.

i would maybe find a few good articles, someone had a really good one ob here why play is so important. I would print that out and go over it with DCM.

[CalCare]

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201505/early-academic-training-produces-long-term-harm

http://educationnext.org/much-too-early/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/04/12/report-debunks-earlier-is-better-academic-instruction-for-young-children/

Here are some links to articles you can either email DCM or print and hand to her or print and have available for all dc parents to read, but leave at your house.

Worksheets are not considered developmentally appropriate in early care or education.

What I would do in order to keep her happy and so she knows there is learning taking place from play, is to take very specific pictures. Make poster boards with the pics. One could say in large print at the top:

How Do Children Learn MATH through Play?
"Young children are introduced to numbers by exposure to numbers in their environment and through practical uses- with and without adult direction. They are introduced to number operations through sorting, patterning, and grouping, at their own will, while playing. Because children learn and retain new information best if they seek it themselves, learning through play is best. Adults are here to create the environment and materials that best present opportunities for the children to learn through play. Having access to materials such as building blocks let the children experiment with size, shape, weight and balance. Having numbers in the environment in labels, walls, puzzles and books exposes children to the visual representation of the number and when the time comes for formal lessons, children are familiar and comfortable with them. Adults in the environment provide number exposure through conversation and simple practical tasks too, as children are asked to set the table with 4 napkins or to each pick up and put away 5 toys. Occasional adult directed activities such as a cooking project where the children measure, pour and mix, teach children about using numbers in everyday ways."

glue four pictures of children using math in play, teacher led activities, and everyday uses. Then subtitle it for example:

Jennifer and Max sorting little people by height. Jennifer commented "The little boy is small, The daddy is big". Comparing and contrasting heights is early geometry in action!

Max found all the squares in the magnatiles. More geometry, distinguishing shapes.

Jennifer poured the 2 Cups of flour for our bread. She was pleased with the result when the bread was tasted at snack time. We all thanked Jennifer for her careful measuring because it made the bread delicious! Using measuring tools and reading recipes ingrains a sense of real purpose and value in using numbers.

etc!

Make one for Math, Literacy, Creativity and physical development.

Take a lot of pictures, but take them with a plan. Don't bother with doing pics pointlessly and trying to think of what to write with it.

If you don't want to make your home look tacky and center-ish just put them up for a week and then put them away for awhile, or put one up at a time in your parent sign in spot if you have one.

Good Luck.
ps I just randomly wrote all this, don't feel bad saying so to me, if you don't like it at all I know everyone likes to do their own thing

[Thriftylady]

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...long-term-harm

http://educationnext.org/much-too-early/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/04/12/report-debunks-earlier-is-better-academic-instruction-for-young-children/

Here are some links to articles you can either email DCM or print and hand to her or print and have available for all dc parents to read, but leave at your house.

Worksheets are not considered developmentally appropriate in early care or education.

What I would do in order to keep her happy and so she knows there is learning taking place from play, is to take very specific pictures. Make poster boards with the pics. One could say in large print at the top:

How Do Children Learn MATH through Play?
"Young children are introduced to numbers by exposure to numbers in their environment and through practical uses- with and without adult direction. They are introduced to number operations through sorting, patterning, and grouping, at their own will, while playing. Because children learn and retain new information best if they seek it themselves, learning through play is best. Adults are here to create the environment and materials that best present opportunities for the children to learn through play. Having access to materials such as building blocks let the children experiment with size, shape, weight and balance. Having numbers in the environment in labels, walls, puzzles and books exposes children to the visual representation of the number and when the time comes for formal lessons, children are familiar and comfortable with them. Adults in the environment provide number exposure through conversation and simple practical tasks too, as children are asked to set the table with 4 napkins or to each pick up and put away 5 toys. Occasional adult directed activities such as a cooking project where the children measure, pour and mix, teach children about using numbers in everyday ways."

glue four pictures of children using math in play, teacher led activities, and everyday uses. Then subtitle it for example:

Jennifer and Max sorting little people by height. Jennifer commented "The little boy is small, The daddy is big". Comparing and contrasting heights is early geometry in action!

Max found all the squares in the magnatiles. More geometry, distinguishing shapes.

Jennifer poured the 2 Cups of flour for our bread. She was pleased with the result when the bread was tasted at snack time. We all thanked Jennifer for her careful measuring because it made the bread delicious! Using measuring tools and reading recipes ingrains a sense of real purpose and value in using numbers.

etc!

Make one for Math, Literacy, Creativity and physical development.

Take a lot of pictures, but take them with a plan. Don't bother with doing pics pointlessly and trying to think of what to write with it.

If you don't want to make your home look tacky and center-ish just put them up for a week and then put them away for awhile, or put one up at a time in your parent sign in spot if you have one.

Good Luck.
ps I just randomly wrote all this, don't feel bad saying so to me, if you don't like it at all I know everyone likes to do their own thing

I don't know about the OP, but I love what you wrote! MORE, MORE!!!! I would have personally never thought to write it out like that do you mind if I use this idea?

[CalCare]

Oh thanks Of course I don't mind. I can write a literacy one in a bit

[Blackcat31]

What is mom doing with him at home?

[Nurse Jackie]

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...long-term-harm

http://educationnext.org/much-too-early/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/04/12/report-debunks-earlier-is-better-academic-instruction-for-young-children/

Here are some links to articles you can either email DCM or print and hand to her or print and have available for all dc parents to read, but leave at your house.

Worksheets are not considered developmentally appropriate in early care or education.

What I would do in order to keep her happy and so she knows there is learning taking place from play, is to take very specific pictures. Make poster boards with the pics. One could say in large print at the top:

How Do Children Learn MATH through Play?
"Young children are introduced to numbers by exposure to numbers in their environment and through practical uses- with and without adult direction. They are introduced to number operations through sorting, patterning, and grouping, at their own will, while playing. Because children learn and retain new information best if they seek it themselves, learning through play is best. Adults are here to create the environment and materials that best present opportunities for the children to learn through play. Having access to materials such as building blocks let the children experiment with size, shape, weight and balance. Having numbers in the environment in labels, walls, puzzles and books exposes children to the visual representation of the number and when the time comes for formal lessons, children are familiar and comfortable with them. Adults in the environment provide number exposure through conversation and simple practical tasks too, as children are asked to set the table with 4 napkins or to each pick up and put away 5 toys. Occasional adult directed activities such as a cooking project where the children measure, pour and mix, teach children about using numbers in everyday ways."

glue four pictures of children using math in play, teacher led activities, and everyday uses. Then subtitle it for example:

Jennifer and Max sorting little people by height. Jennifer commented "The little boy is small, The daddy is big". Comparing and contrasting heights is early geometry in action!

Max found all the squares in the magnatiles. More geometry, distinguishing shapes.

Jennifer poured the 2 Cups of flour for our bread. She was pleased with the result when the bread was tasted at snack time. We all thanked Jennifer for her careful measuring because it made the bread delicious! Using measuring tools and reading recipes ingrains a sense of real purpose and value in using numbers.

etc!

Make one for Math, Literacy, Creativity and physical development.

Take a lot of pictures, but take them with a plan. Don't bother with doing pics pointlessly and trying to think of what to write with it.

If you don't want to make your home look tacky and center-ish just put them up for a week and then put them away for awhile, or put one up at a time in your parent sign in spot if you have one.

Good Luck.
ps I just randomly wrote all this, don't feel bad saying so to me, if you don't like it at all I know everyone likes to do their own thing

Thanks for the great information

[mommyneedsadayoff]

What is mom doing with him at home?

My question too!

[CalCare]

How Do Children Learn LITERACY Through Play?

Children learn early literacy skills (receptive and expressive language) through play by exploring and discovering symbols and letters as well as developing the muscles needed to write. Here, the environment and materials are designed to foster those explorations and muscle development. Children develop muscles in the hands and fingers by manipulating playdoh. By squeezing, twisting and shaping the dough in their hands, they are training themselves to hold pencils and pens. By looking at books with others and on their own, they learn the abstract idea of what written language means and how it can be used- creating an interest and desire to join the rest of the literate world. Has your child ever asked, "What does that say"? By answering questions and talking about reading and writing in every day uses, adults can contribute to children's knowledge and interest in a low pressure way.

picture of kids with books, playdoh, hands in mud, hands in goo, child doing puzzle that has letters, child building with letter blocks, fridge magnet letters, floating letters in water table.

Sally and nick are squeezing the goop through their fingers. As she experiments with the thickness, the weight, and the stretch of the goop, Sally is developing fine motor skills to someday use when writing.

Nick is placing letter magnets in rows on the pan. He asked me what many of the combos said- "What word is this? What about this". Nick is learning that different letters make different words while developing intrinsic motivation to learn to read- for himself, not for a teacher or a mom or praise, or a treat! He just finds it neat and wants to know more!


ha idk! gotta get back to momming

[Josiegirl]

Calcare, that is good stuff!!
Thanks for sharing! I'll have to definitely start thinking of sharing what we do here on those terms! I've got some great parents as far as not wanting to push academics on their little ones too early. But this is still great to show the dcps the benefits they're getting from what we do.

It frustrates me to no end that little kids, just barely out of the baby-toddler stage are expected to do worksheets and things like that. Do it this way, do it that way. There goes all their little imaginative creative thinking skills right out the door, not to mention all kids learn at their own rate in their own way. Talk about stunting a child's academic growth by stifling their curiosity and taking all the fun out of it.
And we still hear people brag of how their child learned to read at 3. So what??? Be proud of your child for who he is not for how much he can do. Or they will always strive to please you with no clue of what makes them truly special or happy.