Prediction: Future pushback against earlier schooling
It’s not that early schooling can’t be effective, it’s more that I lack confidence in the ability of many preschools to do it properly. I can’t point to any large-scale research showing that many boys have a negative reaction to early literacy instruction — in fact, researchers I trust say they don’t have evidence of that. But I’ve heard enough anecdotal evidence from parents to keep me wary. Here’s an article describing pushback by teachers in England, who point to the Scandinavian model as preferable.
Although, as Sara Mead at New America points out, it’s not quite as simple as saying Scandinavians simply avoid schooling before age 7.
Tags: preschool
April 8th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
What makes the Scandinavian model preferable?
April 8th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Read through Sara’s reporting. It’s quite good. And then balance that against what we know about boys in the U.S. getting expelled from preschool for behavioral issues, etc. Problem is, preschool sets kids up for the early literacy push they will face in kindergarten. The Scandinavian model suggests, on the surface, that if we all chill out and wait, that all kids will excell.
April 9th, 2009 at 2:31 am
Interesting, and very thought-provoking.
Jenny
http://www.bloggingboutboy.blogspot.com
April 9th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I’ll check it out, thanks
April 10th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
For a very good analysis of US, UK, State of Washingon and Finnish demographic and preschool practices, see
http://www.eoionline.org/early_learning/reports/2007StudyTourBriefingBook-Sep07.pdf
There is no question that preschools can and will be badly run. However, there is also solic ample evidence in the child psych lit, that young children have a good deal more inherent capability than is currently being nurtured in the US. It’s all in the teaching/learning/guidance/love provided.
April 15th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Finland seems to really be on top of education and providing for citizens based on these figures. The U.S. could learn a few things.