As parents, we all want to do everything we can to help our children be successful in school and in life. But it can be difficult to know exactly how to help them because we hear so much conflicting information about how children learn. We know you have many questions in general about how children learn. You may also want to know why the HighScope Curriculum may be right for your young child. Click this link to explore the HighScope site for more information. I'd love to answer your questions, too!
Here are some common questions that usually come up throughout the year (adapted from the HighScope site):
Do All Children Learn At The Same Pace?
No, each child learns in a different way, at a different pace. Although we all develop abilities in a predictable sequence throughout our lives, it’s important to realize that each of us has unique characteristics from birth, characteristics that develop further through a unique set of everyday experiences and interactions. Each child is a unique individual, and learning happens in the context of each person’s personality, abilities, and opportunities.
When I Go To My Child's Preschool, It Looks Like They Are Just Playing. Are They Learning Anything From This?
Yes! Children learn through play. When children play, they are actively engaged in activities they have freely chosen; that is, they are self-directed and motivated from within. In its position statement on developmentally appropriate practice, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) states “Research shows that child guided, teacher-supported play benefits children in many ways. When children play, they engage in many important tasks, such as developing and practicing newly acquired skills, using language, taking turns, making friends, and regulating emotions and behavior according to the demands of the situation. This is why play needs to be a significant part of the young child’s day” (Copple & Bredekamp 2009, p. 328).
Many other experts agree that play provides a foundation for learning and later academic success. For example, research demonstrates the importance of child-initiated play (as opposed to play defined and directed by adults) in the development of language and literacy skills. When children determine the direction and content of their own play, they have many opportunities to hear and practice language.
For more information on the importance of play see the HighScope Extensions newsletter Play: An Important Tool for Cognitive Development.
Are There Other Websites I Can Visit To Learn More?
Yes! Here is a link to a list of organizations that specialize in early childhood and can provide you with more information