We are not discussing academics per se when we talk about early care and education. We are looking at how best to support young children in their development and insuring that they do not fall behind. Early childhood Education is always play based and facilitated by skilled adults who know well the developmental expectations of children and how to support that development through their natural encounters.
Academics--what is that? Increasing vocabulary, concepts of numbers and print, the organization of nature? Most children from middle and higher income homes get this in their daily living--it is not these children who are creating the gap. Finland has 2 things going for it—they are more homogenous and have the easiest language in the world to learn to read. It takes 2 months to learn to read Finnish and 2.5 years to learn English. Quality early learning experiences are a necessity in the U.S.
While I value a quality education, I disagree about whether academics ought to be pushed on young children. There are other countries around the world that delay academics and do far better than the US by high school age.
Finland delays formal education until age 7. See article on BBC News "Why do Finland's schools get the best results?"
Excerpt:
"Finland's schools score consistently at the top of world rankings, yet the pupils have the fewest number of class hours in the developed world."
We really enjoyed this video. It is graphically pleasing, has great statistics, and hopefully persuasive because early education is so important. We created a program called "Building Blocks for Literacy" that is free, research-based, and helps promote early reading success. We have been trying to get this message across and you have done it so beautifully. Thank you.
wow.......that was fast!!! But...important and powerful in meaning! thanks!
SmartCookies77 4 months ago
We are not discussing academics per se when we talk about early care and education. We are looking at how best to support young children in their development and insuring that they do not fall behind. Early childhood Education is always play based and facilitated by skilled adults who know well the developmental expectations of children and how to support that development through their natural encounters.
coriedavis 10 months ago
Academics--what is that? Increasing vocabulary, concepts of numbers and print, the organization of nature? Most children from middle and higher income homes get this in their daily living--it is not these children who are creating the gap. Finland has 2 things going for it—they are more homogenous and have the easiest language in the world to learn to read. It takes 2 months to learn to read Finnish and 2.5 years to learn English. Quality early learning experiences are a necessity in the U.S.
gamohler 10 months ago
While I value a quality education, I disagree about whether academics ought to be pushed on young children. There are other countries around the world that delay academics and do far better than the US by high school age.
Finland delays formal education until age 7. See article on BBC News "Why do Finland's schools get the best results?"
Excerpt:
"Finland's schools score consistently at the top of world rankings, yet the pupils have the fewest number of class hours in the developed world."
cvontres 10 months ago
This is a simply profound message - well done! I've seen many in my professional life as an early childhood educator and consultant.
Thank you for a compelling, honest, well-researched message.
garymaryhughes 10 months ago
We really enjoyed this video. It is graphically pleasing, has great statistics, and hopefully persuasive because early education is so important. We created a program called "Building Blocks for Literacy" that is free, research-based, and helps promote early reading success. We have been trying to get this message across and you have done it so beautifully. Thank you.
sterncenterforlangua 10 months ago
What a compelling way to communicate the need to invest in 0 to 5. Many thanks!
SmartBeginningsSHR 11 months ago