Amanda+Johnson

= Importance of Play = = What do you think of when you think of Kindergarten? =
 * Dramatic Play Areas? Block Center?
 * Water/Sand Tables?
 * Kitchen Sets?
 * Show and Tell?



Todays Kindergarten looks more like this:

 * Paper and Pencil Worksheets
 * Assigned Seating
 * Skill and Drill Exercises
 * Nightly Homework

Why is this happening you wonder?
for AYP which tests reading and math proficiency.
 * NCLB: Since this act, more time is spent on preparing students
 * Free play time is cut so more time can focus on academics

What experts say:
development in young children
 * Play is essential for children's healthy development
 * Play facilitates the growth of childrens' reasoning abilities
 * Imaginative play is the catalyst for social, physical, emotional and moral

What can we do to help?

 * Listen to what the experts say about the importance of play
 * Be an advocate for play in Kindergarten
 * Bring up the issue at the next school council meeting
 * Talk to other parents about the issue

Links to Sites:

 * To learn more about the importance of play: [|Amanda Johnson]
 * Watch this You Tube Clip: media type="youtube" key="a-h4IHIqkcc?fs=1" height="261" width="334"