The importance of unstructured play

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Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this example—and these three ideas—is that we cannot simply put a box of wooden toys in a room filled with entertainment and high-stimulation experiences and expect our kids to “instinctually” dive into free play. We need to rewire our kids. We have to give them the experience of boredom and we have to ride out the initial irritability and confusion that accompanies it. More than anything, we have to model for them, showing them how parents and children can be together but apart—engaged in focused and meaningful activities in the world around us.

The alarming news is that our kids need to relearn how to play. The reassuring takeaway is that we, as parents, are the perfect people to teach them.

Read the entire article, “We’re Ruining Our Kids with Minecraft: The Case for Unstructured Play.”

Why preschool?

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Though public schools are currently held accountable for students’ scores in math and reading proficiency alone, evidence from both psychology and economics shows that a wide range of non-academic skills play a big role in determining success later in life.

To read the entire article, “What Every School Can Learn From Preschools,” click on npr.org.

Lilly Pads registration now open!

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Registration is now open for the 2015 Lilly Pads class. Downey’s teacher-led Lilly Pad class is for parents (or caregivers) and their little ones ages 18-24 months. This class will show you just how fun learning can be for you and your toddler. It’s a great opportunity for toddlers to start socializing with other children in a guided environment with reassurance from their caregivers. Meet other parents and make some friends too!

The class meets Mondays, Jan. 26-March 16. Registration deadline is Jan. 12. Click on the link above for more information and registration details.

FREE Parentpalooza Workshop for co-op members!

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Workshop Topic:

Emotional Geography: What State Are You In?

Help in managing challenging behavior in children (Conscious Discipline)

When:

Saturday, Nov. 22, 10:00 a.m.-noon

Where:

Northeast Cooperative Preschool and Kindergarten, 5805 E. 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226

This is a fantastic opportunity to participate in a top-notch seminar focused on the latest brain research and child development. Register by visiting the EventBrite link below (promo code: coop). Non-co-op members are encouraged to attend as well — the price for non-co-op members is only $9!

Workshop Overview:

The number one skill necessary for success in school is self-regulation yet 40% of children enter school missing this essential skill. In this interactive workshop you will learn the basics of Conscious Discipline, a transformational self-regulation program that uses everyday events to teach social-emotional skills. This adult-first approach to discipline helps adults develop their skills so they may guide children in doing the same. Conscious Discipline is based on the latest brain research and child development. All behavior is communication of an internal state. You will learn how to identify the state and some tools that you can use to address behavior in each state. Come prepared for a shift in your perception of behavior and ready to play along, sing songs, and leave feeling like you have new direction for even the most challenging behavior!

Hosted by: Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives

Speaker: Jenny Spencer (http://www.ignitelearningllc.blogspot.ca/)

Co-op members get FREE tickets:
Click the link, choose “ICPC School”
Click “enter promotional code” and enter “coop” (lowercase, no quotes)

Non-co-op attendees, please purchase a $9 ticket

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/emotional-geography-what-state-are-you-in-help-in-managing-challenging-behavior-in-children-tickets-13700244801

What’s the rush?

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Children learn when they are left alone to explore their environment at their own pace. Downey Preschool believes in child-led, play-based learning, and for a good reason. What’s the rush? Check out the entirety of this lovely blog post at http://happinessishereblog.com/.

I won’t say ‘hurry up’, when you’ve stopped to smell the flowers.

I won’t rush you when you’re admiring the shape of the clouds.

I’ll let you lead me away to show me that interesting bug.

You’ll join in with what I’m doing, and we’ll go at your pace.

I’ll delight in the world, just like you do.

You’re learning, and I’m learning too.

This is important. This here is what life is really about. Thank you for showing me that.

from “Childhood: Why the Rush”

For those entering the public school system next year

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The IPS Showcase of Schools will be at Circle Centre Mall on Saturday, November 22. All IPS schools will be in attendance. Learn about its elementary, middle, high school, and magnet options all in one location. Magnet applications will also be available.

If you are interested in Indianapolis’s Charter School offerings, you can see a list of them here.

If you think a private school would be best for your family, you can find a list of those here.

 

Some advantages of play-based preschool

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“Researchers have found that children who attend preschools that emphasize direct instruction experience more stress at school. At ages five and six, children from academic-type preschools knew more letters and numbers than their peers who attended nonacademic preschools, but by first grade those advantages had disappeared. Researchers have also found that children from academically oriented preschools are less creative and less enthusiastic about learning than their peers who attended nonacademic preschools. And here’s the clincher: Kids who attend academic preschools may also, in the long run, do more poorly in school, and those kinds of schools may be handicapping boys in a way we could not have anticipated.”

from “The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do” by Peg Tyre