needs

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2002 : May : 5

needs
By laura

That's not what I mean by not having his needs met. The first grade should continue from there.

Of course I do not know this kid, but looking at what is age appropriate, he's not too far behind. I don't think sight
words are appropriate for kindergarten, and honestly, I think letters can be taken care of in the first month of first grade. Why tell a kid he is a failure because the curriculum is inappropriate? That doesn't mean letters/numbers, formal symbol systems are not appropriate for kindergarten, but presented in meaningful contexts through play, etc. This kid doesn't sound like he is ready

for formal symbol systems. You HAVE to master language-mediated play experiences before you can take in formal symbol systems. Instead of remediation all year, this child's play levels should have been facilitated and fostered. I don't mean a few minutes of free play, I mean meaningful play that is valued and recognized as the place where learning happends for young children. Play as the 'meat' of the program. Children need to play with language and symbols before they are able to master language and symbols.