While speaking with Susan this week I asked her if children in India had assessments to enter kindergarten. She advised children did not really attend preschool or early childhood education children ages 1-5 stayed home with mother, or grandparents. And during the day they help work around the house or play with brother, sister or cousins. She advised other children did have to go thru assessments however this was just to enrich the curriculum; it involves children in the assessments and never judges the children or makes them feel stressed. I asked Susan how play is encourage she advised kids need to stay neat they are not allow to draw, get wet or play with sand. She also advised there were swings outside and there is a break 20 minutes a day. In the class room no playing is allow the walls are filled with learning charts and kids are required to sit while teacher stand at the black board.
While speaking with Wendy
she advised kids in Nicaraguan did not attend any early child hood education
programs in fact only about 30 % of children even complete elementary
schooling. Kindergarten only goes to school from 730 to 11 and kids in elementary school can range from 6
to 16. Kids due go thru assessments which they actually call level testing and
are placed in the level that meets their abilities. Children get 90 minutes a
day to play and this can be any types of activities from dance,
football tournaments, and Coca-Cola soccer.
After speaking with both these ladies again I am
really sadden the lack of children schooling they are receiving and that play
and learning is not fun and required. I know this is what they are accustomed
to but really saddens me children just sits at a table for several hours and
can’t move.
I would have thought that these children were at least outdoors and exploring their surroundings. This is really disappointing that there is also so much sitting around and no engagement. Also what is Coca Cola Soccer???
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have great contacts for this class-they are giving you great information to share. I agree with you on how sad it is that the chidlren don't get enough play time-sitting this much is not good for anyone.
ReplyDeleteSamdi, it is nice that you have established contact with a professional overseas. I am curious as to what is coca cola soccer? Also, it is interesting how they place testing on children called level testing to measure the children's placement in programs. I wonder if they have 3 year olds with 5 year old in the same class?
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that children in the early childhood years are not receiving education. here we are pushing our children to start attending school as soon as possible, and there they need to help the family to survive. It seriously is like two different worlds, even though we are only a plane trip away.
ReplyDeleteIt is great that you have international contacts. It is very interesting learning about other people traditions and customs. It makes me realize that sometimes I take things for granted. Play seems to be something so second nature and wonderful that I can't imagine children just sitting at desks and being drilled all day. Thanks for your post.
ReplyDeleteSandi your story about the teacher that the children do not play do she understand that children could only sit for a little while? He or she needs another activity of play that would help their social development.
ReplyDelete