Rae Pica: How Misinformation Is Hurting Our Children
Rae Pica is an early childhood education advocate. This is post from earlier in the year, but it still hits the mark.
There’s a whole lot of misinformation flying around these days!
Whether it’s about what it takes to be a good parent, or what children really need to succeed, there are myths wreaking havoc on childhood, on early education, and on you!
I don’t know why people are believing the myths. And I don’t know how all the craziness – and it is craziness – began. I just know I want to put an end to it. I want the facts – and child development – to dictate how children are raised and educated. And I expect you’d like the same.
Among the myths circulating throughout our society, there are four big ones that I see as most detrimental to children and the parents and professionals who live and work with them. Let’s look at them one at a time, in no particular order. (All of them make me want to pull my hair out!)
1. Earlier is better. This one has become deeply ingrained in our society. Among other things, it has led parents, administrators, policymakers – and even some teachers – to believe:
- Children should experience the kindergarten curriculum in preschool and the first-grade curriculum in kindergarten.
- Children should be reading by the end of kindergarten, if not before.
- Children should be exposed to academics as early as possible or they will fall hopelessly behind.
The other three myths are
2. Children learn by sitting.
3. Digital devices are necessary for learning.
4. Play is a waste of time.