One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the
happiness of the child. Maria Montessori
85% of the foundation for a child’s
intellect, personality and skills is formed by age 5. Children are born ready
to learn. (Source: Brain Initiative, Wisconsin
Council on Children and Families, 2006)
Studies have found that by age 3, the
observed cumulative vocabulary for children in professional families was 1,116,
for working class families it was about 740, and for welfare families it was
525. (Source: Hart & Risley, Meaningful Differences in the
Everyday Experience of Young American Children, 1995)
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious
learning. But for children play is
serious learning. Play is really the
work of childhood. Fred Rogers
One of the many favorite children's books I love are Dylan's Day Out by Peter Catalonotto. This is a favorite book because it combines fiction and non-fiction in a tale about a dog that plays soccer with penguins. I also like his use of color and black and white photos. Great discussion starter. Peter has also visited our program for the past 3 years and read to our students. He also has shown them (and me) some techniques when drawing.
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your quote about Play. I too am an advocate for learning through play.
I would encourage you to read Bruce Perry's article, "Curiosity, Pleasure, and Play". you can fine it at www.childtrauma.org. It's a great article, and a quick read too.
Hi Carol,
ReplyDeleteThis quote from Fred Rogers sounds so Montessori: Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. Fred Rogers
Nice post!
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