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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think kids don't actually learn anything at preschool

180 replies

AnonBCofHate · 14/09/2017 22:23

It seems like my kid learns a hell of alot more by staying home having a "nothing" rainy day than spending a week at preschool. I don't understand why they don't try more. Now they've sent home a letter saying they are no longer going to teach children to write their names! Which I think is the least they should be doing surely. AIBU to want them to actually teach my child!?

OP posts:
Mistoffelees · 15/09/2017 07:55

Popcorn, if she would only do it on her terms then she wasn't ready for school was she? Pre-school is a chance for children to develop confidence and independence in a smaller group than in school, if the pre-school weren't doing that it's a failing of them teaching very basic skills, not of them failing to teach maths skills

Thirtyrock39 · 15/09/2017 07:56

It's not so much about letters , shapes etc more creative play, problem solving, working with others, following routines, time away from home. Maybe I'm lucky because ours was fantastic and did far more than I could at home and were much more aware of my child's strengths than I was . It's also a great opportunity for trained staff to be involved with your child - it can be then who notice any issues (embarrassingly they noticed ds needed glasses when I hadn't) and things like SEN / speech and language

Ecureuil · 15/09/2017 08:05

Iheartjordanknight our pre school (and it is a pre school, not a nursery) takes children from 2 years old. Some children get funding at 2 years old, some pay. We pay for 2 year old DD to do 2 x 3 hour sessions a week.

Ecureuil · 15/09/2017 08:07

We also pay for a couple of sessions for DD1, as she does more than her state funded 15 hours.

Ecureuil · 15/09/2017 08:08

(I'm a SAHM by the way, we just pay for more as she loves it)

Oblomov17 · 15/09/2017 08:19

I disagree. Most children in reception could write their name, form most letters. Many could read and write. Ds2 struggled. Looking back I am cross with myself and nursery for letting this happen. It put him under unnecessary pressure and I regret that.

DixieNormas · 15/09/2017 08:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

museumum · 15/09/2017 08:27

My ds learns loads about the world in his nursery. They're always on a "topic" like the solar system or emergency services or mini beasts or recycling....
we follow up at home but learning the planets and learning Spanish both started at nursery.

wonderingsoul · 15/09/2017 09:12

Even in our baby room we do topics such as muni beast. Shaoes counting cokours.

We go from 6 months to 2 then they go to toddler room which is 2 to 5.

Babybroom its mire led by babies and their develoment stage. Which is why having a keyworker is so important. We know "our children" and what they can and cant do so we plan for their unquie needs.
Toddler room its more of a room activity but they learn through play and part of our job is to get them ready for school which means 5 munutes sitting at a table doing fun games or sitting down to take register and story times.

Everything a nursery/preschool does will haventhe childs development at the front.

For some one who is studying childcare im shicked and sickened that you dont know this and insuggest you find a new job venture because you will suck.

Iheartjordanknight · 15/09/2017 09:25

My point is if you are paying for childcare the point about whether pre school is worthwhile educationally is moot really- you need the childcare regardless.

If it's a choice between nursery and staying at home with a parent then maybe you'll only do it if you can perceive the benefits

Iheartjordanknight · 15/09/2017 09:26

And I speak as someone whose children have been in nursery since 9 months full time and benefitted massively. They were so far ahead of children who were at home with a parent and it was hugely noticeable

Dalphidol · 15/09/2017 09:29

Mine learnt loads and even if they didn't I think it's a really good experience for them as they will at least learn social interaction with peers and a taster of the school setting to prepare them for the following year.

coddiwomple · 15/09/2017 09:33

Why on earth do you want your child to learn to write and count at 3!

Of course it's great they explore, colour, shapes and all the rest of it, and I have to admit all mine could write their name when they left preschool. But also, I don't care.
I would like to see kids being kids, learning to interact with other, possibly learn through songs - so yes, please, throw another language, but preschools who concentrate on time outside, building things, playing in mud, running around are so much better. Be confident in public toilets, many kids can but refuse to use them, have good table manners and know how to hold your cutlery properly. Gardening, baking, that should be what preschools concentrate on. Through all the games, they do learn a lot, but the most important thing is to have kids excited to go.

They have their all childhood to be forced to read and write - and truth is, mine don't mind reading, they only complain about homework when they reach secondary in my home. I am still waiting to see proof that kids who learn to write earlier achieve more in life. Some have very pushy parents, so will be forced to study a lot, but in the long term, it's not helping anyone.

Children in my school who had famously pushy parents did not achieve any better than the rest of us. The most successful people from my old classes were far from being the most academic.

Iheartjordanknight · 15/09/2017 09:37

To be fair, counting and starting to write are both measures in EYFS. It's not unusual at all to be able to count or form letters

MiaowTheCat · 15/09/2017 09:50

This reply has been deleted

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Natsku · 15/09/2017 09:51

YABU, in preschool children learn the social, emotional, and physical skills that are essential for success in school later on. Children need to learn pre-literacy skills before they can learn literacy skills, you need a foundation first to build upon once they are in school.

MiaowTheCat · 15/09/2017 09:52

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FlaviaAlbia · 15/09/2017 10:01

Social skills, making friends, sharing, taking turns with other children, playing nicely, encouraging curiosity, learning about the world around them, identifying plants and animals, having a good run round outside with friends, making up their own games, having fun.

What's not to like about them learning about all that?

coddiwomple · 15/09/2017 10:06

Flavia I think that should be most of their days in year 1 or 2 too... not just in preschool.

ChequeredPasta · 15/09/2017 10:45

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FlaviaAlbia · 15/09/2017 10:49

Yes, but no harm starting it earlier if they're ready. It's good for them to have company their own age.

If they're not ready, it's not compulsory so you can keep them home.

coddiwomple · 15/09/2017 10:54

please don't be that parent demanding that the kids get more homework from reception. You know, when they are 4 or 5...

deadringer · 15/09/2017 11:02

Yabu op and ridiculous. Pp have pointed out lots of benefits of preschool so I won't bother, if you think you can do better, keep your child home and teach them whatever you like.

kesstrel · 15/09/2017 11:13

AnonBC You might be interested in this blog, which questions the evidence base of the current orthodoxy about 'inappropriate' pre-school learning. Although learning through play is undoubtedly very important at this age, there are good reasons to question the view that this is the only way pre-schoolers should be learning.

heatherfblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/09/a-truism-that-needs-questioning/

Lots of her other blog postings are on the same subject are also excellent. This is another one:

heatherfblog.wordpress.com/2015/06/01/the-hydra/

Ellieboolou27 · 15/09/2017 11:57

iheartjordanknight nope my 2yo is in pre school not nursery, it's run by my daughters school and offers sessions which are 3 hours long 5 days a week should parents wish to send their 2 or 3 year olds.
If you are not in receipt of benefits these sessions are £15
I know the difference between a private nursery and a pre school thanks

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