P1 mums- learning through play?

[DevineByName]

Specifically in Scotsnet because I think learning through play is very firmly established in England and my DD seems to be in a bit of a guinea pig year.

DD's class is a full 25, no classroom assistant and one teacher. They're piloting learning through play and it all seems to be totally chaotic. I really think DD is struggling with the lack of structure.

The teacher had a word about DD not listening and not following instructions. I have been very strict with DD and checked in with the teacher daily and her behaviour has improved, but she's all over the place.

I'm beginning to think that the kids are just being left to their own devices in the home corner or whatever while the teacher works with 8 or so.

Any thoughts?

Is this new for the school? Is it all "learning through play"?

Ds' primary, even before CfE, already did a lot of learning through play. There was a whole area for "structured play" (the central area between the classrooms). Therefore nothing much changed when CfE was implemented.

The one difference from what you're describing is that because of the number of EAL kids, there was additional support in the classroom.

Talking with my brother last year, whose twins were in P1 at a different school, that school seemed to be having difficulty getting to grips with CfE and was blaming a lot of its own inflexibility on CfE (to the extent that I actually went back to the school to check that the principle benefit of the CfE is its flexibility)

Why don't you ask the teacher what's happening? They do have 'choosing times' usually and that's a good thing and it's a good skill to learn to occupy themselves and socialise.

If you're worried ask for a meeting with the teacher.

Think my DDs would have reacted similarly especially the younger ones who were full time at nursery.

Their nursery(s) were play based learning but with a very clear structure and routine to the session/day. Settle time, welcome music, cue to go to groups, choosing time, tidy up time, snack....

If your DD has had clear structure and routines then it's understandable that she might find the lack off challenging.

CfE was designed to straddle transitions but staff to child ratios are very different in early years. The teacher (I hope) at this stage will be working hard to implement routines as little things like putting jackets on unassisted takes time - nursery would help them.

Has there been a meet the teacher or curriculum info evening yet? Some awareness might ease your concerns.

I remember my teaching placement in primary, lovely but not for me. I'll take hulking great teenagers any day!

Is this new for the school? Is it all "learning through play"?

Yes, and it seems so. There is a rainbow and you get a different colour stick if you go to a different activity. She's supposed to collect all of the colours by the end of the day.

The teacher works with little groups while this is all going on.

There's a meet the teacher next week. I'm trying to collect my thoughts. My mum did say that she thought quite a few mums would be saying their P1s were all over the place, not just mine.

Where do I stand as a parent though?