Because everything they learn, they’ll learn in kindergarten.

My kids are geeks. I am not complaining. One is 6-years old, the other is 3, and they both love school! I believe getting them in the right preschool had a lot to do with fostering that love for learning.

Both went to the same progressive preschool in the tradition of the Bank Street College of Education in New York. The school’s founders and other teachers were trained there and brought what they call experiential and constructivist learning to our own neighborhood.  Authentic progressive schools are successful in exploiting a child’s natural curiosity and sense of adventure. How can you tell if your candidate school is the right one?

If you are shopping for a preschool, I would suggest you first look among the ones in your area that are state-licensed. This is added insurance that facilities and teaching staff meet state requirements.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, you should call your prospective preschools to learn about their programs, school hours, payment schemes and other pertinent questions. You should definitely pay each school a visit. Observe closely. Look at how teachers interact with the children. Are they caring and attentive? How do they answer questions from the children? Are the children happy and engaged, yet are organized and well-adapted to their routines? Talk to the school director and look into the staff’s credentials.

When talking to the director, ask that she explain the school’s curriculum and their approach to learning. I would avoid schools that over-emphasize worksheets and teacher-directed activities. Preschool children learn best through both structured and non-structured activities. They should be busy using their heads, hearts, hands and bodies!

Alfie Kohn, well-known expert on human development and education has a simple checklist for what makes a good school environment. Consider these when making observations of your candidate preschools:

Furniture

• chairs and tables to facilitate interaction
• comfortable areas for learning including multiple activity centers
• open space for gathering
• beware: chairs all facing forward or desks in rows

On the Walls

• covered with students’ projects
• evidence of student collaboration
• signs, exhibits or lists obviously created by students rather than teacher
• information about and personal mementos of people who spend time together in the classroom
• beware: immaculate walls; commercial posters; students’ assignments displayed but they are suspiciously flawless, are only from the best students or are virtually all alike; list of rules created by an adult and/or list of punitive consequences for misbehavior; sticker or star chart or other evidence that students are rewarded or ranked

Students’ Faces

• eager
• engaged
• beware: blank or bored

Sounds

• frequent humm of activity and ideas being exchanged
• beware: frequent periods of silence; teacher’s voice is the loudest or most often heard

Leave a Reply