Kindergarten -- structured vs. play or center based

[Anonymous]

I am in the process of touring kindergarten classes at several private school and trying to compare. Some have structured classes with assigned seating, some centers with a real empasis on traditional learning. Others are more play based, with circle time and center based learning (which is what my child has in her daycare based preK). I'm wondering if one approach is better than the others or rather what people's opinions are on the subject. I like the idea of center based learning but that might be because that's what I'm used to seeing. But at the same time, a structured class has its benefits too. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

A couple of thoughts:

1) Has your child responded well to the play based daycare or is she frustrated and bored?

2)

[Anonymous]

Oops - hit send too quickly.

2) What are your educational plans for her for the next few years? Do you expect her to go to a traditional program later on, public school, experiential (hands-on) program?
If you have a preference then you should send her to a K that will prepare her accordingly.

hope this helps

[Anonymous]

I like the idea of moving around during the day while learning. It's more natural, and I think kids learn better. So I'd probably lean toward the more play-based set-ups myself. But I agree with PP, a lot depends on your child's learning style.

[Anonymous]

I find "structured classes" and "assigned seating" to be very strange for 2-3 yo children. For K, might be appropriate, depending on how well your child adapts to the demands of such an environment.

[Anonymous]

My child was in a play-based K with lots of outdoor time and moving around. There was a big emphasis on building positive social interactions. Science and social studies were part of their curriculum. They also had direct reading and math instruction in very small groups for age-appropriate lengths of time. She finished her K year LOVING school, and with a greatly increased vocabulary from all the conversation with other kids.