Reply to AppleTree Public Charter preschool

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]The focus on academics is what worries me about Appletree. Studies show that play based programs are very effective at giving preschoolers the skills they will need to be academically successful in ES. I am not looking for my child to be taught reading before K--just don't think it will lead to long-term better outcomes (as PP noted), possibly at the expense of other skills I would like her to develop, whih ply-based programs are really good at.[/quote]

I think you have misunderstood AppleTree's model if you think that it is not play based.  There is a great balance between academics and play.  The academics are taught through play.  It's not like the kids all sit there all day reciting numbers or the alphabet.[/quote]

In not saying it's rote memorization--but it is not a play-based program. It's age appropriate, but on the scale it is oriented toward academics. This I a great primer on the difference between these philosophies: http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/going-to-school/choosing/comparing-preschool-philosophies/

From that article:

Play-Based
In a play-based program, children choose activities based on their current interests. The term “play-based” is often interchanged with “child-centered,” which could be used to describe the majority of available preschool programs. The play-based classroom is broken up into sections, such as a home or kitchen, science area, water table, reading nook, space with blocks and other toys, or other areas. Teachers encourage the kids to play, facilitating social skills along the way. “Even though it seems like they are just playing, they are learning valuable skills, including important social skills and cooperation with others, learning about signs (as most items are labeled), and early math,” says Jenifer Wana, author of “How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child.”

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