Anonymous wrote:http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/interventionreport.aspx?sid=519

see this--supposedly tools of the mind doesnt do anything special

Anonymous wrote:We have been in a TOTM class for two years.

Pros:
- It works well with developing writing. My son can write actual short simple sentences.
- It facilitates the ability to draw detailed things through observation. He's really learning to draw complex, realistic things because they practice techniques every day.
- It helps a child adapt to a schedule and routine. My son is thriving on this and hates when the day is interrupted.
- It helps the child make decisions. My son is goal-oriented and decisive when it comes to play, and I don't feel he's "too" structured. Just smart and mature.
- It allows ample time for play - dramatic, creative, independent, group, etc... It's all incorporated.

Cons:
- It does work best with more involved parents who work with kids at home because they don't really focus on letters and numbers. My son knows these, so he does well and is BUILDING at school rather than learning new stuff constantly.
- I don't want to say it stifles creativity, but one example of the rigidity that is funny to me is that when they draw their play plans it is with a single marker or crayon that matches the color of the center. As a result of 2 years of this, my son draws mostly in one color because that's how he does it at school. He draws very detailed things, in ONE color.
- We don't have this experience, but when TOTM is done wrong or half assed, it's boring and flat and bad. Ours is done every day and well, and we are lucky.
- It also works best with a supplementary arts and physical and musical program; we sort of have this, but we have a really half-assed art teacher in our school so I wish the whole program was as well done as the TOTM classroom element.

Hope this helps!

I have had good experience with this program and recommend it if you think the school implements it thoroughly and true to the method.

Anonymous wrote:So if I'm more concerned about social and emotional development than academics, does tools if the mind seen like a good fit?

Anonymous wrote:It's ok, if supplemented. And I would say the problem with is that it presupposes a foundation that many of our learners do not have. Perfect if you are reading with your kiddo at home, and teaching them the 'basics' letters, addition, basic subtraction concepts. However it does not provide essential direct instruction that many of our kids need. So definitely not for the 'head start' crowd , assuming that your wrap them up as being under prepared and exposed. Not bring snarky- just making sure I am picking up on your assumptions.

Anonymous wrote:I'm not really up to date on my early education pedagogy, but I think it's a good way to teach young children. There is a mix of whole class activities and then breaking out into smaller "centers", which the children choose themselves. And then they work with teachers in the centers and play with one another. It eases kids into learning - no one is sitting in front of a chalk board listening to the teacher lecture.