Anonymous wrote:So, my kid is in PK this year in a DCPS Reggio program (at a highly desirable Capitol Hill school). Last year we were totally happy w/the teacher (for PK3) and the classroom learning. This year, not so much. It really doesn't seem like the kids do ANY structured learning (other than "specials" with a non home-room teacher). According to DC, other than recess and the specials class, they do three sessions of "choice time" where the kids pick their play stations around the room and play/draw, whatever, on their own. A far cry from last year when my kid would come home talking about "cumulous (vs. other) types of clouds," "pupae and butterflies," etc., that DC learned in the different "units."
The other day DC told me "octopuses have beaks!" And, I got excited - wow - perhaps the kids have actually learned something in class!
But, no. Turns out DC learned the fact from a Wild Krats video . . .
Just not really down with this so-called "play-based curriculum." Seems like an excuse to do no lesson planning/structured learning whatsoever.
Reggio is not for everyone, but we are in another Reggio PreK and it is excellent bc the teachers work very hard. Would not change for a minute. You have plenty of test prep and structure ahead, if you stay in DCPS. Enjoy the beauty of Reggio now!