Anonymous wrote:As a teacher I find it completely ridiculous bordering on abusive that 3 year olds are being asked to write at sentence-length and sound out words. I would do some research on developmentally appropriate preschool literacy activities before signing my kid into this program. There is a reason preschools of our youth involved story time, home corners and finger paints, classroom pets and imaginative play. Building with blocks and swinging on jungle gyms.

Ridiculous bordering on abusive???!!! You could do with learning something about the Tools of the Mind curriculum before you start your ill judged rant.

As a teacher I find it completely ridiculous bordering on abusive that 3 year olds are being asked to write at sentence-length and sound out words. I would do some research on developmentally appropriate preschool literacy activities before signing my kid into this program. There is a reason preschools of our youth involved story time, home corners and finger paints, classroom pets and imaginative play. Building with blocks and swinging on jungle gyms.

we have been really impressed with tools of the mind. kids are learning to read and write and basic math skills through play, so it's not perceived as drudgery to learn. for example they have to "spell out" what they plan to do at their play center, which is centered on some theme (last week it was medicine). obviously my 3 year old is not going to write out a complete sentence, but he sounds out the first letter of each word in the sentence. this has really helped with his reading ability, and he tries to sound out the work when we read during his bedtime. the article that pp posted doesn't say that tools isn't effective. it has not been shown to be any more effective than other preschool curricula. the only thing i can say is that its working for my kid.

I have a child there in PK3 (OOB) and have no plans to play the lottery again, if that tells you anything. We have a fantastic teacher, involved parents and a kid who's excited to be there.

It's not perfect, but I've been surprised by how little attention it gets in DCUM-land.

Anyone has a first hand experience?
I went to the open house today and I was impressed by the principal and the Tools of the Mind approach.
Truth be told, they may not have all the bells and whistles that other schools have but everyone seemed very engaged and focused.
Anyone out there with first time experience that wants to share?
Thanks!