Stop Teaching the Fun Out of Childhood and Let Kids Be Kids
A recent pre-K curriculum has been criticized for over-instructing children on basic skills, such as kicking a ball, and undermining their natural ability to learn through play.
### The Over-Instruction of Childhood A recent pre-K curriculum has sparked controversy among parents and educators, with many questioning the need for such detailed instructions on basic skills like kicking a ball. The curriculum, which has been shared by Ginny Yurich, host of the "1000 Hours Outside" podcast, provides step-by-step guidance on how to teach children to kick a ball, including instructions on how to stand, move, and swing their legs. The instructions are so detailed that they seem more suited to a robot than a child. For example, children are told to take at least four large steps back before kicking the ball, and to place the non-kicking foot next to the ball. The instructions also include warnings about the potential dangers of kicking a ball, such as the risk of injury from a stray ball. ### The Problem with Over-Instruction The problem with this curriculum is that it undermines the natural ability of children to learn through play. Children are born with an innate desire to explore and learn, and they are naturally curious about the world around them. By over-instructing them on basic skills, we are taking away their opportunity to learn and develop at their own pace. Moreover, the curriculum assumes that children are not capable of learning on their own, and that they need to be taught every step of the way. This is a flawed assumption, as children are capable of learning and developing at a rapid pace when given the opportunity. ### The History of Education The modern model of education has only existed for a relatively short period of time, historically speaking. In the past, children learned how to become functioning adults through a combination of play, exploration, and hands-on experience. The idea that children need to be formally instructed on every skill is a relatively recent development, and it is one that has had a profound impact on the way we think about education. ### Letting Kids Be Kids So what is the solution? The answer is simple: give kids a ball and get out of the way. By allowing children to learn and develop at their own pace, we are giving them the opportunity to become confident, capable, and independent individuals. We are also giving them the chance to develop a love of learning that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. As Lenore Skenazy, president of Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence and resilience, and author of Free-Range Kids, so eloquently puts it, "Give 'em a ball. Get out of the way.
