Preschool is often viewed as a time to prepare children for kindergarten. I prefer to shift the focus from “preparing for kindergarten” to “mastering preschool”.
What does that even mean? Isn’t a child who has mastered preschool prepared for kindergarten? The answer is a resounding YES!
If that’s the case, then why does it matter what we call it? It matters because the way that your mind and attitude approaches a task can make all the difference in how you accomplish it.
I believe there is a powerful change that occurs when our mind shifts its focus to what kids need now–in this moment–in order to master preschool. If the ultimate goal is kindergarten readiness, we ought to be putting our energy into the skills that will get us there….which is mastery of PRESCHOOL skills. All too often we find ourselves pushing skills on preschoolers that are really meant to be obtained in kindergarten, and this is such a disservice to our kids.
I like to think of my little preschoolers much like the Very Hungry Caterpillar in the popular and much beloved book by Eric Carle. The caterpillar starts as a tiny little egg and then emerges as a small caterpillar, ready to do all the things that caterpillars do.
Just as we would never push a caterpillar off a tree branch and expect it to fly, we should not push our preschoolers to master skills they are not developmentally ready for. It is not in their best interest to complete academic tasks while sitting quietly at tables. They need time to eat, and grow, and get fat through play.
When the very hungry caterpillar has had her fill of sweets and treats and delicious foods, she settles in and begins her metamorphosis. When enough time has passed, she emerges a brilliant and beautiful butterfly. She is now ready to fly, and she will do so with confidence. Giving our preschoolers the things they actually need developmentally during their preschool years is exactly what will give them the confidence to fly into kindergarten, prepared for what is to come.
