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The Discussion Continues: Academic vs Play-Based Preschool

Play-Based Learning · June 21, 2011

Just a quick post today, but I wanted to add one more follow-up to the discussion of academic vs. play-based preschools. I’ve discussed this topic here and here, and based on the research I’ve read, I’m becoming more and more convinced that play-based preschool better supports what we know about how children development both academically and socially. While academic-based preschools may provide immediate “results” in the form of children learning to read sooner, etc., but this may be undermined by children becoming disinterested in learning by early elementary school. This Canadian article reiterates what much of the research shows–one of the primary goals of preschool is to help students develop self-regulation and play-based preschool promotes this goal in a better, more child-friendly way. Research has continued to show that self-regulation is a better predictor of a child’s later academic success (and life success) than IQ tests or academic tests.

This debate about the different types of preschool is likely to go on for years, but I think it is important, as a parent, to understand the distinction.
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Filed Under: Play-Based Learning Tagged With: preschoolers

Amy Webb, Ph.D.

Writer and mom of two who brings academic child development and parenting information into the lives of ordinary parents who can use it in their daily lives.

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Comments

  1. @jeannezoo says

    June 21, 2011 at 6:00 pm

    Yes, yes, yes. Play based, child centered, project based, exploratory, constructivist…all the best routes and developmentally appropriate for young children. Thanks for the post!

    Reply
  2. Melissa Sher says

    July 2, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    I'm a big fan of the play-based curriculum at our preschool (and I'm a big fan of our preschool in general). I just wanted to tell you that I just discovered your blog — through a roundabout way after you Tweeted about a thing I wrote for Babble — and I really like it. I feel a bit more accomplished after reding through your archives. ; )

    Reply
  3. Wmh Adword says

    February 27, 2013 at 11:53 pm

    Thanks for sharing Interesting post.Great job!! You have a nice blog for Preschool . I will be back alot Good luck with all you do! Preschool in Bangalore,
    Playschool in Bangalore

    Reply

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Amy Webb
As a mom of two young boys, I've seen first-hand how research-based child development information, combined with intuition, can guide you through your parenting journey. Although I have a Ph.D.in Human Development and Family Sciences, many of my real parenting discoveries have come through my experience. I believe parenting with confidence comes from knowledge; parenting with grace comes from insight. Join me on this parenting journey of learning and discovery

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