In today’s fast-paced world, parents often face immense societal pressure to accelerate their children’s academic learning from a very young age. This pressure sometimes leads to requests for more structured and academic practices in preschools. As a preschool owner or director, we must advocate for play-based learning in your classrooms. This guide offers a quick exploration of strategies and sample dialogues to help you effectively handle the pressure to make preschools more academic while promoting the benefits of play-based learning.

The Power of Play-Based Learning

• • Emphasizing Play’s Role in Development: Discuss how play is not just fun but a crucial part of a child’s development. Highlight its role in nurturing creativity, problem-solving, social skills, and emotional intelligence.

• • Learning Through Play: Explain the various ways in which children learn through play. Show how activities like building with blocks, painting, and storytelling foster essential cognitive and social skills.

• • Support with Research: Provide evidence from notable research studies that underline the benefits of play-based education for young children. Share findings from renowned experts in early childhood education.

Parent Concerns and Sample Dialogues

• • Dialogue 1 -Parent Pushing for Academics: Parent: “I think my child should be doing more academics. Can you include worksheets and structured learning?”Director: “I appreciate your concern for your child’s education. We understand the importance of academic skills, but we also value play-based learning. Research consistently shows that children under 5 learn best through play. When they build with blocks, they’re developing spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities.”

• • Dialogue 2 – Focusing on Kindergarten Readiness: Parent: “But I’m worried about kindergarten readiness.”Director: “I understand your concerns, and we’re dedicated to preparing your child for kindergarten. Kindergarten readiness is not just about academics; it also involves social and emotional skills, which are nurtured through play. Teachers in elementary school often mention that they appreciate children who have good social skills.”

• • Dialogue 3 – Request for Evidence: Parent: “Can you show me some evidence that this approach works?”*Director: “Absolutely! We have several studies supporting our play-based approach. For instance, studies show that children who experienced more play in preschool demonstrated better self-regulation and social skills. Our goal is to provide a balanced, developmentally appropriate environment for your child.”

Studies and articles on the power of play to share with parents

Preschool: Play-Based Learning vs. Academics, US News and World Report, June 17, 2022

The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting, NAEYC, 2022

Learning through Play, Lego Foundation Play Research Database

Supporting Play-Based Education

• • Teacher Training: Discuss the importance of training your teachers to understand the nuances of play-based education. A well-trained staff can effectively communicate with parents and deliver a high-quality learning experience.

• • Transparency and Inclusivity: Emphasize the significance of transparent communication with parents. Invite them to participate in learning by sharing their child’s play-based achievements and experiences.

• • Offer Alternative Resources: Be ready to provide resources and recommendations for parents who wish to supplement their child’s learning at home, ensuring that these resources align with a play-based approach.

Conclusion:
Dealing with the pressure to make preschools more academic can be challenging. Still, you can successfully advocate for a play-based approach by emphasizing the power of play, sharing research findings, and engaging in constructive dialogue with parents. Remember that creating a balanced and developmentally appropriate environment for children is vital to their future success. This guide equips you with the tools to effectively communicate and champion the benefits of play-based learning, fostering a supportive and enriching preschool environment.