There are some critics of the Common Core State Standards who dislike its requirements of kindergartners, especially in reading. They say that the kindergarten reading Standards aren't developmentally appropriate and that the Standards as a whole are too regimented. This regimentation, according to some, leaves little time for kindergartners to learn the way they should – through play. However, a closer look at the kindergarten reading Standards shows that this isn't true. In fact, younger students still have plenty of opportunities to learn through play, creativity and imagination. Here are some myths about how the Common Core affects kindergartners' learning:
Myth: Expecting kindergartners to read is beyond their developmental level
The idea that the kindergarten reading Standards are too difficult for young children stems from research that appears to show that expecting children to read too early can actually be damaging in the long run. But this belief isn't exactly an accurate depiction of all of the research that's been done in this area. In fact, some researchers have found the opposite to be true – that early readers continue to have strong skills throughout middle and high school.
More importantly, though, what's actually expected of kindergartners from the Common Core isn't nearly as difficult as what many believe it to be. The Standard that people debate the most asks students to "read emergent-reader texts with purpose and understanding." Not only are emergent-reader texts widely varied in skill level, but the Common Core also does not expect students to read at grade level, which the Standards require beginning in first grade. This gives students who may not have had prior experience in a classroom setting the chance to catch up.
Myth: Kindergarten teaching has become too structured
The other problem some people take with the kindergarten Standards is that they appear to be too structured and stringent, focusing more on formal learning and less on imaginative play – an important part of early development. According to the Common Core, the Standards should be viewed as a set of results – meaning they don't tell teachers or school districts how to teach, just what children should know by the end of the year. The Common Core even mentions playing as a method for learning, saying, "The use of play with young children is not specified by the Standards, but it is welcome as a valuable activity in its own right and as a way to help students meet the expectations in this document." So, kindergarten teachers can and should develop play-based curricula while still teaching students effectively.
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