First, some definitions. Here are key facts provided by the State Impact website that help to explain what Common Core really means:
You can find more information at Ohio’s State Board of Education site.
Education Week took an in-depth look at what Common Core means for preschoolers who are just on the brink of beginning their formal education. Here, we highlight two important concepts for parents.
Balance is key: Common Core standards focus on increasing “academic rigor”; but, with young children, this must be balanced with their developmental needs, which requires that high value is placed on “play, the arts, social skills, and integrated instruction.”
One way to solve that – and it’s a method that we at Horizon embrace – is to engage children in games and play that supports content found in Common Core standards.
Assessing young children’s performance is challenging: Head Start Executive Director Yasmina Vinci shares that her organization doesn’t lay out rigid academic requirements for young students because progress is irregular at younger ages.
One recommendation that we support: whenever standards are discussed for preschoolers, professionals in early childhood development should get a voice so that, again, balance is achieved. And, as Common Core standards are implemented throughout K-12, educational professionals will be monitoring and analyzing results, and tweaks to the standards are always possible.
Take advantage of opportunities to engage your children in fun games that have learning components to them. Here are preschool math games provided by Education.com, such as:
Education.com also provides fun reading games for your preschoolers, such as:
Also take advantage of programs and resources found at your public library and consider workbooks such as the Let’s Get Ready for Preschool Common-Core 256-Page Bind-Up Workbook.
If you’re looking for a quality affordable preschool/child care program that provides the types of educational programs that help prepare your child for K-12, contact the Horizon Education Center in your neighborhood.