When more of the same isn't working, you have to do things differently (education)

My first response, when I read the first paragraph of this story was holy s***! From "Preparation is Elementary," from the Tampa Bay Tribune:

Student Sarah Sinteff knew exactly how she wanted the papers to look. The 4-year-old was pretending to write invitations to a movie party she planned to throw. The exercise was part of the rotating activity centers she participates in every day at her prekindergarten class at Clark Elementary.

She showed her friend Brendan Bowman exactly how to fold the papers so they would fit into the envelopes. "You fold like this and this and, wow, I did it," Sarah said. "I folded the paper. I'm a genius."

Brendan wasn't having the same luck, quickly became frustrated and threw his paper. "Why can't I be a genius?" he asked.

But Sarah stroked her friend's arm and offered to help. Brendan's pout turned into a smile. This type of social interaction is why educators urge parents to enroll their children in a prekindergarten class. Experts say students become comfortable with a school environment and sharing with other children, as well as early exposure to academic lessons.

Clark is the only public school in New Tampa to offer the state's voluntary prekindergarten program. The state initiative allows any child at least age 4 to attend the prekindergarten classes. There are 69 children in the Clark program.

Private schools and companies also offer the free classes, but Elizabeth Calleri said there is a definite advantage to the public school program...

Calleri said prekindergarten differs from the traditional school day. "This is more about getting students accustomed to the school environment and the teachers and other students," she said. "Teachers incorporate letter and number recognition into fun activities.".

Index Keywords: education