Self-regulation is a hot topic in education these days. It’s somewhat hard to quantify but apparently it can be a better predictor of academic success than IQ! It’s also a side-effect of play-based learning which is now playing a key role in full-day kindergarten programs in Ontario and B.C. public schools. The goal is to raise self-motivated learners who will be more successful, healthier and happier than previous generations of kids.
This puts the “love of learning” back in the spotlight where it belongs! After generations of educators being so focused on marks and knowledge gain. The research suggests that while you can push a child to read at an early age, they’re more likely to become disinterested in reading by the age of 8 years. As Prof. Chapman, an early learning expert at the University of B.C. said, “At the end of the day if they don’t like reading and writing, and don’t want to do it unless they’re forced to; what’s the point?” If you want to read more, here’s a link to the full article I'm quoting from.
If you’re the parent of a young child you may want to follow The Globe and Mail’s “The Kindergarten Diaries” an ongoing, in-depth study of four families with kindergarten students.
Be well!
Beverley
Beverley Cathcart-Ross is an author, speaker, certified parent educator, and co-founder of Parenting Network. Click here to find out about Courses for Fall 2011!
