My dream research project...

If I could choose any topic to research and had the means to do so, I would research the effects of what an open ended educational system would be to our society. I have chosen this topic because I believe in the benefits of play and open ended learning. I then see children are expected to transition into a structured Kindergarten setting that lacks learning centers but includes enough worksheets to save a rainforest. The reports I have received from many of our families who have made this transition have explained that their child has had a difficult transition because they have been accustomed to free choice. By the 2nd quarter, these children are farther ahead than their peers, but often receive notes home about self control and needing reminders of rules.

I feel passionate about the foundation of future learning is being set in Pre-K, but often the love of learning is diminished within a structured Kindergarten setting and the children lose their excitement to learn more and explore. I think back to visiting my son's Kindergarten and watching the teacher tell the children they were going to color Indian corn. She instructed them to bring out only their purple and brown crayons then proceeded to show them which sections were which colors. I was floored! What if they wanted red in their picture or wanted to draw something else? Where does the 5 year old who loved to explore become a 5 year old who has little to no opportunity to do so?

I would find it interesting to see where this research would lead our field and the education system. I believe our failures as a nation have a direct root cause to not being able to think outside the box. What if  the entire educational system was like that of Pre-k? I believe this research would help to improve the educational system and reverse the effects of No Child Left Behind.

The more the toy does, the less the child learns....