Today I took the Mster to the library for a baby (0-2yrs old) reading time. I've gone before. Usually it is a bunch of moms with their 1 or 2 children sitting on the floor listening to the librarian read stories. There is also music and clapping and lots of random walking about. Usually I would say 15 kids at the max.
But, today was a little different. Another group came in. They were either preschool or daycare group with 40 kids. 40KIDS!!! It was very crowded. But here is where the situation got interesting. I started to observe the difference between these 2 groups. The daycare kids sat there quietly. Some with blank stares just hanging out. Some obviously enjoying the entertainment but still sitting. Almost all of the other babies (with their moms there) were much more active. They stood up. They wandered. They clapped when they weren't told to clap. They danced when the music came on. (The daycare kids did get up and clap when the music came on bu their leaders quickly told them to sit down, which they all did magically).
So, why the difference? And which is better? The kids were obviously well behaved. My mster rushed the librarian and had a complete conversation with her including pointing feverishly at the book. None of these kids rushed the librarian.
hmmm....
3 comments:
If given the choice between active and engaged or disciplined and withdrawn I'd take the first one.
Makes you wonder about the quality of that daycare. I know that Squishy Burrito was never quiet, reserved or withdrawn with her experiences. Trust me, I accompanied many of the trips. Makes me glad I checked out the activities.
Now, that having been said, some discipline doesn't hurt, it's just how much? Balance, life is about balance. At some point kindergarden could be a challenge if little ones can't sit at all or take direction. Food for thought.
Again, though I would agree with fishfrog if I had to choose.
I totally agree with everyone's posts.
Being well behavied is not about sitting there quielty, it's about acting appropriatly for given situration. It is completely appropriate for little tykes to get up and clap and dance to music, and to be actively engaged in their surroundings. Those day care teachers were squashing the children's natural propensity for wonder and delight, and while I understand their need to "keep order," they obviously need to find a less ridid way to do it or those kids will revolt and they'll have a day-care mutany on their hands!
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