New policy for preschool children's learning?

[suzie82]

I have been a little concerned with what my child does/doesn't do while at preschool. I have been told that there is a new policy that the government have introduced into preschools this policy means that children have the right to play during the whole session and they don't have specific tasks to do. While on 1 hand I think this is good - children spend many years in a school environment and they do love to play. On the other hand - children from the age of 2yrs 9m's are given the right to decided what they do and when they do it!!
since this change was introduced (this being before the parents were told) my little boys attitude and behaviour has really changed, he doesn't like being told to do something, has a right paddy about and all he has done is fight with his younger brother.
Let me know if you have preschool aged children and if you have also seen a change in them since/if this change has happened at your school.
everyone i spoke to thinks its crazy - what about U?

[Amber]

Whereabouts do you live? In the U.S. it is agreed that children learn best through play and exploration and around 1 hour of uninterupted free playtime is strongly encouraged. There are definately things they "need" to do and the teachers usually implement a "small group" time...which I sometimes call "have tos" with the children I work with. Even in those small group times, many of the activities could be considered "play" but have a specific skill that the teacher is aiming to get the children to practice. Sounds to me that maybe this preschool is interpreting the "policy" differently than what it is meant to be like. Maybe look into other preschools? Ask around your area...meet with the director/teacher and find out the specifics of this policy. Good luck!