#Kinderchat Archive | Participate

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:30 PM EST

Good Evening all and welcome to Europe time #kinderchat :) Nicola here from South Yorkshire- where it is VERY cold with snow forecast-eek!

GFLittleHands Nov 7 @ 3:33 PM EST

hi Nicola, we're tweeting from London and in 5 degree weather 🍂 #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:34 PM EST

Lucky you :) I was in London at the weekend and it was so cold and wet. Welcome to the chat #Kinderchat

In reply to @GFLittleHands

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:36 PM EST

We will be discussing this tonighthttp://www.toomuchtoosoon.org/uploads/2/0/3/8/20381265/school_starting_age_-_final.pdf #kinderchat

GFLittleHands Nov 7 @ 3:37 PM EST

the weather was awful during the weekend, unfortunately! It's great to be here on the chat :) #kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 3:38 PM EST

Evening :) #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:38 PM EST

Are you London based or does your company travel around schools/settings? #Kinderchat

In reply to @GFLittleHands

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 3:39 PM EST

We have snow forecast here too! Eeeep! #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:40 PM EST

Hello & welcome :) Just short hello and introductions session then we'll jump into topic #Kinderchat Where in UK are you?

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas

GFLittleHands Nov 7 @ 3:40 PM EST

we're actually based in Birmingham, but we do travel across the U.K. to nurseries to talk about our products. #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 3:40 PM EST

I'm up in bonnie Scotland :) Your topic is about school starting age? #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:42 PM EST

Yes discussing this https://t.co/kVZHyDWFUN #Kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas

lukester911 Nov 7 @ 3:42 PM EST

Hello, Luke from South Yorkshire here. It's freezing cold everywhere in this house except the bath :( #Kinderchat

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 3:43 PM EST

have you heard of @UpstartScot? They're all about raising the starting age #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound, @UpstartScot

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:43 PM EST

Ha Hi Luke :) Welcome we're discussing topic of school starting age- is current ed policy too much too soon? #Kinderchat

In reply to @lukester911

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:44 PM EST

Ooooh no, please tell us more or save some links for later :) #Kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas, @UpstartScot

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 3:44 PM EST

I'll see if I can find some links. I went to a presentation about it and they were talking about... #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound, @UpstartScot

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:45 PM EST

Let's kick off then- Do you think we introduce formal education too early? (generally not just UK) #Kinderchat

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 3:45 PM EST

... other countries (like Finland etc) where chn start at age 7 and which do well in education #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound, @UpstartScot

Shawbo Nov 7 @ 3:46 PM EST

Rachel here from Derbyshire! Trying to type on my phone but my finger tips are chilly! Need to turn the heating up! #Kinderchat

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 3:46 PM EST

I do. I think the transition between play based learning @ nursery and formal ed at school is too sudden! #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:46 PM EST

Yes sadly we introduce 'formal schooling' way earlier than some European counterparts #Kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas, @UpstartScot

Shawbo Nov 7 @ 3:48 PM EST

too much top down pressure. Lots of child development ignored #kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas, @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:48 PM EST

Hi Rachel great to have you with us- I know so cold!We've just kicked off first Q- do we intro formal learning too soon? #Kinderchat

In reply to @Shawbo

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 3:48 PM EST

Agreed. Not enough value placed on CHILDHOOD #Kinderchat

In reply to @Shawbo, @blamehound

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 3:49 PM EST

not to mention the importance of play!! #Kinderchat

In reply to @Shawbo, @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:49 PM EST

Sadly also lots of research ignored if it doesn't fit academic agenda #kinderchat #notdevelopmentallyappropriate

In reply to @Shawbo, @EarlyYearsIdeas

lukester911 Nov 7 @ 3:49 PM EST

When children are reaching me, as a y4 teacher, lacking those important social skills, it is making the job so much harder #Kinderchat

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 3:49 PM EST

yes and the pressure from parents to 'teach' too soon without realising value of play is always present #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

lukester911 Nov 7 @ 3:49 PM EST

But still, Singapore do it, so we should absolutely dive madly into it #Kinderchat

Shawbo Nov 7 @ 3:50 PM EST

agree. Need to get it right from the start. Firm foundations. #kinderchat

In reply to @lukester911

GFLittleHands Nov 7 @ 3:50 PM EST

yes, absolutely. 4 is just far too young, we need to let kids be kids and not chain them to desks #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:50 PM EST

Research exists showing slower move to formal better Literacy skills are in teens #Kinderchat Why do we ignore?

In reply to @sarahearlyyears

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 3:51 PM EST

gov wants parents back to work asap - get the chn into school = free childcare #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound, @sarahearlyyears

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:52 PM EST

Research exists to strongly suggest otherwise! No research evidence to support the 'earlier is better view" #Kinderchat

In reply to @lukester911

GFLittleHands Nov 7 @ 3:53 PM EST

absolutely agree! #Kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas, @blamehound

Shawbo Nov 7 @ 3:54 PM EST

Need to make sure whole school are aware of the value of play, quality interactions and the many elements of teaching in ey #Kinderchat

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:54 PM EST

Sadly EY teachers historically had this battle around formal V's play based learning #Kinderchat Children more than a score

In reply to @GFLittleHands

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 3:54 PM EST

misconception of early to school = closing gap and setting expectations for learning earlier #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

Shawbo Nov 7 @ 3:55 PM EST

and families too. #Kinderchat

In reply to @Shawbo

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 3:55 PM EST

but we know that's not going to work as so many opting out before it's started! #kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas, @blamehound

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 3:56 PM EST

I don't think starting age would be such an issue if the early stages of primary were more play based #Kinderchat

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 3:57 PM EST

agree-a daily battle & not just within our own schools! how to ensure others understand children learn through play #Kinderchat

In reply to @Shawbo

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 3:57 PM EST

although high quality care does help to close the gap, but it HAS to be play based not education-led #kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

lukester911 Nov 7 @ 3:59 PM EST

THIS! No problem with children beginning early, but the system should be structured around that fact. #Kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:00 PM EST

YES! report states superior learning & motivation arises from play NOT frm instructional learning #kinderchat #weknow

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas

GFLittleHands Nov 7 @ 4:01 PM EST

play based learning is vital, more so than formal based learning at that age. #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

dubioseducator Nov 7 @ 4:02 PM EST

Subbing in my old kinder classroom with my former partner and his new one. It can be intoxicating. Better watch out says me 2me #Kinderchat

Shawbo Nov 7 @ 4:02 PM EST

useful document you shared earlier. I always struggle to quote specific research on the spot! May share at school! #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:02 PM EST

Q2-There is no research evidence to support 'earlier is better" so why does Ed Policy continue to push this? #kinderchat

lukester911 Nov 7 @ 4:03 PM EST

As I said previously, because other countries (With horrific child mental health statistics) do it, and do well. #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 4:03 PM EST

do I have to answer politely?! Erm, let me think.... #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

lukester911 Nov 7 @ 4:04 PM EST

There's plenty of children that don't know HOW to play. Not choosing not to play, but actually don't know HOW. Shameful really #Kinderchat

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 4:07 PM EST

Here's the Upstart website if anyone is interested https://t.co/UtYZqzwEw2 #Kinderchat

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 4:08 PM EST

because outcomes from 'hothouse' education is perceived to be better than later is better countries? Not sure tbh #kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

Shawbo Nov 7 @ 4:09 PM EST

this looks great. Thanks #Kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:09 PM EST

ha ha 😂feel free to add humour we like a laugh #kinderchat

In reply to @sarahearlyyears

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:10 PM EST

Am having tweet deck issues sorry folks trying to fix it #Kinderchat so Iphone back up, not ideal!!

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:11 PM EST

It's a really good article and one that I prefer to more recent reports re: 'aimless activities'!! and no EY experts #Kinderchat

In reply to @Shawbo

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:11 PM EST

Q3 Report claims that the past 30 yrs has seen Ed Policy move towards earlier & earlier formal instruction #kinderchat- What do you think?

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:13 PM EST

I think we ignore research at our peril but it suits testing companies and sadly that is the bottom line #Kinderchat

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 4:14 PM EST

I agree. I'm *whispers* 40 and went to trad playgroup. There was 1 nursery. Now nursery seems to=education not play #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:14 PM EST

Too much too soon? we're discussing this tonight https://t.co/kVZHyDWFUN #Kinderchat

Shawbo Nov 7 @ 4:14 PM EST

know what you mean. Start to feel the twitter EY massive growing and impacting then something like that pops up! #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 4:15 PM EST

last year I worked at a Pg and parents moved to sch nursery so they could 'learn more' :-0 #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:16 PM EST

Shh beat you by 5 yrs So sad to see children in Nursery sat around being directed for long periods #Kinderchat #LetThemPlay

In reply to @sarahearlyyears

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 4:17 PM EST

now I work in comm-led nursery in a school (FS1) and parents want to know about ed dev & where their child 'is' #kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:17 PM EST

Couldn't agree more! Language used in that report is very sad #Kinderchat Aimless to who? wonder if they asked the children?

In reply to @Shawbo

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:19 PM EST

Arghhhhhh!!!!! When will we move away from this distinction between play and learning? Drives me MAD! #Kinderchat

In reply to @sarahearlyyears

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 4:19 PM EST

we have lots of play where I am but I feel (against my judgement) & trg) that I should be doing more focus.Pressure #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 4:19 PM EST

Play IS learning! #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound, @sarahearlyyears

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:20 PM EST

Q4 What do we think to the concept of 'school readiness'? #kinderchat I am standing back from the computer at the point ;)

hechternacht - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:20 PM EST

So many think it's funny- pressure?! In Early Years? YES! Stressed to perform, perfect #kinderchat

In reply to @sarahearlyyears, @blamehound

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 4:20 PM EST

we know that but some parents don't.I guess it's our primary job to inform (educate?) them on play #Kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas, @blamehound

hechternacht - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:21 PM EST

Also hi everyone! Jumping in! Fantastic topic tonight! #Kinderchat

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 4:21 PM EST

Yes, I think it's a really important part of our role to explain this to others #Kinderchat

In reply to @sarahearlyyears, @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:22 PM EST

despair when hear things like 'you can go &play now' as if it's a reward after 'real' learning #Kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas, @sarahearlyyears

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 4:22 PM EST

The job itself is great, watching children dev with own interests but constant battles cause stress #kinderchat

In reply to @hechternacht, @blamehound

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 4:23 PM EST

for me being school ready is a child that is enthusiastic, open and inquisitive #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

GeoffBilling Nov 7 @ 4:23 PM EST

hello all! No clear definition from anyone so just used to promote more formal learning. #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:23 PM EST

Hi Heidi :) How are you? Some fab tweets so far- we could discuss this for weeks! #kinderchat

In reply to @hechternacht

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 4:23 PM EST

we're not having a formal parents evening, instead having stay & play & chat for this purpose #kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas, @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:24 PM EST

HELLO long time no hear- how are you? we've missed you :) Clear def from those in the know! #Kinderchat

In reply to @GeoffBilling

hechternacht - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:25 PM EST

Yes!!! So glad you got us going on this! Timely and critical convo!! #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:25 PM EST

Brilliant, LOVE this idea and a real chance to model engaging and learning through play #kinderchat FAB!

In reply to @sarahearlyyears, @EarlyYearsIdeas

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 4:27 PM EST

the reward is watching the children set their own direction of play & learning.Real learning - pah! #kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound, @EarlyYearsIdeas

hechternacht - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:28 PM EST

I often say we need translators-video play w teacher/researcher EXPLAINING #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound, @sarahearlyyears, @EarlyYearsIdeas

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:28 PM EST

Would agree that once 'a readiness goal is set play based learning replaced by formal' #kinderchat driven by Ed policy not Prof knowledge

operiumj Nov 7 @ 4:28 PM EST

Disguise A Turkey Fun! 🦃🦃🦃 #ecechat #Kinderchat #teacherfriends #txeduchat

GeoffBilling Nov 7 @ 4:28 PM EST

everyone loves an easy outcome, parents, staff and yes even me. Play is hard! #Kinderchat

In reply to @EarlyYearsIdeas, @sarahearlyyears, @blamehound

sarahearlyyears Nov 7 @ 4:28 PM EST

Thanks. Chance to show engagement,how learning takes place and how CofEL develop #Kinderchat

In reply to @blamehound, @EarlyYearsIdeas

lukester911 Nov 7 @ 4:28 PM EST

My laptop's forced restart is over and done with (raaaaaaaage). What did I miss? What question are we discussing now? #Kinderchat

EarlyYearsIdeas Nov 7 @ 4:29 PM EST

Good point. It comes back to that dreaded E word - EVIDENCE #Kinderchat

In reply to @GeoffBilling, @sarahearlyyears, @blamehound

blamehound - Moderator Nov 7 @ 4:29 PM EST

YES, YES, YES #Kinderchat

In reply to @hechternacht, @sarahearlyyears, @EarlyYearsIdeas