#Kinderchat Archive

#Kinderchat, glue, glitter, gogurt, bringing daily joy to twitter. Find us Mondays, 9 pm EST and 8:30PM London time when we talk all things Early Years!

Monday November 7, 2016
3:30 PM EST

  • 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 ๐Ÿ‚ #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 ๐Ÿ˜‚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! ๐Ÿฆƒ๐Ÿฆƒ๐Ÿฆƒ #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