Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Nursery and primary schooling in England: "nappy curriculum" too stressful for children

Primary teachers call for homework to be scrapped Three and four-year-old throwing tantrums because they cannot cope, association says Teachers will tomorrow call for homework for primary school children to be scrapped as a waste of time for children and teachers. Homework, frequent testing and the introduction of the government's "nappy curriculum" for early years classes have provoked criticism that nursery and primary schooling in England has become too formal and produces stressed children. This is leading to three and four-year-olds throwing tantrums in class because they are being forced to learn to read and write too early, say teachers. (link via guardian.co.uk) I was very impressed with the nursery school and primary school my sons attended but the curriculum has obviously changed since my sons were that age. I think the Government’s new curriculum is putting far too much pressure on young children which starts with the The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) (all children under five are required to meet 69 targets covering areas such as numeracy and problem-solving). It's sad that young children have so much pressure put on them. What has happened to childhood? Do you have young children and live in England? What are your thoughts about the Early Years Foundation Stage? Do your children get stressed over homework?

6 comments:

  1. Every time I read something about the English educational system I'm glad we moved. They seem to just not get it. I think it's pretty generally accepted that kids aren't ready for that kind of school work until much later.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sadly, it does seem that the English educational system is just getting worse instead of better. I can't believe the pressures put on such young children. And I wholeheartedly agree with you - young children aren't ready for that kind of school work until much later.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just one reason why I am so glad not to be in teaching any more, Maureen.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Maureen, Enjoying your blog (I'm also an expat in the UK from MN) and had to comment on this one! I've just gone through the whole 11+ stuff with my daughter. Well, I haven't actually as we opted out because I saw no reason to put her through just an intensely stressful experience. I agree that the English system seems to be getting worse not better. Sad but true. The best we can do as parents is be both buffer and inspiration.
    Great blog!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jenny, I bet a lot of teachers are probably saying the same thing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Michelloui, it's great to hear from another expat in the UK, especially another Minnesotan!

    It's very interesting that you chose to opt out and I can certainly understand why. All this stress on children is getting ridiculous. I wonder how long it will take before the curriculum is changed again. Something drastic needs to be done and soon.

    Thanks for your comment and your kind words about my blog!

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.