
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 20, 1990                   TAG: 9006200365
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

KINDERGARTEN WAS MEANT TO BE FUN

I WAS THRILLED to learn that plans are being made to return to developmental kindergarten curriculums. As a preschool and after-school teacher, I see children before they enter the school system and afterward.

Before entering, the average child seems well-rounded and full of energy and creativity. Afterward, I have noticed definite changes. The structured curriculum holds back some of the creativity and energy in young children.

Also, children seem overly critical of their performance. Many are devastated if they score anything other than a perfect paper. Competition breeds rapidly. The curriculum in the school systems now is hurrying a child into a state of development their minds and bodies are not ready for.

When kindergarten was introduced, it was intended to be a preschool experience learning through play and fun activities. We need to go back to what kindergarten was meant to be.

\ DONNA WILLARD\ SALEM

by CNB