(If you want to read a great post about this - better than I could write but that I fully support - read Would You Like a Lift? on Not Just Cute.)
Since I ponder and reflect on things, I've been thinking about this. I agree that we need to give kids foundational skills and knowledge that will help them later as they learn and grow.
When they are older, they will need to know how to care for others.
When they are older, they will need to know how to solve problems with others.
When they are older, they will need to know how to express their own thoughts.
When they are older, they will need good fine-motor control to do all kinds of tasks.
When they are older, they will need to be able to think creatively.
When they are older, they will need to be able to see patterns in the world.
When they are older, they will need to recycle.
When they are older, they will need to be able to communicate what they are thinking about.
When they are older, they will need to be able to work cooperatively.
When they are older, they will need to think outside the (sand) box.
When they are older, they will need to distinguish subtleties.
When they are older, they will need to be able to appreciate and care about the natural world.
When they are older, they will need to pay attention to details.
When they are older, they will need to tackle dangerous tasks.
When they are older, they will need to see many different possibilities.
When they are older, they will need to set goals and work toward them.
When they are older, they will need to be responsible for the spaces where they live and work.
When they are older, they will need to approach problems in different ways.
When they are older, they will need to express gratitude to others.
I sure wish we could come up with some great ways to teach kids all the things they will need when they are older. For now, we'll just play until something better comes along.
