Standards set for Babies

The world has officially gone mad. In the newspaper today was an article with regards to educational standards set from birth – what the hell is going on?

“Babies will be assessed on their gurgling, babbling and toe-playing abilities when they are a few months old under a legally enforced national curriculum for children from birth to five published by the government yesterday.”

For more info check here – The UK Guardian

There is nothing to say that this will not flow on into Australia – or other parts of the world. Education particularly is becoming so entrenched in procedures and marking – its not about the joy of learning or sharing of information any longer. This sort of report makes me remember why I left teaching. We spent more time on individual learning programs and meeting expectations than we did in exploring what the kids were actually interested in. SATs ( a UK standard test done in primary and secondary schools) were a major contributor to stress levels for kids as young as 7 yrs. They understood from that age that if they didn’t measure up – then their scope for school which would accept them into secondary school was limited – and thus if they wanted to do anything further – even less options. That’s a huge amount of stress for a 7 year old – to be thinking about their future education at that age.

In the UK they have set standards now – click here – for the progression and development of children.

I find it astounding that the government thought it necessary to legislate what babies aught to be learning at day care. Apart from the whole debate on who aught to be in daycare and for how long etc – I personally want to know my child had FUN – they painted, they played with playhoh, read books and played with toys. I am absolutely of the opinion that learning happens everywhere and key concepts can be integrated within any activity ( and I do this with my kids) Its natural education – not enforced or pushed.

Julian Greneier comments on her blog about the early years legislation here. here

This framework in the UK was launched in March 2007 and will be enforced this month ( Sept 2008) It covers what carers need to undertake for the development of children until they are accepted into reception (prep – or the year they turn five)

I just have horrific thoughts of regimented learning – children of 2 sat behind desks and told they can’t go and play with the sand pit until they play with the playdoh and create 5 beads in front of them ( or some other ridiculous rigid measuring format)

In Aust Margaret Morrissy ( key speaker for the Parents and Citizens Association) viewed her concerns
here

An well known quote often attributed to the Jesuits is “Give me a child for the first seven years, and you may do what you like with him afterwards.” Intimating that by then all beliefs and habits have been deeply entrenched. I am unsure that’s what the Jesuits actually meant and I know this has been twisted out of context many times… but makes you think…

Something else to think about here too. In most Science fiction worlds where civilizations has been torn apart from within and humans have little free thought or beliefs apart from what the government or state will allow them ….. starts with the indoctrination of children and begins in nurseries, child care.. way before they hit school.. makes me a bit nervous….