Too Much Too Soon?

An article that I recently came across called "Innovative Practice: 5 Strategies for the Early Learning Classroom" by Elizabeth Garcia had me seriously considering if the push of innovation in K-2 classrooms is the right choice. There seems to be a constant state of "brainstorming" and innovation surrounding these early grade levels, which are considered as important developmental years.

These innovative ideas include the introduction of purposeful play, project based learning, student-centered construction zones, strategically placed books (suited toward different learning styles) and what Garcia describes as "Picture-Book Philosophy" (a community of inquiry among the students) (1).

While I have personally incorporated some of these innovative approaches into my own classroom, I am wondering if we are asking too much of students who have only just begun their educational career. For example, another article called "Career-Focused PBL" by Suzie Boss explains that one school district "uses project-based learning to introduce students to a variety of careers starting in kindergarten" (1). Can we truly expect five year old students to "begin exploring future careers as soon as they start kindergarten" (Boss, 1)?

I am curious to hear what my colleagues have to say regarding this topic. Should we place an emphasis on career paths/interest in these early years through innovative strategies such as project/play based learning? Is there a right time to introduce such ideas?

Thank you for reading and I look forward to reading your perspectives!

Casey Shelley

Works Cited:

Boss, S. (2018, July 11). "Career-Focused PBL." Retrieved from: https://www.edutopia.org/article/career-focused-pbl

Garcia, E. (2014, December 2). "Innovative Practice: 5 Strategies for the Early Learning Classroom." Retrieved from: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/strategies-for-early-learning-classroom-elizabeth-garcia