Let Children Play

There has been a debate running about at what age a child should start formal education. This is a hot topic at our home. Even though both of our children are grown, my wife (who is a child development specialist) and I both agree that most children are ill equipped, both intellectually and emotionally, to start school before the age of six.

It seems that the English are beginning to agree. This article in New Scientist discusses the research going on in England that shows that young children need more play and less goal oriented instruction during their early years. In the words of the article, children's play is "an adaptation that enabled early humans to become powerful learners and problem-solvers."

Perhaps educators and the public should go back and read Summerhill.