As an aspiring principal, I added the 21st Century Principal blog to my feedly account. I loved the articles it had. There was one in particular that I felt passionate about. The first article was called “How Federal Education Policy That Says 'If They Breathe Test'em' Has Deformed Kindergarten”. We currently live in a world where there is a test for everything and everyone. Unfortunately , his all starts in kindergarten. The article was about how detrimental kindergarten has become to kids playing time. Instead of kids having fun in kindergarten, they are being bombarded with tests and things to do.

My first three of teaching were in kindergarten, and it was amazing at all the concepts and testing we had to apply. Parents were amazed at how much kindergarten had changed in the past years. When students came in, parents still had the concept of the kindergarten in the years before, where the day revolved around dramatic play, nap time, and snack time. Unfortunately, that did not happen. We had high expectations for our students. Before they left kindergarten, they must have learned how to fluently read and write. This did cause stress and tension between parents and teachers. Parents who were unwilling to help since they were in kindergarten. The harsh reality came when they entered 1^st grade and realized how far behind they were.

Though we did have to teach a great amount of objectives, I always tried to incorporate “play” during the day. We always sang, danced, and have educational centers. Students thought they were playing, but in reality they were learning! What I learned from this article is that we need to let kids have fun! They are kids, not robots.

Another blog that I followed is called Kleinspiration. I found this blog interesting due to the articles it has. There was one in particular that caught my attention called “ Genious Hour for Elementary Classrooms”. The name itself intrigued me.

I am not a very quiet person and have to be constantly moving. I get bored easily if something does not interest me. I dislike not being able to do groupwork. If I cannot do this, I cannot expect my students to be sitting down for 8 hours straight! When I saw the title I imagined it was about creating something. It sure was. Every week you can have a “genious” hour in which the students create anything they want, in any form they want. Depending on the student’s likes, some could create a 3d model, a picture, a book, or a writing. This hour is all about the kids and them doing whatever they like. It is their time to let the imagination fly.

Unfortunately, with all testing being done, it is very easy to try to “mold” every child in STAAR thinking. With all the accountability, many times teachers forget about each student’s uniqueness. We are caught up in getting them ready for the test, that we forget they are kids.

Though I do hands on centers every day for Reading and Math, I would love to incorporate this into my week. I would do it on Wednesdays. So my students could have something to look forward to.