Imagine this: you walk into your kindergartner’s classroom expecting to see finger-painting and story time, but instead, there’s talk of college prep and standardized assessments. Your jaw drops. When did five-year-olds need a career plan? Welcome to the bizarre world of educational “best practices.” Sure, they’re well-intentioned, but some are so out of touch with reality, they’ve got teachers and students alike scratching their heads.
Let’s explore eight of the most head-scratching “best practices” we’ve come to accept.
1. Excessive Focus on College-Readiness from an Early Age
Kindergarten used to be about finger-painting and story time, but now it’s all about standardized testing. Somehow, we’ve decided that five-year-olds need college-ready vocabularies. Academic pressure is being placed on kids who should be exploring and playing, not stressing about their future SAT scores.
Instead of inspiring creativity, this approach sucks the fun out of learning. Now, teachers have to deal with kids breaking down over standards that shouldn’t even be on their radar yet. Studies show that early academic pressure can hinder social and emotional growth, leading to burnout before kids even hit second grade.
2. Failure to Incorporate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We can churn out straight-A students, but what happens when those kids can’t handle conflict or stress? That’s where social-emotional learning (SEL) comes in—but it often gets sacrificed for more test prep. What good is a perfect GPA if kids lack basic social skills?
Without SEL, we’re turning students into academic robots who can solve equations but can’t manage anxiety or work through a disagreement. Studies show that SEL not only improves social skills but also academic outcomes, making it a win-win for both well-being and achievement.
3. Misunderstanding the Purpose of Standards
Standards are supposed to guide learning, not lock everyone into the same box. But in many schools, they’ve become a rigid checklist that leaves little room for creative teaching. Instead of sparking curiosity, we’re just making sure all the boxes are ticked.
Teachers and students alike are left feeling trapped, checking off standards like it’s a bureaucratic game of bingo rather than a dynamic learning environment. Research shows that flexibility in applying standards leads to more engaged, enthusiastic learners who can think critically and creatively.
4. Ignoring the Importance of Unstructured Time
Remember when kids had time to play, explore, and just be kids? Those days are slipping away. Now, everything is structured, from lessons to bathroom breaks, leaving no time for creativity or independent thought. Kids need unstructured time to daydream, problem-solve, and relax.
This lack of free time stifles creativity and independent thinking, leaving kids overstressed and teachers frustrated. Studies show that unstructured playtime boosts cognitive flexibility and social-emotional growth, providing kids with essential skills they can’t get from rigid schedules.
5. Over-Reliance on Technology in Early Education
Tech is great, but does a preschooler really need an iPad? Over-reliance on technology at such a young age replaces essential hands-on activities like finger-painting and building with blocks. Sure, they can swipe and tap, but what about using their hands to create and explore?
We’re raising kids who know how to navigate screens but struggle with motor skills and basic social interactions. Newsflash: there’s no app for building friendships or creativity. Experts emphasize that technology should be balanced with tactile learning to foster full development in young children.
6. Homework as a Measure of Commitment
More homework doesn’t equal more learning. Not every student has the same home environment, and piling on assignments just widens the gap between kids who have support and those who don’t. It’s less about education and more about who can survive the stress of endless worksheets.
Instead of promoting dedication, homework is becoming a burden for students (and their parents), leaving everyone exhausted rather than engaged. Studies have shown that excessive homework can lead to anxiety and burnout, especially in younger students, with minimal gains in academic performance.
7. Push for Academic Rigor at the Expense of Emotional Development
Sure, we all want students to excel academically, but what happens when their emotional well-being is left behind? Schools are piling on academic rigor but forgetting that without emotional resilience, all the good grades in the world won’t prepare kids for life.
It’s no good creating academic achievers if they can’t handle failure, stress, or basic social interactions. Emotional development is just as important as that perfect report card. Research highlights the importance of balancing academic rigor with emotional support to prepare students for real-world challenges.
8. The Devaluation of Creative Arts and Physical Education
Art and PE have become the first casualties in the quest for better test scores. But cutting these programs is like cutting the soul out of education. Art fosters critical thinking and creativity, while PE keeps kids healthy and teaches teamwork. Plus, both give kids a break from the mental grind.
Without these outlets, learning becomes a monotonous task, and students miss out on experiences that could inspire a lifelong love of learning. Studies show that arts and physical education are linked to improved academic performance, cognitive skills, and emotional health, making them essential for a well-rounded education.
Conclusion
These “best practices” may have started with good intentions, but they’ve lost sight of what truly matters. Instead of treating education like a checklist, we need to bring back creativity, emotional well-being, and joy in learning. By prioritizing the whole student—mind, heart, and body—we can create classrooms where students thrive academically and emotionally. And the best part? We have the power to make these changes, starting right now. With a fresh approach, we can nurture curious, resilient, and well-rounded individuals who are prepared for anything.