Assignment Prompt & Instructions
– ## 5220ResponceMODULE8Discussion.docx
**## 5220ResponceMODULE8Discussion.docx**
**Karina**
Yes, I did attend kindergarten! I started in 2007, and it was only a half-day program. I remember we focused a lot on ABCs, sight words, and basic counting, with plenty of time for arts and crafts and play. There was no technology in the classroom we used paper, pencils, building blocks, and picture books. It felt very hands-on and playful.
Seeing the photos of Noah using an iPad for remote learning shows how much kindergarten has changed. Today’s kindergartners are using digital tools and learning in ways that are much more tech-focused than what we experienced. Many programs are also full-day now, with more academic expectations.
When I think about Friedrich Fröbel’s original idea of kindergarten as a “garden for children,” focused on creativity, play, and exploration, today’s classrooms seem a bit more structured. While there’s still play, it’s definitely blended with more academics and technology than Fröbel probably imagined!
[**Taylor**](https://molloy.instructure.com/courses/38987/users/47272)
I don’t remember much from Kindergarten, but I generally remember enjoying it. From climbing on the playground, to learning how to use scissors and taking afternoon naps, the enriching activities that I participated in during that time are what have stayed with me into adulthood. Although I don’t remember specifically learning academic content like how to write my name or count to 100, I did develop such knowledge through the engaging lessons that disguised learning as play.
3) How is it the same or different from current Kindergarten classrooms you’ve seen?
The major difference that first comes to mind between my Kindergarten experience and Kindergarten programs today is the use of technology. In 2004, I remember having even a Smart Board in my classroom. When information was shared, it was projected onto the wall using an overhead projector. Today’s Kindergarten classrooms have Smart Boards and every student has their own chromebook. The Smart Board is used throughout the entire day for instruction and the students use their chromebooks for various educational activities throughout the day as well. My Kindergarten experience included minimal access to digital technology.
Kindergarten programs when I was in Kindergarten compared to the same programs today do have some similarities. They both focus on fundamental topics and skills such as learning the letters of the alphabet, interacting with others, and developing gross motor skills. However, the approach to teaching such information and skills has appeared to change over the years.
4) When looking at these photos and reminiscing about your own experiences, how close to Friedrich Fröbel’s original ideas are American Kindergartens?
Similar to Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, Friedrich Fröbel believed that children primarily learn from engaging in their environment. He also believed that instruction should be student centered where they are encouraged to explore their interests and take a lead role in their education (Morrison, Woika, & Breffni, 2021). American Kindergarten programs appear to be closely aligned with the beliefs of Fröbel, especially when I was in Kindergarten. With designated play and interest areas, Kindergarten students can develop their knowledge and skills in a way that is flexible and allows them to follow their curiosities. There is much time designated for play where students can engage with their peers as well. Although this is still true today, there are less opportunities for students to engage in interactive activities and more time designated for digital learning. This allows for less autonomy in learning and time to interact with classmates. This may not be the case for all Kindergarten programs, however digital platforms for learning have widely increased. By balancing the access to technological learning and less structured and interactive forms of learning, Kindergarten programs can more closely follow the beliefs of Friedrich Fröbel.
**## 5220ResponceMODULE8Discussion.docx**
**Karina**
Yes, I did attend kindergarten! I started in 2007, and it was only a half-day program. I remember we focused a lot on ABCs, sight words, and basic counting, with plenty of time for arts and crafts and play. There was no technology in the classroom we used paper, pencils, building blocks, and picture books. It felt very hands-on and playful.
Seeing the photos of Noah using an iPad for remote learning shows how much kindergarten has changed. Today’s kindergartners are using digital tools and learning in ways that are much more tech-focused than what we experienced. Many programs are also full-day now, with more academic expectations.
When I think about Friedrich Fröbel’s original idea of kindergarten as a “garden for children,” focused on creativity, play, and exploration, today’s classrooms seem a bit more structured. While there’s still play, it’s definitely blended with more academics and technology than Fröbel probably imagined!
[**Taylor**](https://molloy.instructure.com/courses/38987/users/47272)
I don’t remember much from Kindergarten, but I generally remember enjoying it. From climbing on the playground, to learning how to use scissors and taking afternoon naps, the enriching activities that I participated in during that time are what have stayed with me into adulthood. Although I don’t remember specifically learning academic content like how to write my name or count to 100, I did develop such knowledge through the engaging lessons that disguised learning as play.
3) How is it the same or different from current Kindergarten classrooms you’ve seen?
The major difference that first comes to mind between my Kindergarten experience and Kindergarten programs today is the use of technology. In 2004, I remember having even a Smart Board in my classroom. When information was shared, it was projected onto the wall using an overhead projector. Today’s Kindergarten classrooms have Smart Boards and every student has their own chromebook. The Smart Board is used throughout the entire day for instruction and the students use their chromebooks for various educational activities throughout the day as well. My Kindergarten experience included minimal access to digital technology.
Kindergarten programs when I was in Kindergarten compared to the same programs today do have some similarities. They both focus on fundamental topics and skills such as learning the letters of the alphabet, interacting with others, and developing gross motor skills. However, the approach to teaching such information and skills has appeared to change over the years.
4) When looking at these photos and reminiscing about your own experiences, how close to Friedrich Fröbel’s original ideas are American Kindergartens?
Similar to Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, Friedrich Fröbel believed that children primarily learn from engaging in their environment. He also believed that instruction should be student centered where they are encouraged to explore their interests and take a lead role in their education (Morrison, Woika, & Breffni, 2021). American Kindergarten programs appear to be closely aligned with the beliefs of Fröbel, especially when I was in Kindergarten. With designated play and interest areas, Kindergarten students can develop their knowledge and skills in a way that is flexible and allows them to follow their curiosities. There is much time designated for play where students can engage with their peers as well. Although this is still true today, there are less opportunities for students to engage in interactive activities and more time designated for digital learning. This allows for less autonomy in learning and time to interact with classmates. This may not be the case for all Kindergarten programs, however digital platforms for learning have widely increased. By balancing the access to technological learning and less structured and interactive forms of learning, Kindergarten programs can more closely follow the beliefs of Friedrich Fröbel.