What's New for Children's Health & Education

Well, I'm back from the "windy city" and the whirlwind that is the annual conference of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and I thought I'd share a little of the experience with you.

From what I was told, this year's conference brought together 22,000 members of the Association, which is this country's largest organization of early childhood professionals (about 100,000 members). The conference featured more than 600 breakout sessions and approximately 1000 exhibitors! And because the McCormack Convention Center is absolutely enormous, I got in a lot of exercise along with my learning!

When I discussed the conference with my business partner, he wanted to know what the people there were talking about. Of course, I'm sure they were talking about a lot of different things; but my particular interests put me in places and in touch with people who were discussing topics relevant to my work! So I have to admit my perspective may be a bit slanted. Still, I learned some interesting things!

* There's a new PBS documentary on the horizon. Produced by Michigan Television and titled "Where Do the Children Play?" the program looks at the disappearance of children's free play. Call your local PBS affiliate to make sure it airs in your area!

* One of my favorite sessions was "Separating the Hype from the Reality of the Smart Baby Video Phenomenon." The session was filmed and will be aired at the website of the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children's Media. Also of interest: The Center on Media and Child Health has gathered all of the research regarding children and media into one place and it presents the research in a way that's accessible to parents and teachers (as opposed to other researchers). Go to the website and enter the area designated for parents and teachers to learn how you can help children use media in safe and healthy ways!

* I was pleased by the standing-room-only crowds at the sessions titled "Restoring Play" and "How Play Works." On the other hand, that kind of attendance indicates that the loss of play in children's lives and education is a huge concern for early childhood professionals. Attendees definitely viewed No Child Left Behind as a villain.

* Speaking of No Child Left Behind, I was dismayed by a conversation I had with Carol Stern, V-P of Educational Activities, a leading company of children's music. Carol relayed the story of a kindergarten teacher in New York City who asked for her help linking specific songs to New York's educational standards. The reason? She was no longer allowed to purchase music or anything else for her class that didn't directly relate to standards or teach to the tests! Stories like that just add more white to my hair!

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Posted by Rae Pica, children's movement and learning specialist
www.movingandlearning.com