The Role of Calendar Time in Preschool Education

As early childhood educators, we are always looking for ways to make learning meaningful and engaging for our students. One activity that has been a staple in many preschool programs is calendar time. But is it truly necessary? In this article, we'll explore the concept of calendar time and its significance in preschool education.

Calendar time refers to the daily routine where teachers introduce and review the date, day of the week, month, and year with their students. This activity is designed to help young children develop an understanding of time and its structure. However, some educators have questioned whether this activity is truly necessary or effective.

In my own experience as a preschool teacher, I've seen both extremes when it comes to calendar time. Some schools emphasize it daily, while others consider it taboo. As someone who has worked at five different schools in 17 years, I can attest that the approach to calendar time varies greatly depending on the school's philosophy.

One of my professors once shared a statistic with me that a four-year-old would need to do calendar hundreds of times before they fully understood the concept. That's equivalent to doing it roughly every single day for about a year and a half! It's no wonder some educators feel overwhelmed by this task.

I've also worked at schools where calendar time was seen as a necessary evil, and I recall feeling uncertain and confused about its purpose. But then I had a professor who gave me some valuable perspective on the matter. She said that no one dared ask for a calendar in their classroom because it would be met with resistance from students.

On the other hand, I've worked at schools where calendar time was seen as an essential part of the daily routine. In these settings, teachers made sure to incorporate fun and engaging activities into the lesson, making it a meaningful experience for the children.

As educators, we need to constantly assess our approaches and methods to ensure they are effective and meaningful for our students. I believe that calendar time can be a valuable tool in helping young children develop an understanding of time and its structure. However, it's crucial that we make it engaging and relevant to their lives.

In my own preschool classroom, I try to incorporate calendar time into our daily routine, but I also make sure to mix it up and keep things fresh and exciting for the children. By doing so, I believe we can create a positive and meaningful experience for our students that sets them up for success in their future educational endeavors.

In conclusion, while calendar time may be a divisive topic among educators, its importance cannot be denied. By understanding the significance of this activity and incorporating it into our daily routines in engaging and meaningful ways, we can help young children develop a strong foundation in time awareness and set them on the path to success.

Starfall calendar may 2018