Katrice Grady

My daughter is currently enrolled in a nature preschool as a 4 year old. As a parent looking ahead at K-12, it is of serious concern the lack of time for 'childhood' built into our school day. It is proven children have better focus and results when given ample time to get fresh air, and truely break from curriculum. Free, UNSTRUCTURED play, that is not held as a disciplinary tool is not an option for our kids. I have seen her thrive in this environment for two years now, gaining so many organic social skills and emotional regulation. Cold and flu season? We don't get sick nearly as much because of the fresh air immune system boost. Emotional regulation meltdowns after school? Not nearly as frequent as my counterparts who have kids in very structured programs. Do what is right for our students during their CHILDHOOD. They are only children for so long. Give them life long tools via recess.