With Kindergarten Readiness on the Decline, Some Districts Try New Interventions

September 17, 2024 –  In an article for EdSurge about the decline of kindergarten readiness, Bright Horizons Chief Academic Officer Rachel Robertson shares her insights on the topic.

Robertson believes screens are responsible for much of the disruption to fine motor development. Rather than reading physical books, some children are having stories read aloud to them from a phone. Rather than doing arts and craft activities, which give them a chance to practice holding a crayon or using scissors, they’re swiping on tablets.

“We’re having consequences of screens that we didn’t predict,” Robertson notes.

The good news is that even if children are “behind,” that can easily — and sometimes quickly — change. They pick up skills fast at such a young age, especially when learning is steeped in curiosity and wonder, Robertson says.

Read the full article here.