Wondering what we learn in kindergarten?

There’s no denying it — the experience of being in school has changed a lot since we adults went through it. These days, school is about growing and supporting the whole child; in many cases, in a much more inclusive and understanding way.

In his 1990 book All I really needed to know I learned in kindergarten, Robert Fulgham explores the things children learn at this important life stage. He comes to the conclusion that kindness, hygiene, and taking time to rest are among the most important skills that a person can have.

All I needed to know I learned in kindergarten

by Robert Fulghum

Most of what I really need

To know about how to live

And what to do and how to be

I learned in kindergarten.

Wisdom was not at the top

Of the graduate school mountain,

But there in the sandpile at school.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don't hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life -

Learn some and think some

And draw and paint and sing and dance

And play and work everyday some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world,

Watch out for traffic,

Hold hands and stick together.

Be aware of wonder.

Pre-mindfulness mindfulness

Before mindfulness was the buzzword it is today, Fulgham encouraged us to rest, wonder, live a balanced life, and develop hobbies that make us happy. And this focus is important for our modern-day Kindies, too.

Of course, we focus heavily on social-emotional development with all our students at Woodbury Boston, but there are a few things that our smallest students learn that might surprise you:

• Using research to find out the answers to the things we wonder

• Respectful ways to engage with nature

• Accepting and celebrating difference

• Managing our own belongings

• Advocating for ourselves

• Standing up for others

 Mixed age play, every day

At Woodbury Boston, our students play in mixed age groups. This means that older students look out for the younger ones. Older students, steeped in the Woodbury Boston way, are the best possible examples for our littlies. Everyone in our school community is encouraged to remember those important first lessons about kindness, balance and selfcare that they learned way back in kindergarten.