Playtime Viewed As Critical To Kindergarten Readiness

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (10/8, Rujumba) reports, "In preschool, academic readiness for kindergarten often is measured in terms of how well a youngster can grasp basic concepts like counting and identifying shapes, letters and colors" yet "how a child handles play time is another important marker, educators contend." The Post-Gazette adds, "Many see finding ways to enhance success in preschool as a major battle in the fight to reduce the dropout rate and boost academic achievement at all grade levels. Speaking in New Mexico last week, President Barack Obama stressed that idea as he explained his school reform agenda."