Yesterday was our last Chinese class. Mama joined us for class and lunch and we all had a good time. The kiddos don't understand "last" so it was just another day for them, though they each carried a potted violet for our Lao She.
Class was pretty typical--we reviewed our colors, animals, and numbers, plus read along with Eric Carle's Very Busy Spider in Mandarin. We sang our "siao bai tu" song and our "wo ai mama" song. We really have learned a lot.
It's too bad class ended for the season because we were just getting the hang of it. We'll take again in the fall, but I had toyed with signing the kiddos up for the intensive summer camp for ages 3-7. Because I'm crazy. We barely make it through an hour of Chinese immersion, they would never make 2 1/2. Everyday. For two weeks. Even though the cost alone was prohibitive, I actually thought about it for more than a second. And then I came to my senses. I mean, we won't even really be 3 yet! There's plenty of time for Chinese class later.
I think it's that uber-overachieving parent thing. Why do 3 year-olds need classes? Every expert I've read indicates that they aren't ready for them until they are older, closer to 6 or 7, especially for sports and teams, that classes at this age are more about the parents. I know that's true with our art and story group, which are classes in the loosest sense of the term. Those are all about the moms getting together and doing things with the kids, not about actual formal education. The reason that classes are even offered for the younger ages is because there is tons of money in it--that's why museums offer them, not only to get the class fee, but to lure in the parents for other programs for the duration of a child's childhood and hopefully into that child's adulthood (and once the classes are available, they create their own buzz with parents thinking they need them. It's classic marketing).
But, having been in structured education for 30 years, from preschool to the completion of my Ph.D., I am comfortable in the class environment and see it as the way to learn. Even when I know it's not. My kids, on a full week when we attend everything (which is extremely rare), are at storytime at the library, "school" at the parents' center, and Chinese class. That's in addition to any playgroup or playdate or babysitter time. I think the compulsion must be some kind of sense of inadequacy. I can't teach my child Chinese, nor do I think I can teach them music or movement. Sometimes the lack is perceived but not actual; I can teach my children art, music, movement, etc, at least on the level they are at now. I really can't teach them Chinese. Though, in truth, it is my teaching, after class, when I continue and repeat the lessons, that is where the learning takes place.
Classes certainly have other value besides the subject matter, the much-touted socialization of toddlers. And I think this is a definite plus. Even though I already have two kids the same age, it is important for them to interact, even when it is not positive or appropriate, with other kids their age. But, for me, it is even more important that they interact with other adults, other authority figures, learn to listen to them, learn to trust them, learn to like them. And in Chinese class, this very thing has happened. They really bonded with Lao She. And they still have fond memories of the librarian from our baby class.
I just worry about too much structure, too much schedule at this age. They aren't even three. If they are like me, they have 30 years left of schooling. There is no need to rush it. It's that old "let kids be kids" thing. In fact, we're supposed to be going to school right now, but they are having such fun "just" playing that I hate to interrupt it just because I think they need to go. Even if there is value in it. There is value in "just play" too.
Like other parents, however, I worry about them "getting behind" and "not being ready." That's the dark side of classes, the fear of not going. And this, as much as socialization for moms and tots, subject matter, and the like, that drives enrollment and attendance. I mean, why do my kids need to learn Chinese? It's an academic enrichment/competitive thing, even with all the high-minded talk of cultural awareness. I mean, consider the source--I went to school for 30 years, graduated high school Summa Cum Laude, have a double major that is just four credit hours short of two separate BAs, am a member of Phi Beta Kappa, went to an Ivy League school for my masters, and have a Ph.D. I'm nothing if not academically competitive (though, not as much as I was). Do I want that for my kids? I want them to have the option.
So, while I won't go overboard and sign us up for summer camp, you can bet we'll be in Chinese in the fall.
Among other things.
(P.S. For the record, we went to school this morning. But we were late because we were playing.)
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