Rediscovering Kindergarten: Embracing Play & Joy in Learning - Paperback

by Laura Bornfreund (Author)

Kindergarten Shouldn't Be the New First Grade

The pressure to accelerate academics in kindergarten has led to rigid schedules, seated classwork, and a decline in joyful learning. Rediscovering Kindergarten:
Embracing Play & Joy in Learning offers a powerful call to reimagine kindergarten as a place where play-based learning and challenging academic content go hand in hand. Author Laura Bornfreund--education policy expert and nationally recognized voice in early childhood--argues for developmentally appropriate practice that supports the whole child. Drawing from research and real-world examples, this book shares ideas for teaching that nurtures curiosity, social-emotional development, and equity. For educators, leaders, and advocates, this is a practical and inspiring guide to reclaiming kindergarten from push-down academics to restore it to what it was always meant to be: playful exploration full of rich learning.

Discover how to:
- Create a classroom environment where play supports rigorous learning
- Build developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned curriculum
- Support social-emotional learning as foundational to academic success
- Engage families and administrators in advocating for change
- Understand the research behind early learning and achievement gaps
- Position kindergarten within the pre-K-3 continuum of learning

Rediscovering Kindergarten is a guide for building a learning environment that fosters curiosity, equity, and joyful growth--without sacrificing academic excellence.

Back Jacket

Kindergarten Shouldn't Be the New First Grade

The pressure to accelerate academics in kindergarten has led to rigid schedules, seated classwork, and a decline in joyful learning. Rediscovering Kindergarten:
Embracing Play & Joy in Learning offers a powerful call to reimagine kindergarten as a place where play-based learning and challenging academic content go hand in hand. Author Laura Bornfreund--education policy expert and nationally recognized voice in early childhood--argues for developmentally appropriate practice that supports the whole child. Drawing from research and real-world examples, this book shares ideas for teaching that nurtures curiosity, social-emotional development, and equity. For educators, leaders, and advocates, this is a practical and inspiring guide to reclaiming kindergarten from push-down academics to restore it to what it was always meant to be: playful exploration full of rich learning.

Discover how to:
- Create a classroom environment where play supports rigorous learning
- Build developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned curriculum
- Support social-emotional learning as foundational to academic success
- Engage families and administrators in advocating for change
- Understand the research behind early learning and achievement gaps
- Position kindergarten within the pre-K-3 continuum of learning

Rediscovering Kindergarten is a guide for building a learning environment that fosters curiosity, equity, and joyful growth--without sacrificing academic excellence.

Author Biography

Laura Bornfreund, MPA, is a senior fellow in education policy and the former director of early and elementary education policy at New America. She's a frequent contributor to major media outlets such as Slate, CNN, The Hechinger Report, Education Week, and The Atlantic. Her work centers on strengthening the pre-K to third grade continuum to the success of all young learners.