To the editor:

Regarding the Journal-World article, “Preschoolers take dip into academic pool,” I would like to clarify one of the statements made in the article. When it was noted that I said children were “learning how to sit and listen and stay on task,” I was referring to the circle/story time the children were engaged in.

A comment following the article online said, and I quote “Welcome to the factory, kids. How sad.” When describing our pre-k classrooms at Kennedy, these are two words that would NEVER come to my mind. In our rooms, teachers set up language-rich environments which give our students wonderful learning experiences through play and active exploration. Social interactions are constantly encouraged.

The children in our care are given opportunities to learn in centers including home area, math, science, sensory (aka “the pool”), library, blocks, writing, art and cozy corner. The majority of our day, children are actively engaged with classroom and outdoor materials. In the pre-K rooms at Kennedy, you will see a balance of active times as well as quiet times — and there is certainly nothing “sad” or “factory-like” about that!

Finally, I would like to thank the Journal-World staff for spotlighting my pre-k classroom. I just felt the need to clarify my philosophy of teaching young children. From my perspective, it’s a wonderful program that serves some of the best families and children in the community! I am proud to be part of it.

Donna Lang,

Pre-K Teacher,

Kennedy School