A program for Early Childhood Education called “Tools of the Mind” is now being implemented in various early learning settings. This program is based upon the principles of Russian psychologist, Lev Vygotsky. Many of his educational theorems have been used by other well-known educational experts, including some of his students.
So, what is this Tools of the Mind program and why are so many parents and educators learning more and choosing it? Tools of the Mind is a self-regulated educational program. While many educational programs often rely on the physical abilities and successes of children, Tools of the Mind utilizes and trains the mental capabilities as well.
It is purported to give teachers and students the tools needed for the children to become, not only physically capable of completing assignments and tasks, but mentally capable as well, or self-regulated. This means that the children will be able to better mentally process the information they are physically able to use. So, is it better than other programs out there?
In reading the information on this program, I couldn’t help but wonder how this really differed from the way young children already learn. It is my observation that from birth, many parents often begin mental training and focus with simple activities. Those activities and stimulation increase as the child grows older and more capable.
One of the goals of Tools of the Mind is to conform the children to current learning standards, which could either be a positive or a negative for some educators. Not all educators agree on whether or not children should conform to standards.
While some parents send their young children to daycare centers or early learning centers and some choose to stay at home, in my opinion and experience, many children will already be mentally stimulated in some way each day. Parents often teach children how to be independent thinkers by giving them choices, assigning chores, and having them practice early learning skills (e.g. colors, counting).
This is not to say the program isn’t good, because it very well could be. I have not tried the program myself, but in teaching my own children, who happen to be home schooled on a customized curriculum plan I designed, some of these strategies are already implemented. However, these are things I already did early on and simply expand on as they grow older, further proving the point for me that there are children who have already been taught these skills as a natural way of life.
Mental stimulation can occur through active play, group discussion, and even pencil and paper games. These types of activities are very common among many households. While children do these actives already, is it fair to say that they could still be practiced more in an organized learning environment? I personally don’t feel it will do any harm and it certainly could help.
At the MCREL website, I was able to download a PDF copy of a case study on a public school program that implemented Tools of the Mind and the program did seem to prove very successful in this case. As with any teaching tool, for any parent or teacher considering this program, I would suggest doing your own research, using the links provided, as well as other sources, and deciding what is best for the child or class involved.
Sources:
http://www.mcrel.org/topics/products/178/
http://www.mscd.edu/extendedcampus/toolsofthemind/
