Watching Barney at Preschool?

joy143dh

(I'm DDing my original post, it's just too long.)

Basically, would you be ok if your preschool put in a Barney DVD for a room of 3 yr olds because it was too cold to go outside?

zigby

I would be upset too...your post sounded like so many moms in our area that have pulled their kids out of our areas most expensive preschool that I had to check were you where from!!  I would try talking to them and start checking into other schools so you can be prepared if things don't get better.

DevonPow

The preschool DS will be going to next year does have them watch a movie occassionally, but only after a long stretch of not being able to go outside. It has been pretty cold here lately (stupid wind), so I am guessing that the kids haven't been out in a while. If that is the case I don't think it is a big deal. But, if this is the first day they have been stuck inside I wouldn't be as OK with it.

BostonGayGal

I would be upset.  You are paying for there to be teachers and socialization, not mind-numbing television watching.

JOEBunny

By school, are you talking about daycare?

I only send DD to school 8 hours a week, so if she was watching TV, that would not work for me, but I worked in a very good daycare.  The children often watched TV for 1/2 hour toward the end of the day because a lot of them are there for 8+ hours and kids, like adults, don't want to be "interactive" the whole time.  I would not expect a daycare to be constant organized activity, nor should it be.  I would just find out what other things they are doing in the day and see if they are spending a suffiecent amount of time on learning, playing, physical activity, ect.

 

zigby

Oh and if you do switch schools, not sure if you have these options at schools in your area but DS's old school was really small but they had two extra rooms to use if it was bad weather.  One had a small jump castle in it and the other had all sorts of cool activities like a large sand table and some other things they normally don't get to use...his current school actually has a gym which is great for yucky days.

soyaddict

I did not see your original post but no, I would not be okay with preschool popping in a kids show just because it's too cold to go outside. Couldn't they do a craft or play some games or something?

brightning

I would not be OK with that. They need to have plans for bad weather.

belle204

30 minutes isn't going to kill their brain cells.

DandelionMom

My 3 y/o is only in school for about 7 hours a week so I wouldn't be thrilled about it.  But if it is a once every now and then, I'd let it go.  If it was more than a couple of times a month, I wouldn't be happy.

shopgirl78

I am very happy with DD preschool and she has learned soooo much!   A movie every once in a while, I wouldn't question.   In fact, I know they had a pj day and watched The Polar Express and had hot choc the day before school let out.  DD was so excited and had a blast going to school in her PJs!  

wildfloweragain

For once in a while, maybe but tv should not be a babysitter.

joy143dh

Thanks ladies.

They did the PJ/Polar Express thing too, and he loved it and I was 100% ok with that - didn't even question it.  The Barney thing has me perturbed.  Plus, here's the backstory.

Ever since DS was transitioned into the Preschool room, I have not liked his school as much as I did with Infant I, II, and Toddler.  (And we LOVED toddler room)   I do consider it a school and pay good money for it.  It's not just a daycare, although that is what it is starting to seem like.

We do not get the detailed daily activity sheet like we used to get.  I also do not ever see the main teacher because I do pickup at 4 and she leaves at 3.  So I feel like there is a disconnect in that regard.  They have a project/activity calendar that we get at the beginning of the month, but none of the projects seem very educational or thoughtful (ie. Monday was "Fingerpainting").  He never comes home with a creative project like he did in Toddler and even Infant II.     When I pick him up, the room is chaotic - kids doing individual things - a few assistants "watching" them  - not really interacting from what I can tell.  Even when I spy before going in, he always seems happy, but bored. 

Today, there was a TV on a cart in the room and I asked if they had watched a movie or something fun.  The assistant said "yeah, too cold to go outside, so we put Barney on for them."     I am not opposed to him watching TV.... but at school?  This is one of the most expensive preschools in town!  Can't they think of something creative to do with the kids?  Even if it's reading a story?   

I'm thinking this may be the last straw and I need to switch schools, but I hate to think I'm taking him away from what he knows and his sortof friends. A school transition would be extremely difficult for him  - he's a creature of habit. 

anyway, thanks again for your thoughts & advice

penguingrrl

I'd be very upset.  I'm not paying for preschool for them to watch TV.  Besides, I have never allowed DD to watch Barney because I just can't stand him and I'd be upset if someone else introduced hi to her.  I'm not generally overly restrictive about TV but Barney really bothers me for some reason.`

camrude

Well, it looks like I'm going to be in the minority here, but watching a show here and there does not bother me. In DD's room they watch 1/2 hr max a couple times a week (usually right around nap).

DD comes home with creative art projects and is learning quite a bit there, so I'm not worried about the TV. It sounds like you have other issues with the school/center though and you maybe should talk to the director about your concerns.

belle204

Maybe I'm just one of "those" parents. I can understand you're paying for them to go to school and naturally to learn things; but, if they are structured and he is enjoying it and thriving, learning, etc. then I think a show or movie every now and then isn't something I would lose sleep over. I hate Barney so that itself might cause my stomach to curdle but, in general terms, I just can't see getting upset (unless you have specified to them that dc is not to watch x, y, or z). Again, I think I'm just a bit too laid-back for things like this to upset me.

I would def. ask for more insight or for proof of what they are doing that is educational. Just b/c you walk in when they kids are doing individual things and ds looks bored at that point doesn't mean that has been the case all day. Maybe the other kids have reached the point they need to "come down" from the day's activities. Fingerpainting may not seem educational but it does benefit them by teaching them creativity, dexterity, colors, texture. Everything doesn't have to be educational on the surface for someone to get a learning experience from it.

Sorry if any of this came off the wrong way. While I see your point, I think there are always diff. ways to looking at a situation and what you can take from it.

joy143dh

Actually, Belle, I'm really glad you replied.  I agree in many ways. I'm usually so laid back, but recently it just seems like everything at his school is getting on my nerves.  As far as the TV, I just would rather them make a better choice for the kids if going outside isn't an option.  TV just seems lazy.  (Doublestandard I guess, because I let the TV babysit him at home more than I'd like to admit.)  IDK.  I'm worked up tonight about a lot of things.   . 

FriskyPanda

A DVD wouldn't bother me.  A Barney DVD would.  I don't want DD to get attached to that thing.

kevschickee2

no it wouldn't bother me.  It was too cold outside and kids don't always want to be busy doing things.  Who cares if it is Barney do I like him no but I wouldn't not let my girls watch him.

penguingrrl

I've been thinking a little more and reading other responses.  I think I'd be less upset if it was a once in a while thing AND it was an educational show.  If it were Sesame Street or Word World I think I would take less issue than Barney since Barney has no substance to it.  I don't ever remember watching "fun" TV in school as a kid and don't see why it would be part of school even at such a young age, but if they're going to use TV it should at least be educational programming.

praline

No!  But, if it was an all day daycare situation, and an at home one...then I might be ok with it occasionally.  Not under any other circumstances though.  My DD only goes two days a week two hours a day to preschool though.  The teacher at our preschool sings songs and reads books when they can't go out.

JenniC1135

I'd be annoyed.  Going outside is supposed to be gross motor time, so when it's too cold or wet to go out, my kids' school plays duck, duck, goose or simon says or something else to have them moving their bodies. 

LittleMamaB

Not even a little.

mauceddie

I didn't read any of the responses, or your other post. But my dayare is awesome, I couldn't love it more. Yes, they show movies on cold days, or if they can't go outside for a few days in a row. My dd thinks it's a really neat treat, and I can't imagine having a problem with it. 

GettinNervous

In your situation, it seems as if they are getting lazy and it's just one more thing that they are doing to add to your stress.

I wouldn't mind if my DS watched Barney at daycare now and then, but I know they wouldn't do it a lot. So it's not really fair for me to tell you that you shouldn't feel the way you do.

joy143dh

It's full day preschool.  He goes M/W/F 8a-4p.  I guess once in a blue moon it's ok (and it is a blue moon ths month), but I'm still disappointed in the choice of TV, let alone Barney TV.   It's at a daycare center, but they have a preschool, pre-K, and K.  This is the ps description:

Pre-School I:
Ratio: 2:19
Ages: 2.9 - 4 years
Full day or morning programs (8:30-12:30) Monday-Friday, 5, 3, and 2 day programs available.
At [school], we feel a child's fullest development at any age is the best preparation for the next.  With the teacher's encouragement, nurturing and understanding, a child will develop a sense of well-being and confidence.
We have specific goals and a curriculum rich with experiences that provide a springboard for learning such as dramatic play, science, counting and beginning math, reciting the alphabet and beginning letter recognition, language skills, motor skills, manners and social skills are among the many achievements of our pre-schoolers.

Zenya

I can't believe people are upset about this.