Brain Development

(CNN) - Young children, ages 3 to 5, learn through play at home. It’s easy to observe.

But then preschool and kindergarten arrive all of a sudden, and children in today’s school environment are often subjected to scripted lessons and direct instruction.

Whether it’s classic theorists such as Jean Piaget or contemporary researchers such as David Elkind, there is general agreement that children learn through hands-on experience, through their play.

PROVIDENCE — The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Warwick) today that would provide funding for up to four districts for full-day kindergarten, beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. Its companion in the House, sponsored by Rep. Joy Hearn (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence), passed the House of Representatives last week. Both bills must now be approved by the opposite chambers in order for it to become law.

Can finger-painting, cup-stacking and learning to share set you up for a stellar career?

Research says yes, according to Dr. Celia Ayala, chief executive officer of Los Angeles Universal Preschool, a nonprofit that funds 325 schools in Los Angeles County, Calif., using money from tobacco taxes.

When Glastonbury schools offered a full-day kindergarten option for this fall, Superintendent Alan Bookman expected about two-thirds of the children would go. But when parents heard about the more rigorous array of skills children are now expected to attain in kindergarten, many more pressed for the all-day program.

Grab a picnic lunch and join Children First Groton and the City of Groton at Eastern Point Beach (rain location - City of Groton Municipal Building) for the “Family Safety Day Picnic,” on Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will include fire safety demonstrations, fire trucks, Groton City Police information, children’s activities, storytelling and a moon bounce. All activities are free.

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/New-Trail-Fosters-Learning-and-Play/155830205

KILLINGLY — A Community Celebration was held at Killingly High School on Tuesday, May 22, where after two years of research — which consisted of 15 focus groups with 146 participants, 90 surveys, and four committees hashing and rehashing what should be included in a community plan for children age zero through eight and their families living in the town’s of Killingly, Plainfield, Putnam, and eventually Sterling — a plan was presented by the Northeast School Readiness Council in rough draft form to the community for the first time.