More Math, Less Play

According to a new study, many preschool kids aren't running around on the playground in periods of 'free play' very much these days. Instead, they're grinding away in the classroom for two reasons:

Academics and safety. Parents want their kids to have a headstart with their reading, writing, and math skills. And administrators (and parents) are afraid of playground injuries. Instead, many kids in preschools and childcare centers are spending about 80 percent of their day being sedentary. Only two or three percent of their day is spent in doing 'vigorous activities'. This, in turn, is leading to more childhood obesity. But at least they're really good at their math facts.