Nursery World - To the point... (14)

This week's columnist Pat Wills asks us to think about the children the targets miss out The writings of Robert Fulghum became an interesting way to begin and end early years conferences in the early 1990s. Many will remember his book All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.

The writings of Robert Fulghum became an interesting way to begin and end early years conferences in the early 1990s. Many will remember his book All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.

One of my favourite stories recounts the tale of the children's party game of giants, wizards and dwarves. Corners of a hall are designated with a fantasy world character and, on command, the children run noisily into their chosen corner. All goes well until a 'mermaid' tugs at his trouser leg. 'Where do the mermaids stand?'

The current target-driven culture in schools across the land does not cater for the mermaids. We've all met them. The children who stand out in our memories for one reason or another. They are the ones who haven't learned the rules of kindergarten.

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