This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I fully agree with Emily Cook's view on students' learning behavior and social skills starting in preschool ("This Olympic athlete knows preschool matters," Opinion, Feb 2).
If a child doesn't learn this in preschool, when will he/she learn it? This message needs to be consistent and, for some, may need to be repeated every year.
As paraprofessionals working playground duty at a Title 1 elementary school, we teach behavior and social skills every day on the playing field. We constantly and consistently try to instill focus, self-regulation, patience, respect, persistence, obedience to directions, sharing, learning to stand in line and more.
This can only help them to focus and learn in the classroom.
Marilyn Marshall
Salt Lake City