A lot of parents are still skeptical about the thought of preschool. Some of them envision their little ones being placed in a structured environment. While some others worry that their children might not cope with the separation. But there’s no reason to fret. Sending your child to a quality preschool can help them in more ways than one. Preschool exposes young children to the fundamentals of reading and writing. It also develops their emotional and social skills. Still having second thoughts about how your child can benefit from preschool? Here are some important points you might need to consider.
Preschool provides a strong, solid foundation for learning
Sending your little one to a preschool is an excellent way to prepare them for the academic demands of the future. Lessons are not delivered using a structured approach. Instead, they have a variety of activities and games. These help them gain cognitive and social skills. They will need these for future learning endeavors. You also won’t have to worry that preschool will cut into their play time. They will have plenty of time to play and have fun in school.
Preschool provides more opportunities for growth
Attending preschool allows your child to experience being in a school setting. And how does this impact them? This will provide them the opportunity to work along with other kids. They will learn how to follow instructions. It is the foundation of learning. They are better prepared for kindergarten and elementary school.
Preschool nurtures a child’s social and emotional development
To foster learning, a child needs to be in an environment where they feel secure and cared for. Preschool will be the first time a child will be away from home. It’s important that you provide them a high quality preschool program. One that nurtures secure and warm relationships with teachers and children. Preschool teachers provide parents with reports on activities and progress. Regular meetings make sure that there is consistency in care between home and school.
In a preschool, teachers take time to help children learn emotional self control. They are taught social skills and the ability to manage anger and frustrations. Teachers don’t immediately step in when conflicts arise. They know when to intervene and rather allow children to work out their problems. They make sure kids understand the impact of their behaviors without embarrassing them.
Preschool promotes cognitive skills
A young child’s brain is like a sponge. They easily absorb anything they are taught. It is best to provide them good quality early education while they are younger. Ages between 3 and 5 are an ideal time to send a child to school. During these years that their vocabulary grows and their sentences become more complex. When you send your child to a preschool, teachers can help them improve their language skills. They will also have plenty of opportunities to develop cognitive skills. This occurs through a variety of fun and interesting activities.
Children get to make choices
Children should have several choices of activities; a child who is wandering aimlessly is encouraged to choose one that interests him. Teachers are alert to a child who can’t figure out how to enter other children’s play and may offer him suggestions on ways to join the group.
Preschool helps children become more independent
Children’s sense of competence and worth grow as they learn to take care of themselves and help others. Teachers often appeal to a young child’s desire to engage in “real work” by offering him chances to help out in the classroom. An example would be by setting the table at snack time or feeding the classroom hamster. Children are expected to wash their hands before snack time, keep personal belongings in their “cubby,” and put away toys before moving to a new activity.
Teachers also encourage a child to view herself as a resource for other children. A teacher might ask a child who’s more competent at pouring water to help a child who is learning. Or she might ask a “veteran” preschooler to show a newcomer where the sand toys are kept.
Throughout their school years, much of children’s learning will take place in the company of their peers. In a high-quality preschool program, children are introduced to the behaviors required to function successfully in a kindergarten classroom. For example, during group activities such as “circle time,” children learn to focus attention on the teacher, listen while others are speaking, and wait their turn to talk.
Preschool teachers nurture a child’s curiosity
Preschool-age children have active imaginations and learn through make-believe play. Teachers know that the line between reality and fantasy is often not clear to a young child. Sometimes this results in fears of monsters under the bed. But imagination also fuels learning. For example, when a group of children creates a make-believe grocery store, they will practice many social and cognitive skills as they assign roles to each child, figure out categories of groceries and how to organize them, make signs to label products; help their “customers” select the right shampoo or vegetable; and take “money” for products.
These are but a few of the many wonderful benefits your child can get from preschool. And if you’re looking for a high quality preschool in Delaware County that will suit your child’s needs, please consider Rising Stride Child Care Centers.