How important is preschool?
There's increasing evidence that children gain a lot from going to preschool. At preschool, they become exposed to numbers, letters, and shapes. And, more important, they learn how to socialize - get along with other children, share, contribute to circle time.
Music and gymnastics classes are great, but what preschools do that less formal classes don't is teach kids how to be students. Your child will learn how to raise their hand, take turns, and share the teacher's attention. All of this makes for an easier transition to kindergarten. In fact, educators have so recognized the importance of giving kids some form of quality early education that about 40 states now offer state-funded pre-K programs.
What will my child learn?
In addition to strengthening socialization skills -- how to compromise, be respectful of others, and problem-solve -- preschool provides a place where your child can gain a sense of self, explore, play with her peers, and build confidence. Kids in preschool discover that they are capable and can do things for themselves -- from small tasks like pouring their own juice and helping set snack tables to tackling bigger issues like making decisions about how to spend their free time. Quality preschools help children find answers through exploration, experimentation, and conversation.
There are other advantages to preschools -- primarily that they are the foundations for academic learning. In preschool your child will listen to poetry and songs -- building blocks needed to grasp phonics and reading skills when it is developmentally appropriate. The play that takes place with water, sand, and containers form the foundation for understanding some basic math concepts. The presence of other children and a wide variety of materials are two big reasons why a preschool is a positive experience.
We take pride in the great skills we provide for the children here at Holly Tree Christian Preschool. The love our teachers offer is evident in every classroom you walk into. As Thanksgiving is fast approaching, we are THANKFUL for the wonderful teachers we have investing daily in our children's lives.
Nice article. Gone are the days when children learned skills in preschool, but now they already have it on the very first day of their kindergarten. Early childhood programs and preschools foster their motor skills and guide a child's development at every step.
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