In preschool, time to learn how to be a member of a group
Print Edition
EARLY childhood education is a powerful kick-start to your child’s education; however, I don’t believe that a rigorous, academic preschool is the answer. There are many skills young children need to learn at school before strictly working on academics.
Children who enter preschool prior to kindergarten are exposed to young children their own age where they begin to develop appropriate social skills, explore interactions with other children, take turns with toys or materials, wait their turn for attention or help, and work as a member of a group. Preschool also reinforces the skills of independence they are (hopefully) learning at home. Skills such as putting their coat or shoes on, getting a tissue for their nose, and other self-help tasks are skills all children need to practice.
Educators notice which children haven’t attended school prior to their first day in class. These children are unsure what to expect, have difficulty sitting in a large group, and often may be unsure how to interact with others. In kindergarten, to expect a 5- or 6-year-old who has never been in school before to demonstrate appropriate social skills, act as a member of a group and learn new skills in various subject areas seems unrealistic.
Children need opportunities to be children. To ask them to read, write sentences and add or subtract numbers beyond their age level isn’t necessary. They are innately programmed to explore curiosities, ask questions, and figure out how things work. At a young age, the world is still so new to them; they are constantly curious and want to know more about their surroundings. I encourage families to find a preschool that allows children to explore their interests, follow a daily schedule, develop social skills, and obtain exposure to a group of children their own age.
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