Pre-K is a foundational year because, for most children, it provides their initial exposure to school and sets the tone for their educational careers. "They're forming those emotions, attitudes, and ideas about school. It's a perfect chance to get the kids started on the right foot, "Bouffard said. Preschool education supports the child's mental, social, and personal growth and development. Although a child learns how to talk while at home, continuous interaction and exposure with children of the same age group and teachers help them improve their communication skills.
"Early Child Care and Education (ECCE) is more than a preparation for primary school. It aims at the holistic development of the social, mental, cognitive, and physical needs of the child in order to create a strong and comprehensive base for lifelong learning and well-being.
How to Promote Child Brain Growth
Children's brains are developing quickly from the age of birth to the age of six. Brain development affects all areas of child growth.
There are four main areas of development: motor (physical), language and communication, psychological, emotional, and cognitive. The growth of the brain is part of cognitive development. Cognitive growth explains how the child's brain develops, including reasoning, learning, and problem-solving skills. These skills have an effect on all other areas of growth.
The first 5-6 years of a child’s life are crucial to learning and development. Many parents are wondering if they can help their children grow their brains. The best approach is to regularly involve your child through day-to-day activities such as playing, reading, and being there when he/she feels tension.
Here are some ideas to encourage brain development:
Play the game
Play is a perfect way to help a baby or a baby’s brain grows. Play may be a game, talk or sing to actively engage your child's brain." Peek-a-boo" and treasure hunt games also help in baby's brain grow. Speak to your child about what you're doing. For children, sing action songs, such as "Wheels on the Bus," encourage them to pretend to play, draw and build with blocks and toys. They foster imagination and innovation.
Comfort
Babies can feel a lot of stress. Hold on and cuddle your baby. Let him/her know that you're there to console them and make them feel pain. Studies show that responsive, loving, and supportive care helps children cope with stress better than if care is inconsistent.
Read
Reading is one of the best ways to promote a child’s brain development. Even before he/she can recognize letters or words, reading kick starts language and communication skills. Hearing words and seeing pictures connects the two in a child’s mind.
As it is not always possible to do everything at home and provide a social network or peer group, parents tend to send their children to preschool. Nowadays, with both parents working in a preschool, parents have the best opportunity and convenience. Preschool is a perfect choice for a lot of families.
Preschool is an appealing choice for many families. Preschools don't only provide your child with childcare or babysitting. They usually have a well-designed early learning program.
Many preschoolers strive to train your child for school years by teaching them social and academic skills. While preschools have similarities with nurseries, daycares, and even kindergartens, they tend to have different objectives than these other options.
Keep in mind, however, that these terms are used in different ways. In addition, preschools (not to mention nursery schools and other options) have various goals, philosophies, approaches to education, cultures, and more.
What do kids learn in preschool?
Development of the social and emotional sphere
In preschool, children will learn how to improve their social and emotional development. Children learn how to negotiate, to be cooperative, and to solve problems. Preschool offers an environment for children to discover, develop a sense of self, play with peers, and build confidence. Children learn that they can perform tasks and make decisions without the help of their parents.
Readiness of school
Activity management is a major part of pre-school learning. Children learn how to be students in preschool. Children learn to care, how to raise their hands, and how to turn around. Children also learn how to share the attention of the teacher. Children also learn about routine, follow directions, and wait. Quality preschools help children to find answers through exploration, experimentation, and conversation. Going to preschool also helps children learn to be apart from their parents or caregivers.
Promote cognitive and language skills
The language skills of children are nurtured in a "language-rich" environment. In classroom environments, teachers help children develop their language skills by adding new vocabulary during class, drawing, snacks, and other events. Teachers challenge students with thought-provoking questions so that children can learn a lot of language by singing, learning about books, and imaginative play.
Academics:
In Pre-school pre-math and pre-literacy skills are introduced. Children are taught numbers and letters, but they are taught in a way that appeals to children at that age. Children sing an alphabet song while watching in a picture book or learn rhymes and songs that allow them to note distinct sounds inside words. Teachers read children's stories to encourage their listening, understanding, and expressive language skills. Matching games, sorting games, and counting games are building children's understanding of numbers and sequences. Putting puzzles together encourages children to notice patterns and work on problem-solving skills.
Children learn best through activities that they find interesting, such as songs, story-time, and imaginative play. Preschool is not about achieving academic success; it's about creating a well-rounded child who wants to explore and question their surroundings. In preschool children, they will gain the confidence of themselves as capable and independent learners.
Self-confidence
In pre-school, kids learn that they can actually do things for themselves. Children learn to wash their faces, go to the bathroom, and take off their shoes without an adult doing it for them. Children will have to work in the classroom and be proud to help out in the classroom. Learning new skills helps create confidence.
Effective early childhood education provides children with cognitive, behavioral, and social skills that they cannot learn at home. Teachers find it easier to teach a child with a good pre-school experience in language skills, listening comprehension, attention management skills, and a positive attitude to learning.
Preschool Benefits
Pre-school education has many possible benefits. Although this is not an exhaustive list, below are some of the major ones. Bear in mind, however, that such advantages can differ between pre-school programs.
Early learning is a special preschool benefit. Your child will learn a lot of academic and pre-academic skills in the right program. This could give them a leg when they start school. In most preschools, your child will learn a wide range of cognitive, social, and linguistic skills. Below, the key ones are listed.
Skills Learn
Cognitive and academics:
Socially and emotionally:
Languages and Literacy:
Conclusions:
In short, a successful pre-school program can provide a variety of short-and long-term benefits, including social, academic, and economic ones. That said, preschool isn't a guarantee of success or happiness. Many other variables come into play, including the family atmosphere and education, financial capital, and community support. There is strong evidence, however, that preschool has significant benefits for children, and that some of these benefits can be long-lasting.
How can preschool help your child develop?
The importance of preschool is clear within the fact that it helps young children develop the required skills they’ll use in their academic and social futures. So, if you’re considering whether or to not enroll your child in pre-school, you should think about how much your child will enjoy this sort of environment.
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