The brain develops most rapidly in the first few years of life. As such, young children’s brains develop at a rapid pace, forming new connections that help develop a child’s mental and physical health. Studies show that the early years of a child’s life has a significant impact on their elementary, middle, high school and college experiences. Many parents worry about their child’s early learning experience and wonder whether or not there are benefits of preschool for young children. Here are some of the advantages of preschool education.
Advantages of Preschool
Structured Setting
Preschool allows your child to be in a structured setting with other children and teachers where they learn to follow instructions, share, take turns and interact with others. It’s an opportunity for your child to experience a nurturing environment. Every child who gets this type of group experience finds it easier to transition into kindergarten.
Social and Emotional Growth
In preschool, your child gets some emotional and social foundation. Your child learns how to cooperate with others, solve problems and respect others. Preschool is the perfect place for kids to explore, play with their new friends and gain confidence.
Discovery
As a parent, it can sometimes be tough answering some of the questions your child throws at you every so often. By taking your child to preschool, you make your job as a parent a bit easier as your
child learns how to find answers to their questions through conversations with their teachers and peers, experimentation and exploration.
Educational Building Blocks
Many preschools teach young kids about letters and numbers, but at their own pace using various activities and games. Teachers in preschool settings will teach your child about some of these fundamentals by offering various activities young children typically find interesting such as storytelling, playing with blocks and more. For instance, teachers may use memory games, counting crackers or cookies during snack time or ask children to use a calendar to countdown days to a holiday to help kids with math skills. Another common tactic is to play rhyming games and let children tell stories as a way to strengthen the child’s learning skills.
Groundwork for Learning
Preschool provides the foundation for learning both socially and academically. Young children are naturally curious and perceptive. They’re eager to learn and understand the things around them, from understanding how to assemble a toy to determining the right amount of money to make a purchase.
Taking your child to preschool also makes them comfortable in the classroom much earlier. This increases the chances that he or she will thrive academically, emotionally, and socially in their elementary school years and beyond.
Preschool programs focus on the fundamental elements of your child’s development including academic, emotional, social, and physical among others. There are plenty of additional advantages of preschool. For instance, a child’s early exposure to a structured setting builds socio-emotional skills where a child has a better ability to control his or her behaviors and feelings, understand the feelings of others and build relationships with those around them.