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Does Preschool Make Your Child More Prepared for School?
Home » Early Learning » Choosing Your Child's Preschool » Does Preschool Make Your Child More Prepared for School?Posted by Your Guide on March 14, 2006 4:09 PM
The trend today seems to be that parents feel the need to ‘‘prepare" children for preschool. But most children are ready for preschool at 3 or 4 years of age and preschools are designed to be ready for them. Most preschool programs include ample amounts of playtime, snack, and rest. Almost all learning will take place in the context of the other activities as they happen. Children learn about waiting their turn, sharing and playing cooperatively while they play. They learn how to stand in line with their class while they stand in line. There will be very little, if any, paper work, because children at this age are still tactile learners, meaning that they learn by getting their hands in and experiencing the lesson.
Preschool will help your child be more prepared for school because they practice school things every day in preschool. They practice washing their hands before they eat, sitting or standing quietly while the teacher give instructions, and keeping up with their own coat and lunchbox. Preschool readies a child for school by introducing them to the concept of being part of a class. As a part of that class they are both an individual that is respected and a member of the group that respects others. Familiarity with these skills will make the transition into Pre-K or Kindergarten easier for most children.
However, if you are planning to put your child on the fast track to college by enrolling them in a preschool that will teach them to read and solve complex mathematical equations, you may be disappointed. The role the preschool will play in your child’s life will be huge, but unrealistic expectations from parents will leave everyone feeling frustrated. As your child progresses through their short preschool years, the best gift you can give them is encouragement and acceptance as they develop at their own pace.
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