The Early Advantage: Exploring the Benefits of Preschool Education for Children

Do You Ever Feel That Your Child is Growing In A Different Environment than you did?

Have your parents ever told you that just grew up like that and we didnt have to put any effort?

If these questions are something that you are well versed with, wait no more, this blog is just for you.

Lets first understand what is a preschool?

Preschools are like schools for really young kids, usually between 3 to 5 years old, where they learn through playing and fun activities. It's a place where they get ready for big kid school by learning social skills, basic numbers and letters, and other important stuff in a playful way.

Now since we know what’s a preschool, lets understand 

The origination of a Prechool

Preschools began to take shape in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in Europe. One key person was Friedrich Fröbel, who started the first kindergarten in 1837. He believed play was important for kids and designed activities to help them learn while having fun.

In the United States, preschools became popular in the early 20th century, through educators like Maria Montessori and John Dewey. They believed early education was vital for children's future success and citizenship.

So, preschools grew from the idea that early learning and play are essential for children's development and future academic achievement.

Lets understand now why is early childhood education important for a strong foundational learning.

Kindergarten education is crucial as it forms the Foundation for Learning through an introduction of fundamental skills that range across stages of m`include early literacy, numeracy and general awareness.

Understanding how kindergarten is important for foundational learning, lets take a look

• Socialization Skills: Families today are mostly nuclear. Kindergarten provides an opportunity for children to interact with peers, develop friendships, and learn important social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperating. Children engage in group activities like baking, planting vegetables and fruits, water play and outdoor sports, that help them understand the importance of team building and collaborative leadership. They also get exposed to the first outside stimuli and understand how they have to behave socially.

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Kindergarten encourages children to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions independently. Through hands-on activities and exploration, children learn to ask questions, explore ideas, and develop creative thinking skills. They are exposed to spatial awareness and right brain development that inculcates creative development and improves logical ability.Children are exposed to an array of arithmetic activities that are inspired by Montessori, Finnish and Waldorf methodologies. They go out for nature walks, pick up sticks, explore different sensorial activites

• Language Development: Kindergarten helps children develop language skills through storytelling, conversations, and exposure to rich vocabulary. This lays the groundwork for reading and writing comprehension, essential for success in later grades. Children are introduced to Phonetics, are involved in pretend play activities that also teach them about real life experiences. Children are also often exposed to multiple languages at an  early age and are hence positioned to outperform their peer group. They are exposed to new words during snack time, during classes and during other fun activities. Teachers engage children in a relatively free but guided environment with the help of flash cards, rhymes and stories. Children who go to a preschool are quicker learners than those who dont.

• Emotional Development: Kindergarten provides a supportive environment where children learn to express their emotions, regulate their behavior, and develop resilience. Teachers offer guidance and support to help children navigate social and emotional challenges, fostering emotional intelligence and well-being. Children are made aware about their emotions. They are often told that its okay to feel happy, sad or have a mix of emotions. Preschools these days focus a lot on self awareness through approriate stories, activities and communication about the self.

• Preparation for Life Skills: Kindergarten teaches children important life skills such as independence, responsibility, and self-care. They learn to follow routines, organize their belongings, and take care of themselves, building confidence and self-esteem.

Overall, kindergarten education is important because it sets the stage for a child's future academic success, social and emotional well-being, and overall development as a capable and competent individual.