Most parents would agree that their child’s development, both mentally and physically, is of utmost importance. Hence, they are more invested than ever in giving their children the best forms of early education even at a high price. Preschool education nowadays has become costlier than ever and some parents may not be able to afford or may be unwilling to pay high school fees to send their child to a private school. However, I would argue that paying these fees enable the preschool to provide essential education that will be vital for your child’s learning, growth and development. Find out more about preschool in Singapore at https://ourfirststeps.com.sg/macpherson/.
What does my child do at a preschool?
Preschool is all about placing your child in a safe environment where they can acquire knowledge, skills and learn how to socialize. In a pre-school, they will interact with other children and teachers and learn how to play and co-exist in a peaceful manner, making friends and learning how to give and take. They will undergo activities and lessons where soft skills like reasoning, problem-solving and creative skills are learnt and honed.
There are also lessons where children will develop skills that they will eventually use in formal education, such as writing, mathematics and basic science knowledge.
Preschools can socialize your child at a young age
More so than simply honing mental skills, the biggest hurdle that many children face as they prepare to enter the education system is learning how to operate in society. Children who do not enter preschool usually find it hard to communicate and understand their peers once they are in the formal education system. Those children who are privileged enough to have entered nursery and preschool education are extremely fortunate as they learn the vital skills of socializing at a young age. This means things like learning how to share, learning how to take turns, resolving conflicts peacefully, having fun together and working together towards shared goals in group settings, learning how to take responsibility for their actions and many other important life lessons.
Being around children their age also staves off boredom and loneliness: children who enter preschool are usually more vibrant and full of energy as compared to children who simply play by themselves at home without being surrounded by their peers. Children who enter preschool also learn how to deal with and react to authority figures: usually adults who are their teachers and mentors as they play and learn during the lessons. This ability to understand and respect authority means that once they are much older, they have a much more socialized approach towards life and have a deeper understanding of social structures as well as social hierarchies.
Preschools allow your children to access their mind early on
Preschool lessons consists of a variety of learning experiences meant to help children to trigger their neurons and learn a variety of skills and abilities that will bode them well as they grow older. Through open-ended and more structured lessons, they are able to develop these skills in a controlled and measurable environment. Such lessons can include activities like art and drawing, building blocks, solving puzzles, playing simple games and so on.
These lessons do not simply happen in the classroom. Oftentimes, many higher end preschools will have a certain degree of outdoor activities planned into their structured curriculum. In these activities, children will go out as a group under the supervision and tutelage of their teachers and they will engage with the outdoors. They will come into contact with flora and fauna and be able to play with sand and water during these occasions, giving them a sense of adventure and wonder. Playing outdoors also gives them an intimate and first hand experience with the amazing features and facets of our natural world. Rather than simply learning about these things in a book, being close to all these aspects of life imbues your child with a sense of wonder and delight.
Preschools allow your children to learn in a group, rather than independently
Being at home, your child may be able to read and write and watch videos, but they are doing so without any sensory feedback from their peers, which can result in reclusiveness. Sending your child to a preschool will enable them to partake in a variety of group activities which are both fun and educational. These activities can include reading books aloud or reciting poetry together, learning how to sing nursery rhymes, learning basic dance moves, playing musical instruments together and a variety of other fun and engaging activities.
Your child’s creative side can also be engaged in a group environment – children in preschools will be encouraged to put on drama and acting shows with their peers, something they can’t possibly do alone at home. This can help your child learn how to express himself or herself in a profound manner through acting or storytelling during show and tell activities. Learning skills like dance also helps your child with their motor and sensory abilities, improving their basic coordination and can also help build physical strength and stability.
First Steps Preschool @ Macpherson
47 Kallang Pudding Road #01-01
Singapore 349318
6244 8110
