Preschool or kindergarten, as it also known, is your child’s first instruction to the big wide world, and while there are no academic objectives, preschool does play an important role in preparing children for the twelve years of formal education that follow. If you are soon to be looking for a local preschool, look for one that promotes the following:
1. Essential Social Skills
At preschool, the kids learn all about social etiquette and the value of politeness, which is always modelled by the teachers and staff. They learn patience and tolerance and are introduced to the concept of borrowing others’ property, which is an important part of growing up. Helping others should play an integral part of the overall learning environment, and if you are currently looking for a preschool in Bangkok, or anywhere else for that matter, take a look at their mission statement – which should be displayed on the school website and highlights the areas the school feels are important for preschool education.
2. Developing Creativity & Imagination
The first seven years of a child’s life are known as the formative years, and it is during this time we must nurture creativity and imagination. This is best achieved with storytelling and encouraging the children to engage in art practices; schools that follow the Reggio Emilia approach really know how to encourage creativity and development within each child, so when searching for a suitable preschool, look for the term ‘Reggio Emilia’, which is a tried and tested curriculum for very young learners.
According to expert educationists at the Lorna Whiston preschool, at a young age, the minds of young children function as a sponge. This is also the best age for them to pick up concepts and learning curriculums the fastest. Using creative teaching techniques can allow young children to properly grasp concepts for life. This is why the teaching faculty of a preschool needs to use imagination in their techniques for best results.
3. Self-Expression
If young children are not given the opportunity to freely express themselves, this has a negative impact on self-esteem, so look for a school that encourages the kids to sing, dance and generally speak their mind. Every opinion should be valued in an early learning program and with self-expressions comes interest for various things, which can then be explored by the curious child.
4. Total Equality
There’s far too much racism in the world today, and we need to put children in a loving environment where everyone is seen as someone with an opinion, and kindness and compassion should be evident.
5. The Right Behaviour
This is perhaps the most important, in terms of how the child will integrate, and teachers always model the right behaviour, encouraging acts of kindness and nurturing a respect for other people and their property.
The first three years of schooling are designed to allow the child to explore in a safe and secure environment, and with teachers who understand how early learning best occurs, the children develop in all the right areas and are ready for the first primary years of academic education.
When you are browsing potential school websites, always read their vision and mission statements, which outline how the school sees early learning, and if all looks good, arrange for a private tour, when you can ask the questions you prepared and see the kids engaging in a range of activities.Your choice of preschool is an important one and with a little research, you should find the most suitable school like Thrive Preschool to prepare your child for their formal education.