Preparing your preschooler for kindergarten is a huge benefit of early childhood education. In fact, early childhood education for children between six months old and five years of age has a tremendous effect on learning well past kindergarten. Not only does preschool provide an introduction to the notion of school, but it supports early cognitive development, social-emotional skills, and academic abilities in young learners. Here are four simple reasons to sign your child up for preschool before they head into kindergarten:
1. Your child will experience a classroom setting.
Preschool before kindergarten can be your child’s first involvement in a more structured and organized setting. This daily routine can provide a smooth transition into the learning environments your child will encounter in elementary school. Through daily interaction with peers and caring adults, children learn to share, collaborate and play well with others, complete multi-step activities and become familiarized with a classroom environment. The ideal preschool classroom should foster discovery, exploration, and creativity. Children should be encouraged to explore, grow, learn, and adapt as they move through developmental milestones in their first educational setting.
2. Your child will build warm relationships with trusted adults.
Children entering a classroom for the first time are introduced to kind, supportive adults who aren’t a part of their family. For many, it may be the first time they have spent time away from home for a substantial amount of time. When children make connections in addition to their families, it can increase their social capacity, independence, and interpersonal skills. A teacher’s gentle guidance and encouragement can build confidence and self-esteem, the building blocks of any successful learning experience. Transitioning to childcare can also be an adjustment for a child’s parents! Building a warm relationship with your child’s teacher is great practice for the many years to come. Look for a preschool that sends regular updates via technology so that you can feel connected to your child even when you’re across town.
3. Your child will grow in independence and confidence.
Children make independent choices every day in preschool. This empowers children to choose activities that hold their interest, whether that means imaginative play with their peers, building towns out of blocks, or drawing a picture of their favorite person. To explore their personality and gifts, it’s best to introduce preschoolers to a wide variety of activities and enrichment opportunities. Language learning, music, drama, cooking, computers, dance, art, and S.T.E.A.M activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) can help children discover what lights them up and fills them with joy.
4. Your child will develop strong peer relationships.
Building friendships is a skill like any other, and children need practice to feel socially confident with their peers. Spending time at preschool gives children the opportunity to befriend, engage with, and experience friendships with children of their own age. While connecting with adults is important, peer relationships can be extremely fulfilling for preschoolers. Together, they can engage in partner and group play that can help inspire accelerated growth and learning. Skills like compromise, successful verbal communication, collaboration, and more are all built through daily interaction with same-age peers.
The Gardner School Builds Kindergarten Confidence
TGS Education Support Specialist Fonda Thompson explains, “The Gardner School prepares children for kindergarten by giving them access to the opportunities that promote school success. Our curriculum includes child-guided and teacher-supported activities that emphasize hands-on, integrated learning. We support little learners of all ages, and some of our locations even include private kindergarten classes.”
Contact us today to learn more, or check out our virtual tours on our website for The Gardner School nearest you. You’ll quickly see why parents choose us to give their children a head start in kindergarten and help build resilient, compassionate, and engaged young learners.