Preschool isn’t mandatory, but that doesn't mean younger children should be left out of structured learning. While many assume that the “real” learning begins in kindergarten, early childhood education could actually be one of the most important parts of your child’s academic journey. Here are three of the most important reasons to consider preschool for your kids.
Preschool
Prepares Kids for Classroom Settings
This benefit is pretty
simple, but it’s important. When young kids spend time in a structured academic
environment, they learn how to operate as students. They get experience with
everything from following classroom rules and verbal instructions to ignoring
distractions and paying attention. If some skills or rules don’t come easily,
they deserve time to work on it before they’re expected to sit down and learn
math or science. After all, children adapt to new routines and settings at
their own pace. Early childhood education helps lay a foundation for a smoother
transition to elementary school.
Preschool
is the First Step toward Self-Sufficiency
Your preschool-age kids are
probably “growing up too fast” already, and it’s natural to bristle at the
thought of sending them off to school for the first time. However, your
ultimate goal as parents is to prepare them for the real world, and it’s never
too early to start learning independence and self-sufficiency. In preschool,
kids are expected to contribute and engage in basic tasks for the first time,
teaching them self-care and giving them a sense of accomplishment and
independence. They must wash their hands, keep their stuff in their cubbies,
contribute to classroom chores, and listen to their peers. These skills will
make it easier for them to make independent decisions and take care of
themselves later.
Preschool
Exposes Kids to Language at a Crucial Time
Whether or not a young child
is ready for reading lessons, they are constantly absorbing the linguistic cues around them. Vocal
development begins before their first birthday, when they start producing and
repeating syllables, and by age five, most children have learned thousands of
words and mastered their language’s sound system. These early years provide the
foundation for your child’s literacy skills later on, and preschool programs
expose them to new letter and word patterns to encourage vocal development. As
teachers read books aloud and kids sing or chant rhyming phrases together,
their young minds begin recognizing crucial patterns and sounds, which could
boost their reading comprehension and expressive language skills later.At the Montessori School of Flagstaff Sunnsyide Campus, we understand the significance of early childhood education. We believe that all children, especially our youngest and most “absorbent” students, thrive when they have the opportunity to learn at their own pace in a stimulating environment. That’s why we offer five different preschool and kindergarten programs for ages three to six, all emphasizing lessons and sensory experiences that enrich your young children's lives while developing a strong foundation for their future. Contact us today to schedule a tour!
