If you are a first time parent you probably have mixed feeling about sending your child off to school when he is only three or four. The cost can be prohibitive for parents who live in states that do not offer publicly funded preschool. Some argue kids are already growing up too fast. There is growing consensus that the pluses outweigh the negatives and there should be pre K for all in Astoria NY and everywhere else.
Most states make kindergarten a requirement. It is an important first step into the elementary academic world. Preschool is what kindergarten was a couple of decades ago. This is where most kids get their first introduction to science, literacy, and math in a relaxed and somewhat informal setting. Children have plenty of time to play alone or with their peers. Hopefully when they go to kindergarten the basics of classroom behavior will already have been learned.
Kids start learning social skills in preschool. The teachers are there to guide students and assist them in making good choices. They don't step in immediately when there is a minor conflict between peers. The teacher will watch carefully, and let the students resolve issues on their own, if possible. Involved parents need to partner with teachers and staff. They should read the daily reports they get and attend any scheduled meetings with the classroom teacher.
Just because the children are allowed to spend time playing on their own and choosing the activities that most interest them does not mean that preschool is unstructured. Teachers aren't in the classrooms to babysit. They are trained to know when to let children have some freedom and when to gather the students together for more structured activities. Most preschools have a looser curriculum than kids will experience later on however.
Preschool children start to learn how to take care of themselves, and help their peers. They may be asked to pick up toys, put away mats, or help set the tables for snack time. This may be their first introduction to structured listening and waiting until it is appropriate for them to talk. Older students might be asked to help a younger child with a specific task.
Kids this age are tripling their vocabulary. A big part of the preschool curriculum is increasing language skills. Kids are encouraged to express themselves verbally. A great deal of class time is spent singing songs, reading stories, and acting out plays. All of these activities foster the development of language skills and logical thinking.
Children are innately curious. Most love science and math at this age because they haven't been scared away from these disciplines yet. Simple projects like planting seeds, and watching them grow into plants, and counting coins encourage that curiosity. Literacy skills are increased in preschool. Children learn the alphabet song and how to sound out words.
Kids who don't get to go to preschool are at a disadvantage when they begin their formal academic careers. This opportunity should not be open only to those who can afford it. Making sure kids are well educated is an investment in the future.
Most states make kindergarten a requirement. It is an important first step into the elementary academic world. Preschool is what kindergarten was a couple of decades ago. This is where most kids get their first introduction to science, literacy, and math in a relaxed and somewhat informal setting. Children have plenty of time to play alone or with their peers. Hopefully when they go to kindergarten the basics of classroom behavior will already have been learned.
Kids start learning social skills in preschool. The teachers are there to guide students and assist them in making good choices. They don't step in immediately when there is a minor conflict between peers. The teacher will watch carefully, and let the students resolve issues on their own, if possible. Involved parents need to partner with teachers and staff. They should read the daily reports they get and attend any scheduled meetings with the classroom teacher.
Just because the children are allowed to spend time playing on their own and choosing the activities that most interest them does not mean that preschool is unstructured. Teachers aren't in the classrooms to babysit. They are trained to know when to let children have some freedom and when to gather the students together for more structured activities. Most preschools have a looser curriculum than kids will experience later on however.
Preschool children start to learn how to take care of themselves, and help their peers. They may be asked to pick up toys, put away mats, or help set the tables for snack time. This may be their first introduction to structured listening and waiting until it is appropriate for them to talk. Older students might be asked to help a younger child with a specific task.
Kids this age are tripling their vocabulary. A big part of the preschool curriculum is increasing language skills. Kids are encouraged to express themselves verbally. A great deal of class time is spent singing songs, reading stories, and acting out plays. All of these activities foster the development of language skills and logical thinking.
Children are innately curious. Most love science and math at this age because they haven't been scared away from these disciplines yet. Simple projects like planting seeds, and watching them grow into plants, and counting coins encourage that curiosity. Literacy skills are increased in preschool. Children learn the alphabet song and how to sound out words.
Kids who don't get to go to preschool are at a disadvantage when they begin their formal academic careers. This opportunity should not be open only to those who can afford it. Making sure kids are well educated is an investment in the future.
About the Author:
Check out adventurelandchildcarecenter.com for an overview of important factors to consider before picking a preschool program. You can also get more info about a great school that offers pre K for all in Astoria NY at http://www.adventurelandchildcarecenter.com/prek-for-all-program-achievers-class
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