We seem to be gradually evolving from an age of ‘More is More’, to one that preaches ‘Less is More.’
Indeed, the vast amount of information at our fingertips and our frenetic lifestyles, have us pause every now and then. To simply ‘Smell the Flowers’, so to speak.
The adage ‘Less is More’, might not always hold true. For instance, when it comes to sending your kids to a ‘School before School.’ In layman’s terms, ‘Preschool.’
‘Is Preschool necessary?’ This is a question every parent finds themselves asking. Being an Institution of Preschools ourselves, we don’t want to sound biased where it comes to being all in favour of Preschools. In this article, you will find the Pros of children attending preschool, finely balanced with the Cons.
In the end, it’s up to ‘you’, to gauge the Importance of Preschool Education. To decide, if it’s worth sending your child to preschool, or not.
Let’s get started, exploring The Pros and Cons of Preschool Education!
The Pros and Cons of Preschool Education
Attending Preschool comes with its Advantages and Disadvantages.
Let’s begin, with a look at the reasons that make preschool a ‘Need’, as opposed to a ‘Luxury.’
The Pros of Preschool Education
Preschool offers several benefits, the most pertinent of which are touched upon below.
- It prepares them for Elementary School
- The development of language
- It gives them an opportunity to be in a Structured Setting
- It is vital for their Social Development
- A Confidence Builder
- Helps build a foundation for learning Math
- It sparks a lifetime love of learning
One of the most ‘Elementary’ reasons why Preschool is necessary!
Things like ‘Rules’ and ‘Responsibilities’, are actually vital ‘skills’ that need to be taught to our children. If they don’t learn them early on, that sudden move from Home to Kindergarten, is not going to be a pretty one. Their being used to a similar environment at their preschool, can work wonders where it comes to easing them into formal school.
Literacy is amongst the top reasons that our children attend school in the first place.
Children attending preschool have been seen to score higher on Reading Tests. This is because preschool encompasses a vast use of activities like reading books and singing songs to children. All these serve to hone those pre-literacy skills.
We all love a sense of Randomness in our lives every now and then. However, having a sense of Structure in our daily lives is a must.
Preschool is perhaps the first ‘structured setting’ that children are introduced to. A place that they share with teachers and fellow students, where they must follow instructions.
Sure, Academic Success is important, but what about your child’s Social Skills? This is one importance of Preschool, that cannot be stressed enough.
Learning to regulate their emotions, like Anger, takes some effort for little children. That is why it’s imperative for them to be in a Preschool Atmosphere. This is a place where they will take turns sharing toys with their fellow classmates. Apart from learning the essential virtue that is Patience, they will foster a sense of Empathy for other children, too.
At home, we are always doing things for our children. Yes, we do it because we love them dearly, but when will they learn to do those things themselves?
While they are in preschool, children perform a multitude of tasks on their own. These range from washing their hands by themselves, and even putting their belongings in place. Learning to do these things independently, without the assistance of their parents or teachers, gives them a newfound sense of confidence.
Math is, inarguably, one of the most important subjects for all students.
Preschool helps children get started early, when it comes to understanding basic Math concepts. They might not learn Math in detail, but they do indulge in a whole host of Math-related Games, like Counting Games and Sorting Games. All these help them understand things like Numbers and Categories, and give them a head start in Math learning!
Learning is a continuous curve. All of us, adults included, are constantly learning.
One of the best things about preschool is the fact that it initiates a process of learning that never quite stops. After all, kids learn things via ‘interesting’ methods in preschool. This is something that piques their sense of Curiosity, and makes them avid, Lifelong Learners.
The Cons of Preschool Education
Apart from the positives that attending Preschool offers, it also entails some areas of concern for parents.
- A dearth of ‘one-on-one’ time. Advocates of Home Learning argue that children don’t get ‘personalized attention’ in Preschool. This, despite the low teacher-to-student ratios.
- The risk of ‘Learning too Early.’ Some say that subjects like Math and Reading should not be taught to kids, until they are completely ready. Note: This is perhaps the reason why some alternative preschools like Montessori, delay the teaching of some subjects. That is, until they feel kids are ready for them.
- That ‘Separation Anxiety’. When kids are separated from their parents or caregivers, they might feel helpless, and undergo a lot of distress. Of course, this is a normal part of life, and that separation must happen in a gradual manner, against the backdrop of a supportive environment.
- It’s costly. Everything that is good, comes with a price. Unfortunately, it is not easy for many parents to afford preschool, especially when they are struggling to make ends meet.
- The Schedules are Inflexible. For parents who are working full-time, it is something of a task to engineer all those ‘drop-offs’ and ‘pick-ups’, thanks to the largely inflexible schedules of preschools.
We at EuroKids, are strict advocates of the phrase ‘Preschool is a Necessity, not a Luxury.’ Over the years, we have been fortunate to help prepare so many wonderful children for their future years. It is only thanks to the support from our extended family of Parents, that we have the Privilege and Joy to do so.
