There are a number of reasons it is a good idea to send your child to preschool. The following is a look at ten reasons that preschool is important:
Reason one: Preschool helps prepare children academically for kindergarten. Most preschools focus on learning letters, numbers, shapes, days of the week, etc. When a child attends preschool, they get the basics down, the things they should know before going to kindergarten if they want to be academically successful.
Reason two: Preschool helps children learn how to interact in a group. Many children who are preschool age have not had significant experience with working in a group dynamic, having to share both items and attention. Preschool is a great structured setting where children learn how to interact in a group.
Reason three: Preschool helps children learn how to be away from their parent without anxiety. Many children suffer separation anxiety when they enter kindergarten if they have not had something that took them away from their parents at regular intervals during the week. Preschool is a great pre-cursor to something longer and daily.
Reason four: Preschool helps children learn how to socialize appropriately in a school setting. To many children the idea of listening when someone else is talking, and raising their hand to speak or make a comment is foreign. This can lead to a lot of disciplinary problems when they enter the regular school system if they do not get some practice.
Reason five: Preschool broadens your child’s exposure to outside germs. While this might sound crass, it is important for a child to begin building immunity against the many different viruses that abound in public. Exposure to the minor colds and bugs of youth can strengthen your child’s immune system in the long run.
Reason six: Preschool helps children learn that there are authority figures outside their home that they need to respect and listen to. It gives them some experience with having a teacher that they learn from, and a parent to help reinforce the things the teacher teaches.
Reason seven: Preschool helps children learn to share attention with peers. For many children the only person/people they have to share attention with is siblings and family members. When they want mom or dads attention they simply talk to them. At school, several students have to share the attention of just one teacher. Preschool is a great place for a child to learn this as classes are typically smaller, and there are fewer students vying for the spotlight.
Reason eight: Preschool helps children learn to be more independent, particularly with things like using the bathroom, putting on coats and shoes, etc. Because mom and dad are not their to be dependant on, children learn to utilize skills they may not otherwise. This is an important part of growing up, and one parents often do not recognize that they are stunting.
Reason nine: Preschool prepares children for consistent schedules when in school. When a child enters kindergarten they can’t just stay up as late as they want, or wake whenever they want, etc. they have to learn to follow a schedule. Preschool helps children adjust to this and realize that when in school they can’t just eat and play when they want, but must wait for the appropriate times.
Reason ten: Preschool helps children learn some academic and social responsibility. They learn to keep track of their backpacks and art work, to do homework, etc.