10 (More) Reasons Your Child will Thrive in Preschool (Part 2)

In our previous post, we discussed five key reasons why you should enroll your child in a preschool program. We’ll continue that discussion here!

A child learns to take care of themselves and others

In a preschool classroom, children are taught that they are part of a greater community. Over time, they learn that their behavior affects others; their actions can hurt someone’s feelings or they can make someone feel better. Children are powerful people with agency! Preschool offers a child many opportunities to learn that they are capable of being independent. They need to manage their belongings, wash their hands, contribute to classroom discussions, and more. Your child leaves their classroom every day knowing that they did their best to manage themselves and care for others. 

Preschool promotes language and problem solving skills

Your child’s language will skyrocket when they spend time in a preschool classroom! Children thrive in language-rich environments. Between the ages of 3 to 5, a child’s vocabulary grows from 900 to 2,500 words. “WOW” is an understatement! Kids learn new words in a variety of ways, many of which include singing, talking, playing, and reading. And that’s our specialty! Children also experience cognitive development when they participate in activities with their peers; they get to talk about what they hear and see. More importantly, they get to communicate the way they feel and think. 

Preschool teachers nurture a child’s curiosity 

In a preschool classroom, the aim is to get a child’s wheels turning. We’re not about the “right answer” but rather the educational journey. A preschooler likes to ride the fine line between reality and fantasy (and they’re good at it!). Dramatic play, artistic expression, and working with manipulatives and loose parts are all designed to facilitate learning. The teacher is not there to tell them what to do and how to do it. Instead they’re learning right beside them, all while asking thought provoking questions that encourage deeper exploration. 

Preschool activities boost pre-math and literacy skills

Preschool activities are designed to help a child move from one side of the developmental spectrum to the other. This includes planning activities and games that increase a child’s familiarity with math and literacy concepts. Singing the ABCs  while reading a book about the alphabet or mixing colors together while painting a self portrait are all building essential skills they’ll depend on in kindergarten. 

Preschool helps develop motor skills 

Finally, children are refining both their gross and fine motor skills throughout their preschool day. Running, jumping, climbing on a play structure and pumping their legs on the swing are all strengthening the muscles needed for essential physical activities. Fine motor skills are developed using lacing, beading, and handwriting activities. Hand-eye coordination and balance are also key skills that are worked on daily through carefully planned activities. 

Is preschool right for your child? Only you can decide! We hope this list can offer you some support while you’re mulling it over. When you’re ready, we’ll be here!