One of the initial major choices that parents make on behalf of their child is their choice of preschool. Once you begin searching the options around, you will likely hear about such terms as the play school methodology, the play learning, and the early childhood education. These words may sound significant to many parents–and rather confusing.
This is the guide that has come to make it all straight, in a straightforward and truthful manner so that you can be assured of the same simplicity when settling on which preschool to take your child.
The Simple Words For The Play School Methodology
Play school methodology is the system through which young children are being taught in the early years of life, typically between 2 and 5 years of age. This method is centered on play, discovery, and experience-based learning that contrasts with learning in a formal classroom.
Children are at their best learning stage at this age because they love to touch, move, ask questions, as well as to experiment. This is why the current preschool pedagogical approaches are not based on textbooks or excessive sitting time. They promote inquisitiveness, fantasy and socialization.
Why Early Childhood Education Is So Important
The initial childhood life of a child is more significant than some of the individuals understand. The brain of a child grows at an extremely rapid rate during this period. The development of such competencies as speaking, listening, problem-solving, and emotional understanding are obtained naturally.
Good early childhood education can benefit children:
- Build confidence
- Develop social skills
- Improve communication
- Learn to express emotions
- Become inquisitive and self-directed learners.
All these areas are balanced by a good play school methodology.
What Is Play-Based Learning?
The play school methodology lies in play-based learning. It implies that children learn through play, without any forced pressure and anxiety of doing something wrong.
For example:
- Building blocks enhance thinking and coordination.
- Role plays are useful in language and imagination.
- Songs and rhymes enhance memory and hearing.
- Hand strength and creativity build up in art activities.
Play-based learning ensures that children do not simply memorize, but rather they learn and have fun.
Typical Preschool Teaching Techniques In The Contemporary World
The various preschools might take various preschool teaching styles but the majority of good play schools use a combination of several known styles.
Some common methods include:
- Activity based learning where children learn by doing.
- Narration and rhymes, to develop language and auditory abilities.
- Teamwork, where one learns to share and to collaborate.
- To develop creativity and fine motor skills, art and craft.
- Outdoor, to enhance physical growth and self-esteem.
Such practices combine to facilitate the child in general development.
What Is A Preschool Curriculum?
Preschool curriculum is not a school syllabus that has exams and homework. Rather it emphasizes age related learning experiences.
Good preschool curriculum tends to encompass:
- storytelling and talking: language development.
- early number concepts by games.
- development of motor skill by movement and craft.
- social skills by group activities.
- emotional learning by routine and role playing.
It is not the academic pressure, but the preparation for formal schooling in future.
Teacher Role In Play School Methodology
The role played by teachers in early learning is very significant. Play school methodology does not require teachers to be strict teachers. They are rather guides and facilitators.
A good preschool teacher:
- knows the pace of each child.
- promotes without coercion.
- provides a safe and happy environment.
- monitors and facilitates learning instinctively.
- maintains constant contact with parents.
This positive practice makes children feel comfortable.
The Way Play School Methodology Helps In The General Development
This is one of the greatest advantages of the playing school approach because it does not only concentrate on the child but also on the entire child.
It supports:
- problem solving games through cognitive development.
- development of language with the help of songs and conversations.
- physical development by motion and play.
- social growth by means of intercourse with peers.
- emotional growth by habit and tendency.
Such a healthy development equips the children with future education free of pressure.
Ways Parents Can Favor Learning At Home
Parents are influential in aiding the children in what they learn in preschool. You do not require any fancy toys or books, just day to day activities are best.
You can:
- discuss with your child what happened to him/her.
- read stories together
- allow free play time
- encourage questions
- value hard work, not success.
Children have a better and quicker learning process when the school and the home collaborate.
How To Select The Best Preschool To Your Child
The infrastructure and popularity are not the only factors to look at when deciding on the best preschool. Examine the way the school treats children and promotes learning.
Things to observe:
- happy and engaged children
- caring and trained teachers
- clean and safe environment
- effective communication with parents.
- healthy play-learning routine.
Follow your intuition–it is comfortable to be so.
Final Thoughts For Parents
The methodology of play school does not entail the early exposure of children to reading or writing. It is about making them grow in a natural way, joyful and non-insecure.
Good education in early childhood creates a good foundation to life. In case children learn to like in their early age, then they take the love of learning with them.
Through the awareness of play-based learning, preschool curriculum, and teaching strategies, parents can be able to make sound decisions and provide their child with a happy beginning to their education.