Kids begin asking great questions about the world at around four and five. As a parent, you may be overwhelmed with these questions, but preschool helps your child discover the answers through exploration, experimentation, and conversation. It also provides the opportunity to explore the arts and science. And preschool like in preschool Redmond WA doesn’t just teach children to ask questions: it teaches them to learn from other people’s answers.
Investing in Quality Pre-Primary Education
The quality of pre-primary education can have a profound impact on a child’s future, particularly in low-income countries. According to one study from Mozambique, children who received preschool education were 24% more likely to finish primary school and showed improved behavior and understanding. Early childhood education is one of the best investments a country can make. It is estimated that every dollar spent on early childhood education can return $17 to children in poorer countries.
In addition to improving children’s health and reducing crime, an effective pre-primary education program will also save taxpayer money. A nationally implemented pre-primary education program can save the government $26.7 billion by 2050. Depending on the country, this investment can pay for itself as long as it is scaled up.
Concept-Based Learning
Concept-based learning is an excellent way to encourage students’ higher-level thinking. Unlike rote facts, which children often find boring or irrelevant, concepts help children to develop logical thinking. Children who develop this habit of thinking can apply their knowledge across various learning stages. For example, a six-year-old can learn that people and animals change over time. Likewise, a ten-year-old will understand that relationships change, too.
One way to foster students’ understanding of concepts is by allowing students to ask questions and actively participate in learning. This approach allows students to be more engaged in lessons, which boosts their confidence and helps them retain information longer. Moreover, students learn to be curious and critical, two essential qualities of successful adults.
Circle Time
Circle time is a routine that helps children learn about time, the calendar, and other important concepts. It also helps children develop their social skills. By creating a structured time in which children are expected to pay attention to each other, circle time helps children learn to communicate effectively and overcome shyness.
During circle time, children should be prepared for the activities and songs. They should have enough space to sit comfortably. A visual border can help children sit in their seats and participate safely. It is also helpful to assign a seat to each child. If children don’t have a seat to sit in, the teacher can let them choose and make suggestions based on their choices.
Research shows that young children retain information more efficiently if it is presented meaningfully. They also retain information more easily if they can learn a specific concept in small doses. Hence, a simple report on the weather is not very educational for them. However, the main goal of circle time is to set the tone for the day. Besides establishing a routine, it also helps children feel safe.
Exposure to the Arts
Early exposure to the arts helps children build a strong foundation for future learning. It encourages free play and allows children to experiment with materials. This creative expression is educational and fun for both the artist and the child. In addition, exposure to art fosters social development by offering an open-ended experience that helps young children learn how to work with others and deal with conflict.
The foundations of learning are broken down into four domains. Within each domain, some foundations describe the key areas of development and are informed by research. These foundations guide instructional practice and promote a deeper understanding of preschool children’s learning. Educators, parents use these foundations, and policymakers to support the development of young children.
Field Experience
While teaching young children, field experience is essential to the educational process. It allows student teachers to apply their knowledge in the classroom to the real world. For example, they learn to plan a curriculum with the child’s interests and needs in mind. In addition, this hands-on experience gives students a foundation for their future careers in early childhood.
Children’s learning can be organized into four domains, each with foundations. These foundations are written to provide a broad overview of each development area based on research and the recommendations of expert practitioners. They aim to foster an understanding of preschool children’s development and guide classroom instruction. They’re also useful resources for educators, parents, and policymakers.
