One of the questions that many new parents have about their children would be their education. Generally, children usually start preschool at the age of five, but you can already give them a head start even before they enter school. The period between your little one’s birth and the time they enter school is usually referred to as early childhood. It is considered a critical time as your child begins to open up to the world and interact with others, thus building experiences that can impact their overall life.
Given the importance of that development period, more and more children attend an early childhood education centre as early as under the age of three. These learning centres design programs and plans to help nurture your child and develop their potential while they are still young. Early childhood education centres also prepare your child for school as it can be a difficult transition period for many. If you are still unsure how they can help your little ones, here are some of the life skills they can develop while learning in the centre.
Communication
Like how students have classmates in school, your child will be learning alongside others in an early education centre. This allows them to interact with others, build connections, and improve their communication skills. While parents also serve as key figures as children grow, it is equally helpful to meet other people of their age. This opportunity gives them the chance to listen, understand what others are saying and the like.
Focus and Attention
Consistent routines and schedules give children a feeling of security, especially since they experience and encounter plenty of changes while growing up. Thus, creating an organised system for them to follow can help them become more focused and attentive. For example, you can guide them in placing their clothes in the laundry or shoes in the cabinet. In an early childhood education centre, activities like completing a puzzle or playing rhyming games can further develop their focus.
Love for Learning
An early childhood education centre is not designed like a traditional school, so children are not just sitting down in a classroom all day. These centres often have different areas like an outdoor space, multipurpose room, and health centre to allow for a more flexible learning experience. This set-up allows them to engage in different activities, whether it be reading a book indoors or playing outdoors, to pique their curiosity and encourage a love for learning.
When children love learning, they become open to new ideas and knowledge. As they go through life, they will encounter so many other experiences that can teach them things. Thus, cultivating the mindset from early on can have positive long-term benefits in life.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is often mentioned as a top skill in the workplace since it helps people solve problems more effectively and think more creatively. Early childhood centres aim to instil this skill from a young age through roleplays, playing board games or outdoor games like hiding and seek.
In all of these activities, children are encouraged to think outside the box, take risks, and test out different ideas. They can make mistakes sometimes, but these experiences help them learn for the future.
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Mary kate is a Freelance Writer and Social Media Manager who helps finance professionals and Fin-tech startups build an audience and get more paying clients online.