Discussions in most parent forums in recent times revolve around the choice of school and pros and cons of a particular pedagogy. The latest dichotomy in parent’s minds is whether to start their child’s schooling in a preschool/playschools or a formal, mainstream school.
While the intent may be there to go with a preschool/playschools, the practicality of admission in grade 1 in a mainstream school is always worrisome to a parent. To those parents who want to make an informed choice, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Preschools/playschools have smaller numbers in the classroom, allowing for a better teacher student ratio. A smaller class ratio helps children settle faster, as they receive one-on –one attention and interaction.
It also helps children with different learning styles. This is because they are not pressured to keep up with the rest of the class.
Regular schools accommodate a large number of children even in Kindergarten classes, which can lengthen the adjustment process and may be challenging for children/parents. Children usually do not receive individual attention and have to catch up with the rest of the class.
Nursery/Kindergarten is a small area dedicated exclusively to toddlers/kindergarten. It is also installed in a warm and cozy space, simulating a safe space in the home for children.
Most preschools/playschools try and set up an environment that is colourful, child-friendly and welcoming
A mainstream classroom is part of the entire school infrastructure and can be overwhelming for a child of two and a half. The facilities like play area and transport are sometimes shared by the whole school which leaves the preschooler/playschools anxious and overcome with fear.
A preschool/playschools follows a specific early learning pedagogy like Montessori or Multiple Intelligences or Waldrof which have been specifically designed with the developmental domains required for this age group. All these are time tested and understand the needs of a preschool/playschools child. They prepare the child make the transition to formal school in a smooth and developmentally correct way.
Mainstream school may or may not follow early childhood pedagogy. The curriculum allows only for group instructions owing to big numbers and many preparatory activities maybe skipped.
For example; to prepare the child for writing, preschools or kindergarten schools go through an elaborate pre-writing exercise to make the child comfortable with the writing instrument, whereas in the pressures of a mainstream environment, this step maybe entirely skipped.
A preschool/playschools environ sees children with improved social skills. This is because of a variety of reasons like child directed learning, smaller numbers and less pressure to conform.
To learn, young children need to feel cared for and safe. Pre-K and Kindergarten programs foster warm relationships and include children, teachers and parents. And teachers create close personal bonds with every child in their care.
Regular schools are less individual and due to the large number of students it is not possible to maintain a warm emotional connection with each child in the class.
Most kindergartens are in the neighborhoods, but comprehensive schools are in the city centre.
Young children should not be allowed to travel long distances as they get older. Because it makes you tired and depressed. Traveling from home to school requires consideration of distance and travel time.
As a parent, you need to understand what type of preschool/kindergarten you want for your child. It helps children grow independently at their own pace. After all, this is the first time your child is out of the safe house. Choose what works for you as a family.