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Why is preschool education important for my child?

by Child Development & Enrichment

Is preschool education necessary for my child? Isn’t my child too young to be a part of a structured learning environment? Will my child be able to cope with the anxiety of separation?

If you are worried about all of this and a lot more, here are five reasons why preschool education is the best choice you can make for your little one – as advised by experts.

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  1. Early years mark the period of highest brain development
    The size of a newborn’s brain, which is around a quarter of an average adult brain size, grows double in size in the first 12 months. By the age of three, it reaches 80% of an adult’s brain size and 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the time they reach the age of five. Early educators and parents often remark that a child’s brain acts as a sponge during these years. Research has revealed that early childhood experiences have a direct impact on the child’s brain development affecting their health, learning ability and success in life in the long term.
  2. They have a huge amount of time and energy
    Children in the early years have a high level of energy coupled with an ample amount of free time. This is a dangerous combination for parents as keeping children engaged all the time is a real struggle. Sending your child to a preschool is a great way to channel their energy and keep them engaged in activities that provide meaningful experiences that directly impact their well-being in life.

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  1. All-round development is a necessity, not an option
    Attending preschool is much more than learning ABC’s and 123’s. Early years are the best time to give your children the headstart they need to achieve the developmental milestones. A loving, stimulating and multicultural environment is a golden opportunity to learn the social and emotional skills that last a lifetime. Children learn to take turns, listen to each other, apologise, understand, accept the differences, empathise and be compassionate with their peers to mention a few. However insignificant it might seem in the early years, it is important to understand that this strong foundation is crucial to building a character and personality that ensures success in both personal and professional life in the long term.
  2. The structured setting provides a smooth transition to school life
    A well-planned classroom with teachers, children of the same age group, child-friendly learning materials and activities help a child to learn about the routine and structure while promoting independence. Children learn to follow instructions, take turns, share attention, ask questions, strengthen their fine motor skills, language skills, cognitive skills, thinking skills and develop grace and courtesy which prepares them for a smooth transition to formal school life.
  3. It gives you the work-life balance that you need
    Last but not the least, we all need time to grow, learn, work, relax, follow our passion and live a fulfilling life. Even parents need that space and time. While children are away at school learning about the world, exploring, developing skills and making friends, you have a great opportunity to work, pursue your hobbies, relax or catch up with an old friend.

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Research by the US National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests that preschool education has a profound impact on the lives of the children later on. Children who receive early childhood education are more likely to carry the values they have learnt into adulthood.

International organisations and leaders around the world are recognising the importance of early childhood education. Even United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasises the many benefits of preschool education stating,

“Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is more than preparation for primary school. It aims at the holistic development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. ECCE can nurture caring, capable and responsible future citizens.”

Given the fact that children are greatly influenced by their surroundings and the people in it, giving a quality preschool education to your child is the best decision you can make as a parent.

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What is the right time to start preschool?

by Child Development & Enrichment

Parents are always looking for ways to create a great future for their children. From providing a safe home to educational toys, as well as the best books and rhymes stacking the shelves, is there anything a parent wouldn’t do?

Well, in setting the path for your child’s future successes, we suggest that aside from providing for your children physically, the best thing you can do is to provide them with a great preschool experience.

But what is the right time to start preschool? As a parent, it is common to ponder on the best time for a child to start preschool. We recommend assessing the progress your toddler has made in each of these developmental milestones below, to help you make that decision.

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How preschool education sets the stage for your child’s future successes

by Child Development & EnrichmentChild Health & Nutrition

As a parent, you may be questioning the benefits of early childhood education at such a young age. Isn’t a comfortable home a more suitable environment for a child’s growth? How does preschool education make a difference in my child’s development?

To find answers to all your questions, we elaborate on how children develop in their cognitive, emotional, social and physical abilities in the early years.

The children's house. Child playing outside in the field.

1 Physical Development 

Children experience exponential growth in the early stages of childhood. However, physical development refers to a child’s ability to control their body including the muscular system and nervous system. Gross-motor skills refer to the development of large muscle movements such as the arms and legs, while fine-motor skills refer to precise movements of the hands and fingers. 

A preschool environment provides many learning opportunities for a child’s overall development. Aside from a set curriculum, children are also given opportunities to play. The balance between organised learning and unstructured play is essential to enhance the learning and developmental growth of young children. 

Unstructured play  

‘Playtime’ or unstructured play may be understood as fun to parents. However, playtime is a critical time for children to learn interaction with their peers, develop observation skills, make mistakes (while learning from them), and build on their strength in their core, arms and legs!

Guided play, arts and crafts

Building a solid foundation for a child to excel in formal education starts with arts and crafts. Painting, colouring and building crafts aren’t just another fun activity, it’s a great opportunity for children to build on fine motor skills.

2 Cognitive Development 

Cognitive development refers to the ability of a child to think, perceive and understand the world around them.

In the early days, infants were believed to lack any form of thought until they learned a language. Today, it is a commonly known fact that babies start learning from the time they take their first breath, constantly trying to make sense of their world. 

There is no doubt that a child’s mind is like a sponge, absorbing everything that it can from its surroundings. In the book ‘The Absorbent Mind’, Italian physician and world-renowned educator Maria Montessori speaks about the absorbing power of a child’s mind in the early years. She remarks, “….the tiny child’s absorbent mind finds all its nutriment in its surroundings. Here it has to locate itself and build itself up from what it takes in. Especially at the beginning of life must we, therefore, make the environment as interesting and attractive as we can. The child, as we have seen, passes through successive phases of development and in each of these his surroundings have an important – though different – part to play.” (The Absorbent Mind, p. 88)

In a preschool environment, learning goals are set for each class. As the children work with each other and an educator, their ability to think and reason begin to develop as they analyse, compare, organise and develop solutions to problems. 

While cognitive development is unique to each child, preschool educators use these milestones to better gauge a child’s abilities and structure the learning process for them. 

3 Emotional Development 

Emotions are the emergence of complex feelings that affect one’s thoughts, behaviours and moods. In emotional development, a child begins to understand, express and regulate emotions within their capacity to fully interact with others. 

At home, a child takes centre stage and may not be able to experience what it’s like to share toys. But at preschool, a child will explore and engage with other children, collaborate on goals and learn to manage their emotions positively. They begin to form and sustain good relationships with their community, by learning to listen, understand and express themselves with confidence. 

Through these small but meaningful acts, a child can gain and boost their confidence while building trust with their peers. This ‘trust’ enhances their understanding of another’s emotions or ‘empathy’, boosting their emotional development.

Aunty at The children's house interacting with children

4 Social Development 

The process by which a child learns to interact with their environment and those around them is called social development, and it often comes hand-in-hand with emotional growth. As a child develops individuality and social skills, they learn to communicate their wants and needs, resolve conflicts and build a positive attitude. 

Preschool environments provide many of these opportunities for children throughout the day as the children learn, work and play with each other. 

The early years of childhood education rely heavily on creating a warm and trusting relationship between a child and their community. Those of whom children interact with the most: parents, peers and caregivers, make up their community. By providing a positive and loving environment, children build a sense of self-confidence. 

Another important factor of a child’s overall development and self-esteem is the prepared environment. A child should be able to complete a task with full confidence, which is why every tool meant for a child should be within reach. This vital component means that the classroom or play area is conducive to learning while providing opportunities for a child to engage with others. 

Now that you have a clearer understanding of how preschool can set the stage for your child’s future successes, check out the Montessori approach at TCH, and the significant benefits it offers preschoolers! Click here.

 

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Raising An Independent Decision Maker

by BlogChild Development & EnrichmentThe Montessori Approach

Watching your child grow is often a bittersweet experience. Graduating from baby-talk to asking seemingly endless questions like “Why can’t I eat the food after it dropped on the floor?”, “Why must I wash my hands?” and “Why is this allowed and not that?” is simply nature taking its course. While you may dismiss some of these questions, it’s also important for parents to guide the children’s curiosity and build them up into a curiosity that would eventually lead to good decision-making principles and cultivate independence in young children. The pedagogy in Montessori revolves around five principles mentioned The children’s house blog. The curation of an environment that emulates real-life allows young children to take charge of their actions and have them learn accountability. Maria Montessori also mentioned “the birth of will” within young children. It’s important to recognise in this crucial stage of development, children are already making small decisions for themselves; let it be the toy they want or the choice of food they want to eat.

“We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being.” – Maria Montessori.

Positive guidance and assurance for children greatly impact them in building a habit of choosing wisely in the future which takes patience, and an especially long time to shape. Yet, the benefits are plenty when children can view themselves as capable and further nurtures their confidence within themselves.

Steps to guide decision making in children include:

  1. Allowing age-appropriate decision making for children
  2. Allow the child to participate in decisions that affect the family
  3. Mistakes happen, it’s part of their growth and development
  4. Set a great example
  5. Converse on decision making and the thought process behind it

 

Allowing age-appropriate decision making in children

It could be something as simple as the shoes they want to wear or the lunch they choose to bring to school. The decision should eventually affect their day and let them know that what they chose matters. By the end of the day, they would question themselves on the more comfortable shoes or the better lunch ingredients.

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Allow the child to participate in decisions that affect the family

When the opportunity arises, involve your child in decisions with the family. This lets them know that their opinion matters, while also teaching them to be considerate about other members of the family. This stage, however, could be a huge leap in progress for your child. It’s alright to take things slowly.

A good way to encourage decision making in children is through activity night with the family through play-based activities. Try book reading, role-playing, or even board games!

Cute toddler peeking from behind a wall

Mistakes happen, it’s part of their growth and development

It’s second nature to want to correct your child’s mistake as it happens. Yet, we all know the time-tested saying that mistakes are part of the process. As long as the choice doesn’t affect them permanently, remember that there are important lessons imparted in making a different choice!

Set a great example

Decision making in children can also be learned through exemplary examples by you, the parent. After all, the best lessons in life are caught, not taught. Emulating great leaders (or successful family members) is also another way to set a good example.

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Converse on decision making and the thought process behind it

Keep your child’s progress on decision making in check. Are they understanding the thought process behind choosing apples over potato chips for snack time? Do they understand the health benefits of choosing salad greens over jelly? Perhaps, they understand the ‘why’ but choose against the better (read: healthier) choice. Do they have a reason for choosing it anyway?

 

Children often think about short-term gratification instead of long term benefits. They might justify their choice simply because ‘I like it’ or ‘It tastes better’, and that’s acceptable. As parents, we must understand the child’s perspective. These guiding principles on decision making in children would not only cultivate independence but also instil a sense of confidence and discipline in the child. Balance, as they say, is the key to life!

Inculcating a Love for Reading in Children

by BlogChild Development & Enrichment

How do you encourage children to read books? 

A good recipe for inculcating a love for reading in children is one part consistency, a dash of discipline and large amounts of love! It’s a process that involves the whole family and should be enjoyed by all. 

We suggest adding these steps to your ‘recipe’ mix to sow good reading habits in your children. 

  • Tip #1 Make Reading Fun 

A good book is a great start to develop a child’s cognitive skills and they don’t always have to be pieces of paper bound to a cover. Try swapping a traditional book for an audiobook from time to time. According to Elissa Mostransky, a reading specialist at West Babylon School District in New York in a Parents online article, children learn fluency in language as they hear words being audibly spoken. Think of it as storytime with an imaginary friend.

Another way to make reading fun for your older readers is to get a headlamp. Staying up “past bedtime” would help remind them that reading is a privilege and a treat!

It is also best to avoid forcing children to read as it often takes the fun out of it. Once it’s being forced, the child may look at it as a chore… A very boring chore. 

  • Tip #2 Don’t Just Say It, Model It 

It’s easy to put a book in your little one’s lap and ask them to read. But if they don’t see it being modeled in their daily life, it will not  be as effective in shaping them to be avid readers. Children often mimic their parents, adults or the environment they are in. So, make reading an enjoyable habit, talk about the book or the story and help your child see how much of a joy books can be!

  • Tip #3 A Cosy Reading Nook

Do you have a reading corner at home? If you don’t, try one. The reading corner doesn’t have to take up much space at home. It can be a comfortable little chair draped in a blanket. Or a tiny space by the window. Make it look inviting. Encourage your young one to become an avid reader by giving them a space where they can enjoy a variety of books at their own pace.

  • Tip #4 Themed Reading Corner? Always Fun! 

Children, in their active little minds, enjoy using their imagination! Encourage them to ‘read by the beach’ by laying a towel on the ground and propping an umbrella by the side. If ‘reading in a castle’ sounds much more appealing to the child, perhaps drape a blanket over two chairs and bring a flashlight to make a comfortable reading fort. Create a fantasy environment that introduces an exciting element to the experience. 

  • Tip #5 Read the Book, then Watch the Movie 

There are many children’s books that have been turned into movies. Another way to sow a love for reading and motivate reluctant young readers, is to host a fun movie night with the film version once you and your little reader are finished with the pages. Don’t forget to talk about the different versions of the stories with your child and ask them questions such as “Was the film character how you imagined them to be?” or “Did this scene play out the way you thought it would?” Having a light discussion on the different interpretations of the story also encourages critical thinking in children.

  • Tip #6 Read Aloud, It Always Helps 

How do you spark a love for reading? Much like storytelling, Dr. Nancy Carlsson-Paige, a professor of early childhood education at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and author of Taking Back Childhood, says reading a story aloud (even when the child doesn’t need it) is beneficial both educationally and socially. Think of your child, sitting on your lap while listening to a great story! They can also take a break and rest while still listening to a story they really love.  

  • Tip #7 Reading in Rhymes 

Are there specific types of books that help with reading and development? Dr. Carlsson-Paige suggests books with rhymes. They are especially beneficial as rhyming words helps the child recognise repetition and sounds. In other words, they develop phonetic awareness through reading. It also helps when a child can anticipate the word that comes next and chime in on the story. Spark a love for reading through this fun and interactive activity. 

  • Tip #8 Book and Bake

Have you tried reading a recipe book? It requires much concentration and focus as they are intentionally instructional, improving comprehension. Choose a simple recipe that both you and your child can bake (or cook) and ask them to read the instructions aloud. Whether it’s preparing the ingredients or kneading the dough, be sure to switch the roles between recipe reader and baker to keep them engaged! 

Finally, always remember to… 

  • Tip #9 Ask questions

Dr. Carlsson-Paige also encourages parents to always ‘check-in’ on a child’s understanding of the story, instead of simply focusing on the sound or letter of each word. Gauging the child’s understanding of the story enhances comprehension and further fuels the reading process! Similar to Tip #5, ask your child which character they liked best, which part of the story was their favourite or even perhaps, what they would do if they were in a similar situation to the character in the story. 

We believe these simple tips will make a world of difference in encouraging avid readers! 

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Consider starting preschool in November instead of January

by Child Development & Enrichment

Starting kindy a few months earlier could make a world of difference to your child and decrease your level of stress and anxiety! Read on to find out how…

It’s going to be time for your child to join preschool in January and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that you are both excited and anxious at the same time. You want your child to mingle with the other children, make friends, learn their alphabets, numbers and most of all enjoy themselves! But then you end up thinking about everything that could go wrong, and your bubble pops!

What if your child can’t cope up with the new atmosphere? Oh, the ceaseless crying and the painful goodbyes that you have to go through. After all, separation anxiety is a tough experience for every child, and this is going to be even worse in a room full of weeping toddlers come January!

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Not to forget the entire period of preparation that goes into getting your child ready for preschool. Backpack, lunch box, social skills, potty training, planning playdates, and practising being away from each other are few of the many priorities on the to-do list of every parent. And above all, you need to set up your schedule, get organised and shift your routine to ensure you can meet all the unforeseen hurdles that may come your way.

The first few weeks of preschool is like a rollercoaster ride for every parent and child until both sides learn adjust to the new routine and get a hang of things. As such, why not get the adjustment period out of the way before January even comes along?

Keeping in mind that preschool is the beginning of a new phase in your child’s life, joining a preschool early can be a good idea on many levels. Here are some of the reasons why:

An extra month to cope

Avoid the last-minute drama by giving your child an extra month to fit into the new set-up and get acquainted with their surroundings. It gives you some extra time to relax and help your child adapt without worrying about keeping pace with the other children. Not only that, but it also provides a window to coach him step-by-step about school, paving the way for a smoother transition period.starting preschool 3

Your child will get extra care, attention

By starting a month early, children have the opportunity to join an existing class. They get extra attention and care from the teacher who now has the time and space to give your child all the TLC they need, and make friends with other children who are already used to school. This will go a long way in easing their nervousness and help them overcome their shyness. It’s also not so stressful for the teachers and leads to an overall good experience for the child.

Avoid the back to school rush

Adjusting to a new routine is not only difficult for the kids but also for the parents who have to constantly put effort in ensuring the little one has everything he needs. Joining preschool early gives you an opportunity to ward off the stress and enjoy the learning journey with your child. And if you are the parent of many children, your toddler’s shoes, bags and books can be sorted a whole month earlier before big brother and sister have to be dealt with. That’s definitely a solution to having to buy multiple everything at the same time!

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It helps your child become more confident

Imagine the first day of school in January, when there are at least ten children crying and feeling alienated in the new environment they have been placed in. Your child who has already been in school for a month can now be the old pro, confident enough to take up a leadership role and help the new kids settle in. This will help them gain more confidence and promote the development of social skills in the process.

You have time to find another preschool

Starting early gives you, the parent greater leeway to get it right. You have more time to see if the learning environment meets the individual needs of your child. In case it doesn’t, you do not need to panic as you have extra time to find another preschool that suits them better. The children’s house welcomes children to join our classrooms in November and December, before the new school year starts. You can do so by coming for a school tour.

Click here to find a school closest to you.

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Moulding creativity in young children grows smarter adults

by Child Development & Enrichment

How to develop creative thinking in young children?

Moulding Creativity

As they grow older, a child’s degree of a success depends on how well they handle the different challenges that life throws at them. Though some problems can be handled with experience and others with good advice, life puts you into tricky situations that demand an unconventional approach. Creative thinking is the key to untangle the complex knots of life. But how can you sow this creativity in your children?

Following passion

Sometimes we unintentionally limit our kids in a box of our own expectations. Give your children the freedom to follow their passion. It is observed that children who follow their interests are better at performing it than those who are compelled to do it. Pursuing their interests, keeps them actively engaged and nurtures creative thinking.

“There’s something about living life with passion and intensity, including the full depth of human experience that creates an environment conducive to creativity. In my own research, I found that affective engagement — the extent to which people are open to the full breadth and depth of their emotions— was a better predictor of artistic creativity than IQ or intellectual engagement,” says Scott Barry Kaufman in the Harvard Business Review.

Whether your child is passionate about arts, mathematics or science; encourage them to explore their natural inclinations and provide them with an environment that enhances their strength.

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Make choices

Give your kids the freedom to engage in activities of their choice. As parents, we are often so anxious to raise successful children that we pack their entire day with the activities we choose for them. Take a step back and allow them to think independently and make their own decisions. Young children have the ability to learn and absorb from the environment around them. Unstructured play is as important as the structured activities you plan for them. Children who are involved in unstructured activities get time to use their creativity and imagination. Research reveals that boredom sparks creativity. So it is important to let your kids enjoy the occasional boredom and activities that they love to do.

Involve them in problem-solving activities

You can preserve the inquisitive nature of your children by keeping them engaged in problem-solving activities. It is this curiosity which unleashes the creative thinking in your children. Creativity is not about accepting the conventional way of doing things. It offers you different perspectives with the opportunity to choose the best. You can make learning fun by encouraging them to play board games. You can start with the beginner levels of games like Lego and Sudoku which not only enhance their creative skills but also improve their problem solving abilities.

Reasoning with kids is another way of stimulating their curiosity and creative thinking. Don’t teach them conventional ways of solving a problem. Ask them the different ways in which they can approach a riddle. Creative mindsets are formed through stimulation in an environment that encourages problem solving.

There can be different ways of encouraging creativity and passion in your child, but it is important to find a caring environment which focuses on inculcating the love for learning in them. A preschool that recognises the uniqueness of your child and works towards guiding them on their individual path is crucial to the all round development of your children. The children’s house understands the influence of early years in the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development. Hence, it provides an environment that is completely centred around the well-being of your child. Every activity has been designed to stimulate the curiosity of your child as he progresses to the next level. A wide range of interesting activities like Tots Arts, Tots music, Tots Read and Tots Gym provide them an opportunity for exploration and problem-solving.

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The Montessori Method of teaching at The children’s house ensures a nurturing environment that focuses on the individual needs and development of your little one. It recognises the innate ability of a child to absorb and learn things when they are kept in a prepared environment. Children are given materials that engage them and help them to discover their natural inclination. It believes in respecting the child by giving him the freedom to select the material he wants to work with. When your children are allowed to engage in a learning activity of their choice without interruption, they get an opportunity to explore their interests.

The children’s house focuses on the all round development of your child through activities and materials that drive passion and stimulate creative thinking in them. Above all, the method of teaching encourages them to become well rounded individuals who are contributing members of the society.

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Answering questions about early years and preschool

by Child Development & EnrichmentThe Montessori Approach

Q&A with The children’s house

In terms of a preschool education, what do Malaysian parents want most?

Typically parents perceptions are more towards academics and they hope their children would learn to read and count after a few months of pre-school. Most parents are strongly in favour of high academic reputation and their expectations are high. They look at the quality of the service, facilities, trained staff and a strong academic curriculum in preparation for primary school as their reason for sending their child to preschool.

Some parents desire for their children to mix with other children of their own age and some parents have said they felt social pressure to enrol their child in pre-school so they would not be behind their peers.  There are a small percentage of parents who prefer their child to learn through play, which is so fun because children love outdoor activities, music and movement and drama.

Why is it important for early childhood education to centre around the child?

Children are sponges and every new thing that they experience throughout their early years are important. This happens from ages 0 to 6 years, during the first stage of development. The child has incredible powers of absorption. The child needs a great degree of care from parents, careers and educators, as they are vulnerable. From ages 0-3 years, with a high quality of environment that provides movement, is positive, stimulating and has order and structure, greatly helps the child to learn unconsciously.

Learning becomes conscious and the mind is still absorbent from ages 3-6 years. They have the inner drive for independence and can separate from their caregiver. They begin to express, have social awareness and friendships emerge. It’s best to start early than to wait, as the child will miss his incredible powers of absorption. Early childhood education is centred around the child so as to have well-rounded individuals.

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What do children of that age benefit from a preschool?

A child has to go through the separation from their care-giver, socialise, be part of a routine of going to school and an environment where a teacher could give him the amount of freedom or he needs to re-orientate his personality while helping him maintain self-control.

The child should be guided so that he can find his natural path and all this can only happen in a prepared environment where the child finds working with materials that entice and focus his mind. Working repeatedly with a task chosen freely by the child and with no interruptions becomes a good habit and forms neural pathways.

Is it all about play?

Preschool is so much more than just playing. While the basic educational benefits of preschool (such as literacy and numeracy) are tangible, the advances children achieve towards becoming well-rounded individuals are truly invaluable.

Tell us about the Montessori Method

Self-education, where children learn in a prepared environment, that provides them with activities and present opportunities for exploration, investigation and problem solving is an important part of The children’s house and the Montessori Method. Children also learn having the freedom to choose the activity with no interruptions and they have the responsibility of returning the materials to their places.  These experiences give the child a sense of security, stimulate intelligence and promote physical and psychological development.

Individual didactic materials are provided to allow children to learn and teach themselves at their own pace. Materials are used by a child one at a time whereby a child learns to wait for his turn and this teaches them patience and respect.

An environment prepared, safe and secure, which are filled with items that can be touched and manipulated by the child. It is placed neatly, orderly manner and made accessible to the child, whereby this encourages exploration. The child blooms with a pursuit for knowledge, creativeness and curiosity. Through this curiosity they also learn the world around them. Through all these activities, comes communication where their thoughts, feelings and information is shared. Communication is a key skill of life.

Concrete experiences give children the ability to reason beyond limits and to be able to interpret better. Children start with concrete experiences and move on to abstract at a later stage. Concrete thinking is important for mental development as it provides a base for abstract thinking. With the help of the materials in a Montessori environment and interaction with teachers, the young mind first explores and then develops towards abstract thinking. Abstract thinking is an important for it allows logical and thoughtful behaviour.

Preschool settings that encourage all these elements are important to set the foundation for learning at the primary level with thinking and life skills that will last a lifetime.

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For the love of teaching, and children

by Child Development & Enrichment

Teachers play a great role in our lives, especially in the early days and have a greater impact on our successes than we typically realise.

Children, especially at a young age are so excited about the world around them. They are filled with curiosity and an imagination that is sincere and generous. Every day is an opportunity to discover something new about themselves and the world around them. Thus, it is important that they find teachers who are filled with the same passion, allowing them to explore their talents and inculcate the love of learning. Every child is unique and a passionate teacher can identify their uniqueness and support them on their individual paths. A passionate teachers cares enough to provide all the support and resources necessary for a child’s development. It is these early years of a child’s growth that form the foundation to later years as a successful adult.

Lasting impact of a teacher on young minds

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In his blog The GatesNotes, Bill Gates writes about how Mrs Caffiere, a librarian and teacher, helped him break out of his shell by sharing her love of books with him. While Gates was a timid 9-year-old boy shying away from everyone and trying to hide his love for books, Mrs Caffiere helped him recognise his strength and encouraged him to do what he loved.

“Looking back on it now, there’s no question that my time with Mrs Caffiere helped spark my interest in libraries (Melinda’s and my first large-scale effort in philanthropy) and my focus on helping every child in America get the benefit of great teachers,” says Gates in his blog post A Teacher Who Changed My Life.

Teachers are the ones who recognise the natural talents of the students and build an environment that is conducive to their learning. It is remarkable to see how a teacher can have such a powerful influence in shaping the personality of a young child.

What does research say about teachers?

The influence of a teacher is not just limited to a student’s academic life but goes a long way resonating through various other stages. Economists Raj Chetty and John N. Friedman and Jonah E. Rockoff conducted a study on more than a million students and released it in their paper entitled, The Long-Term Impacts of Teachers: Teachers Value-Added and Student Outcomes in Adulthood.

They found that high ‘value-added’ teachers not only have an impact on the test scores of students but also improve their chances of attending good colleges, earning more, living in better neighbourhoods and saving more for retirement.

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However, it is also important to understand that a teacher who lacks interest can be detrimental to a student’s development. Such a teacher might just follow the instructions of the regulators, being ignorant to the needs of the student.

Just like the passion of a good teacher is contagious and motivates students to achieve higher goals, an indifferent teacher can lead to lower self-esteem in a child. When children feel accepted by their teacher, they believe in themselves too. On the contrary, an uninterested teacher might tear down the self-esteem of the child. Such children often grow up to be adults who are insecure and focus on their failures more than their successes.

The mind of a young student is fragile and needs to be moulded and nurtured in order to pave the way for success. If the talent of a child is not recognised and nurtured, it leads to low self-confidence and often a state of delusion about what they want to do in life.

Research states that it is what teachers know, do, and care, which accounts for 30% of the student’s achievement. While one student might need the motivation to play the next match after an injury, the other might be going through personal troubles and needs someone to talk to. Students in all stages of their life need a teacher who can inspire them and re-instil faith in their capabilities.

Do you remember that one teacher who inspired you to be who you are today?

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How early should you put your child in preschool?

by Child Development & Enrichment

Is there an optimal age for preschooling?

Most of the preschool start enrolling children at the age of 3 years, but does that mean your child is ready for it? More importantly, are you ready for it?

The readiness of your child to join a preschool is not determined by his age. It might be tempting to look at a set of interesting activities and conclude that your child will be able to do it. But the important question is: Is your child ready to part with you and join a structured programme along with other children of his age group?

Experts suggest that preschool is an experience that should not be missed. As a parent you want your child to have a solid foundation to start with. But it is equally important to analyse its benefits and pitfalls before you decide to put your child in a preschool.

Preschools help your child develop social skills

The benefits of preschools isn’t just limited to just academic growth of your child. Some parents tend to push their children to join a preschool thinking their children will get ahead in academics. Contrary to general belief, the most important benefit of a preschool is that children learn to socialise and interact with other children and teachers. It inculcates the love for learning in children and teaches them how to share, adjust and get along with their peers.

Playdates and outings are not always enough for the child’s social development. At preschool, your little one learns to get along with other children and resolve his own conflicts without the intervention of parents.

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You cannot replicate the same environment at home

The comfort, free play and values that kids receive from staying at home cannot be denied. At the same time, preschool offers an organised learning environment that cannot be created at home. It offers the right mix of structured and unstructured activities to enhance the growth and development of your child.

Even if you decide to teach your child at home, it is very difficult to stay consistent with your efforts. You have to intentionally work on teaching your child the skills that other children are learning at school. The curriculum at preschool is composed of activities and materials that entice the children to remain engaged and help them learn unconsciously.

Your child learns to trust and build relationship with others

A toddler is usually very attached to the caregiver and has a difficult time being with other adults. Some of them might even feel strange in the presence of friends and family members. Going to preschool gives your child the opportunity to interact with other adults apart from you. He will be able to talk and voice his concerns to teachers. Hence, it fosters a feeling of trust and the child feels assured even when you are not around. Patience is also an important virtue that the child imbibes during his journey at school. Children are used to undivided attention from the family and the caregiver. Whereas, at preschool, they need to wait for their turn as there are other children who require the same attention.

It prepares them for smooth transition to school

Preschool provides an environment that prepares your child for a smooth transition to kindergarten and school. Getting up on time, eating lunch by yourself, following the instructions of teachers, playing and getting along with other kids, and learning in the class are few activities that prepare the child for his daily routine at school. In short, it bridges the gap between home and primary school.

Handling the anxiety of separation

If your child is not ready for preschool, he might go through separation anxiety and stress that makes you feel guilty about your decision. Going to school is a big change in the schedule that your toddler has become accustomed to. He sees new people around and takes time to trust and understand teachers and peers.

As a parent, you need to be prepared to handle difficult mornings when your child doesn’t want to go to school. Kids might get sick, throw tantrums or put up fights in the initial days to stay home. Be prepared to handle these challenges and take extra care of your child in these initial days.

Difficult daily schedule and timings

While some preschools have a flexible schedule, others demand that a strict routine be followed. This might make it difficult, especially for working parents. Moreover, the high cost involved in before and after school facilities make it a tough call for parents. You might need to leave soon or start early depending on the schedule of your child.

should you put your child in preschool?

Packing lunch and other toiletries

The best thing about having a caregiver at home is that you have everything ready for the child at home. From daily meals to changing of diapers, you don’t need to worry about anything. This is not the case when your child starts going to preschool. You are responsible for preparing food and packing it according to preschool’s instructions. You might also need to pack spare clothes or a blanket in case it is required by the school.

Preparing your child for preschool

Before you decide to put your child in preschool, do your research.Talk to teachers, principal and friends who have experience with their children attending preschool. Learn about the goals of the preschool for your child’s age.

If your child is not yet ready to join a preschool, do not worry about it. Try to instil anticipation and enthusiasm instead of anxiety and distress. Build a positive environment at home where you talk to your kids about the fun they will have in preschool and new friends that they will make. Children feel secure when you introduce an idea to them before executing it.

Helping the child to become independent is another important step towards getting him ready for preschool. Encourage them to do small activities like brushing their hair or putting on their shorts. This gives them a sense of accomplishment and they feel comfortable moving on to the next level. After all, self-confidence is the best virtue that can ease your child’s journey through all his schooling years.