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Preschool
Education

FIVE FACTORS PARENTS 2) Technology, music and creative arts 4) A good preschool programme
are built into the programme facilitates learning experiences through
SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN Today, technology is an essential learning tool and dialogue
the pandemic has certainly highlighted this need to
A good preschool programme will facilitate
a different level. It has also shown how confident learning experiences that encourage dialogue and
CHOOSING A PRESCHOOL young children can be in using tools such as iPads, questioning. This will help children develop logical,
ethical, creative thinking and reasoning skills. This
tablets, and digital whiteboards during fun activities
to learn and get better at various skills. in turn will lead to the acquisition of problem-solving
skills to face the challenges of the 21st century.
That being said, a preschool should also have a
vibrant music and creative arts programme as part of Apart from that, the best preschools offer
the curriculum. This can open up a magical world for opportunities for parents and teachers to get
This article the children! together and discuss the development and progress
offers guidelines According to the article ‘The Impact of Music on of their children. A preschool should acknowledge
the importance of having parents actively engaged
to help parents Child Functioning’ by Hogenes et al (2014), one of in their children’s development through effective
choose the right the most effective means of enhancing general and communication and direct participation, including
psychomotor development of children is music. It
involvement in the various school activities.
preschool for helps develop their auditory and intellectual skills and
their child. enriches their emotional and imaginative world. 5) The teachers are professionally
qualified, also passionate, committed,
Developing and nurturing children’s interest in caring and respectful
music and creative thinking will not only build their An ideal preschool would have teachers who not
confidence and independence, but also instil respect, only have the right academic qualifications and
eciding to send your child to preschool can 1) It should be a safe, joyful and enthusiasm, and positive thoughts and improve experience, but are also respectful and caring
be quite daunting. Are they ready? What does supportive learning environment communication, and physical wellbeing. These towards students, colleagues, and families while
D‘ready’ for preschool even mean? Are they still for all children elements and more are closely linked to children embracing their similarities and differences. They
too young to be placed in a structured environment? Find a school that puts the child’s safety and well- developing 21st century learning skills! should be passionate about learning and putting
Will they cope with the separation? Fret not! We have being at the core of its curriculum, and a programme students and their well-being at the heart of
put together a list to guide you with that next step for that emphasises the holistic development of the 3) Physical education and play are a everything they do.
your child. child. It should pay attention to the cognitive, must in the curriculum
physical, social-emotional, artistic and technological Physical education is essential for the physical, A good teacher designs and facilitates learning
What is Preschool? development of the child. Equally important are motor, and social development of children. Various experiences that focus on helping students get better
A preschool is a learning space that provides an literacy, numeracy, and science activities that will studies have shown that the development of in all aspects of their education and development.
early childhood programme which is available help the children develop at their own pace. psychomotor skills depends not only on each He is committed to the ongoing process of reflection
for three to five-year-old children. Some schools child’s innate skills and degree of physical and and self-improvement through regular reviews of the
accept toddlers as early as age one. The aim is to Its structure and programme should allow children intellectual development but also on the educational learning that takes place in his classroom whether
provide preschoolers with an experience that is to develop their own identity and acknowledge that environment in which the child has been educated. online or on campus.
relevant to their age and ability, while developing in these early years the degree of development
essential psychomotor, neurological, emotional, and varies from child to child. The focus should be on A good preschool will include in its programme Remember, choosing the best preschool for your
social skills. These provide children with essential developing the learning potential of every child, while psychomotricity and physical activities such as child does not have to be an overwhelming task. You
foundations that ensure readiness and confidence in also acknowledging the need to teach them basic swimming. These allow children to improve their should go through the process aware, well-informed
the transition to primary school. daily habits and personal hygiene. motor skills such as coordination, and balance, and ready to ask questions.
cognitive areas (senses, memory, attention span), as
How Do You Choose the In addition to the above, a bilingual language well as build their self-confidence, and awareness of References:
Right Preschool? programme should be an essential part of an their classmates and relationships between them. Hogenes, M., Oers, B. V., Diekstra, R.F. (2014). The
You are not alone if you feel overwhelmed as you international preschool education. This sets the stage impact of music on child functioning. The European
navigate through the selection process. The quality and helps prepare children to be effective global Play is another integral part of the curriculum. Journal of Social & Behavioural Sciences. Retrieved
of preschools varies considerably, so as parents, you communicators. It is easy for children to learn a new Through play and socialisation, children develop from www.FutureAcademy.org.uk
need to be well informed. language at this age as their brains are malleable. In abilities that will encourage them to face challenges
a good school this translates into a robust literacy positively and successfully. This also gives them the This article was contributed by Tenby Schools. For
As there are countless preschools around, where programme that allows children to continue to opportunity to apply what they have learnt in other more information, please visit www.tenby.edu.my
does one begin? Here are a few guidelines to help strengthen their native language skills, as well as areas of their preschool curriculum.
you search for the right one for your precious child. develop English as a second language.

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