Playschools (or Pre-schools): How Important a Role do they Play in a Kid’s Growth and Development?
Pre-schools have grown in number and the number of parents who have become particularly keen on enrolling their wards into “playschool franchises” before they can make the step-up to kindergarten, has also skyrocketed. But the question is, do the kids need to go to pre-school? Has it almost become a mandate? In this article, let us look at the unique benefits kids can acquire by attending pre-school and also find out whether attending pre-kindergarten is mandatory.
Benefits of Enrolling Kids into Playschools
In India, probably more than in any other country, kids get admitted into nursery school as early and soon as they reach 2.5 or 3 years of age. So, in theory, parents enrol their kids into pre or playschool as soon as they turn two—but parents who are keen to admit their kids even before they turn two, are not totally non-existent either.
Earlier and proactive enrolment into playschool does not always fasten a kid’s growth and development, but such a plan can help kids make a smooth transition into nursery and kindergarten—a grade which they get promoted to a year after joining pre-school.
The reason is, certain kids will not have a problem adapting to spending a few hours every day away from their parents. But for some, accepting and adapting to this change can take time to get used to. A playschool, to an extent, helps the kids make this transition with little fuss.
So, firstly, a playschool helps kids in making a smooth transition into nursery and kindergarten schooling!
Secondly, with the emergence of working couples, certain parents who work full-time have no option but to enrol their kids into a playschool where a kid can spend two-three hours in a day, having fun, playing a few games which are designed to help them grow physically, and learning discipline too. The activities they are put through and taught at playschool, help in the kids’ physical and mental growth. So, this is another one of the major benefits kids can acquire by being admitted into a playschool.
The curriculum and activities kids indulge in at a playschool also help them grow systematically.
Common Playschool Curriculum
The curriculum kids are put through at playschools include:
- Development of Cognitive Ability
- Peer Interaction Encouragement and Training
- Exploration and Communication Training
- Development of Gross and Fine Motor Skills
Playschool Activities
- Enacting Skits and Reading
- Creative Activities
- Playing in the Sand
- Water Activities
