Preschool learning doesn’t need to be as easy as A, B, C and 1, 2, 3. In fact, when it comes to numeracy, an American study suggests that preschoolers can learn much more complicated maths than we give them credit for.
There’s much to be gained when children get out of their comfort zone, embrace their growing independence and experience cause and effect first-hand; and although there may be some bumps along the way, many parents feel that the benefits of risky play outweigh the potential risk of harm.
Your ECEC service’s early learning philosophy must meet your family’s needs, and if you’re looking for an alternative educational philosophy, then the Steiner, Montessori or Reggio Emilia approaches may have appeal.
Dr Montessori based her educational methods on scientific observation of children’s learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children teach themselves, Dr Montessori designed a “prepared environment” in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities.
Dr Pikler was a strong advocate of the free movement of babies and claimed that propping a child into a position they couldn’t achieve on their own or that they couldn’t get out of, was tantamount to trapping them.
A young child’s experiences create a foundation for learning and behaviour, which can be enhanced greatly through early childhood education.
Independence is an essential part of what it means to be human. Every person has their own skills, strengths, likes and dislikes, and although it’s important for children to develop a sense of togetherness with other people, it’s also important that they develop a sense of themselves as individuals.
From the moment a newborn takes its first breath, parents take a hands-on role in keeping children healthy, safe and happy. From changing nappies to following night-time routines and tasks, mums and dads do it all.
Every child has their own special talents and endearing personality traits, but when it comes to ‘giftedness’, some preschoolers exhibit abilities and development that are more advanced than other children their age.
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