The Parenting Research Centre says, ‘Sound is critically important to the way children learn about their world’ and because there is a tendency to focus on language skills and motor skills, they describe sound as an, ‘Unsung hero in child development’.
When it comes to sustainable living, the simple act of upcycling materials for craft projects, or growing veggies on-site, teaches great habits early on, and there are wide-ranging benefits when your child attends a ‘green’ service.
Preschool is so much more than a place for children to play during the day. It offers countless social, cognitive, academic, emotional and health benefits that could aid them throughout their childhood and well into their adult life.
You can have the most beautifully designed centre, but every child needs a champion for both their wellbeing and learning. Children perceive emotion better than most adults and are more sensitive to the feelings of those around them.
It is no secret that nature and learning outside offer some of the best learning opportunities in the early years. The early learning setting is the best environment for children to develop their social skills and emotional awareness.
For toddlers, the practical life activities help develop gross and fine motor skills, as well as gain a sense of independence. For primary aged children, the practical life activities play a huge role in helping them understand the world around them, as well as form a positive self-image.
The right age to start Montessori education is typically between 2 1/2 and 4 years of age because most Montessori schools are preschools. However, some parents choose to start their children in Montessori from infancy, usually between 8 weeks to 18 months.
A Montessori bedroom has all of the furniture at the child’s height. Everything should be within the child’s reach to give them full independence in the room—nothing is restricted. It is decorated in a minimalist style with neutral colors and bright pictures and learning materials for the child.
A mud kitchen is an outdoor play station that allows children to engage in pretend and messy play by cooking with mud, sand, and water. Mud kitchens help children to develop fine motor skills, roleplay, exploration, and social skills. Mud kitchens are beneficial for children ages 1-7.
