Pre-school prepares your Child for Kindergarten

For many parents and children, preschool is a stepping-stone for learning and developing. It introduced children to concept of a classroom, other groups of children and peers, teachers and specifically they learn to share and accept differences in a social environment.

Preschool does not require 100% attendance from your child, and you have the autonomy to decide on the number of days your child will attend preschool for the week. Preschool offers attendance flexibility, to allow your child to enjoy time at home with parents as well time at school.

Preschool is an introduction to structured learning for young children. Although preschool will not stress on learning and meeting academic milestones, children are gradually introduced to basic academic learning like letters and numbers, incorporated into playful activity monitored by teachers.

Kindergarten standard has seen many changes in recent years, with more focus put on pre-math and pre-English skills. As a result, preschools have had to incorporate some amount of learning into its activities to help young children handle the expectations of kindergarten. Parents are often worried, that too much learning too early will force kids to miss playtime, possibly growing up too fast. Many pre-schools aim to incorporate some amount of learning into playtime or activity based methods, which allows children time to still play, while learning as well.

Preschool can be considered as a soft launch of your child’s academic progress. It teaches them critical social skills needed, like making friends, relate stories, share things, and toys and wait their turn. It helps your child get in to the routine, of playing, sleeping, and learning. Good preschools should provide a fun and safe environment for your child. Pre-schools teachers know and understand each child’s learning ability. Preschool teachers organize and plan activities for children with emotional, social, academic, and mental development in mind.

A pre-school is only different from a playschool, in that a preschool provides structure to the madness. A preschool child is still able to sing and dance, explore and run around, but this time, they will do it with clear developmental objectives in mind.

Another very important aspect of good preschools is when teachers are accepted by children as secondary caregivers. Children learn to accept only their parents and siblings as caregivers and figures of authority. However, when they attend school or kindergarten, they are forced to accept a teacher as second authority and most children take time to adapt. Preschool teachers take an in-between role, where they will give your child, care, and attention, whilst leading their day-to-day activities. This allows your child to accept teachers as second guardians more willingly. It is important that nursery teachers are loving and kind towards all children, which prompts young children to develop with enthusiasm.

Preschool in Dubai

Children should love their time at Dubai nurseries. It is a sure way sign of knowing if the preschool in Dubai follows high standards in early child development. At Kid’s Island Nursery, we ensure that all children have plenty of structured games and activities creating excitement as they learn.

While at our Dubai nursery, children have plenty of activities to keep busy. Surrounded by other children their age they show enthusiasm in social play and developmental tasks. However, once they leave for home each day, they will look for the same level of activities especially if they are an only child. Many parents find it difficult to relate to young children who are always trying to imitate a parent. They will be more obedient when allowed to participate. Young children at the age of two, spend time exploring and wanting independence. Getting your child to sit quietly as you work is not easy.

Many parents pull their out, when children persistently want to take part in your day. Involving your child in what you are busy with, is in fact good for a child’s development, making them disciplined. Many children have short attention spans. They are trying to catch up with the world they live in, and therefore attempt everything around them. Children constantly ask questions; and this is a good sign that your child is developing correctly.

You can actually involve your child in the things you do around the house every day. When they feel as though they have had enough or something else interests them they will leave you to it.

Cooking – it is no surprise that, young girls and even boys are eager to help in the kitchen. However, the kitchen is a dangerous place for small children and parents worry. This is understandably justified. It is better if you section off an area in the kitchen itself and let them do little things for you. They feel important and this is the key to keeping them occupied and safe.

Reading – children aged three are full of questions and want to know everything their parents are doing. Most parents hand out a children’s book to their toddler while they read. However, they will lose interest almost immediately and are back in a flash wanting to know what you are reading. The way to encounter this is to in fact, play it their way. Keeping your child on your lap while you read, and explaining a few child friendly topics will get their interest at first, and when they feel they have had enough will move on to other interests on their own.  

Cleaning up – parents, who are alone with a toddler during the day, struggle to tidy up with them running around. All that your young child wants is do as you do. The trick is to invite them in to the activity itself designating easy tasks. When they feel as they have the choice instead of commanded they accept it more willingly. You can say things like “Daddy will be home soon, would you like to help me clean up?” And when they child accept the offer ask them if they would like to start by putting back toys.  It is much easier to get children involved in what you are doing, than to get them to play by themselves.

Nurseries and Preschools Dubai

Nurseries and preschools, although may not seem important, is able to give your child the right foundational environment before they attend kindergarten and elementary school. Kids Island Nursery is founded on the idea that children require stimulation and activity in order to grow and develop, preparing them academically and socially for school itself.

What is the difference between a normal school and a nursery school?

Nursery is in fact a structured methodology that allows children the freedom to learn and develop at their own pace. Nursery focuses less on academic curriculums and more on practical structured play. Kindergarten will focus on theoretical learning and putting pen to paper. This will entail alphabets, numbers, colours, shapes, and basic life sciences. The main difference between a kindergarten and nursery school, is that children do not face exams or tests in nursery level, while kindergarten systems do carry some kind of grading system.

Why should I rush my child in to learning when she is still so young?

Children who attend a nursery school in Dubai are more confident in their learning objectives than those who don’t when they begin kindergarten. They are more aware of the expectations and are much more familiar with the academic theory of kindergarten. Nursery schools do not follow a curriculum, but expose your child’s mind to the existence of letters and numbers, while introducing life sciences and concepts in a relaxed and casual manner. A nursery’s main focus is to train, your child to be independent, and social, while helping them progress mentally, physically and emotionally.

I am worried I am forcing my child to grow up too fast?

This is a concern that is quite justified and is probably fuelled by advice from family and friends. A good Dubai preschool that follows the Early Years Foundation Stage will allow your child plenty of time to play and have fun, while learning. A good foundation is to ensure that your son or daughter does not feel obligated with expectation, but appreciated for their enthusiasm. A good nursery school will combine academic theory with plenty of fun activities that your child will enjoy.

What do I look for in a good Dubai preschool?

As new parents, you may feel overwhelmed with information and advice from family and friends when looking for a preschool for your child. School shopping is a hard decision and with all the different requirements, you are forced to think about, it is difficult to decide on one school. Our best advice for choosing a preschool for your son to attend would be to let your child have the final say. If your child feels comfortable and safe in a school he visits, you will know that you have found the right school. It is important that your child is happy to attend the pre-school, where he feels the teachers are friendly and open, meets children that could potentially become his friends, and an environment he is eager to discover.

Kids Island Nursery focuses on meeting your concerns for your child, as well as your child’s expectations. Feel free to visit us along with your child and see for yourself if we meet yours and your child’s needs.