How Preschool Lays a Foundation for Learning and Life Skills in Young Children?

Considering when to enroll a child in preschool can be one of the greatest decisions for parents. Regardless of when a child starts, preschool lays a foundation - socially, emotionally, and academically - that will help your child succeed once they reach elementary school and beyond.

With many factors to consider, the child's age, their unique personality and schedule, and a learning environment that fits the needs of their family, we offer the following insights and observations about the benefits of preschool for young children. 

Personal Growth Opportunities - For the majority of children, preschool is the first experience in which they attend a structured setting with teachers and children other than siblings. This environment provides unique opportunities for children to socialize, learn to share, follow instructions, and learn self-discipline and self-control in a loving and supportive environment.  

Social and Emotional Development - High-quality preschool programs should focus on nurturing warm relationships among children, teachers, and parents. A preschool environment should always strive to partner with parents and help students develop a deep sense of empathy, compassion and love for their fellow classmates, teachers, community, and world. 

Learning Independence – With programs that foster independence, self-selection and the ability for children to direct their interests, children can learn to respect and to take care of themselves and their environment, while respecting others, and direct their learning journey. Children will learn to articulate their interests, gravitate to activities that suit their unique personalities, and master skills that interest them over the long term.

Developing Fine Motor Skills - Preschool aids in developing fine motor skills in children through age appropriate interactive activities. From learning proper pincer grasp through the use of early writing activities, cutting, and art projects to practical life skills such as watering plants, washing hands, and helping to reset classroom shelves.  

Preparing Children for Kindergarten - As kindergarten becomes more academic, the foundational skills learned in a preschool environment become even more paramount. A child who has learned self-control, how to work with their peers, how to work independently, and how to question and decipher new information will be well prepared for a kindergarten environment.  Initial skills developed in literacy, reading, writing and early math concepts will also provide a child who has experienced a preschool environment an easier transition into an elementary school classroom.  

To learn more about the Montessori preschool environment and curriculum, and how Village Montessori & Preparatory School in Fort Mill, SC is preparing children for their elementary years, visit us at https://www.villagemontessori.com/.  We would be thrilled to schedule a tour of our school or answer your questions.