Considering Preschool Should I send my child to preschool? by Nancy Downing |
| Q: How important is it that I send my son to preschool this fall? A: Experts state the preschool years are crucial since 90 % of a child’s brain development happens by age three, and their fundamental personality is set by age five. The educational theory once was what’s important for children does not start until kindergarten. However, recent research shows this is not the case. Preschool gives children the prerequisite skills for reading and math skills taught in kindergarten and built upon for first grade. Another important aspect is social skills. Children learn how to respect and cooperate with their peers. Preschool programs are strategically structured to teach number sense; introduce loads of literature; go through developmental stages of play from parallel play to interacting with a group; role playing; learning computer skills; and interactions with peers and adults in a variety of circumstances. The best studies strongly suggest that high-quality preschool programs have produced short-term gains in cognitive functioning and longer-term gains in school achievement and social adjustment. Studies show higher school achievement, less grade retention, a reduced need for special education at a later age, and less crime. It appears the preschool years can affect a child’s life forever. I recommend you register your son in the fall for preschool. Copyright 2009 Nancy Downing. All rights reserved. |
Nancy has been an educator for 30 years and is currently a special education teacher.
She is the former Center Director of LearningRx in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has
received local, state, and national recognition for her development of Downfeld
Phonics, a multi-sensory reading program. Nancy also wrote curriculum for an
educational technology company.
Nancy is a single mother of three children: one with learning differences, one gifted,
and one who has to work for his grades. Not only does she know what it is like to teach
all these different learning styles at school, but she has the experience of dealing with
all aspects of each twenty-four seven.
She is the former Center Director of LearningRx in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has
received local, state, and national recognition for her development of Downfeld
Phonics, a multi-sensory reading program. Nancy also wrote curriculum for an
educational technology company.
Nancy is a single mother of three children: one with learning differences, one gifted,
and one who has to work for his grades. Not only does she know what it is like to teach
all these different learning styles at school, but she has the experience of dealing with
all aspects of each twenty-four seven.
