Preschool Programs: Guide to the Best 7 Successful Programs
Preschool helps children between 3years and 5years old to improve their social skills. Also, it provides the necessary academic foundation for the school. So when your kids are ready for school, they have the basic knowledge and the mindset for the school. But, there are various types of Preschool Programs. And their teaching methods are different from one to another.
Also, there are two methods of teaching at a preschool. The first method is learning through discovery. It includes programs with a focus on child-directed activities. Teachers guide the children according to their development levels. However, the other philosophy is more focused on academic qualifications. Also, various types of Preschool Programs use different teaching methods and activities to improve the skills of children.
There are seven types of preschool programs. Namely,
Traditional Preschool Programs
Parent Co-op Preschool Programs
So, how to choose the correct Preschool Program for your kid? Let us dig a little bit into them.
Traditional Preschool Programs
In a traditional preschool program, the teacher guides children through various academic and group activities according to a schedule. Also, the teacher is responsible for that children get the required knowledge and meet the guidelines set by the curriculum. So basically, in this type of preschool system, the teacher is the central figure in the classroom.
When we look at a traditional preschool classroom, they have colorful toys, posters, and decorations. Also, they are play-based, and children will spend much of their time playing with toys and other familiar items. Children will have different activities during their day in a preschool. They will be assigned to different groups and rotate through those activities. So most of the time teacher will mainly focus on the group.
We can see the following characteristics in a Traditional Preschool System.
Grouping students according to their age
Students have assigned desks and chairs to work
All the students work according to a shared timetable. And all of them have the same time for each subject.
Teachers control the classroom and the discipline of the children
Use worksheets, rote learning, and textbooks
Focus on the tests and grades
The teacher gives direct instruction to the class according to a pre-determined curriculum.
Italian educator Dr. Maria Montessori introduce this method in the early 1900s. It is so different from the traditional educational setting. In this method, children can select what they want to learn, and its child-centered philosophy help to develop creativity, choice-making skills, and logical thinking of children.
Generally, all preschools use playing games to teach kids. So they can learn while they are enjoying the lessons. In Montessori, Play is called the work of Kid. So, the toys available in a Montessori are also helping their learning process.
We can see the following characteristics in a Montessori Preschool System.
Grouping students of various ages in the classroom
Children have the freedom to choose the place they want to sit in the classroom
Students select when and how long they want to work on an activity
Focus on the process, do not use tests or grades
Students have the opportunity to advance academically at their own pace, without limits
Encourages students to practice self-discipline
After World War II, the People of Reggio Emilia developed a new education system as a solution to it. It had led by a teacher called Loris Malaguzzi, and their idea was to enhance the learning of a child through real-life experiences instead of a fixed curriculum. So that each child develops a love for discovery, forms a personality of their own, and learns to respect others.
According to the Reggio Emilia Approach, all children have full potential with an innate sense of curiosity and endless imagination. They are creative, capable of constructing their learning. And they have a birth interest to explore while they follow their interests. They also stay connected with others. Adults nurture the education of children by providing a rich environment and support. Instead of a one-size-fits-all curriculum, Reggio Emilia uses a child-centered approach.
We can see the following characteristics in Reggio Emilia Preschool Programs.
Children are active participators in their learning
Unique reciprocal relationship with their teachers
They believe the child has a hundred languages. That means Children have multiple ways to express themselves
Educators use a non-contact time to observe children and plan what to offer the children next
Value and encourage child-initiated activity
Challenge and provoke ideas through open-ended questioning
Respect the visions of children
Allow the child to make mistakes
Teachers observe and judge appropriate moments to intervene
The Waldorf education system was developed by Rudolf Steiner nearly 100 years ago. He was an Austrian philosopher, social reformer, and visionary. Waldorf Preschool Programs primarily focus on engaging the head, heart, and hands, or we can say they focus on thinking, feeling, and doing. And they build up these focus areas using academic, arts, and practical skill curriculums in Waldorf Preschool Programs.
Anyhow, Waldorf preschool programs may differ from one to another according to the culture, geography areas, group size, ages, and teacherās approach. But their principle is to develop the primary three focus areas. Ā
Waldorf programs share the following fundamental characteristics.
The same teacher remains with the same students as they progress until they graduate from preschool.
Introducing academic content and subjects to help childās intellectual and emotional development
Scientific and mathematical curriculums are enhanced and deepened through music and art.
Introducing subjects like history and geography through practicals such as handwork and woodwork
Use of different teaching styles to improve childrenās engagement through their senses, movement, and artistic expression
Encouraging children to listen and respond to the human voice by memorizing songs, poems, tongue twisters, and entire plays by listening to their teachers
Developing politeness and courtesy among the children in the classroom and on the playground
The high Scope Approach was developed and introduced by Dr. David Weikart in 1962, and this method used in schools worldwide for all ages and abilities ever since. In this approach, educators encourage children to become decision-makers and problem-solvers based on the Constructivist theories.
Teachers facilitate learning experiences by posing questions and providing various resources and materials. So children can construct their knowledge through exploration and experimentation with the guided support of educators. Also, Adult-Child interactions provide active learning through hands-on experiences that follow a personal interest.
We can see the following characteristics in High Scope Preschool Programs
Language, literacy communication
Social and emotional development
Physical development, health, and well being
Introducing Arts and Sciences
Make choices about what they will do, carry on their ideas, and recall them.
Visionary educator Lucy Sprague discovered the Bank Street education model in 1916. She tried to help children grow and reach their full potential. Also, she staffed her nursery with teachers, researchers, and psychologists, and they tried to determine the best environment for that purpose.
The Bank Street preschool program employs a child-centered education system focusing on a variety of curriculum. So students get the chance to do active educational activities to develop their cognitive, emotional, physical, and social growth.
Bank Street programs share the following fundamental characteristics.
Development-Interaction approach
The focus is on educating the whole Children in an experience-based, interdisciplinary, and collaborative setting.
Provides a balance between child and adult initiated activities
Educators must set goals, plan strategies for achieving them and follow up to evaluate and revise them as necessary.
Parent Co-op Preschool Programs
A Co-op Preschool program is a learning place for parents and children to learn and grow together. Also, at a co-op, children participate in a rich hands-on learning experience. Their curriculum is play-based and helps children learn all the diverse skills they need for kindergarten.
Also, what makes co-ops unique is that parents are highly involved in working in the classroom, helping with the administration, and attending monthly parent education sessions. Since parents are involved in preschools, they cost less than other preschools. Also, they have unbeatable adult-to-child ratios which support your childās learning.
We can see the following characteristics in Co-op Preschool Programs
Play-Based, Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum
A Well-Rounded Education & Preparation for Kindergarten
Parents are involved in the Classroom and Coop Governance
Monthly Parent Education & Individualized Advice
Fabulous Adult-Child Ratios
There are many preschool programs, and they follow teaching methods that are different from one to another. However, there are seven good preschool programs to develop a childās mental, emotional, physical, and social growth. Namely, they are,
Traditional Preschool Programs
Parent Co-op Preschool Programs
So what is the best program for your kid is really up to the parents. If you read the article, now you have a clear idea about all the seven programs, and you can choose the best one for your child without any hesitation.
Also, if you need to know, What should preschoolers know? Read this article.
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