Kids love to play, and, according to experts, incorporating learning into a play-based curriculum in an early childhood education program can help with overall development. In fact, many so-called academic preschools are not fully meeting the needs of young children and are actually not helping them to learn. 

Forcing Kids Into the Adult World

Many preschool programs create environments without considering the needs of the child. Every day, kids are placed on adult timetables in an adult world. While helping children create a regular schedule is helpful, it’s also necessary to build a new environment to help them thrive. Teachers play a big role in this process. In the classroom, they know the students on an individual level and can see their strengths and weaknesses. A successful preschool curriculum involves a good relationship between the child and the instructor, where kids are encouraged to laugh, tell stories, and play, instead of being forced into doing one-size-fits-all types of activities. 

Learning Through Play

Some preschool curriculum tends to focus on doing the same activities over and over again. When children are only taught specific skills and must follow the same set of rules each day, many become bored and disinterested. Teachers may have a hard time keeping a child’s attention. Instead, preschoolers should be encouraged to learn naturally through play. Children learn while they play. Learning in the early years happens when children are engaged to have their natural curiosity piqued to be interactive with their environment. For example, instead of looking at pictures of a garden in a book, children can benefit from going outside and observing a real garden. This allows them to look, touch, and discuss the types of plants that grow in different kinds of soil. Incorporating play makes learning more fun. We can teach things such as vocabulary, math, critical thinking best during guided play experiences and at the same time foster a love for learning that will last well past childhood! 

If you’re looking for a preschool that encourages learning through play and looks at your child as an individual, consider the early education programs at Les Enfants Preschool in Palisades Park, NJ. Here, kids are encouraged to explore the world around them through a range of fun, playful activities, developing social and educational skills they can utilize in elementary school and beyond. To schedule a visit and see this program in action, call (201) 592-6695. For more information, check out the website.