Every parent wants to provide their child with a solid foundation to excel in the classroom. When deciding what type of preschool program is best for your child,  studies have shown early education programs which use play-based curriculums are more beneficial than so-called “academic” programs. Here is a guide with evidence to support this claim.

Play-Based Curriculum Leads to Better Mathematical Understanding

To determine the correlation between different preschool models and later success, Rebecca Marcon, Ph.D. studied the progress of students in the Washington, D.C., area over the span of five years. Children began school at age four and were studied again at the expected third and fourth grade levels. The research studied preschool and kindergarten child centered, play-based programs vs. “academic” programs which concentrated on teacher-led lessons, memorization and worksheets. The third class model featured a combination of both approaches.

The skills of children in teacher-directed programs declined by 22% over the subsequent years and even more so for those in the combination classes. This was not the case with those exposed to play-based curriculum, with achievement in mathematical courses particularly high. This is because activities are focused on individual development, where children are given autonomy to learn. Manipulating shapes and stacking blocks during free play, for example, sharpens kids fine-motor skills and familiarizes them with spatial reasoning, a concept used in mathematics.

Children Improve Language Skills With One-on-One Instruction

Play-based early childhood education programs are concentrated on the individual interests of each student. During choice times (“free play”), teachers evaluate youngsters’ actions and find ways to broaden discussions and help them learn. Beyond free play, the curriculum also includes small group and individualized instruction times as well as times for interacting with peers during story sessions, outdoor play and other large group activities. The Harvard Preschool Project has found this approach to development boosts children’s vocabulary, which could lead to success in their studies later.

If you are looking for a reputable preschool for your child, contact Les Enfants Preschool in Palisades Park, NJ. The institution has received a 4 Star rating from Grow NJ Kids and they have been chosen to be a Pyramid Implementation site. These educators will provide your child with the tools to achieve academic success. To learn more about this research-based, play-based preschool curriculum at this early learning center, call (201) 592-6695. A Director is happy to answer questions about what to expect from a quality preschool. Visit the school online for tuition and registration information, and Facebook to see photos.