A lot of things happen in a child’s earliest years that will have major effects on their future development. This is the period when critical human milestones like language acquisition and socialisation take place.
Exposure to new faces and ideas, and the ability to make new friends are just some of the useful takeaways from a child’s kindergarten experience that will serve them well in later life.
In an ideal world, every child would have a chance to receive some form of early childhood education, but sometimes factors like economics prevent it from happening. Because of the growing recognition of just how important these early years are to a child’s growth and development, the Australian government has implemented a funded kindergarten program that helps all parents, no matter what economic bracket they fall into, make sure their children don’t fall behind, and have the opportunity to learn and excel in a positive educational environment.
Let’s now take a closer look at the advantages a kindergarten experience confers on our young children. Attending kindergarten gifts children with rich opportunities for learning as well as early exposure to the essential emotional development, problem-solving skills, and socialisation that will foster the abilities they need to have in place to succeed and thrive throughout their school life and beyond.
It is also a good time to assess whether a child has any as yet unrecognised learning difficulties that might have an adverse effect on their later lives, and a chance to address and treat them early so that they can enjoy their education, and the opportunities it will provide them to the fullest.
One of the most important goals of any kindergarten experience is to foster a sense of self-esteem. It’s vital to a child’s development that they feel good about themselves and are confident as they tackle the challenges unfolding in their path.
Another element that kindergartens are uniquely suited to teach is cooperation. Being able to play, work, and learn while getting along well with peers as well as adults, is a tool that they will use throughout their lives.
Taking turns, sharing toys and resources, and listening to what others have to say as well as expressing one’s own views when it’s their turn, are best practiced and made part of a young child’s interpersonal abilities toolbox during these all-important formative years.
Children are curious by nature but need some guidance on how to focus this trait so that it yields useful information and experiences. Attending kindergarten is the perfect venue for refining that innate sense of curiosity and using it to encourage a love of learning that will be of great value for all their life.
Kindergartens have books, toys, and art supplies on hand, and teachers who can help children discover the joys those learning tools can bring us. Early childhood is a time of wonder and growth, and a positive kindergarten experience is a gift that will keep on giving!
The Australian Government’s Department of Education is an excellent resource when you are considering your child’s early education goals. It is our hope that all children have the opportunity to receive a great kindergarten experience!
