As the world becomes more competitive with the pace of life increasing rapidly, life seems to be imitating the proverbial rat race that we often quote to describe the daily grind of our lives. It thus becomes natural for young parents to want their children to become smarter and excel in academics. However, in the pursuit of excellence and being on top of our social ladder, we often tend to forgo or compromise with the quality of life and knowledge. Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, in her book ‘Einstein never used flash cards’, emphasises that younger kids must be kids. As per research, true learning takes place contextually – while a child is at play and interacting with peers in a social setup. Instead, many parents push their children to turn into academic geniuses at too young an age, which undermines the personality and growth of the child.
Children’s minds are fertile grounds that naturally imbibe and learn from the environment and everyday life. When we as adults look at our learnings, we find that our experience-based learning is more profound, actualising and practically useful than our academic learnings. Therefore, the playschools now plan the curriculum that allows your young ones to explore and learn through play, basic everyday activities that will help them realise their individuality and learn to be smarter than pushing them headlong into the academic sphere.
Find the best playschools near me who understand the value of and practise a curriculum that includes following activities for your child to become smarter without straining or burdening them. The points also include suggestions to practice at home for your child’s benefit.
- Adequate rest: The brain is machinery that resides in the body, and all machines need care and rest to perform optimally. Adequate sleep and naps are essential for your little ones, healthy growth and alert brains. Paediatricians recommend a minimum of 8 to 9 hours of sleep at night for growing children, followed by short naps during the day at the playschool and home.
- Playtime: Playtime is important for the child to exercise and expand their brains. Age-appropriate games include building blocks, board games, puzzles, chess, etc. Playschools include both experiences – playing by themselves and playing as a team with others.
- Physical activities: Just as activities that exercise the brain, physical activities are equally important for the child to stimulate their senses and hone their reflexes. Playschools have organised games on the field and unstructured playtime in the schoolyard or by the swings. Playtime helps build up their confidence, immunity, balance and intelligence. Schools also have martial arts and yoga sessions, which add to their flexibility while teaching them to be calmer and insightful from a young age.
- Artistic activities: Art helps in expanding imagination and expression. Artistic activities also help exercise the left sphere of the brain, which we often ignore in our pursuit of academics and success. A balanced brain results in a balanced perspective and lateral thinking.
- Music: An extensive research by the University of Toronto proves that music helps increase the intelligence quotient. Introducing them to music at a young age will help them broaden their mental horizons. As we all know, music feeds the soul and brightens the spirit. Learning to play a musical instrument will build their confidence and developmental skills that remain latent when untapped. Playschools have regular music and dance periods which the little ones enjoy. The sessions also help them become more socially open and friendly.
- Reading: An essential activity, reading expands the mind, language and vocabulary. Reading also helps us grasp the nuances of communication and expression. Reading and story-telling sessions are integral activities in playschools.
- Trips and excursions: Experiencing the world and nature first-hand goes a long way in learning life lessons for a child. Playschools periodically organise well-supervised excursion trips, and parents are welcome to volunteer as chaperons on such trips. Nature and real life are the biggest teachers while honing their naturally compassionate nature.
All in all, for comprehensive development of the mind and your child, to become smarter, both intelligence and emotional quotient are important. The playschools understand this and have a well-structured course for your child to flourish in and become smarter. Key in play school near me for finding the right pre-school for your angel.
Satellite School for Children 