Preschool

My daughter and I were just talking about this the other day. Her pediatrician insists that her son start pre-school so he gets some socialization and all. We live in a rural area and there aren't any kids his age for him to play with. Out here, the pre-school fee is gigantic, I don't see how the average young family can afford it. After talking with other moms, we found that before a child goes into kindergarten, they have to know the alphabet, their name, and some counting. (Don't know if it's required everywhere though, or just here.) I think one of the main reasons they want them to go is so that they can learn how to interact with other kids in a structured environment, and how to listen and get along as a group. You know, like maybe so they can get the right attitude about school before they actually get there, and get any behavioral problems, if any, corrected so they can be productive when they do get there. Since she can't afford it right now, we take him to the library for story hour, thus teaching him how to be quiet when a 'teacher' is speaking, and to develop his listening skills. It's also teaching him how to quietly get along in a group, and that there's times and places he needs to be quiet and sit still. We take him to the local park where other Moms take their kids to play on the playground equipment. From this, he's learning how to share, take turns, and how to approach other kids and make friends. The alphabet and counting, we work with him at home with that. (We cut out big block letters and have them placed all around...b for bed, d for door, etc. He almost knows the whole alphabet now, and he's only 3 1/2) I think todays society pushes kids way too fast. I'm not saying that I think we shouldn't teach them to excel, but geez, when they expect that kids MUST go to preschool at 3 or 3 1/2, I think that's a little much for them, (and a whole lot expensive for the parents.) I'm sure my daughter will send him to preschool sometime in the future, but maybe only once or twice a week...whatever they can afford at that time. I'm still not 'sold' on if this is truly necessary if they're getting all the needs met by other means.

yes. Because it's the 1st stage of learning and at he same time they are enjoying the atmosphere (they have friends, learning together, activities)

Kids that age learn better at home. I used to work in pre schools . I can tell you, as soon as the parent's back was turned, everything was different! If you can find a good scholl for a couple of half days per week, that would prepare them for kindergarten. Age 4 is early enough to do that .

I think it is becomming more and more necessary. The president now had the No child left behind program. Part of this is that children will be able to read by the time the finish kindergarden. So pre school is important to teach children the basics and to teach them how to interact with other children. It gets them used to the idea of going to school and then learn what is expected of them in the school setting. That is what kindergarden used to be for but now they are concerned with leanring to read and write so they get very little time to learn to interact and play.

yes it teaches kids routine and things they need to prepare for kindergarden and also gets them used toi being away from home

It gets the kids out of the house, right?

No preschool is nogt necessary. In some states they want to make it law that kids start at age 2.The higher ups feel that do to the fact children learn faster the younger they are we should have them doing 3rd grade work in Kindergarden. They need to be children longer. They are taken from those of us who truely love pre-school too soon. I guess there are some who are glad the kids are in someone else hands. Why have them to farm them off so young?

No, I don't think that it's necessary. Kids in the past did fine without it. But many kids today attend daycare, and since they go there anyway, it makes sense to start teaching them certain little things, like colors and shapes and nursery rhymes, so that they can transition more easily into kidnergarten.

I have 6 kids and they all went to kindergarden no pre schools and they all have A,in my opinion it's not that necesary

they must allowed to be free at those ages

I don't think it's necessary but it sure helps when it comes to preparing them for the real thing.

They are expected to know so much in kindergarten now that preschool really gives them a good head start.

Yes, definately for social interaction, plus learning things won't hurt

My step son is now in preschool and he is 4. My niece who just started kindergarten knows less than he does, and she never attended. I think preschool is wise, but not only because it prepares the child for school, but because of health reasons too. If you keep your child home with you until they start school, they will get sick fairly often (runny noses, coughs, minor things like that) than children who attended day care or preschool before they started school. I just put my daughter into daycare part time (and it still costs a fortune) but she was desperate to interact with other children on a regular basis. She has had runny noses frequently, but I'd rather get it done sooner than later. Preschool isn't necessary, but it has it's benefits.

I think kids should go to preschool. Not only does it get them use to being in a structured learning environment and gives them a headstart on schooling, it also allows them to build social skills.

No, it's not. I think most of us can handle teaching our children the basics from home, but preschool is a good idea if you have to work. It's much better than daycare. I think it should be kept to half a day though.

preschool na......., kids hate that........!

preschool isnt necessary. they are just to help kids to stand up & they learn basics of life like talk & some morals. they are also taught at Kindergarten

Preschool is very necessary because it builds good foundation and makes kid more mature and grown up. Also it helps in getting good school later on.