Something becomes a learning experience whenever a connection is made, whether it’s neuron to neuron, heart and brain aligning, or simply a baby bonding with his/her parents. According to Harvard’s National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, “responsive relationships and language-rich experiences help build a strong foundation for later success in school.” In other words, when there is love within learning, success is most definitely achievable.
The benefits of play-based learning are endless, take a Mom & Child class as an example. In an ideal world, there should be free and accessible play-based learning program for all, where governments provide education from an early age for even the most stricken parts of society. Parents don’t need to wait until their child is thirty to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Instead, early learning in childhood serves as grounds for disease prevention and health promotion, for it comprises strengthening relationships, reducing sources of stress, and building core skills.
Read more: The Role of Parents in Early Childhood Education
6 Benefits of Early Childhood Education
Below are 6 benefits of Early Childhood Education that every Christian parent should know:
1. Enhance Social Smart Skills
Early childhood education found in a Mom & Child class exposes babies to various social settings outside of the home. Especially for pandemic-born babies, it helps them adjust to the discomfort and presence of strangers and unfamiliar faces. Getting out of the house also allows babies to meet fellow little people while observing how mom behaves and interacts with her fellow adult friends. A Mom & Child class teaches a child to model behavior, listen and follow instructions, and learn to play with fellow children, which develops their social skills and awareness.
On the other hand, this class boosts a healthy fourth trimester for mothers, as it gives them an opportunity to get out of the house, get into a community, and gain inspiration from fellow and even more seasoned moms.
2. Develop Fine and Gross Motor Skills
A Mom & Child class encourages the use of all senses. As babies gain exposure to words and sounds, this language-rich experience will be foundational for their school experience in the coming future. All the crawling, toddling, and falling develop their motor skills, where they learn to be comfortable with and in their bodies and what they can do physically. It further teaches them the importance of being active, getting their bodies moving, and valuing exercise. For parents or caregivers, it is an opportunity to join their babies in being active, as it requires parents’ active involvement and participation during their child’s activity or play.
3. Improve Character and Cognitive Development
In whatever shapes or forms, a Mom & Child class builds confidence and courage for a child to explore outside his/her comfort zone. Children who are more observant than others might take a while to try new things, but the safe and pressure-free environment allows them to learn to trust and explore when they are ready. All in all, early childhood education through such classes serves as a quality bonding experience with a parent, where active involvement of a parent in their child’s development is crucial for positive character and cognitive development. As parents get to be hands-on participants in their child’s growth, a Mom & Child class helps to fill both child’s and parent’s love tank, and when one enjoys and loves learning, it is a ground for seeds to grow and bear fruit.
4. Help Your Child Learn New Routines
By attending a Mom & Child class, your child will be able to learn new routines outside the home. Routines will help your child manage their expectations toward their environment. During the development of daily routines, teachers will think about a set of activities that are active/passive, child-directed/adult-directed, or indoor/outdoor. Routines are also carefully planned according to children’s ages to accommodate their needs.
5. Foster Academic Success
High-quality Early Childhood Education will prepare your child for a successful academic life. Children participate in a range of stimulating activities that enhance their cognitive growth in early childhood education. They engage in hands-on experiences that develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning. By acquiring the aforementioned skills, children are more likely to excel in their studies.
Read more: Fun and Easy Critical Thinking Activities for 5-Year-Olds
6. Help Children to Develop Numeracy and Literacy Skills
Literacy and numeracy skills are essential building blocks for a child’s education, encompassing more than just reading, counting, and writing. Children develop literacy skills through activities such as listening to stories, discussing pictures, and drawing shapes. Numeracy skills can be learned through singing, playing music, and pouring sand into various-sized containers.
Studies show that children who attend childcare for three years or more perform significantly better on year 4 literacy and numeracy tests. Additionally, 18 months of preschool has a more profound impact on literacy and numeracy levels at age 11 than all six years of primary school combined.
In conclusion, early education not only supports children’s social and emotional development but also helps them build a bright future. To find the best early childhood education for your child, get in touch with us to learn more about our Mom & Child program at Sekolah Pelita Harapan Lippo Village. Visit the best preschool Jakarta to learn about trial class opportunities and see how we can support your child’s growth and development.