Page 21 - Education Supplement_Issue 1_2023

OPINION PIECE

Preschoolers are little sponges who want to know absolutely everything. How they mean. They have the potential to learn
acquire their knowledge and skills ultimately determines their approach to learning so much more than we give them credit
as they go through life. It’s a fine line. With the academic climate being what it is, it’s for, but they learn naturally through play.
easy for parents to be wooed by a school promising their child will read Shakespeare 5. Children should not be limited by what
and master algebra by age 4. But is that what they need? It is also a crucial time for we assume they can’t manage. If a child
their emotional, social, and cognitive development – all of which have nothing to do is way more advanced than their peers,
with academics. forcing them to follow at the same pace
will smother any enthusiasm they have.
I sat down with Angela Voltepsis and Philip Kokot for some insight. Angela is the HOD And they will end up hating school.
of the preschool at Radford House, and Philip is its co-founder and principal. Radford Instead, they should be challenged and
House specialises in gifted education. It’s even more tempting for parents of gifted kids stimulated. At this level, children are
to push the academic development of their children. Still, Radford is very proud of its not expected to read independently.
stance on holistic learning and the importance of early childhood development. This only comes later, when they enter
primary school. But sometimes, a child
Your checklist can. It should be supported. And if
“When you nurture a love of learning and ensure that the child’s social and emotional every book on the bookshelf has been
growth is also a priority, the academic ability develops too,” says Angela. “This is not only read or is too simple, they should
applicable to gifted children. All children need this balance.” be offered books that they will find
engaging.
Angela and Philip recommend these qualities to look for when choosing a preschool. 6. Teachers need to understand the
1. Consider your child’s emotional maturity. Some schools are much more formal from difference between difficult work and
the beginning, while others focus more on play and informal learning. And a few more challenging work. If a child finishes
months mean a lot in terms of a child’s development. If your three-year-old still a task flawlessly and long before others,
needs a daily nap to cope and struggles with too much structure, forcing them into a they will soon start faking it if they just
less flexible environment could be detrimental. Even if you need to give them more get rewarded with more work. A good
time and then relook at it, it’s okay. teacher will find ways to challenge the
2. Preschool reading programmes focus on pre-reading skills. These take time to child while the others catch up but not
develop and are essential. And although some children join the dots quicker than extinguish their enthusiasm. Much like
others, children are not expected to master reading at a preschool level. With this in we as adults learn that if everyone at
mind, ask the school what reading program they follow. It’s a bit of a trick question work knows you are good at tech, you
because there is no one-size-fits-all. And that’s why so many bright, capable kids will just be bombarded with requests for
struggle with it. Some children thrive on a particular system, but another would lead tech support. It’s far more beneficial to
them to a brick wall. Some need to learn words phonetically, while others learn by play dumb.
recognising whole words. Ideally, you want to find a school that uses a blend of these 7. Ensure the school remembers they deal
methods to meet every child’s needs, especially during the pre-reading phase. with small children who need to play,
3. Is the focus on reading words aloud or understanding? There is a lot of pressure on create, rest, and enjoy their childhood.
children to read early. But often, children who are pushed hard may end up reading Fine motor development happens when
fluently but have no comprehension of what they have read. Preschool is the perfect crafting, cutting, pasting, and colouring.
time to expose children to the joys of reading. Through stories and engagement, they Gross motor development occurs when
develop pre-reading skills and build foundations leading to solid literacy skills when they are clambering, climbing, throwing,
they enter primary school. When children are exposed to reading, a lot more time and jumping. It’s as crucial as any early
should be spent asking questions about the text they are engaging in. For example: literacy and numeracy skills.
• Ask their opinion: Do you think Goldilocks is a hero or a villain?
• Ask them to predict: What do you think Red Riding Hood will find when she gets Remember, there is nothing more powerful
to Granny? than a parent’s gut. At the end of the day,
• Ask for another point of view: How would the troll tell the story of the Three Billy all things considered, listen to it. When
Goats Gruff? you are on your preschool reconnaissance
There are no wrong answers, but these questions inspire critical thinking. mission, don’t be afraid to ask questions,
4. A positive learning environment often means the children don’t even know they visit and observe, or reach out to other
are learning. When a parent asks, ‘What did you learn at school today?’ it can be parents to get their honest opinion. The
deflating to be told, ‘Nothing.’ However, just because they weren’t seated at a table more confident you are about your choice,
with a worksheet and crayons doesn’t mean they learned nothing. A five-year-old is the more open you will be to a healthy,
actually capable of understanding the world around them on a deeper level. Have fulfilling relationship with those entrusted
you ever heard one go on about dinosaurs you can’t pronounce? Trust me, they with your children. And good luck – the
didn’t learn that seated at a desk. Likewise, a grade 0 child may not understand the most important thing your kids need are
concept of forces – and isn’t expected to. But push them on a swing, spin them on a love, encouragement, support, and faith in
round-a-bout and give them a go on a see-saw first – they will know exactly what you their future. And that’s yours to give.

Education | February 2023 | 19