The Importance of Kindergarten • Children's Educational Consulting LLC

Understanding the Importance of Kindergarten

Kindergarten is important because it sets the stage for all the subsequent years of school. And, it is important because students will be acquiring skills that will be crucial for success in the 21st century. This is supported by research which followed 12,000 kindergarten children until they were about 30 years old. ^1. The research was summarized in a New York Times article that also concluded “kindergarten is the most important year of a person’s life”.

Students, therefore, need to be ready to begin this more challenging phase in their learning. And, parents can help their young students’ readiness by collaborating with their children’s preschool to be sure that their child is developmentally progressing. https://cecsolution.org/kindergarten-readiness/ In addition, it is recommended that parents select a school that will bring out the best in their child. https://cecsolution.org/finding-right-school/

Skills Acquired in Kindergarten

It is suggested that children entering kindergarten feel confident and eager to learn. That is because kindergarten begins a more challenging environment than children had experienced in preschool. They will be rapidly growing socially and emotionally. Moreover, this social/emotional development will enhance their social skills in making friends and working collaboratively. In addition, they will be developing resilience and perseverance. These two motivation skills are crucial for critical learning and self-development to take place.

Children’s fine and gross motor skills will display increased dexterity and coordination which supports their learning. This physical development will be supported with hands-on activities and sensory motor activities.

Young students will be academically immersed in a language-rich world. As a result, they will be developing early literacy in reading and math. In addition, the students will increasingly be able to focus longer and increase their concentration time. This will allow critical thinking and problem solving abilities to develop and grow. Plus, young children will learn personal responsibility and independence in an environment that is gentle, nurturing, and encouraging.

Kindergarten Skills are Skills of Tomorrow

Kindergarten should encourage young children’s love of learning. And, it should stimulate creativity, imagination, and critical thinking. Meanwhile, confidence and self-esteem will continue to develop. Skills such a collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving are considered “skills of tomorrow“. Students acquiring these skills will use them the rest of their lives. Especially, they will be prepared for increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21^st century.

Therefore, skills that seem simple in kindergarten such as cooperating with peers, creative expression through the arts, being open to, and able to communicate new ideas are indeed very important. That is because they set the stage for the development of the 21st century skills of tomorrow.

Kindergarten is an Important Beginning

Kindergarten is an important beginning to your child’s formal education. It will prepare your young student for all their years of academic learning, and success in their future personal and professional lives. Parents can help their children start strong by thoughtfully considering their children’s kindergarten readiness. And, carefully selecting a school that best fits your child will play an important and long-lasting role, as well.