The Research

Before school, is a proven very important time for your child.

The Early Years

Parents:

You are important. You are your child’s first teacher. Right from the start and maybe before birth, you talk to your baby.
The best teacher before school is one that gives their child a variety of experiences that are interesting, to play, to play with, to guide, to show …. and to introduce new vocabulary and new things to think about … rather than to instruct and make demands.
It is not the amount of time you spend with your child that makes a difference to their education, but the quality of the time you spend with them. Such as, talking, storytelling, singing, playing and giving your full attention.
Children learn best when they feel emotionally secure and have positive relationships with you and others.
Children pressurised to perform at this age do not reach their full potential and may not become self-motivated and confident learners in the future, as they focus on pleasing the adult.

The Learning:

It is vital that each child is respected as unique individuals
Each child has his or her own interests
Each child learns at different rates, at different times and in different ways.
Learning through play is the best way for your child to learn
Play most quickly helps the brain to make connections (wire up) and grow in size.
Learning should be playful, fun and totally enjoyable for your child (and you).
They learn holistically. So, one activity will provide knowledge and skills across many subjects
Your child’s experiences determine what information enters the brain and how their brain processes information. This is why children like to repeat things over and over again to strengthen the neurons. By us adults understanding this, then we might find it less annoying!
The more engrossed your child is in their play; the more absorbed and fascinated in what they are doing; indicates deep learning.
Processing language takes children longer than adults, so it may seem they don’t do things immediately when asked

The difference these years can make:

Children learn more in the first five years of life than they do for the rest of their lives.
The amount of progress made in communication skills, speaking and increasing vocabulary is known as a particular indicator in how well the child will do later in life.
The amount of general progress made before formal schooling influences the exam results of sixteen+ year olds; they are likely to have higher grades/results.
Good grades, improve employment prospects, life choices and overall influence the quality of life.