There has been a lot of talk about pre-K around Arlington recently. And for good reason.
But it鈥檚 not just because 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 just announced free pre-K for all 4-year-olds next year. Or that it鈥檚 adding STEM to an already fun, outstanding pre-K curriculum.
The reason is that pre-K is so critically important.
It gets children ready to learn, teaches important social and emotional skills and fosters the development of verbal skills and self-control. Pre-K students get a jump start on reading and are usually ahead of their peers who wait until kindergarten to start school.
鈥淩esearch demonstrates that high-quality preschool education can substantially increase children鈥檚 chances of succeeding in school and in life,鈥 said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 director of early childhood learning. 鈥淚t helps build a strong foundation for kindergarten and sets them up for greater success in many areas of life.鈥
That鈥檚 exactly what 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 pre-K programs are designed to do. They inspire creativity and exploration in three- and four-year-olds and prepare them not only for kindergarten, but for their entire educational journey.
Here are just a few of the reasons why pre-K is so important for every child.
1) Inspires Learning
Pre-K provides opportunities for children to learn in ways that interest them. 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 pre-K programs promote curiosity, creativity and exploration. Children are encouraged to make decisions, ask questions, think and solve through purposeful play.
鈥淲e help pre-K students build a strong literacy foundation and excitement to continue learning,鈥 Orsini said.听鈥淥ur early childhood teachers make learning fun by integrating a variety of games and activities, music, physical movement, arts, read-aloud stories, technology and dramatic play.鈥
And next school year, 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 is taking its pre-K curriculum to a whole new level with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). STEM in pre-K is all about hands-on discovery. It鈥檚 messy fun that brings learning to life. It鈥檚 about exploring and trying new things. It sparks questions and curiosity and gives kids the chance to pursue that curiosity and find answers to their questions.
听2) Supports Social and Emotional Skills
色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 pre-K helps children learn how to take turns, listen to others without interrupting, follow directions and express their emotions appropriately. Teachers often teach students songs that help them convey what and how they are feeling.
鈥淧re-K sets the foundation for children to learn how to communicate what they are feeling and how to cope with it,鈥 said Mary Eldredge, the librarian at Kooken Education Center, 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 all-pre-K campus.
Pre-K also helps children learn how to take care of themselves. They learn how to wash their hands, eat by themselves and even keep their personal belongings organized. They learn how to be responsible while also being respectful of others.
听3) Creates Community
Community is crucial for early development. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 so important to create activities where children learn while interacting with their peers. Examples include asking students to work together to set the table for snack time or to gather materials for an upcoming activity.
In this environment, children learn to problem solve, work together and communicate with each other. They learn how to collaborate with their peers and become a member of a small community.
鈥淚t is our role as educators to build a strong foundation for the growth of our children and equip them with the skills to be kind and compassionate people,鈥 said Kim Higbee, pre-K teacher at Little Elementary.听
听4) Kindergarten Ready
Pre-K graduates are 鈥渒indergarten ready,鈥 equipped to start their educational journey on the right foot. Studies show that children who attend pre-K are 54% more prepared for kindergarten than students who did not.
鈥淧re-K students have an opportunity to practice the foundation of colors, shapes, letters, sounds, numbers and counting鈥 said Starrett Elementary kindergarten teacher Allison DeBusk.
鈥淗aving these foundational skills when they come to kindergarten definitely helps them with their confidence from the beginning and lets them feel successful. Both of those are so important in children and in building their foundation for learning.鈥
Children also develop physical coordination and fine motor skills in pre-K. They get many opportunities to work on control of their fingers through art, hands-on- activities and many fun projects.
So, when kindergarten comes, they are ready!
6) Long-term Benefits
Pre-K doesn鈥檛 just get kids ready for kindergarten. It sets them up to be successful throughout their academic careers and beyond.
Studies show that students who attend pre-K are three times more likely to be proficient readers by third grade, which is essential in determining long-term success in school.
鈥淧re-K students have increased vocabulary, literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They are more likely to be high school graduates and earn higher wages in the workforce,鈥 said Nadia Azari, 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 early childhood instructional specialist and a former pre-K teacher.
Ninety percent of a child鈥檚 brain is developed by the time they reach six years old, according to the . So, this is the time. Giving 3- and 4-year-olds rich, fun learning opportunities stimulates their developing brains and builds their mental foundation for their entire future.
鈥淣ow we know that stimulating brain growth long before kindergarten can have a massive impact on her future education, her future earnings, and even her future health,鈥 wrote Matthew Hansen of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute.
Enroll Tomorrow
Set your child up for success in school and throughout their future. Enroll in 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 best-in-class pre-K.
Registration opens tomorrow, April 1. To enroll and learn more about 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 pre-K, please visit aisd.net/prek. And check out听 to see what a day in pre-K is really like. You can also enroll in person on April 5 at any 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 elementary school from 5-7 p.m.听