I’ve been having some interesting conversations with friends and family about preschool and I find the differing definitions attached to the word, very interesting. For some preschool is teaching your child basics such as the alphabet, numbers, colors, etc. For others preschool means sending your child to a paid institution, whether it be a home preschool or a more commercialized preschool. I’ve been asked many times if I am going to send McKay to a “real preschool” before he goes to kindergarten. My reply is “no”, but that is assuming they mean that I’m going to send him to a paid preschool. The next comment to follow usually begins with, “Well, you were a teacher. . . .” That is true and it may give me some bonus ideas, but I don’t think you need a Master’s Degree to talk to your children, read with your children, and teach your children the basics.
So my first question is what is “real preschool?” I don’t mean to offend anyone or read more into what they mean, but what makes a paid preschool more “real” than what I (and many other mothers) am doing in my own home with my own child? My answer is nothing. There are definitely differences, but what two classrooms are the same? I don’t say this to set myself above others, but how many mothers out there have their children color, cut, glue, draw, and create art? How many mothers have their children help them cook, clean, do chores, do the wash, and fold laundry? How many mothers talk to their children about what they see as they walk down the street or and count the cars/truck/trees as they drive down the road? How many mothers read to their children, sing them songs, and recite them nursery rhymes? I dare say most mothers do many of these things without really considering the education they are providing their children. Is this not preparing them for kindergarten?
What else prepares them for kindergarten? Children do need socialization and need to learn how to be with other children. This can be done in a variety of ways, without paying for formal preschool. Thankfully in our church children attend nursery and primary which is a great training ground for sitting in a chair, listening to a teacher, and being with other children. Play groups and story time (at local libraries where available) are other ways in which children can learn to sit, listen, and be with one other children.
I’m not placing judgment on any mother. Each mother has to make the decision that is right for her and her child. Each child might have different needs within the same family, and a different decision reached in each case. There are many wonderfully qualified preschools and teachers. I for one don’t want to pay the money for something I can do on my own, and I enjoy doing the majority of the teaching in my own home. However, we have decided to participate in a preschool co-op where we trade off teaching with several mothers in the ward once a week(similar to Joy School but our own curriculum). McKay loves it and I think the mothers involved are doing an incredible job.
I probably could go on and on about preschool, but will end with this thought. Mothers have the responsibility for teaching and nurturing their children and are the primary influence in their children’s early lives. It’s only a matter of years until the realm of influence broadens. As for me, I want to hold on to that influence as long as I can.
