Preschool Education: Importance of Knowledge and Social Skills

This report, focusing on preschool education, investigates the critical balance between knowledge and social skills in early childhood development. It explores the rationale and significance of preschool education, highlighting its role in preparing children for future challenges. The report outlines research objectives, questions, and provides an analytical review of the importance of social skills and knowledge. It also addresses the challenges children face during their learning journey, emphasizing the need for tailored educational approaches. The report underscores the significance of preschool in fostering social skills, emotional development, and overall cognitive growth, providing insights into how early education shapes a child's future. The study also looks at the challenges faced by children related to learning at their growing age.

Education and social science
research

Table of Contents
TOPIC - Preschool education: Knowledge or social skills?............................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Rationale of the study.............................................................................................................1
Significance of the research....................................................................................................2
Research Objectives...............................................................................................................2
Research Questions................................................................................................................2
Analytical Review..................................................................................................................2
Essential for kids to have social skills at the age in between 3 to 6..................................4
Challenges faced by children related to learning at their growing age..................................5
Succinct summary of findings................................................................................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

TOPIC - Preschool education: Knowledge or social skills?
INTRODUCTION
In all over the world, educational institutions basically keep there focus on developing
early childhood programs in order to prepare children (at there early age) for survival. Based on
the information given by critics, it can be said that promoting skills like self-regulation and
executive functions may aid in improvising both knowledge and social skills at the same time.
Present report, which is going to be done by scholar, the topic which has been chosen i.e.
Preschool education: Knowledge or social skills. Along with this, report will cover rationale that
argues the relevance and significance of the proposed research, analytical review and succinct
summary of findings at the same time (Davis and Sumara, 2014). The problem, which is being
found out in present research report i.e. beginning classes which kids attends with the age from 2
and a half to 3 years old are the quick learners but what they actually face as a problem is that
some of kids mind develops slowly which impacts upon there overall growth. It is being found
that, children with this age (only some), not only they beginning to experience some of their first
social interactions with peers, these students begin to learn the alphabet, making letters with big
strokes and tracing letters in their alphabet books. It can be said that, students of this age
basically learns the first letter of their name and are able to recognize their name in print. It is the
responsibility of teachers at kindergarten to focus on developing of some of the skills according
to the requirements and with the use of manipulative, lacing, finger painting and puzzles.
Students leave the preschool with a strong start for Kindergarten (Popkewitz, 2012). They have
learned many skills through cause and effect instruction. Children learn that it is easier to find a
toy when you put it away in the proper place. One way teachers build self-esteem and a sense of
community in their students is by encouraging each child to choose a classroom job. At the end
of the day, each child evaluates how he/she thinks they did their job. Positive comments are
given to that child from their peers as well as their teacher.
Rationale of the study
The vital reason behind choosing this topic is that, preschool education plays a crucial
role for survival. Since, the competition is continuously rising, kids are required to develop there
minds and this cannot be done by their own (Blossfeld, Hamerle and Mayer, 2014). Teachers,
carers and parents are some of individuals that may aid them in developing or improving there
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skills and knowledge as well. As given by David Deming, who is a professor of education and
economics at Harvard University has shown his own interest on observing the whole new study.
Author has mentioned this because on the basis of comparison which he did among preschool
classrooms and the information which has been given is somewhat stays connected to real world.
Over the years, it is being found that children has moved to science experiments from art while
playing in small groups at home, playgrounds or at any other place (Bechhofer and Paterson,
2012). This has helped in improvising or gaining essential skills in regards to negotiate with
others. This is why, this topic has been chosen in order to conduct the investigation in a rightful
manner.
Significance of the research
This section is basically going to cover the issues, which can be faced by small kids while
learning. It can be said that there are a range of benefits, that can be given by preschool
education to kids so that they could survive in present competitive environment. Subject which
has been chosen by scholar will lead to have better knowledge related to the importance of
preschool education (Cahnmann and Siegesmund, 2017). On the other side, self interest of
investigator has also led to improvise overall knowledge related to the kids and requirements of
social skills that may aid them in reaching to new heights in near future.
Research Objectives
 To identify the importance of Preschool education.
 To evaluate why it is essential for kids to have social skills at the age in between 3 to 6.
 To measure the challenges faced by children related to learning at their growing age.
Research Questions
 What is the importance of Preschool education ?
 Why it is essential for kids to have social skills at the age in between 3 to 6 ?
 To determine the challenges faced by children related to learning at their growing age.
Analytical Review
According to David Deming, professor of education and economics at Harvard
University, preschools are vital in developing number of skills which will help them future
(Funder and et.al., 2014). There has been a growth in the jobs that do not require mathematical
skills but social skills are prime need. Further, parents have assumptions and desire that, in the
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initial days of preschools, their kids will started understanding alphabets and some of the
number. This is not possible as there are other skills which should be developed before putting
pressure on their minds. Such skills may be confidence, curiosity, communication, empathy and
many more (Muller, 2012). According to Debble Caruso, Preschool director of TLC, drawn the
attention towards importance of social skills which enhance capabilities of a child to proceed and
progress in academics. Further, these help in bringing a maturity which is applied by a kid when
grows up to solve and take decisions in real life situations. This is the way through which an
individual learns to behave correctly and implement positive behaviour among others in the same
environment (McKenney and Reeves, 2018). According to Parents Magazine, pre- Kindergarten
is not just about games and fun, beyond these activities, real brainwork is going on. This make
kids to learn with creativity and actively. Good learning habits are built in preschools which
build more self-esteem and confidence.
Importance of pre-school education
According to O'Connor (2015), it has been analysed that Preschool sets the foundation
for lifelong progress. The skills and knowledge developed at this stage leave a great impact on
aptitude and attitude on the child late in life. Researches have shown that, negative behaviour
gets replaced with positive one and performance in the academics also gets improved by going to
preschools. Further, a kid become more participative in number of activities other than books.
The education helps them in becoming a better person who can manage their own things and
become responsible by understanding their problems. Furthermore, the teaching pattern is fun
filled which increases their catching power (Szyjka, 2012). This gives them opportunities to
analyse what they like the most so that they can excel in that area. Further, children are taught
with pictorial presentation which makes their concepts solid. This gives keep them motivated as
they get to learn something new everyday. In nutshell, overall growth and development is
achieved through preschool. As per the article given by rebekahELLE, it has been evaluated that
there are major significant reasons present which states the importance of preschool for kids
(Why Pre-school education is important for your child?. 2016). It includes:
 Brain development of kids is considered to be the highest during first three to four years
of their life. Children are fast learners during this age and grab new information and
knowledge more rapidly. In this regard, to grab right knowledge in proper manner
preschool are the single place where teachers and care takers help kids for the same
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(Singer and Smith, 2013). Along with this, children also get benefit immensely in such
place when interacting with teachers in a quality preschool because, it is content rich with
an adequate amount of right information and materials.
 Structure is also vital for brain development of young pre-schooler that thrives them in a
loving as well as structured environment including stimulating colours, classroom layout,
sounds, textures, varying activities and playing books (Thistlethwaite, 2012). The kids at
the age of 3 years learns routine work, expectations of others and begins to see forward to
other activities that provide knowledge about new thing. In this regard, the little brains of
children help them in process codes of familiarity. It also generates a sense of security as
well as belongingness in kids (Ledfordm and Gast, 2018). Therefore, once kids are settled
into classroom structure and routine of preschool then, it starts to build a solid framework
with brain development for their future school career.
 Similarly, social skills are considered as the most demanding skills which is to be taught
to kids at early age. As it has been analysed that children of higher classes may face
difficulties to develop appropriate and positive interaction in school, if they didn’t learn
the social skills during age of three. Social skills are defined as abilities to learn how to
talk with respect and love, listen, show brave, taking turns and acceptance of the cultural
differences (Siemens, 2012). Therefore, preschool is the only place, where kids can learn
about how to apologies, when they need to say please or thank you type words, how to
speak in polite manner and stay in a group, help others, learns compassion, empathy and
more.
Essential for kids to have social skills at the age in between 3 to 6
As mentioned in the article Growing Up Well: Supporting Your Three-Year-Old's Social
Development, (2019), social skills are important for building strong friendships and family
relationships as these are specifically the source of some of life's greatest joys and this basically
support during life's challenges which could be faced by individuals. If it is talked about, young
children, they are often social from the start of life (Lather and St. Pierre, 2013). They observe
how people interact with them. They pay close attention to parents' facial expressions and tone of
voice. Parents can harness this unconditioned ability, through teaching children through which
strong and healthy relationships could easily be developed through a range of skills like problem-
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solving and so on. Away with this, it can be said that children navigate their social world, they
will encounter challenges. These might include disagreeing with friends over how to play a
game, learning how to effectively work in a group and working through a miscommunication
and many more (Davis and Sumara, 2014). The significance of such skills i.e. social and
emotional development can be seen in every aspect of life. Through emotional and social
development abilities, children can possess a strong foundation. They can also become able to
manage their personal feelings, understand feelings and desires of others, make positive
interaction and more. Three-year-olds kids are also needed to be familiar with adults for security,
especially while exploring new things and playing. This would develop more independence
among them and children at this age begin to start make friendship with other kids. Along with
this, when conflicts arise among children with each other at the age of three-year, then they also
seek out how to resolve. At preschool, they start learn to recognize the feeling of care, causes of
feelings, ups and down emotions, upset and more (Popkewitz, 2012). Therefore, three-year-olds
of kids is considered as perfect age to manage emotions and develop relationship with insiders
and outsiders. It has also been analysed that social skills develop a feeling of interest in other
things children. They start copy the others like jumps off the couch, play with others, feeling of
competition and more.
Challenges faced by children related to learning at their growing age
According to the views of (Blossfeld, Hamerle and Mayer, 2014) it has been analysed that
the world is full of opportunities and challenges which must be faced for surviving, which are
never ending. On coming to difficulties, every person faces them at every stage from being a kid
to getting old. A kid when growing up can range from developing problems in learning,
communication, building bad habits, health related issues, and many more (Bechhofer and
Paterson, 2012). These are continuous in nature. Every child develops their own way to do things
differently, which may give them milestones or result into failure. Furthermore, failure may lead
to complete distressing situations which may push a kid into depression, which is a prime
concern. Parents and teachers should motivate every kid to take it is a positive way and work
hard for achieving desired results. Along with this, other major challenge faced by a child in his
growing phase is lack of emotional support from parents and friends and leaves a significant
impact in the minds of kids (Cahnmann and Siegesmund, 2017). Along with this, it has been
analysed that children mature and develop at various paces but they face a number of milestone
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at the stage of brain development. Therefore, by keeping track of progress related to social and
emotional development, peers can help them to overcome from potential issues. In this regard,
some challenges faced by children at early age are-
 Sticking to a routine: As the school day passes with lots of routine work like teaching
period, full of breaks, different kinds of playing and learning activities etc. all of which
occur at fixed time (Funder and et.al., 2014). Along with this, to reach preschool at time,
kids have to be awake early, take shower, breakfast and many things on time. Therefore,
all these things are considered as challenge for them which they need to accept.
Furthermore, after school hours, doing homework, take food and proper rest are priority
(Muller, 2012). Henceforth, preschool helps in developing the structure related to wake
up early on time. Kids started learning when to play, eat and other things which are
essential for their social skills development. In addition to this, they learn how to become
comfortable with people surround them and face challenges of school.
 Satisfy knowledge: The most challenging role face by children at early age is to
understand surrounding environment (McKenney and Reeves, 2018). They start to realise
nature of other people, their behaviour and how to develop interaction with them. But this
would arise many questions in their mind and increase curiosity to learn and grab
knowledge to satisfy their curiosity.
 Understanding different language and subjects: In schools, kids of different
backgrounds and culture are studied with each other. Therefore, during the age of three or
four years, they realise the knowledge of different languages and subjects (O'Connor,
2015). This would consider as challenge for them to understand language of others and
make interaction with them. In this regard, teachers play main role to realise them about
presence of different cultures, languages, subjects and more.
Succinct summary of findings
It has been summarised from this report that going to preschool is the first exercise where
kids of age three are separated from their comfort level and secure zone of family member
(Szyjka, 2012). Here, they start to interact with unknown persons, kids and others which arise
different type of feelings in them. Therefore, preschools are also considered as second home to
kids as a place, where those activities are done that increase their social and emotional skills in
comfort manner. It is taken as first place where kids have built their self-esteem and developed
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curiosity about how the things around them happened. Kids start recognising the importance of
own name, develop feeling of love, care and how to behave positively things and friends (Singer
and Smith, 2013). Therefore, preschools are taken as the right place for foundation and
development of mine of kids for lifelong progress. Here, in this place social and emotional skills
as well as rights knowledge has put a great impact on personal aptitude and attitude of their later
life.
As per this research on importance of preschool education, it has been analyzed the
knowledge gained by kids at an early age will help in improving social skills, how to sort out
from problems without support of others (Thistlethwaite, 2012). This would help in developing
self-confidence under them in a playful manner that aids in personality development also. The
positive learning attitude of kids is also essential for basic foundation of brain development,
knowledge of language and others culture and more. Here, teachers at kindergarten facilitate the
feeling of learning and satisfying their curiosity to understand the surroundings (Lather and St.
Pierre, 2013). Moreover, it has also been analyzed that young children start learn best if they get
an opportunity to make interaction with outsiders. They can also bloom well in a positive and
tension free environment and comprehend and learn things in a better manner getting rights
materials that help to understand new things in small portions. Some basis goals of preschools
can be understood by-
 Focuses of teachers for cognitive development of kids by facilitating how to make
interaction and participate in a big group.
 Social interaction and emotional development is another most important feature of pre-
school where, children at early age start learning about how to make interaction with
others of own age in a playful environment.
 The children are also get involvement in oral activities at preschools with the help of
teachers like poem recitation, singing songs, listening and speaking stories, role-playing,
hymns and prayers etc. All such curriculum activities will give support to kids in
improving the oratory skills of them (Siemens, 2012).
 Phonological awareness and pre-writing skills, is another salient feature of pre-school
where kids start learn to identify the different sounds of alphabet. They would learn to
recognizing the knowledge of alphabet by hearing different sound.
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 Apart from all these features, the most advanced one is routine work where, kids can
analyze the importance of wake up early on time, take food, play time and more.
Preschool will change attitude of laziness of kids and increase social skills in them
(Ledfordm and Gast, 2018).
But as per this research, it has also been analysed that during preschool and at an early age,
children face various challenging role also. It includes sticking with routine work, understanding
the surrounding environment, satisfy own curiosity and knowledge, behave as per expectation of
adults and teachers etc. As to reach school on time they have to wake up early in morning, then
become ready, take breakfast after then learn whatever the teachers told them and more, are
some hectic issues for kids. They consider all these things as milestone because at this young age
kids mostly like to play only and live in own manner. But going to preschool demands
punctuality and appropriate behaviour which annoys them. Therefore, it is basic responsibility of
pre-primary teachers, family supporters and care takers to turn wrong attitude of kids into
positive one and helps them in developing punctuality and maturity as well.
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from this assignment that for brain development and foundation of
basic skills of school, preschools are the perfect place. Pre School is not considered as place
where kids are send to get look mastery in academic curriculum. But it is a place where teachers
and care takers make kids of early age how to understanding the surrounding nature. Teachers
help in developing positive attitude of kids and enable to develop self-esteem and self-
confidence. They give right knowledge to children and abilities like social and emotional skills
that help them in understanding others. Through social, emotional and personal growth a child
can learn how to behave politely, make interaction and exposure with other kids of same age,
give respect to elders and more. Here, they know the feeling of love, care, different attitude of
others, languages, different subjects and more. Along with this, preschools also develop
punctuality under kids.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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Online
Growing Up Well: Supporting Your Three-Year-Old's Social Development. 2019. [Online].
Available through: <https://www.pbs.org/parents/child-development/age-3-social-
skills>.
Why Pre-school education is important for your child?. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<https://wehavekids.com/education/Why-Preschool-Education-Is-Important-For-Your-
Child>.
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