The argument about home schools and pre-schools has been around for a long time and there are several arguments from both sides. Both home schools as well as pre-schools have their own merits and de-merits and this article will outline the various aspects of pre-schooling that score over home schooling. However, it cannot be said that one is better than the other and this article will provide an unbiased view, which will help parents make up their own minds as to which method they prefer to adopt for their children.
Social Interaction
One of the main arguments for pre-schooling is the fact that children are exposed to a social setting, which will hold them in good stead over the years. Social interaction is an extremely important aspect of growing up and pre-schools are the first place that children will come across such an atmosphere. Children who have this experience will be in a much better position to deal with challenges they will face in kindergarten and primary schools.
Most pre-schools have a co-education atmosphere and children will come into contact with other boys and girls of their own age. They tend to pick up small nuances from their peers at pre-school and they will be more confident when they reach kindergarten. Pre-schools definitely score over home schools in this aspect.
Building Confidence
Confidence building is a direct consequence of social interaction and children who are exposed to social settings at an early age are likelier to be much more comfortable around others. Pre-schools help in building self confidence and getting rid of shyness. This confidence will reflect in learning and also in play. Pre-schools score over home schools in this aspect and this will be missing when children are schooled alone at home.
Emotional Benefits
Children who are admitted into a pre-school at an early age will be emotionally stronger when they reach the kindergarten level. As they are already accustomed to a structured atmosphere in the playschool, children will find it easy to adapt in kindergarten. Emotionally stronger children will be able to perform better in terms of education. This is another reason why pre-schools have the edge over home schools. Children learn to be emotionally independent and they will also learn to live without the presence of parents once they attend pre-schools. Children who are away from the parents from an early age will grow up to be self sufficient and they will also learn to think independently.
Problem Solving
Children, who learn to be emotionally independent at a young age, will be able to think on their feet and solve problems for themselves. When children come out of pre-schools, they would have spent time away from their parents and they will not look for constant guidance and support. Montessori schools encourage children to be independent and self sufficient from an early age and they learn from their own mistakes without the help of any adult.
Thus, pre-schools have several advantages over home schools and parents have to consider their choice after much deliberation.
