Pre-school Options

By Author: James Patrick
Total Articles: 6
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The following is based on information available at Today’s Parent: http://bit.ly/oLCqHS

If your child is not old enough to attend junior or senior kindergarten in Ontario, you might be considering other pre-school learning programs. There are several pre-school options to choose from, depending on the type of program that you’re interested in. Below are some private pre-school programs that are currently available across Ontario.

Montessori pre-school programs tend to be more academic and structured. They promote independent learning in children by providing developmentally appropriate prepared ‘play areas’ for children to explore. The Montessori approach emphasises sensory learning and encourages children to learn at their own individual pace, choosing their own activities to work on, either independently or in small groups. In Montessori classrooms, younger children are often grouped with older ones, promoting knowledge sharing and skill modelling.

Waldorf pre-school programs are generally less academic but provide more opportunities for children to exercise creative and imaginative thinking ...
... through imitation and example. Waldorf-trained teachers direct students in imaginary play and hands-on learning through productive activities such as baking, building and gardening. In Waldorf programs, there is less emphasis on literacy skill development and more of a focus on imagination learning, example learning, and wholistic (head, heart and hands) learning. As relayed in the stated goals of Waldorf Schooling, the aim is “to produce individuals who are able, in and of themselves, to impart meaning to their lives”.

Reggio Emilia schools, similar to Waldorf, promote creativity and social development in children through project-based learning, arts exploration and community extension. According to the association, the Reggio Emilia approach, named after its birthplace in Italy, is “committed to the creation of a learning environment that will enhance and facilitate children’s construction of his or her own powers of thinking through the combination of all the expressive, communicative and cognitive languages”. This program of learning sees each child as a creative being and invites members of the child’s community to participate in long-term projects as part of the learning process.

There are of course, numerous other options for pre-school programs in Ontario it really comes down to what is right for your family. To find more information about private pre-school programs in Ontario, visit the Our Schools website: http://bit.ly/pgDCiK.

For information about pre-school enrichment programs in Toronto, visit www.ruthrumack.com or call 416 925-1225.

James Patrick is a teacher in University of Toronto and social worker who is serving as a Math Tutor Online to improve the math skills of students. He has represented his University and country in various seminars. Right now he is busy writing a book about the human behaviour and ways of learning and also taking special preparatory classes for helping children to read.