“Is he in school yet?”
This question has been posed to me regularly since my son, Oliver, took his first steps. It comes from everyone—fellow parents at the park, curious babysitters, and distant relatives.
Why is there such a fascination with whether my young child is attending preschool?
I don’t have a strong opinion on preschool; I believe in finding what suits each family best. Many parents must enroll their children in full-day preschool due to work obligations, while for others, the financial aspect makes it unfeasible. Preschool can be enjoyable for children and provide parents with a much-needed break. My eldest son had a positive experience in preschool, which I greatly appreciated.
However, I struggle with the notion that toddlers must engage in structured learning. The idea that delaying preschool equates to hindering a child’s future educational success is concerning.
This leads me to question: why the rush towards formal education? Are there aspects I’m overlooking? Many preschool programs entice parents with promises of educational development for their toddlers. During my older son’s preschool experience, we received progress reports that outlined his educational milestones.
I find this perspective misleading.
What Should Toddlers Be Doing?
What exactly should toddlers be doing all day? They should be exploring their surroundings, examining ants in the yard, which is a form of science. They can run around counting dandelions, an activity that introduces mathematical concepts. They might rummage through books until they find one with a large red truck on the cover, which can be considered reading.
It’s not that I neglect teaching my children; they can learn in various environments. If they express curiosity, I enjoy introducing them to shapes, letters, and numbers. Both of my children have shown interest, which has been delightful. Yet, many toddlers are not ready for formal learning, and that is perfectly acceptable.
I have observed many groups of two-, three-, and four-year-olds, and in those settings, with children squirming on the floor and playfully tossing plastic food items at each other, meaningful learning is hard to come by. Any organized learning at this age is most effective through one-on-one interactions, hands-on experiences, or simply through observation.
The Role of Preschool
While preschool is a fantastic avenue for children to develop social skills, it is not the only option. Playdates fulfill similar needs, and children learn naturally by exploring their environment, being read to, and having the freedom to absorb knowledge at their own pace.
As a (mostly) full-time mom, I have the luxury of taking a relaxed approach to my son’s education. Oliver will turn three this fall, and I have decided not to enroll him in preschool. Unlike his older brother, he doesn’t seem ready yet. We will remain active with regular activities involving peers, and I’ll definitely be seeking some personal time to recharge (thank you, Aunt Sarah!).
Primarily, I intend to cherish the unstructured time that allows him to learn in his own manner and at his own rhythm. I will introduce him to numbers, letters, and literature as he expresses interest. More importantly, I will teach him about compassion, friendship, and love.
Should he demonstrate interest in preschool (and if it fits within our budget), I may consider enrolling him later. However, I will not force him into it and will maintain realistic expectations regarding its role. Preschool can certainly enrich a child’s experience, yet it is not a compulsory element of early education. Discovery and playtime with peers can occur outside the confines of a formal school setting. I hope more parents understand this and appreciate the myriad ways children can flourish and thrive.
Further Resources
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Summary
In this article, Dr. Laura Bennett discusses her decision not to enroll her son Oliver in preschool, emphasizing the importance of unstructured play and natural learning experiences for young children. While recognizing the benefits of preschool, she asserts that it is not a necessity for early education.