to preschool or not to preschool?

Kids do NOT need preschool to 'socialize'. This is a myth perpetuated by an industry (child care) that is out to make a profit. MOST child care out there is for-profit, even non-profits are run by CEO's making upwards to $100,000 a year. The interest is in keeping their job or making a profit for the child care company. 'Socialization' during the preschool years is defined as " a child learns a social script for working in that environment'. Taking a child only to preschool, only teaches him how to 'communicate' in a classroom. We took our LO's to the zoo programs, to dance or tumbling, to library story time, and such. They have a wide variety of experiences, far more than ever learned in some preschool class. This site: http://www.teacherquicksource.com/ follows most if not all state standards for preschool activities. Of course they say "Use flashcard set #1', they are trying to get you to buy their product. Don't worry, you can modify activities and do many at home. This way, we taught at home, based on child's level and interests. And, met state-standards that is now all the rage.

http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/ for more ideas

Both my kids are going to go to preschool. I'm a stay at home mom, but I have to admit I go pretty crazy with two little kids around all the time. It gives me a break, and they'll learn things they need to. The programs around here also tend to be less expensive than other things like dance and tumbling classes. There's some pretty great preschools around here too, that are more like a home-y setting than a classroom. My kids definitely need the socialization. There's no other little kids in our neighborhood and they're the first of their generation in our family except for a couple slightly older cousins that live almost 2 hours away and one cousin who lives in Germany.

I'm also hoping it'll help them get a bit better about listening to adults who aren't me. We're working on it, and they're getting better, but it's still a little bit of an issue.

DEFINITELY preschool....yes! My son turned 3 on April 1st and he has been going to preschool since January 4th, everyday for 2.5 hours. Before he started preschool I would do different "mommy & me" activities with him, but I only did these 1 to 3 times a week. Yes he had fun with the "mommy & me" activities but it DOES NOT compare to preschool. He has learned so much since starting preschool...I have already seen improvements in his speech and in the way he acts around other kids in general. I also know he is learning things because I noticed he knows more of his colors now. In my son's case I feel it is very important that he started preschool at a young age because he has developmental delays that need to be addressed, such as delays in speech, and fine & gross motor skills. My son was previously in Early Intervention (birth to 3 program) before starting preschool, but yes I highly recommend preschool...my son loves it and he is getting all the help he needs!!!

my child is two. thus far we haven't pre schooled. I am a SAHM and there is no need. She has a day a week with each set of grandparents, and i take her to mother's group once a week where she can play with up to NINE toddlers her age. I also frequent the local play area at the mall.

However just today i was watching her interact with my friend. My daughter knows a lot of words, but rarely strings them together and uses them properly for us. When she was talking to my friend though, she was speaking so clearly and using many more words. So i think perhaps pre school would be good for her so that she can get away from the people who do things for her without her having to ask properly or even at all. Just to help her develop that skill.

i am teaching her things all the time, just by interacting with her. We don't have set 'learning time'

I would say yes preschool. It's good to have the child interact with others on a daily basis, instead of just extracurricular activities. I believe it will help the child to better relate when school comes around. It may also help identify any potential issues...

We sent our daughter to pre school they had different classes, my daughter was in the older 4 year olds. I think it's important to send your child to pre school even if it's only a two day class or something like that. They need to learn to interact with other children their age after all they will have to go to school eventually so why not start now at least my child will be prepared for kindergarten this fall. I mean it's not for everyone If you are planning on homeschooling your child that's fine or if your child is already in daycare. But I'm a stay at home mom and so we decided to send her to a four days a week for three hours.

Hope that helps and gives you just an idea

I don't plan on putting my kids in preschool, I'm teaching them at home right now. They get socialization with each other (I have three kids under three) and every Sunday at church. I don't have time or energy to take them to any other extra curricular type things.

its a yes and no for me. if you can find a preschool that isnt a daycare i would say yes. but like you said, preschool is a franchise now and finding a real preschool is rare. if i cant find a real preschool i plan on keeping my kid home.

I suggest Preschool.

That way, your child can learn how to interact and socialize with his peers.

It also gives you some free time for 2-4 hours (: (And your child too!)

xxoo,

LG