Being a parent today is not easy. Not only do the children need to become multi-talented individuals, they also need an edge on the starting line of their education. As a result, the timetables of many children are becoming more filled than adults. How do you choose the most suitable classes for children and provide them the best? Here is our tactic for selecting the perfect playgroup!

An experienced mother shares her insights
Mrs Chang & Marcus (5 years old)
As a one year old, Marcus started attending an English playgroup taught by teachers who are native speakers. He was enrolled into a Nursery at age two, and also applied for parent & child music classes. Considering that Marcus was an only child, Mrs Chang wanted him to learn how to interact with other children as early as possible. She paid special attention to the learning centre environment (e.g. hygiene and the recreation space) and the quality of teachers as one of her basic criteria. Mrs Chang believes that early enrolment at a playgroup teaches children to get along with other kids, trains them to be more comfortable in unfamiliar environment and will help them with admission into kindergarten; on the other hand, the primary purpose of playgroups is to develop the children’s interests and allow them to enjoy the experience in the process. Therefore, parents should not be too focused on academic results so the children can be left free to learn and absorb information.
 

Step by Step
Choosing a Playgroup – Step by Step

1. Understand your child’s development progress

Meeting the needs and interest of your child
Letting your child join a playgroup can increase their knowledge and teach them how to interact with other people, thus training their social skills. However, the learning progress is secondary to your children developing their self-confidence and a positive learning attitude. Choosing a playgroup based on your child’s interests and ability will provide the necessary nourishment to their future development.

Observe carefully to see if your child’s interest is genuine
  Show no signs of resistance, instead displaying eagerness to attend the class, as well as mixing well socially with other children
  Will discuss details from the playgroup outside of class times with parents
  Show initiative to integrate knowledge gained at the playgroup into their everyday life


3.Pay attention to your attitude
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Parents have different reasons for sending their children to playgroups. Some want to avoid their children becoming bored at home while others want to make the best preparation for their children’s path into primary education. Whatever the reason, parents should remember to allow their children to learn under a relaxed and enjoyable environment, respect their interest and wishes so that they can truly broaden their horizons and have a meaningful learning journey.

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Each child tend to develop at their own pace, so it is important for parents not to make comparison to other children or place their own demand and aspirations onto their children. This will only have the opposite effect and stifle their motivation for learning, resulting in unnecessary pressure.