With so much advice out there, it can be scary choosing which preschool your child should attend. There have been leaps and bounds of progress in the realm of preschool education, and there are a multitude of teaching methods and techniques that different preschools prescribe to.

This article will provide a quick but in-depth overview of the various teaching styles, to help you make the best long-term decision for your child.

Play-way Method

The popular play-way method follows the belief that kids learn better by doing and experiencing rather than just reading or listening. Thus, this method focuses on activity-based learning. Activities such as role play, music, art and physical sports all enhance various aspects of a child’s development. With no specific syllabus or plan, it allows full freedom of expression for your child, and they are able to customize their learning as per their own needs.

The environment, a key component of the play-way method, is designed to be joyous and creative while encouraging spontaneity and curiosity. This method helps develop social and problem-solving skills, as children often have to work together to complete activities that can be both creative and intellectual. Moreover, play-way also promotes physical health as games and sports are a big part of the method.

Reggio Emilia Method

The Reggio Emilia preschool teaching methodology, invented in 1970s Italy by Loris Malaguzzi, also focuses on teaching through activities. With a holistic approach to a child’s emotional and intellectual development, this method focuses on expressing freedom and teamwork through activities including movement, active listening and hands-on play.

Curriculums are emergent, i.e. the topics are developed by teachers and parents based on student interests and needs. Another core component is collaboration, with a range of interactive activities, thereby improving your child’s interpersonal skills. Moreover, the method uses a concept called representational development, which is the idea that students can present their work in a variety of formats including art, music, writing, etc. This enables kids to understand subjects based on their learning style and interpretation.

“Building upon the first three principles, students are encouraged to participate in long-term projects, ranging from two weeks to a whole year. These “adventures” allow for self-led exploration, building independence and curiosity in your child.” Says Ms. Cecilia Ng, Center Director of Tutor Time, who manages several international pre-schools in Hong Kong.

Waldorf Method

Waldorf preschools follow the goal of creating a system that allows children to immerse in practical activities and imaginative play. Developed by Austrian scientist Rudolf Steiner, this philosophy aims to see the potential in each child as a fully-rounded individual. They teach your kids how to think as opposed to what to think. This helps build an independent, inquisitive and creative child, and is truly fun for most kids. Educators take the role of a nurturer instead of instructor, and create an environment that promotes learning. Thus, children begin self-learning at their own pace, experiencing the topics instead of just studying them.

At a Waldorfian preschool, your child is offered opportunities for self-initiated play and there is a strong emphasis on artistic activities and meaningful practical tasks. Another key feature is predictable routines, which helps provide a sense of security. This holistic development model is a true delight for the most creative and curious toddlers.

Montessori Method

The Montessori Method has been around for over 100 years, first developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori. It takes a student-centred approach, focusing on developing a child’s personality through sensory learning as opposed to just reading to learn. Teachers and group leaders are meant to guide, rather than enforce external standards. The method’s well-known ‘work cycle’ is a time of free exploration, where your child can choose their own activities at their own pace. This promotes independence, accountability, and a natural curiosity for education. Moreover, the Montessori Method emphasizes social justice and global leadership, encouraging constructive conflict resolution. Early education classrooms are also designed to ensure maximum stimulation for a young mind, often without desks, to allow your child to grow organically.

Bank Street Method

Created in New York in 1961 by Lucy Sprague Mitchell, the Bank Street Method is also known as the Development-Interaction approach, which focuses on the holistic development of the child; emotional, social, physical and intellectual. Teaching is experience-based, interdisciplinary and collaborative, and influenced by the children’s emotional and cognitive development. While there is a curriculum, teachers are able to adapt them as per the needs of the hour.

Similar to the play-way method, play is a key source of learning, with activities often including puzzles, building blocks and clay, to improve your child’s problem-solving skills. Preschool classes have students of different ages, thereby creating an environment for learning through imitation as well as improving prosocial behaviors. These factors ultimately enhance academic and developmental progress.

Conclusion

There are obviously a lot of options for your little one’s first step in their educational journey, and preschool is an exciting time where your child can become more independent and develop a love for learning. All the philosophies listed above are established methods and each has its benefits. There is no one size fits all, and this overview will help you identify which methodology in particular resonates with you and your child.