How soon......?

Question

how soon did u put ur child in to nursery(playgroup) did u notice a difference in there learning and with other children

Answer 1

Hi, I have a 3yr old girl and a 1.5 yr old boy. Are you talking about a playgroup (you stay with them for an hour once a week, play with toys, have a snack, sing songs and go home) or a nursery school (you leave them there for 2-3 hours per day, with teachers and somewhat structured activities)?

For playgroup:

As soon as kids can sit up and pick up toys they can enjoy playgroup. Even younger maybe since they can sit in your lap and watch other kids. They are fascinated by each other. Often they'll just sit there watching and listening but they are learning at the same time. When they're older they'll love all the different toys and singing.

For nursery school:

I think most people wait until 3 years old. It takes a while until they can start to follow rules and interact in a setting where there are so many other kids and so few adults. Kids love being able to pick their own activity (books, painting, water table, cars, puzzels, etc) and they very quickly learn to follow rules, ask for things they need, go to the bathroom by themselves, etc.

My personal opinion: my little one I take to playgroup with me and the older one goes to nursery school 5 mornings per week. What they learn by watching and copying other kids is incredible; words, facial expressions, mannerisms, etc. They also learn to act like the others, line up at the door, say please, etc. But honestly, I think most of the learning comes from you at home: reading to them, explaining how the world works, asking about their feelings and ideas, encouraging them to explore on their own, taking walks, looking at bugs and leaves. Everyday normal stuff. When they're little they're not learning facts or memorizing information - they're learning about how the world works, what to expect each day, who is in their life, how the body works, etc. Don't underestimate the value of that kind of learning :)

Good luck and have fun, the cliche is true: they grow up so fast!