A flurry to boost kids’ brain power

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Brain researchers believe that 50 per cent of a person’s ability to learn is developed in the first four years of his or her life. This may or may not be a reason for the increasing demand in preschool education but thanks to young urban parents who feel that the preschool years are important, hundreds of pre-schools have mushroomed in the last couple of years with the entry of even a few big names.

Says Lina Ashar, founder Kangaroo Kids Preschool, “There has been, in the last 10 years, an explosion of knowledge in neurobiology and the behavioural sciences which suggest the importance of early childhood education. In the early years, children’s brains form twice as many connections as they will eventually need. If these connections are used repeatedly in a child’s day-to-day life, they get reinforced and become part of the brain’s permanent circuitry. In this way, early educational experiences play a crucial role in ‘wiring’ a young child’s brain.”
Studies and various research material tell us that pre-school children have better nutrition, health care and mentoring.
“This is not only about pure studies as many view it. A child’s overall development occurs in four domains i.e. physical, social/emotional, cognitive and language. Why not expose your toddler to a system where he learns a lot and gets emotionally prepared for a proper schooling,” says Gaura Saxena, a confident parent who is happy to see the progress of her daughter.
With the advent of nuclear families and DIOK (double-income one kid) couples, pre-schools are almost becoming a need. They provide ample opportunities to kids living in nuclear families to engage in a wide spectrum of age-appropriate learning experiences like sharing, turn-taking, co-operative play etc.
“The gradual breakdown of the joint family system and the availability of high-quality preschool education with a structured curriculum and standardised infrastructure has stimulated the demand for preparatory preschool education. As a result, enrollment has been rising by 25 to 30 per cent per year,” says Dr D.R. Arora, chairman, Shemrock & Shemford Group of Schools.
Nutrition, health and overall well-being are other important factors that are making parents to go for this set-up. From state-of-the-art play facilities and activities including music and movement, crafts, story-building and sports, tots can develop their own interests and likings.
“My two-year old son loves helicopters and aeroplanes. He developed this liking at his pre-school. Not only does he play with his toys, he demonstrates how a plane takes off and lands on a runway. His food intake has improved considerably. He exuberates confidence,” exults Ratan Kohli, another satisfied mother.