Top preschool education programs that help children enjoy going to school

A good preschool program plays a key role in a child’s early development and learning journey. It is also a solid stepping stone that prepares them for their future learning journey. However, preschool children are often used to the presence of their parents and family, making it hard for them to easily adapt to the school learning environment. Therefore, for children to feel confident and enjoy going to school, parents need to choose a suitable preschool environment and education program. Let's explore the information below with VAS to choose the  right preschool program for your child.

1. Psychological characteristics of preschool children

At each stage of development, children have different psychological changes, and the preschool age is no exception. Therefore, parents need to understand the psychology of preschoolers to easily choose a school and a teaching method that suits their child's development. Some common psychological characteristics in preschool children include:

• Children at this age are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them: Observing, touching, and recognizing surrounding objects are typical traits of this age. Active games like throwing balls, playing with water, and playing pretend will excite children.
• Imitating adults: At this stage, children will like to communicate and start copying the gestures and actions of their relatives. They will also say a few words imitated from adults or taught by adults. This is the golden stage to help children build communication skills in Vietnamese or another language like English. 

Preschool children learning foreign languages with native teachers at VAS

• Need for care and emotional support: Children in the preschool stage are often hyperactive, so making mistakes ispart of growing up. But instead of yelling at them, explain why their action is wrong and gently comfort them, rather than scolding and scaring them.
• Personal awareness begins to form: Although they are still young, children are gradually becoming aware and can give their personal opinions about a dish, a song, or a cartoon. Especially, compliments from people around are also noticed and recognized by children. Therefore, parents should avoid criticizing or scolding children in front of others to prevent them from feeling insecure or arrogant.
• Signs of independence: In fact, children really like doing things by themselves such as brushing their teeth, washing their face, getting dressed, etc. But usually, parents always do it for them instead of guiding them. At preschools today, educational programs always guide children towards an independent lifestyle from an early age, encouraging them to do everything within their abilities.

2. Early childhood education programs that encourage children to go to school.

At Vietnam Australia International School (VAS), preschool children play and learn using the STEAM method. This program integrates knowledge from 5 fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, helping children develop across multiple areas and build problem-solving skills.

To apply this method, VAS has built academic activities such as:

• Project-based learning: Academic projects for each subject are proposed by teachers for children to participate in. Through this, children can apply theory into practice while having fun experiences with teachers and friends.
• Awakening the passion for Science - Engineering: By letting children use computers and simple tools to explore how things work. Children will practice basic computer knowledge and work with teachers to explore the operating principles of the devices. This will be the foundation for creative logical thinking to use in robotics classes in elementary school or, further, participating in the VAS Robocon competition. 

Applying STEAM to the teaching and learning process encourages children to love going to school

It can be said that applying the STEM method to the preschool education program is a stepping stone that helps children comprehensively promote their creativity. From there, they can come up with highly applicable solutions for social development in the future, or gain more knowledge and preparation to participate in scientific research projects or competitions.

Alongside the STEAM education program, VAS also harmoniously combines the national education program (MOET) and the UK's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) program to help children develop foreign language and communication skills at this stage. 

With the participation of experienced educators from different countries such as the UK, the US, Australia, etc., along with an elite team of teachers highly trained in foreign language teaching, children will gradually become familiar with a new language in 10-20 English periods per week. Preschoolers will quickly improve their communication reflexes and pronounce English naturally.

Besides, drama activities, storytelling, or interactive games organized by teachers and the school will help children get used to the 4 skills of listening, speaking, pre-reading, and pre-writing in both English and Vietnamese. Moreover, competitions like the Spelling Bee, English Speaking Contest (ESC), and some other activities have become a a great opportunity for children to have the opportunity to practice their foreign language skills and confidence when standing in front of a crowd to express themselves.

To nurture these little talents, VAS has equipped a modern facility system such as: practice laboratories, music rooms, art rooms, IT rooms, food technology rooms, etc. These practical learning experiences encourage students to develop comprehensively and be eager to go to school every day.

>>> Read more: Detailed updates on the current VAS international school tuition fee schedule 

With the above information, parents surely have grasped somewhat the psychology of young children and understand more about the preschool program taught at Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) that helps children love going to school and build a passion for learning and exploring. To learn more about the international standard education methods at VAS, parents and students can visit: www.vas.edu.vn - 0911 26 77 55.

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