My daughter is 3 and a half and i want to put her in a private school that teaches her instead of just playing

Question

She is really smart for he age and i want the school to put all that to use. I would the school to be a christian school, but anything thats has real good teaching and takes time with the kids is what im looking for. Also, I would prefer low amount of students per class, but if not available its okay. Thankyou...

we live in clarksville, tn.... im not saying to take her playing away, i just dont want a school to do only that, because my niece was in school that just had them sit infront of the tv all day and im not gonna pay extra money for tv watching, ya know, but so far everyone's comments are very helpful, Thankyou....

I have 2 children but shes the olddest. my son is 2 years.

My daughter already knows her numbers to 30 and her colors and the whole alphabet.

she also knows spanish, english and portugese..

Answer 1

To find what programs are available, try contacting Child Care Resource & Referral Network. Their website is http://www.naccrra.org. They can tell you what is available in your area, if the programs currently have openings & the costs.

Also, research on early childhood education shows that children learn best through play experiences. Not sitting in front of the TV as the one program you described, but not necessarily drilling them in academic skills either. They should be playing all day long, but the play should be structured so that they gain the max benefit from the play - NOT a free-for-all.

For example, when buliding with blocks the child learns about math & physics through exploring size, shape, weight, speed, arrangement in space and problem solving skills. In art, the child develops fine motor skills (to hold a pencil & write with later), creative expression, colors, textures, cause-effect, etc. During pretend play such as dress up, the child explores social skills, social roles, language usage, cooperation, etc. Academics like colors, numbers, etc. will also be emphasized, but they will "stick" more in a play setting rather than rote memorization. If the teacher asks the child to hand them the big green truck as opposed to the small yellow car, they are still learning colors.

Children are actually learning quite a lot through play - IF the teachers allow them appropriate play opportunities. A big part of what makes the program successful is the amount of time the teachers spend preparing the classroom environment so that there are sufficient, interesting, educational play experiences AND the amount of time the teachers spend playing with the children, adding on to their ideas and extending experiences to make them even more challenging. The ideal play experiences would promote each of the skills mentioned above and offer lots of chances for making choices and problem solving, because those are life skills.

I have taught young children for five years, have a teaching certification and a MS in Education. I currently work as the Education Specialist for a Head Start program serving children in 75 classrooms in a ten county area. Best of luck in finding a wonderful program for your daughter.

Answer 2

This sounds like your child's teacher is making a mistake by not using logical consequences to help your child make suitable decisions. Withholding a meal due to materials not being cleaned up is most certainly not a logical consequence. The logical consequence would be for the child to not be allowed to use those materials the next time. Withholding a meal has nothing to do with the situation and so this consequence did not really teach the child anything. And as far as the snack situation goes, you're right. The child was trying to clean up her mess and was unfairly punished for it. No logic involved there! I'm thinking you need to sit down with the teacher and explain your view of the situation and ask for her reasoning behind her actions. Don't be judgmental or aggressive. Just explain your view and tell her you want to work together to help improve this child's life and your parenting skills. But don't be pushed around either. If your gut instincts tell you this teacher is wrong, ask for a meeting with the director and teacher together to discuss the situation. If it cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, look for another school for your daughter. She is only little now. It's important to start her education on a positive step!

Answer 3

The Montessori Schools are a good choice. You didn't say where you were located but the Bobby Noonan schools are a christian based education. The good thing about them is they offer classes through eighth grade. All these schools are very very costly but worth it if you have the means. Be ready to spend about $700.00 a month for the early years and the tuition goes up as they get older. The amount of students per class depends on the area you live in, the class sizes vary.

Answer 4

all she needs to learn are her numbers colours and the alphabet, let the poor little girl be a little girl, she will never get back these childhood years. I have worked as an early childhood educator and the things kids learn through interactive play is amazing, they learn life skills on how to get along with other people, read her books, if she is bored i suggest you spend money on some good educational toys (take her with you so you know what interests her) instead of spending money on a private school. Look up some websites on educational game for children her age , invite some little frirends over and make a fun lesson play session ..make it fun fun fun..But that just my opinion, cheers!

Answer 5

I think the best ways to find a good preschool are: internet, local newspapers and magazines (specially the ones for parents), friends recommendations and in last place yellow pages (because not always who needs advertisement is the best...).

Pick a couple and make some time to visit them on school day, so you get to know the program and the teacher. Take your child with you and see how she fits in.

Personally, we chose for our 3 year old, who I consider very smart (he knows the numbers up to 10 in English, 13 in Spanish, actually can count and write them, writes some words, is starting to be bilingual, uses the computer on windows to play and "chat", colour very well for his age and is interested in learning how to play his piano, and does it very good at swimming lessons...), a playschool, because we consider that no matter how smart they are, at that age they learn faster through playing and socializing, because that is what children do best and interest them most.

We plan for our "gifted" child to attend to this regular playschool, and keep him there as long as he is happy and learning something. As soon as we notice he is "stuck" or tired/bored of playing, it would be time to find another program.

Something important: no matter where you put her, at early age the best teacher is yourself!

I hope it helps.

Answer 6

There is nothing wrong with wanting your child to get an early start. But before you bombard her with books and homework, I would find a school that has a balance between learning and play. When my son was 3, I put him into a christian 3 year old pre-k program at one of our local churches. He learned alot intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually. They not only had learning time but play time as well. YOu just need to find a median between the two.

Answer 7

I would contact child and family services. They have a listing (or a number you can get the listing) of all childcare school in whatever zip code you looking for. I would visit the schools and ask what they are doing. People always say call first but I always like to pop up and see what the kids are doing. It's important to play too. Nothing worse that a nerd with no people skills. Good luck.

Answer 8

How sad for your child. I agree with putting her in a Christian pre-K group, but children learn by playing. Some of the most effective lessons are taught using play and games.
Is this your first child? Most first mothers do think their children are exceptional :)
My children never went to a pre-school and they are all fairly bright. They test high on national tests and some have presidential scholarships at out of state universities.
The best way to make sure your child makes the most of her abilities is to always encourage learning. She doesn't need to be in a formal setting. Learn with her, read to her, explore with her.

Answer 9

One of the challenges of parenthood. Get out the phone book, and find the keys to your car. My son and dau-in-law searched high and low to find a good school. And the results are always gonna be subjective. So get in the car and interview some prospects.

Answer 10

Teaching a child is fine but allow her to be a 3 year old. Play is how they learn. They are like little sponges. Good luck.