Preschool: meaning, definitions and examples
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preschool
[ˈpriːˌskuːl ]
Definition
education
A program of education designed for children between the ages of three and five years old, typically including play, social interaction, and basic learning activities.
Synonyms
kindergarten, nursery school.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| preschool |
Typically refers to an educational institution for children ages 3-5, focusing on early childhood education before they start formal schooling.
|
| nursery school |
Refers to an establishment where very young children (typically aged 2-4) are cared for while their parents are at work, often with some educational activities; slightly different from preschool as it may emphasize childcare over structured learning.
|
| kindergarten |
Often refers to the first year of formal education for young children, usually at age 5 or 6, and serves as the bridge between preschool and first grade.
|
Examples of usage
- Her daughter attends a preschool where she learns through play.
- The preschool curriculum focuses on developing social skills and basic literacy.
- Many parents choose to enroll their children in preschool to prepare them for kindergarten.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The idea of preschool began in the 18th century, with early childhood education concepts introduced by thinkers like John Locke and Rousseau.
- In the 19th century, Friedrich Froebel opened the first kindergarten, which inspired the development of preschools around the world.
- The term 'preschool' became popular in the mid-20th century as educational needs for younger children were recognized globally.
Education
- Research has shown that early childhood education, like preschool, can set children up for success in later schooling.
- Preschool programs often focus on social skills, such as sharing and playing together, which are crucial for emotional development.
- Creative play and hands-on activities in preschool lay the foundation for critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Cultural Impact
- In many countries, preschool is a vital part of the education system and is often supported by government funding.
- Cultural differences affect preschool curricula; for instance, some countries emphasize play-based learning, while others may focus on academic readiness.
- Television programs like 'Sesame Street' have shaped how children engage with learning concepts in preschool settings.
Psychology
- Studies show that positive early experiences in preschool can enhance children's confidence and social abilities.
- Preschool attendance has been linked to better outcomes in literacy and numeracy as children grow older.
- Educational games and structured play help children develop emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
Global Perspectives
- In Scandinavian countries, preschool is often seen as a natural extension of childhood play, emphasizing learning through exploration.
- In Japan, 'youchien' (preschool) balances academic instruction with play and social activities, promoting holistic development.
- Many countries have adopted preschool education as a priority, seeking to ensure that all children have access to quality early learning experiences.
Translations
Translations of the word "preschool" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pré-escola
🇮🇳 पूर्वस्कूल
🇩🇪 Vorschule
🇮🇩 prasekolah
🇺🇦 дошкільний заклад
🇵🇱 przedszkole
🇯🇵 幼稚園 (ようちえん)
🇫🇷 école maternelle
🇪🇸 preescolar
🇹🇷 anaokulu
🇰🇷 유치원 (유아원)
🇸🇦 رياض الأطفال
🇨🇿 mateřská škola
🇸🇰 materská škola
🇨🇳 幼儿园 (yòu'éryuán)
🇸🇮 vrtec
🇮🇸 leikskóli
🇰🇿 мектепке дейінгі мекеме
🇬🇪 საბავშვო ბაღი
🇦🇿 məktəbəqədər təhsil müəssisəsi
🇲🇽 preescolar
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #12,049, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
- ...
- 12046 cache
- 12047 perpetually
- 12048 shines
- 12049 preschool
- 12050 seasonally
- 12051 screwed
- 12052 visualization
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