English
Introduction
Preschool age (from birth to 6-7 years) is a period of active child development, when the foundations of a child’s personality, intelligence and social skills are laid. The family plays a key role in this process, as it is the parents who are the first educators for their baby. Unlike kindergarten, home education is individualised and based on emotional closeness, which makes it especially valuable.
The main tasks of family education in this period include:
– development of cognitive abilities,
– the formation of moral values,
– cultivation of independence,
– preparation for school.
Let us consider these aspects in more detail.
1. Development of cognitive abilities
Before school, the child is actively learning about the world, and the task of parents is to create an environment that stimulates their curiosity.
The key areas are:
– Sensory development (perception of colour, shape, sounds).
Example: Games with sorters, puzzles, drawing, modelling.
– Speech development (vocabulary enrichment, correct pronunciation).
Example: Reading books, discussing what they have seen, memorising poems.
– Logic and thinking (simple cause-and-effect relationships).
Example: Classification games, riddles, puzzles.
Important: Learning should take place in a playful, non-coercive way.
While pre-school education should not duplicate the school curriculum, it is important to develop skills that will help the child adapt to new environments.
The main aspects of preparation are:
– Fine motor skills (drawing, modelling, buttoning).
– Ability to concentrate (15-20 minute sessions). 2. Formation of moral values
Until the age of 7, a child develops the first ideas about good and evil, justice, respect for others.
What can parents do?
– Show an example of a kind and respectful attitude to people.
– Explain the consequences of actions (‘If you push another child, it will hurt him’).
– Teach basic rules of behaviour (politeness, honesty, generosity).
Tip: Fairy tales and cartoons with moral messages are a great educational tool.
3. Nurturing independence
Readiness for school includes not only intellectual skills, but also the ability to serve themselves, manage their behaviour.
What should you teach your child before school?
– To dress independently, put away toys.
– Follow the daily routine (sleeping, eating, activities).
– Run simple errands (water the flowers, help set the table).
Parents’ mistake: Doing everything for the child, depriving him of the opportunity to learn.
4. Preparing for school
– Social skills (socialising with peers, listening).
Important: It is not necessary to force the learning of letters and numbers – it is much more important to instil interest in knowledge.
Conclusion
Educating a child before school is not only about learning, but also about nurturing a harmonious personality. The main task of parents is to create a favourable environment in which the baby can develop naturally and joyfully.
Final recommendations:
– Communicate more with your child.
– Encourage his curiosity.
– Combine learning with play.
– Be patient and maintain interest in learning. The family is the child’s first and most important “university” and the child’s future success depends largely on how his or her early childhood education is organised
