Nursery school isn’t just a place where children can hang out while parents go to work. Nursery school is an important first step in a child’s education, an arena where young learners start to cultivate the critical life skills that will support the rest of their academic careers and personal development. Here are 5 skills your child will learn in nursery school

1. Social Skills
The most significant element of nursery school, after all, is learning to interact with others. In schools, children are placed into groups, and we learn to share, take turns, cooperate, form attachment and express how we feel. As friendship grows these social skills may apply, teaching children the value of empathy and respect for each other.

2. Language and Communication
Nursery school is where kids are bombarded with language: stories, songs, conversation, and play. Daily mutual conversation increases vocabulary, pronunciation, and communication skills. Teachers also help maintain focus, practicing listening, and simple instruction-following skills which are of utmost importance for academic success.

3. Fine and Gross Motor Skills
All nursery school activities from finger painting to outdoor play are meant to reinforce fine and gross motor skills. Activities, such as cutting with scissors, balancing blocks, or drawing, build hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity. Running, jumping and climbing work the larger muscle groups, fostering physical confidence and coordination.

4. Emotional Regulation
In nursery school, children have the opportunity to play and explore, and in doing so, to learn about their feelings and how to cope with and express them in healthy ways. They learn to handle frustration, disappointment, and excitement in a healthy manner. But under the gentle guidance of teachers, children begin to cultivate patience, resilience and self-control — all essential qualities for success in school and life down the line.

5. Type of Activities that Help Develop Early Cognitive and Problem-Solving Skills
Simple games, puzzles, and guided activities allow children to discover the world around them. Through play-based learning they begin to recognize patterns, solve problems, and think critically. Nursery schools often include numeracy and literacy skills from the very beginning, in a fun and engaging way, which can lead to both curiosity and a love of learning.

The Nursery School choice all parents have to make a good program goes beyond academics, developing a child’s social, emotional and physical development as well. With the proper environment and guidance, your child will develop the skills to be successful — not only in school, but in life.