Ever since Keston's very traumatic and very short stint in Infantcare a year ago, school became a forbidden word in the household. I don't talk about it cos I know the pils will jump at the chance to But as Keston turned 18mths, with no improvement to his oral communications...and with the added pressure of reading about other kids going to playgroups, we talked about it again. There were 3 main choices for us-- the cheap 2 hrs type that are held in childcare centres, Montessori types and BJG where Keston once attended weekend classes.
Our main aims for sending him to playgroup are:
(a) Socializing with other kids
(b) Learn something...anything
(c) Be abit more independent
Childcare Centre Playgroup
Pros:
Cheap
2 hours only (so if he spends the whole time crying, it's not thaaaat long)
Cons:
Combined with childcare, so much more sick bugs about
Not really learning-based
If he spends 2 hours crying, there wouldn't be any time left to socialise/learn/interact!
Montessori Playgroup
Pros:
Usually 1.5-2 hours (again, if he were to spend the whole time crying..it's not so bad)
Learning through play sounds interesting
Not attached to childcare, less viruses
Cons:
Got the impression that there may be too much independence since each kid basically plays what he/she wants to. Defeats the purpose of socializing.
Not cheap
What exactly do you learn? He already does alot of those building, matching games at home.
BJG
Pros:
4 hours programme (after spending some time crying, still got leftover time to do stuff!)
We like the programme they offer-- wholebrain stimulation
Not attached to childcare, less viruses
Cons:
Not cheap
It's 4 hours! Does he really need to be in school for 4 hours at this age?? Even nursery's only 2-3 hours! What if he spends all 4 hours wailing?
So, in the end we decided on BJG as we feel they have a good wholesome learning programme. The 4 hours was our only vice as it does seem a tad too long. Playgroup, or rather, Playschool starts 19th April 2010.
No comments:
Post a Comment