Pre-primary education is gaining recognition these days. To serve the growing needs of early childhood education, many pre-primary schools have come into existence. This write-up helps you in understanding the various categories of pre-primary schools.
Kindergarten
Designed by Friedrich August Froebel in the early half of the 19th century, this module came into existence at Blackenburg in Germany in 1837. The pre-primary schools, which later became so popular in the country, were established by the Christian Missionaries. The school provides informal education to children between the ages of 3 and 7 years. The curriculum includes play materials, singing and dancing and learning nursery rhymes. The founder believes this method of education inculcates liberty and spontaneity in children.
Montessori
In the year 1907, a new design of preschool emerged. Dr Maria Montessori, an Italian educationist, made Montessori learning popular in the world in the 20th century. The methodology views the child’s education from a psychological point of view. Dr Maria designed several apparatus for training the senses.
The education system, a revolution, also aims at individualizing learning based on self-activity. The schools are popular because they use a scientific approach to impart education. The education underwent a few modifications to adapt to the local needs and conditions of our country.
Nursery
Designed by child educationist, Margarate Macmillan, this methodology targeted children of working mothers initially. The education develops physical, mental-emotional and social skills during the initial years of childhood. The need for nursery schools is increasing as this serves all sections of people in the country.
Pre-Primary
Developed in India, this type of education provides learning at a preliminary stage for primary education. The education tenure varies among states from a year to two.
Balwadi
Balwadi serves the early education needs of children from economically weak backgrounds. Most rural people also benefit from this system in India. The programme provides training in health, hygiene, social behaviour and good habits among children.
Anganwadi
It supports the Balwadi system of pre-primary education. It aims at training the uneducated and poor mothers from rural areas. The mothers are educated about taking care of their child’s health and schooling needs.
Integrated Child Development Service Programme
The Government undertakes this program of child welfare. It is designed for educating rural children. The system aims at developing a child’s individuality through playful methods instead of literacy.
The various categories of pre-primary education cater to the learning needs of children from different economic backgrounds. Effective teaching is provided by using the natural tendency of children’s play. The learning incorporates teaching children playfully and joyfully. The teacher acts as a guide and observes children while they learn on their own through these carefully designed activities.
