12 Aug Benefits of an Online Learning Program for Preschoolers
As we get closer to the start of the school year, parents are faced with difficult decisions of in-person vs. online learning and have to weigh various factors such as the nature of their jobs, social distancing guidelines, and community spread of COVID in deciding what is best for their preschoolers. We know that there are comprehensive benefits (academic, social, emotional, and physical) that children receive from in-person learning, which cannot be replicated through a virtual learning environment. Yet online learning, even for preschoolers, can be used effectively to nurture a child’s all-round development.
Below, we’ve outlined some important benefits of an online learning program for your preschooler.
1. Maintain a Routine
By enrolling your child in an online learning program you will be able to add some structure back into their day. Programs that combine live sessions with independent learning activities help your child establish a consistent routine that has been shown to have many benefits for children from developing independence to offering security and stability.
2. Social Interaction
Online learning programs are a wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to a whole new group of friends. Online learning programs that offer opportunities to consistently interact with a group of peers, allow children to practice making friends and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds in a socially distant environment. Additionally, online learning programs that encourage parent participation help to foster the parent-child relationship. These interactions are critical in nurturing your child’s social and emotional development.
3. Develop Skills, Confidence and a Sense of Self
As children are introduced to age-appropriate lessons and activities designed by teachers – whether they are academic skills in literacy and numeracy, stories introducing them to the world around them, or practical life activities such as cleaning up or self-care – children will learn both academic and life skills, as well develop confidence and a sense of self. Further, this helps prevent learning loss in preschoolers who are unable to return to school this Fall.
4. Exploration of New Technology Skills and Concepts
Online learning allows children to be introduced to new ideas and concepts that they may not be exposed to in a traditional in-person preschool classroom. From navigating new applications to developing fine motor skills, learning tech vocabulary, and even learning to code, online programs can help your child get a head start on critical technology skills and concepts necessary in today’s world.
The Online Learning Program at CMMS, based on the Montessori method, is designed to nurture preschool, kindergarten, and elementary-aged children’s social & emotional, cognitive, and academic development from your home environment. Our online program, led by Montessori certified teachers, is based on the same unique Montessori program offered at our school locations. The Montessori method of education – from the prepared environment to practical life and sensorial lessons – can be easily applied at home and will serve as an essential foundation for future learning.
“The virtual learning program is a new fun exciting way of learning for the children that provides great lessons and fun do at home activities. Due to the current event with this pandemic it’s an awesome way my children can still get educated and have social interaction with other kids.” – Current Parent
During this unprecedented time when many children are unable to go back to in-person learning, enrolling your preschooler in an online learning program can be a critical step in making the most of their early developmental years by helping them develop new skills, creating a social peer group and sense of community, and nurturing their confidence and sense of self.
We welcome you to further explore our program and join our CMMS Online Community.