Enrichment class for toddlers is not something that Singaporean parents argue about. They usually tend to agree that this is the best thing the can do for their child. Despite some parents who disagree because they believe babies or toddlers are very young, there are, without question, many benefits of allowing your toddler or baby to enroll in enrichment classes.
Here are the main benefits:
#1: The way young children like babies and toddlers have to learn is through social interaction. So, you, as a parent, should be able to provide them the social interaction with you, with other adults, with other babies and toddlers, and with older children as well.
#2: Language development is also crucial for babies and toddlers. The simple fact of listening to other people speaking to them, using different expressions, different words, or gestures, or body postures, allows them to increase their language skills a lot more than if they were simply home, with their parents. Another reason why some parents enroll their toddlers in such classes is the fact that they want their toddler to speak two languages.
#3: Children explore and learn their world through creativity, discovery, and play. Sending your toddler or baby to school is not mandatory. However, since they like to dance, sing songs, pretend play, messy play, and imitating adults, this can be a good opportunity for them.
#4: The developmental progress of your toddler or baby can be easily followed by either teachers or peers in enrichment classes. Don’t forget they are trained professionals that are able to deal with babies and toddlers. And they don’t only know what is expected them but also how to motivate them. These early years are crucial in terms of development. In case anything isn’t quite as right as it should be, they can provide you with solutions to avoid bigger problems when they are in school or even in their adult lives.
#5: Enrichment classes for toddlers tend to provide them with important social skills like positive interaction or confidence, EQ skills like social-mindedness or empathy, and technical skills like aesthetic appreciation or sense of music.
Although most pre-schools don’t look at toddlers and place them at first of the list because of their previous enrichment classes, there are a few pre-schools who prefer to interview them before they are accepted. And in these specific cases, a toddler who has had some enrichment classes may have a bigger chance to shine.