What is Kindergarten: definition, characteristics and objectives

The kindergarten is a public or private school that welcomes children aged 3 to 6 (in some cases, even 2-year-olds can enroll in the "spring sections").

This educational phase is aimed at developing children's cognitive, social, emotional and motor skills and at providing them with a solid foundation for future academic and personal success.

The main features of the kindergarten are:

• Welcoming and stimulating learning environment
• Fun and engaging educational activities
• Qualified teachers
• Game and experience based approach

How learning happens ?

Learning in kindergarten takes place through a combination of structured teaching activities and free play. Teachers are trained to encourage and stimulate children's development through play and experience.

Development of social skills

The school offers children the opportunity to interact with other children and adults in a structured and safe environment. This helps children develop their social skills, such as the ability to work as a team, understand the emotions of others, and express their own.

Kindergarten goals

The main objectives of the kindergarten are:

• Develop Cognitive and Motor Skills
• Promote Social / Psychological and Relational Development
• Develop Emotional and Language Skills

The nursery school must have clear and precise objectives which guide it in the education and training of its students. But what are these goals? What goals should kindergarten pursue?

Let's examine them together to understand how this educational phase contributes to the development and growth of children.

Objective 1: Develop Cognitive and Motor Skills

The primary goal of preschool is to develop children's cognitive and motor skills, which are essential for their health and well-being. During these years, children must acquire basic skills that will help them in later school years such as evaluating, analyzing, remembering, making comparisons and understanding cause and effect relationships. Through games, exercises, and physical activities, children can improve their coordination, strength, and agility.

Objective 2: Promote Social / Psychological and Relational Development

The second objective of kindergarten is to promote the social and psychological development of children. During these years, children must learn to relate to others, to respect the rules, and to develop their own identity.

Furthermore, kindergarten should also help children develop their self-confidence, their creativity, and their curiosity, encouraging them to explore and discover the world around them. Children learn to work in a team, to respect the rules and to relate to others in a positive way.

Objective 3: Develop Emotional and Language Skills

The third goal of the school is to develop emotional and language skills. In fact, children learn to speak, listen and understand language; the daily comparison with other children stimulates them to recognize and manage their emotions and to give them a name.

Is it worth working long hours ?

Many parents find themselves having to make a difficult choice: should they enroll their children in kindergarten for an extended timetable or is it better to opt for a shorter timetable? We'll look at the pros and cons of both options to help parents make an informed decision.

Advantages of extended hours in school 

One of the major benefits of extended hours in kindergarten is the ability to provide children with a more comprehensive and enriching education. During extended hours, children can participate in more activities that enrich their school experience and help them develop new skills and interests. Furthermore, children who attend extended hours have lunch at school, and this allows them to share meal time with others, to acquire good eating habits and to have a positive relationship with food.

In addition, extended hours give parents more flexibility in managing their work and personal commitments.