LEARNING FOR LIFE


FORmany of us, September is synonymous with the start of a new academic year. Little ones start nursery, older ones move from primary to secondary – and the teenagers fly the nest for university or further education.


Although we tend to link the concept of education with schooling, in reality it’s something that begins at birth and continues until the day we die: we never


really stop learning.


The trick is how to maximise the resources that are available to us! It’s well documented that learning becomes more difficult as we grow older. With pre-school children soaking up knowledge like tiny sponges, the choice of a nursery or play group should be just as important as their eventual choice of university.


It’s also a good time to start thinking about teaching your toddler a second language – picking up vocabulary is so much simpler for children under the age of seven.


When you tot up the costs of extra- curricular classes, however, - whether in French, music, ballet or football - you may want to consider investing in private


education. With bursaries and scholarships available at most schools, it needn’t be as costly as you think. A well-run nursery, whether in the state or private sector, should combine the various aspects of learning – cognitive skills, thinking and reasoning, motor skills, good habits and social skills – with structured play.


A motivational curriculum structured around play will teach a whole host of skills to your pre-schooler, without them even realising.


The first day at ‘real’ school is always emotional for mums and dads but here in Maidstone we are fortunate to have a wide choice of good schools, both in the state and private sector.


 


  


 





   


 





  


 


 


16 Malling


  





 -  


  


  Visit Downs Mail’s website — downsmail.co.uk 


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