Preschool, the year we finally go to school. Small kids running around and playing. We think preschool is a good chance for our kids to make friends while we get the day to ourselves, running errands and getting food ready, but does it help the students? Studies by the National Foundation for Educational Research say that kids should be starting at ages 6 to 7. The question is, does preschool help students or is it better to start straight at kindergarten?

   A lot of parents sign their kids up at an early age.  Muhaned Alabbas, parent of two kids, said, ” I want them to get a head start. Mohammed Alabbas said the same thing. “It’s a great thing. The kids love it.” said Muhaned. With a similar answer, Mohammed said,”It’s good. I really like it.” Preschool parents sometimes see differences between preschoolers and non-preschoolers, Muhaned adds, ”My daughter can write her name. She can write the letters and is more responsible.” “ I see that my kids know the rules of the school but the other kids that didn’t go to preschool don’t. They also know how to be around the teacher.” said my Mohammed.

   Some parents don’t send their kids at an early age. Studies show that 20% of kindergartners are 6 or around 6, said by The Huffington Post. Parents, like Sukaina Alabbas, want their kids to stay with them. Parents who send their kids to preschool are often busy are working. “I think preschool is good for working parents, but I’ve never seen how it’s been.” said Sukaina Alabbas. Since parents that send their kids to preschool see a difference, some parents who don’t send their kids to preschool don’t see a difference, Alabbas added, “I don’t see any difference in the kids”. Parenting.com says “not sending your kid to preschool is most likely not going to make earthshadering differnces”.

   On a preschooler’s point of view, it is the most amazing thing. Nada and Ameala, from Ms. Lott’s preschool class, both say they like preschool. “I like preschool because we get to play tag in gym class.” said Ameala. Since it’s their first time in school, preschoolers often don’t know what will help them in the future or not. “Learning how to color, write, draw will help me. The best is reading.” said Ameala. Preschoolers like Nada like to focus on the fun parts of school. “Going to school helps me eat and play.”

   Preschool or no preschool, kids are still the same. Whether they become more responsible, or know how school works, preschool can be attended by anyone. Sources like The Huffington Post and Parenting.com both say sending your kid to preschool won’t make a difference. Sending kids to preschool is good for working parents, or parents who need a break, meaning it is not mandatory.

Ayat Alsabkha

Unis Middle School Journalist