As children discover things in their environment, they are eager to learn. Parents go through a phase where “why?” is a question they face regarding everything that catches their toddlers’ interest.
In Singapore, many parents take advantage of this learning phase by enrolling them in kids enrichment classes.
Here are some of the popular enrichment classes for toddlers.
Music Classes
Music is critical for brain function, especially for children developing cognitive abilities. Through music, toddlers start working on memory retention. This explains why some songs stick with them, so they run towards the source if they hear it in another room.
Music is also critical in kids enrichment because it boosts attention and language skills. Some classical music pieces, like Mozart, are also linked to short-term cognitive performance. This has led some people to believe that music directly affects intelligence.
However, there is no evidence of this. Multiple factors influence IQ, but since music is an integral part of cognitive training, it cannot be ruled out as one of the factors contributing to cognitive development.
Art Enrichment Classes
Art takes different forms. It can be painting, drawing, or even creating items with clay. Art enrichment classes may amount to little for toddlers, but the regular use of their hands improves their motor skills.
The effect of these tasks may take time to be seen, but they have long-term benefits. Art classes also allow children to express their creativity as they learn. The kids also interact and build social skills from a young age.
Chinese Enrichment Classes
Learning Chinese from a young age improves a child’s linguistic skills. Early exposure to a second language enhances cognitive development, memory, and problem-solving abilities, especially in Singapore, where most citizens are bilingual. It also facilitates better language acquisition and pronunciation skills in the long run. Kids Chinese enrichment classes help toddlers and children learn through play, which fosters learning and immerses them in the language.
Phonics Classes
Children are usually ready for phonics enrichment classes by the time they turn three years old. This is why you’ll find some kid’s Mandarin phonics classes for preschoolers. Phonics enrichment classes help young children to:
- Decode words and sounds.
- Understand word patterns.
- Develop reading skills.
- Learn how to spell.
- Compose full sentences.
- Expand their vocabulary.
- Improve their reading comprehension.
- Quickly learn multiple languages using the same skills.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Sports Classes
Sports or athletic enrichment classes are a great addition to your toddler or kid’s enrichment classes to help them develop social skills. It also doesn’t hurt that they can use some of their energy to run and have fun.
Physical activities are critical for the development of a child. This is why young children are often on the move and will hardly sit still, no matter how often you ask them to. So, instead of suppressing your toddler’s need to play, you can enrol them in a toddler sports enrichment class.
Besides the physical benefits, such as developing gross and fine motor skills, your child will undoubtedly have cognitive benefits.
These are some of the popular and helpful enrichment classes for toddlers in Singapore. They help keep young children occupied as they learn and prepare for formal education, where they will utilize the skills acquired from the enrichment classes.