Are Play Schools necessary?

Importance of education is indisputable. Its necessity is an universal truth, and can’t be negated at any forum. Those who think that there is a substitute to education, are living in a fool’s paradise, and their educational background need to be thoroughly verified. Education has been integral to human existence and growth. It’s the factor that separates man from animal, and makes it a superior race.

With the advent of the 20th century, education became far more important in India. It became the tool of social change, bridging the class divide leading to a better social status. With each passing day, new schools and educational institutions started operating, making education accessible to all. With the passage of time, slowly but gradually focus shifted from higher education to primary education. The primary idea behind it was to groom the kids and lay a strong foundation so that they are well prepared for higher education. But another big change was waiting to happen - the Play School revolution.

Play School concept was arguably born out of the necessity to provide a safe and learning atmosphere to the kids of working parents. More and more families opting for nuclear set up, had little option than to send their ward to a play school, where they certainly got a caring and safe environment. And besides that they also got an opportunity to learn, explore and have fun with fellow kids.

But the million dollar question is - Are Play Schools necessary? What is the justification of their existence in our education system?

Answer would vary from person to person between a Yes and a No. But before jumping to any conclusion, it will be prudent to weigh its pros and cons, which will, for sure, help us immensely in arriving at a decision. But before we start weighing the options, one thing should be made clear that Play School education is not mandatory for admission to Kindergarten in India.

The points in favour

It is sort of a boon for working couple who have very little time in hand to devote to their growing children, and at the same time don’t want to compromise on their kids’ upbringing and elementary education.

It provides an environment where kids play, interact and learn with the kids of their age. More than an academic platform, it is a place to have fun while learning.

It also gives kids an opportunity to socialize with their peer group and is kind of first public interface for them. A playschool exposes the kids to common learning environment, which is a necessary precursor to schooling.

Playschools exposure is a good way for kids to follow a routine, which ultimately grooms them and helps them during their school and college days.

The points against

Many consider Playschools to be a modern day fad, not at all necessary for a child’s education, considering it too early to expose kids to the world. Many educationists also substantiate this idea, and recommend that kids should be with the family and parents for some more time, to strengthen the roots.

Those contrary to this, term playschools as a marketing ploy to catch kids for their nursery and KG classes, to keep their business of education funded.

A large number of people think Playschools to be an unnecessary burden on parents’ pocket and have been trailing the blaze in this regard, forming opinion against it.

KRM Group which operate Play Schools by the name K R Mangalam Juniors, which has branches all over Delhi-NCR,  strongly opine in favour of Play Schools, as they provide solid foundation for Primary & Higher education. It is a place of fun-filled activities where kids are exposed to anything from dance to yoga and zumba to guitar with personalised attention.

So, whenever you need to take a decision, keep these points in mind. They will help you arrive at a better decision.