Are Nursery and Kindergarten the Same Thing?
- December 03, 2023
When deciding on your child's education, it is important to know the differences and similarities between preschool and kindergarten. Although these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to different levels of education. In this article, we will explain the differences and similarities between preschool and kindergarten, why there is such a distinction, how age ranges make the difference, and how education makes the difference.
Differences Between Nursery and Kindergarten
Preschool is a play-based education program that is generally attended by children between the ages of 3-5. Preschool aims to support children's social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Preschool is not compulsory education and children can attend for a few hours or full days a week.
Kindergarten, on the other hand, is a more academic education program that is generally attended by children aged 5-6. Kindergarten allows children to learn basic skills such as reading, writing, math, science and art. Kindergarten is compulsory education in Turkey and children attend full time, five days a week.
Similarities Between Nursery and Kindergarten
The similarities between preschool and kindergarten are as follows:
- Both help children prepare for primary education.
- Both contribute to children's development of social skills, self-confidence and independence.
- Both types of education give children the opportunity to learn through play.
- And it offers differentiated education based on children's interests.
Why Is There Such a Distinction?
The reason for the distinction between preschool and kindergarten is that children can receive education appropriate to their age and development level. Children grow and learn at different rates. Therefore, it is necessary to provide each child with the education appropriate to his or her needs. While preschool focuses more on children exploring and experiencing through play, kindergarten focuses more on children gaining academic skills.
How Do Nursery and Kindergarten Age Ranges Difference?
The age ranges between preschool and kindergarten are also an important difference. Preschool generally appeals to children aged 3-5, while kindergarten caters to children aged 5-6. In this age range, children's development progresses rapidly. Even within a year, children can make great progress in many areas such as language skills, logic skills, problem-solving skills. Therefore, pre-school and kindergarten programs should be designed in accordance with this development.
Are Nursery and Kindergarten Education Different?
The difference in education between pre-school and kindergarten is also something to consider. Preschool allows children to learn through play. In preschool programs, children interact with different materials and friends in different playgrounds. In this way, children discover their own interests, talents, feelings and thoughts. In pre-school education, children's curiosity and creativity are supported.
Kindergarten is for children to learn academic skills. In kindergarten programs, children learn basic subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, science and art. Kindergarten education aims to prepare children for primary education.
Saygınkent Kindergarten Educational Opportunities
Saygınkent Kindergarten provides pre-school and kindergarten education together and prepares different educational programs for different age groups.
Our teaching staff, variety of branch activities, and physical facilities are designed to meet the different needs of age groups for our children between the ages of 3 and 5.
It is important to choose the education that suits your child's age and needs, so it is important to do research beforehand and find out whether the education system of the educational institution you choose is adequate for your child's age group.
