Kindergarten (TK): The Time for Children to Play and Socialize

Casal dels Infants – Early childhood education, especially in Kindergarten (TK), should not overly focus on formal lessons like reading and writing. At this age, children should enjoy their childhood through play, which better supports their motor and social development. Forcing children to learn tasks that are too advanced for them in Kindergarten (TK) causes stress and hinders their development.

The Importance of Play in Child Development

Muhammad Rizal, a Child Education Psychologist from the Applied Psychology Institute of the University of Indonesia (UI), explains that children in Kindergarten should not be “victims of excessive education.” He emphasizes that at this age, the focus should be on play rather than formal learning. “Kindergarten children today are victims of education. They should only be playing in Kindergarten. It is only when they enter elementary school that they should be taught to read and write,” said Rizal.

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In the past, many children entered elementary school without knowing how to read or write. They began learning to read in first grade, with teaching starting through pictures related to the words being taught. For example, when learning to spell the word “pig,” there would be a picture of a pig next to the word. This method is a more natural way of teaching children to recognize letters and words.

Play as a Means of Socialization

More than just fun, play is also important for children to learn how to socialize. When children play with their friends, they actively develop their motor skills. They also learn to interact, share, and work as a team. This is the best opportunity for children to understand ethics, such as taking turns and respecting their peers.

“When educators allow children to socialize, they will understand each other better and know how to behave when placed in a team,” Rizal explained. Therefore, it is important for parents and educators to provide space for children to play, especially in Kindergarten. This allows them to develop social skills that will benefit them in the future.

Balancing Learning and Play

Early childhood education should prioritize a balance between formal learning and play activities. Play is not only enjoyable but also supports the physical, emotional, and social development of children. Therefore, it is better to allow children in Kindergarten to play, socialize, and learn through direct experiences. This approach is more beneficial than focusing too much on academic instruction.

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