Category: Early Childhood Development

Have you ever noticed how toddlers can draw circles, squares, and triangles even before they can count to ten? Because shapes are everywhere, they can spot a circle in the clock, a triangle in a pizza slice, or a square in a toy block. 

In fact, by age 3, approximately 60% of children can recognize these basic shapes, and this percentage rises to 80% by age 5. That’s why shapes are often called the secret language of preschool learning; they’re quietly building the foundation for math, logic, and problem-solving in ways most parents don’t even notice. However, we at i-Maths observe this every day: preschoolers who engage in shape-based learning develop stronger reasoning abilities, improved memory, and increased confidence in tackling early math concepts.

So, why exactly are shapes so powerful for preschool learning? Let’s explore how this hidden language of circles, triangles, and squares sets the stage for lifelong learning.

Walk into a room full of preschoolers, and you’ll see something extraordinary. Their minds are like sponges – absorbing, questioning, and connecting dots at lightning speed. But here’s the alarming truth: what happens in these early years can shape a child’s entire future—academically, socially, and even economically.

Parents often wonder if early education is really necessary, or whether “kids will just catch up later.” The science says otherwise. Let’s dive into why early learning is a lifelong investment.

Your little one proudly puts on their backpack, waves goodbye, and marches into a classroom full of new faces. As a parent, it’s a bittersweet mix of excitement and nerves. But before that big milestone, the question naturally pops up, “Is my child really ready for kindergarten?”

Research gives us a clear answer: readiness isn’t just about knowing the alphabet or counting to 100. According to the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), children who attend high-quality preschool or early childhood education programs enter kindergarten more prepared, both academically and socially, than those who don’t. Another study found that kindergarten readiness strongly predicts later academic achievement, up to third grade.

So, it’s not just about what your preschooler knows; it’s about whether they’ve developed the social, emotional, and cognitive skills to thrive in a structured classroom environment. And here’s the good news: those skills are already taking shape through everyday preschool activities, play, and interactions at home.

Let’s walk through seven clear signs that your child might just be ready for this exciting leap.

This question hits hard, doesn’t it? Whether you’re a first-time parent or doing this preschool selection for the second or third time, choosing the right preschool often feels like a mix of detective work, intuition, and a leap of faith.

But don’t worry, we’re about to decode the mystery together. And no, it’s not just about having pretty classrooms or serving gluten-free snacks. Choosing a preschool means choosing your child’s very first classroom, where curiosity is sparked, little brains begin absorbing math and language, and tiny social lives bloom.

Let’s break it all down and help you pick a preschool that truly nurtures your child’s early growth.

Ever noticed how a cardboard box magically becomes a spaceship in the hands of a 4-year-old? That’s the outcome of powerful imagination; raw, boundless, and beautifully wild. But here’s the thing: in a world dominated by screens, it’s becoming harder for little minds to stretch beyond what’s being presented to them. According to a Common Sense Media report, kids under 8 spend an average of 2.25 hours a day on screens, and even toddlers aren’t spared. 

While digital content is often educational, overreliance on it can dampen organic creativity, the kind that fosters innovators, problem solvers, and thinkers. So, how do you encourage imagination and creativity without resorting to screens?

Let’s dive into this colorful world of preschoolers’ learning activities, real play, and messy fun that sparks brilliance!

Your little one just turned three. They’re getting curious about everything from ants to airplanes, and keeping you on your toes 24/7. And now, someone’s asked you that dreaded question: “Have you enrolled them in preschool yet?”

If you’ve found yourself in this boat, wondering whether preschool is really necessary for your 3-year-old, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into what the research says, what your options are (because no, preschool isn’t the only way), and how you can support your child’s early development no matter what path you choose.

Have you ever watched your preschooler question everything from why dogs bark to why they can’t have ice cream for breakfast, and thought, “Wow, this kid is curious, but is that thinking?” And the answer is: It absolutely is. According to research by Harvard child psychologist Paul Harris, children ask about 40,000 questions between the ages of two and five.
The way young children explore and ask relentless “whys” isn’t just them being adorable; it’s the earliest form of critical thinking. It just doesn’t come packaged in formal debates or long-winded essays. It shows up in puzzles, pretend play, and even snack-time negotiations.

So let’s tackle the big question head-on: Is your preschooler too young for critical thinking? Not only is the answer “no,” but it turns out preschool is the best time to start.

If your little one is about to start kindergarten, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement, pride, and maybe a few nerves. You’re not alone. Every year, hundreds of thousands of children across Canada take this big step, marking the start of a lifelong learning journey.

But talking about kindergarten doesn’t have to be a formal or serious conversation. In fact, the more playful and relaxed your approach, the more at ease your child will be. Think of it as planting little seeds of curiosity, comfort, and wonder—adding a sprinkle of humor and imagination to make the idea of school feel magical and fun.