In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to ensure children’s success can often lead parents to pack their schedules with endless extracurricular activities. But at Podar Prep, we’re here to bust a common myth: More activities do not guarantee overall success and development. In fact, overloading children with too many extracurriculars can lead to overstimulation, contributing to emotional and learning challenges. This is a crucial consideration in child development and early childhood education. Finding the Right Balance The key lies in striking a balance. It’s essential to select activitie ..read more

“Why? How? What?” These questions are music to our ears at Podar Prep, where we cherish and nurture the curious minds of children. It’s a common scene in many households and classrooms: children bombarding adults with a relentless stream of “why” questions. While it can sometimes test our patience, did you know that this curiosity is the first step towards intelligence? At Podar Prep, part of our early childhood education philosophy involves encouraging children to question the world around them. This is crucial in child development, as it fosters critical thinking and creativity. We believe ..read more

In the dynamic world of early childhood education, the introduction of the NCF 2022 has put a spotlight on the power of experiential learning. At Podar Prep, we’ve embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly, weaving multifaceted learning experiences into the fabric of our kindergarten programs. But what exactly does it mean to engage in experiential learning, and how does it foster multifaceted growth in children? Experiential Learning: The Podar Prep Way Learning by doing isn’t just a method; it’s a journey of discovery, curiosity, and connection. At Podar Prep, we dismantle the traditional bar ..read more

A At Podar Prep, we embrace a fundamental truth in early childhood education and child development: one size does not fit all. This philosophy underpins our approach to kindergarten programs, toddler education, and indeed, every aspect of our curriculum for kids. Recognising the individuality of each child means acknowledging that no single parenting or teaching style can meet the needs, emotions, and personalities of every child. This understanding is crucial for positive parenting and is a cornerstone of our child-centric education model. Adapting Parenting Styles The diversity among childr ..read more

At Podar Prep, we recognise that emotions are an integral part of our humanity, especially vivid and unfiltered in the world of children. From the earliest years, children display a spectrum of emotions, from joy to frustration, with an honesty that adults often learn to mask. A vital component of our early childhood education and kindergarten programs is teaching children to understand and express their feelings constructively, laying the groundwork for emotional intelligence that supports their holistic learning. Embracing Emotions as Learning Opportunities Children express emotions in raw ..read more

In the realm of child development, toys are often seen as indispensable tools of learning and growth. However, at Podar Prep, we’re addressing a common misconception: the idea that a plethora of toys is necessary for a child’s optimal development. Drawing from expert opinions and paediatricians, we’re here to challenge this notion and emphasise that, sometimes, less is more when it comes to toys. Breaking The Myth: More Toys, More Development Contrary to popular belief, an abundance of toys can actually hinder rather than help. Overloading children with toys may lead to overstimulation, reduc ..read more

At Podar Prep, our commitment to early childhood education extends beyond traditional teaching methods. Inspired by Alfie K’s insights in “Punished With Rewards,” we champion the cause of intrinsic motivation. By focusing on internal satisfaction rather than external rewards, we aim to cultivate a love for learning and good behaviour that comes from within, ensuring our kindergarten programs foster not just academic excellence but personal growth as well.   Moving Beyond “Candy Floss” Praise Genuine praise is our holistic learning strategy. We strive to move away from what we call “candy ..read more

At Podar Prep, nurturing confident children is at the heart of our early childhood education philosophy. A common question among parents is, “How can I help my child be more confident?” Surprisingly, children are born with a natural confidence that often gets diminished over time through adult interactions. Our kindergarten programs and Montessori approach emphasise nurturing this innate self-belief, ensuring it flourishes rather than fades. Confidence vs. Criticism Children initially possess a fearless willingness to explore and interact with their world. However, constant criticism or frequ ..read more

In today’s digital age, the conversation around screen time for children tends to veer towards concern. However, at Podar Prep, we’re here to challenge the myth that all screen time is detrimental. With a thoughtful approach, screen time can be transformed into an enriching learning experience, supporting holistic learning and child development. The Three Pillars of Positive Screen Time To ensure screen time is beneficial, we focus on three key aspects: duration, content, and activities before and after screen time. Duration: It’s crucial not to let children remain glued to screens for extend ..read more

Are you unknowingly hindering your child’s path to independence? Discover the common pitfalls to avoid and learn how Podar Prep champions the nurturing of autonomy in early childhood education.           Over-Assistance in Daily Tasks Promoting self-reliance is crucial. Our Montessori Approach encourages parents to allow children space to explore and solve problems independently, fostering holistic learning and building confidence. Encouraging children to take on age-appropriate tasks themselves, such as dressing or organising their toys, is essent ..read more