School readiness is always a topic at this time of year, as much as Christmas parties and Santa photos are, regardless of what age and what stage of learning your little ones are about to embark on. Recent research by early learning educators Young Academics reveals that 72% of parents worry about their child being socially and emotionally ready for a new educational environment. More than three in four survey respondents believe that early preparation is the key tool for building children’s confidence to succeed in the classroom. This shows the critical role early childhood educators play in easing both parents’ and children’s minds as they transition from preschool to primary school.
Young Academics is setting a strong example with the recent enhancement of their daily curriculum through an exclusive three-year partnership with The Wiggles. This partnership includes four video resources each year, available exclusively to Young Academics families, incorporating music from the beloved children’s entertainers across seven key program areas: core, scholar, creative, wellness, wellbeing, our world, and discovery. Research findings show that 42% of parents confirmed their child struggled with the transition to school. Music, known to foster friendships and encourage key skills like turn-taking and sharing during group play, can make a significant impact. Incorporating musical stimulation at such a young age strengthens the brain’s ability to process sounds, improve listening skills, enhance attention, boost memory, and build neural pathways to help retain new information. With over 80% of parents believing early education positively impacts a child’s long-term academic success, Young Academics’ partnership with The Wiggles aims to lay a solid foundation for future learning.
Caterina Mete, The Red Wiggle, claims their trust and triumph in the ‘edutainment’ space is thanks to each member’s practical understanding, and lived experience, with raising children. “For 20 years I’ve been working with and performing for children. In this time you quickly learn what inspires young minds to want to engage and participate, and overall, what they’re going to enjoy singing or dancing along to. And I think having such an enlightening role in so many young lives is what encouraged me to step into this next character of mine…a mum to two beautiful twin girls who wiggled their way into the world in June this year!”
For parents, watching their children move through early education and onto Big School, there are a lot of ifs and buts about whether they’ll make friends, play nice, be as confident as their peers. 61% of parents are looking to invest in resources that directly support the developmental skills required to best participate in a classroom setting.
From someone who has such fond memories of taking her own children to The Wiggles concerts, Jenni Gaffney, Director of Operations at Young Academics, reflects on the results of this nationwide research and the potential impact of the new content: “Musically inspired habits are particularly important in helping unlock creativity and communication in children – those too with additional learning needs. This research has really affirmed that Australian parents are seeking more ways to build confidence in their children and better support these transitions to new (or between) educational environments. We’re always looking at meaningful ways in which we can continually help bridge this gap.”
When Australian parents were asked about their greatest concerns for a child moving between early education levels or onto big school, 60% specifically mentioned making new friends, 59% talked about their child’s ability to manage emotions, and 46% said the idea of learning a new routine. Three common hurdles that music-based play – as one of the few activities that uses both the logical and creative sides of the brain – can help soothe and resolve.
Young Academics are unlocking helpful habits and behaviours when it comes to preparing your children for a lifetime of successful education. Head to www.youngacademics.com.au to browse the curriculum in full, and locate your nearest learning centre.