As parents, we all want our children to succeed academically. But what if the secret to school readiness isn’t found in early worksheets or miniature desks, but in something much more fundamental and fun?
At Curro, we know that a child’s early years lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Every giggle, every run, every game is more than just fun – it’s the way children develop the skills they need for school and beyond. This understanding drives our approach to early childhood development, where we embrace the mantra: Play. Learn. Grow.
The foundation starts with the body
Many parents feel pressure to prepare their little ones for school by focusing on seated tasks teaching them to sit at a desk, hold a pencil, and concentrate for extended periods. However, Janet Beyrooti, Preschool Project Manager at Curro Holdings, explains that true readiness for seated learning doesn’t begin with the desk – it begins with the whole body.
“For babies, toddlers and young children, the ability to sit still and maintain good posture for learning is not something that develops by simply being placed at a table,” says Beyrooti. “Forcing premature seated tasks can be harmful, leading to postural issues, reduced muscle tone, poor concentration and even long-term aversions to learning.”
Instead of rushing to formal sitting, we need to coordinate and position our approach around building the physical, sensory, emotional and neurological foundations that contribute to successful learning. These building blocks develop naturally through purposeful play, movement, and responsive interaction.
From tummy time to table time
Movement is key for children aged 0 to 5 years-old because it’s how they explore, learn and develop both physically and cognitively. The journey from crawling to confident sitting is a gradual one that shouldn’t be rushed.
For infants and toddlers (0-2 years-old), free movement is essential. Rolling, reaching, crawling and kicking build the core strength that will later support seated learning. Infants should spend at least 30 minutes per day in tummy time when awake, and the more floor time they get, the better for their development.
Preschoolers (3-5 years-old) can engage in activities at tables, but their positioning should be flexible. They might stand, kneel, or sit with varying leg positions, frequently changing as their bodies need. This natural movement supports attention, self-regulation and engagement far better than rigid sitting requirements.
Creating the right environment
When children do sit, whether on the floor or at tables, proper positioning matters. Floor seating remains beneficial even for older preschoolers, with various cross-legged positions supporting core development. However, parents should watch for W-sitting where children sit with their knees in front and feet out to the sides. While comfortable for children, this position doesn’t challenge core muscles and can limit the trunk rotation essential for developing balance and coordination skills.
The Curro difference
Understanding child development means recognising that every stage serves a purpose. At Curro, we create environments that build the underlying skills required for primary school success without forcing premature seated work. We scaffold learning, ensuring each child develops the strong foundation they need to thrive.
When we honour children’s natural development and let them Play. Learn. Grow. at their own pace, we’re not only preparing them for school, we’re nurturing confident, capable learners for life.
