Early Education

Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?
- Do you have children of young ages?
- What benefits are there in children beginning to learn early?
- What benefits are there in children playing most of the time?

Expression	Definition
childhood	(n) the period of time when a person is a child The parents were passionate about including formal education into childhood.
development	(n) the act or process of growing or causing something to grow or become larger or more advanced Learning and reading are important for the development of a child’s brain.
informal	(adj) having a friendly and relaxed quality The parents believed in a more informal approach to education.
early	(adj) existing or happening near the beginning of a period or time The practice of early education can help kids later on.
prepare	(v) to make someone or something ready for activity, purpose or use Her mom wanted to prepare her daughter to excel in her school.
learn	(v) to gain knowledge or skill It’s never too early for kids to learn how to work with others.
start on	(expression) begin to work on or deal with The kids were eager to start on their homework.
back up	(expression) to give support or encouragement The teacher had to back up what the principal said about installing new curriculum,
move up	(expression) adjust one’s position to be nearer to something The child was doing so well in school that he could move up to another grade level.
cross that bridge when you come to it	(expression) deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary and not before Since her child was just a few months old, they’d cross the bridge when they came to it when deciding education.

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