Would you pay for this class?

[Midgeroo]

I?m thinking of taking my daughter to a pre-school class that focuses on communication and social skills through play, ie games, songs etc

It costs £5 per child for a 45 minute class and I would need to pay for half a term up front, approx. £30-£40. The full program is 3 years so I?m a bit wary of the overall cost too. Although it?s not more expensive than other pre-school classes available.

I know there?s lots of swimming classes and tumble tots etc but I thought this type of class would be more worthwhile and beneficial to my daughter, giving her a bit of a head start when she starts nursery/school etc.

Has anyone else attended a similar class and do you think it?s a good idea?

I would think that this is what nursery/pre-school is for. I don't think you need special classes to prepare a child for nursery.

It sounds like an expensive toddler group to me.

As Pterosaur says - this is what nursery is about. Much better to spend money and time on swimming (which might save her life) or other 'fun' acitivities. She's going to have at least 12 years in formal eduction and I really wouldn't start it earlier than needed.

Sounds ghastly.

No, I certainly wouldn't pay for a class like that. There's plenty of toddler groups around where you'd pay about £1.50 for a couple of hours there with lots of other children to play with, and other mums for you to chat too, and usually juice and biscuits thrown in.

And if you know other families with children of a similar age, get together and go to the park and let them play.

And failing both of those, do what you probably do anyway, and talk to her lots at home, play games, let her help you with whatever you're doing around the house, sing songs, etc. etc.

Children don't (usually) need to be 'taught' to play and chat.

No. And we went to a lot of groups.

This is using formal words to describe what kids learn naturally... through play. Just join any old toddler group, or have your chid play with lots of friends.

Also there are free music groups - singing for kids where I live - or negligibly priced. And one o'clock clubs in the park. free.

Unless you think that she needs extra help, then no. As others have said, learning through play is what playgroups/preschool is all about. You will get the same benefit at the free toddler group at the local church hall.