At about 5 years most children are ready to begin formal schooling.A child at this age is usually able to take care of his/her basic needs, knows how to play with other children , and is ready to follow some basic rules and routines of school.Between the age of 3 and 5 years a child learns the important skill of making friends and being part of a group.A plygroup can provide a child an excellent opportunity to learn and practice this skill. They help in the development of interactive and communication skills. The key word of course is 'play'. Play alone is a child's work at this stage.Although many play activities like painting, listening to stories etc contribute to school readiness, the child is not yet ready for the formal structure of school at this age. It should not start before completion of 3 years of age.The children through play, learn that learning is pleasurable.They learn to communicate, socialize, express and interact through the play. Competitive study should begin by 4th standard or 10 years of age because by then they are well initiated into the formal system of education.It should be without competition and comparison.
