“If my child plays so much, will they be able to catch up with academic learning when entering Grade 1?” – This is a very common concern among parents today. With over 30 years of experience in Vietnam, our experts at Sky International Preschool – the first international preschool in Hanoi established in 1994 – affirm that play is the best preparation for a lifelong learning journey.
Under 6 years old, children develop holistically through movement, emotions, and social interaction – solid foundations for learning reading, writing, and math later on.
Movement – The Foundation for Focus
At Sky – a premium preschool with global educational perspectives – children move constantly throughout the day: running, jumping, crawling, climbing ramps and stairs, cycling, pushing and lifting objects... These seemingly simple activities help strengthen core muscles and balance, which are essential for:
- Sitting for long periods without getting tired or distracted
- Better attention span
- Greater confidence when entering primary school, and higher
When the body and brain work in harmony, a child’s reflexes and focus improve naturally.
Hands Ready to Write
Before writing beautifully, children need strong, flexible hands. Activities like building with blocks, tearing and pasting paper, clay molding, twisting bottle caps, squeezing etc. help:
- Strengthen hand, finger, and wrist muscles
- Improve grip strength
- Allow smooth writing without hand fatigue
At Sky - international and high-quality preschool, children prepare for writing through play – a joyful, effective, and pressure-free approach.
Deep Play & Free Play – Immersed in Self-Discovery
Sky encourages children to lead their own play experiences. Through this, they:
- Focus deeply on activities they love
- Build independence in play
- Learn to problem-solve through trial and error
This “deep play” fosters independent thinking and lays the groundwork for focused academic learning later on.
Social Skills – Emotions – Resilience
Through group play, children learn countless life skills that aren’t found in textbooks:
- Taking turns, sharing, and collaborating
- Learning to negotiate when disagreements arise
- Managing emotions when things do not go their way
- Expressing their own opinions respectfully
The preschool years are a golden window to build emotional and social foundations. As children transition to primary school and beyond, they will master how to interact, express themselves, and bounce back from challenges. These are also the very future-ready skills highlighted by the World Economic Forum's Education 4.0 Framework, which Sky has been nurturing for over 30 years.
Play is Preparation for the Future
Play is not a waste of time—it is the most comprehensive form of learning during early childhood. The more children play—with quality, intention, and autonomy—the more prepared they are for an ever-changing world.
✅ Summer School at Sky: Wonderful Water (June 16 – August 1)
Discover Sky International Preschool’s unique summer program, where children lead their own learning through international best practices:
🔹 Flexible schedule: single day / half-day / full-day / weekly or full 7-week enrollment
🔹 Engaging activities: water play, excursions, integrated projects, physical movement, science & emotional exploration
📍 Click for more details at: https://skypreschool.com.vn/summer-school
