Children are like sponges, absorbing the world around them. These formative years are vital for building brains.
Educators can help children learn through their experiences. This means allowing children to observe and reflect, teaching them vocabulary and concepts, and connecting their experiences with domains and subject areas.
UNICEF works to expand the right to education for young children globally. In Malawi, for example, students sit on the ground to learn because they don’t have desks.
Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is one of the most important skills kids can develop, because it allows them to prioritize tasks and set long-term goals. It also helps them resist peer pressure and make good choices in social situations.
Studies of toddlers show that kids who spend more time in front of TVs and touch-screens tend to perform worse on tests of self-control, and the same pattern holds up for older kids (McHarg et al 2020). Some children are naturally better at managing their impulses than others, but parents can help by setting clear rules and encouraging them to follow routines.
For example, a child needs self-discipline to stay focused on homework and study, so they should be encouraged to work on their assignments without distractions or interruptions. It also requires discipline to stick to a bedtime routine, especially for teenagers. They need to be able to control their emotions and resist distractions like social media so they can get enough sleep for school.
Communication Skills
Communication is a key skill in nearly every aspect of a child’s life, both inside and outside the classroom. Effective communication in the classroom allows children to participate more fully by answering questions, engaging in discussions and presenting projects. It also helps them express their ideas clearly and confidently when working with classmates. Encourage them to organise their thoughts before speaking and demonstrate active listening by nodding and making eye contact when someone else is talking.
Outside the classroom, strong communication skills are essential to forming and maintaining positive relationships and resolving conflicts. They can help them better understand their emotions and the emotions of others, which in turn leads to healthy self-esteem. They are also vital in fostering creativity and imagination through activities such as art, music and story-telling.
Activities like group projects, introducing kids to different cultures and languages through speakers and planning presentations help them develop collaboration skills that are necessary for success in today’s globalized world. Additionally, hands-on activities such as sensory play, arts and crafts and science experiments help children develop motor skills, creative thinking and an understanding of basic scientific concepts.
Interpersonal Skills
Children with strong interpersonal skills are better able to maintain healthy relationships. They can communicate assertively, be understanding of other people’s feelings and perspectives, and find mutually beneficial solutions to conflicts. They also have a greater ability to deal with negative emotions like stress and anger constructively.
Interpersonal skills are critical for school-age children to effectively collaborate with peers, engage in team projects, and develop empathetic friendships. They are also vital for future careers as they enable children to interact with colleagues and clients effectively.
Children start developing these skills as early as infancy, when they bond with their parents and siblings by making eye contact and recognising faces, voice sounds and tone, and smiling at them. Various activities, such as group activities, playing pretend, and interactive games that explore different cultures and languages help to build their interpersonal intelligence. It is also important to encourage them to interact with adults in a positive and respectful manner, regardless of age.
Cultural Awareness
As children grow up, their self-concept is shaped by how others see them. A positive self-concept can be formed only when children’s families and cultures are recognized and respected by the educational system.
Promoting cultural awareness in a classroom starts with the teacher’s understanding of each student’s background, culture and family values. Educators must also be aware of their own cultural biases and learn how to overcome them in order to provide equitable learning experiences for all students.
Teaching children about various cultures helps them appreciate diversity and develop empathy for people from different backgrounds. It also strengthens their communication skills by allowing them to interpret non-verbal cues and understand cultural nuances in conversation. This heightened awareness prepares them for a globalized society and counters stereotypes and biases. It also enhances cognitive flexibility, making it easier for them to switch between concepts and adapt to new situations. In addition, it promotes inclusion in the learning environment and fosters better relationships between teachers and students.