For millions of children around the world, access to quality education remains a dream. Conflict, natural disaster, displacement, poverty and other factors prevent children from exercising their fundamental right to learn.
Fostering children’s learning requires general knowledge about child development and learning, as well as deep knowledge of each individual. This knowledge comes from careful observation and from knowing each child’s culture and family heritage.
Social studies.
Social studies, also known as humanities and social sciences, is a broad subject area that includes history, civics and government, geography, and economics. It centers knowledge of people’s rights and local, national and global responsibilities so learners can work together to create a better world.
It instills core democratic values like justice, equality and diversity, and prepares students for informed participation in society. But it is often neglected in favor of test-focused subjects like math and language arts.
Science.
A strong science foundation builds children’s curiosity and self-confidence. It also reinforces math skills and teaches them to make observations, ask questions and communicate their findings.
Young children are naturally curious and want to make sense of the world around them. This natural inquiry, if guided by adults, builds a framework for scientific exploration.
For example, when kids experiment with different fabrics and see how water drops spread on each fabric, they’re developing enquiry skills. These skills are critical to learning about science and the way it works.
Math.
Mathematical knowledge and skills are essential for children’s cognitive development. Yet, much more attention has been given to early foundations of literacy than to early mathematic experiences.
Teachers of young children should learn about the mathematics content they will teach and how to encourage students’ enjoyment and confidence in this subject [97]. Preservice programs should include more field work and coursework that combines content and pedagogy. Teachers should be able to ask meaningful questions that help young children develop their mathematical understanding.
Language arts.
Language arts are essential for children’s ability to learn and grow. Strong language skills enable children to communicate and interpret their surroundings, their ideas, thoughts and emotions.
Language-building begins early and involves teaching the child to listen, talk and expand their vocabulary. Parents may also teach them about basic concepts like ocean life through hands-on experiential learning like playing in salty water or sand with objects such as rocks and shells.
Art.
Art enables children to tap into their imaginations and boosts narrative and writing skills. It also develops fine motor skills through activities such as mixing paint colors or kneading homemade play dough.
Educators who focus on the process, rather than on a finished product, allow children to experiment and explore their creative instincts. This fosters a strong sense of self-efficacy and builds confidence in their own abilities.
In early childhood, neural connections are formed at an incredible rate; art enhances cognitive flexibility and visual literacy.
Music.
Music builds skills that are valuable for learning in all subjects. It promotes creative thinking and helps kids approach complex problems in different ways.
Musical activities can be easily adapted to kids with physical, speech or language challenges. They can feel competent when they sing a song, powerful when they pound a drum or proud when they invent their own dance moves.
Young children should have access to diverse, play-based music engagement opportunities in all settings serving them, including homes, child care and early education. NAfME supports the inclusion of all kinds of music in the curriculum for young children.
Physical education.
Children who are regularly active will reap a variety of benefits. They’ll have stronger bones and a healthier body weight, along with lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
In addition to their physical health, kids who participate in PE will learn the value of perseverance. Whether they’re learning to ride a bike or mastering a new skill, children will learn to push through setbacks and work toward their goals.
Health.
Educators who prioritize health education build confidence in children and create a positive learning environment. They also support the well-being of students and families.
Students with unmet health needs like chronic illness, hunger or safety issues face unique barriers to learning. Monitoring chronic absenteeism is one way to help educators identify these students.
Equipping students with knowledge about physical health, mental well-being, nutrition and safety empowers them to make healthy lifestyle choices throughout life. Scientifically accurate information, engaging teaching methods, inclusivity and parental involvement enhance health education.
Social skills.
A child’s social skills help them engage in conversations, collaborate with peers, self-advocate when necessary and build lasting friendships. They can also lead to higher academic achievement, particularly in the classroom.
Children learn social skills through interactions with both younger and older people. For example, educators at Catholic Early EdCare facilitate relationships with nearby aged care services to teach children about the lives of older people and develop their empathy and understanding of others.