A child’s brain grows faster in the early years than at any other time. A high-quality education in childhood yields significant short and long-term benefits for children.
They learn in ways that are physical, social, emotional, in language and literacy and in thinking (cognitive) skills. Teachers help them move their bodies, explore materials with their hands, and make up stories.
Socialisation
Socialisation is the process by which children learn to function as members of society. It is a major part of the educational process and is done by parents, teachers, and peers. Socialisation is a process that combines communication and emotion control. Socialisation allows kids to express their feelings and learn how they can positively impact others.
Primary socialisation is the first stage that children go through as they enter school. It is important because it is here that they begin to learn about the culture and society in which they live. Children are exposed to cultural ideas, beliefs and languages through their immediate family members and from other family members within the community.
The next stage of socialisation is peer group based learning, which occurs at school and on the playground or street. This learning is based on the peer group’s perspective and understanding of different topics and issues. Children also learn about their country’s political and economic ideas through this process.
Adaptation
Education is crucial for children’s cognitive and social development. However, too many children in developing countries are unable to access the education they need. This is due to poverty, conflict, natural disasters and other barriers. Children without access to education are deprived of their most valuable asset: the opportunity to transform their lives.
In this resource kids learn about animal adaptations and the theory of evolution by completing a worksheet that asks them to identify characteristics that help living things survive in different habitats (such as fur, feathers or long legs). They also explore how offspring can have slightly different characteristics than their parents because of inherited traits.
A whole child approach to education recognizes the connections between a child’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. It prioritizes a child’s access to safe and welcoming learning environments that provide opportunities for enriching experiences that are relevant to their individual needs. It has also proved to be a critical element in combating child labour. Education interventions in both formal and non-formal settings have contributed to the prevention and rehabilitation of child labourers, particularly through educating children on their rights.
Self-confidence
The self-esteem movement swept Western culture over the past 50 years, and many educators still believe that improving kids’ confidence levels will help them perform better in school. However, it’s important to balance this approach with realistic expectations and a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Children who feel confident are more willing to try new things and take on challenges. They also learn to cope with frustration and expect that adults will be helpful. These skills are essential for developing a positive sense of self-worth and for successfully navigating social challenges, such as sharing and competition.
Throughout their childhood, children gain self-worth through a variety of activities, such as playing with others or helping out at home. They need and want to know that their efforts make a difference in the world around them. This burgeoning sense of self-worth and pride is nurtured by parental attention, by giving them challenges that stretch their abilities and by showing them their progress.
Communication
Communication is a social process that involves sharing information. It is a critical part of children’s education and starts as early as birth. Babies communicate by making sounds and using facial expressions. They can also communicate with picture symbols, music and body movements. Children need to be able to express themselves, and they need to be listened to in order to understand their thoughts and feelings.
Children develop in different ways, but many have a natural timetable for learning speech and language. This allows us to recognize milestones and seek help if they are struggling.
The development of cognitive skills can be influenced by the culture in which a child lives. It is also influenced by the interaction of a child with other people, including teachers and parents. This is particularly important for school-age children. Teachers can encourage a positive self-image and social-emotional competence by providing a supportive, interactive environment. They can help children set goals and solve problems by giving them clear explanations and encouraging them to interact with other students.