Early childhood education
Early childhood education (ECE; also nursery education) is a branch of education theory that relates to the teaching of children (formally and informally) from birth up to the age of eight.
It is described as an important period in a child’s development.
It refers to the development of a child’s personality.
Early childhood education is basically for children between the ages of three and five.
It is more commonly referred to as preschool, pre-kindergarten, daycare, nursery school or simply early education. Despite the different names, they all have the same purpose – to prepare children for elementary school.
Giving your children special attention before elementary school helps in giving them a head start for their future.
Importance & Benefits of Early Childhood Education
Children learn best when they are not pushed too hard and when they are given space for creativity. As a result of this, many parents take preschool seriously and resort to spending more time with their children in order to teach them the things they feel they need to learn. This has been found to be very helpful for a child’s higher education.
Purpose of Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education is similar to a training program given to young children. During class, children will gain the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development needed in order to help them have a brighter future. If done right, early childhood education can help in developing a lifelong love of learning in children.
Benefits of Early Childhood Education
The young mind is like a sponge. It has the potential to absorb a great deal of information, making it important for children to have guidance while learning. There are many aspects related to early childhood education, here we have listed out the many benefits:
1. Socialization
Humans are very social beings and the main concept of socialisation takes root in early childhood. In a safe environment away from family, children meet other people of their age, sowing the seeds of ‘socialization’ and ‘friendship’ in young minds. This helps to develop self-confidence in your children by eliminating their shy nature.
2. Cooperation
During this phase, children learn to share, cooperate, take turns and so on. These are all part of a secure social life. This is especially beneficial for an only child, who is not familiar with having to share things. In the safe environment provided, the child will learn to cooperate with guidance from professionals.
3. Holistic Development
As a human being, it is important to have a strong foundation in every aspect of the personality such as emotional, social, mental and physical. Teachers who handle young children are well trained to identify the weaker aspects of a child and to encourage them to improve through practical sessions. Interaction amongst peers is extremely important in this context.
4. Enthusiasm for Lifelong Learning
Children will develop a hunger for learning if they are taught through fun and exciting activities. This eagerness and enthusiasm for learning will remain with them their entire lives!
5. Value of Education
The new environment provided in preschool gives children an entirely different perspective on the requirement of education. Grasping knowledge and applying them to their lives demonstrates the value of education.
6. Respect
The environment in preschool helps children learn to become civil towards one another and they start to understand that the concept of respect is not just limited to people and belongings, but also to their environment.
7. Teamwork
A person’s teamwork capability is based on their respect for others opinions, listening skills and mentality towards equality. All these qualities should be taught at a young age. Many preschool activities are focused on teamwork and help children improve their attitude towards working as a team.
8. Resilience
Our society is ever changing and it is important to develop resilience as early as possible. The challenging scenarios provided by the professional guides help children to learn through their own experience. The bruises and bumps from their challenges lay the foundation for the better coping strategies for their future challenges.
9. Concentration
The involvement in preschool tasks and activities demands higher levels of concentration from a child. The repetitive occurrence of the activities helps them to improve their concentration skills.
10. Patience
In the life of an adult, patience is often tested and children should be trained to handle such situations for the future. Experiences such as sharing the attention of the teacher, waiting for their turn etc. will help children develop patience.
11. Confidence and Self Esteem
A sense of wellbeing is important for a person to explore their talents. The positive interactions with peers and teachers encourage a positive view of themselves. This is an important impact of early childhood education.
12. Brain Development
Professionally crafted activities in preschool enhance the development of the brain. Various activities involving analysing and logical reasoning help them to develop their skills.
13. Exposure to Diversity
There is so much diversity in the modern world and children need to be taught to appreciate and accept the differences in society.
Each new word, experience and person can mould a young child into the person they will grow up to be. This is because it is possible to have a greater impression on a person during their early childhood days. Most parents understand this and give early childhood education the importance it is due.
Recent studies reveal the importance of early childhood education as it can influence the mental, emotional and physical development of a child. Hence for increasing the quality of the education of your child, ensure early childhood education. So always make sure that they start off early so it doesn’t become a problem in the future.
Research shows that early childhood education is one of the best ways to help your child develop the social, emotional and cognitive skills they need to prepare for primary school and beyond.
Primary Education
Primary education is typically the first stage of formal education, coming after preschool and before secondary school.
Primary education takes place in primary school, the elementary school or first and middle school depending on the location.
The International Standard Classification of Education considers primary education as a single-phase where programmes are typically designed to provide fundamental skills in reading, writing and mathematics and to establish a solid foundation for learning.
Primary school is the fundamental place where a child can gain knowledge and imbibe life skills from their childhood.
The main purpose of primary education is to give children a strong foundation in the basics of a general curriculum, with emphasis on reading and math.
Primary education is for children who are approximately five to eleven years old.
There are exceptions in the case of children with learning disabilities and those in special education. There are no age restrictions in these instances.
The subjects targeted by primary education are reading, math, social studies, science, physical education and health.
Skills that lead to reading fluency and comprehension, as well as number recognition and basic mathematical operations, are among those most emphasised by educators during primary school.
Main Aspects that Every Primary School focuses on
Generally, the primary school provides education for your children mainly focusing on the following aspects.
Mental Aspects
Schools are the best places which give more opportunities for children to gain knowledge in different fields like science, mathematics, politics, history, people, culture and more. This basic knowledge acquired from a primary school is the root of upcoming studies. Primary school education has a great impact in enhancing the mental growth of children.
Physical Aspects
When you enrol your children in the best primary school, they undergo various physical developments. Unlike home, the primary schools conduct many activities by keeping the physical health of your children in mind.
This helps your children to utilize their energy in the best way and learn essential behaviors from the environment. The best schools in Gurgaon provide well-equipped surroundings to promote the physical well-being of your children.
Social Aspects
Social aspects are one of the major reasons to consider for your child in a primary school. A school is the perfect place where a child can inculcate social behaviours apart from the parents and immediate family members.
When children tend to mingle with the same-aged companions they will learn to sustain in the midst of society. Also, they are exposed to new ideas and strategies to tackle all types of situations and challenges.
The best primary school acts as a suitable place for learning social practices such as friendship, participation, assistance, empathy and other values which are very important for shaping your child’s future.
Overall Development
Many people think that primary schools are just for studying the formulas for solving mathematics problem, learning the events of history, reading the poems and doing simple experiments.
In fact, current primary schools are beyond the traditional way of learning. Primary schools let the children express their interest and creativity along with academics. Experienced faculty members guide the children to learn life skills in a realistic manner.
A good start of primary education for your children paves the way for social, economic, political growth and development of a society.
Thus, primary school education is important in your child’s life. So, find the best primary school which focuses on these aspects and provides a beneficial platform to enhance your child’s growth.
Problems of primary education
1) Apathy of parents
A majority of parents in India do not bother about the education of their children. It is more true in the case of partially literate parents and business men.
2) High birth rate
Efforts to make primary education compulsory and free up to the required level have not fully succeeded because of the tremendous increase in population.
3) Conservative beliefs of Religion and Tradition
Resistance to education of girls from certain parents because of conservatism is another reason for the failure in universalising elementary education
4) Existence of backward group
We have a large number of scheduled castes and scheduled Tribes who are backward. They never bother about the education of their children.
5) Poverty of parents
Poverty of parents have retarded our entire efforts. The moment a child attains the age of five or six, he can help a lot in earning some money and supplement the family income. Many poverty stricken parents cannot afford to meet the day today expenses of the child incurred by him at school in connection with his education.
6) Scattered Habitations
Many children cannot be brought under the roof of a school because of scattered or remote habitations. Teacher’s also hesitate to take up work in such areas.
7) Problem of Space
Primary education invariably faces the problem of space. Most of the schools operate in unsuitable buildings with inadequate space.
8) Problem of Resources
In primary schools, there is generally a need for black-boards , furniture and other useful materials. In addition, drinking water and urinals are also required. There are only a few schools which have all these facilities and materials.
Suggestions for improvement of primary education
1) Co-operation of Parents
Desired development in primary education cannot be achieved without the active co operation of parents. Hence the parents should be made literate and their co operation should be ensured.
2) Population Control
Vigorous campaign of Family Welfare
Programme should be launched in the country to control population explosion which stands in the way of universalising elementary education.
3) Financial Support
The Central and State Governments should see that primary education get’s the proper share out of the total expenditure on education.
4) Opening More School’s
Small children cannot walk long distance especially in uncertain weather. It is tiresome and uncomfortable. Hence arrangements should be made to open primary schools within walkable distance of every child.
5) Enhancement Facilities
Basic facilities should be provided in every primary school. Student should be provided mid day meal, text book etc.
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