Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education is a program that involves children until the age of eight. This program helps the child to develop basic skills that are crucial for the future life. It is also named as preschool, kindergarten or nursery school. It aims to prepare children for school.
Importance
Many people do not agree with Early Childhood Education, and they also claim it is a waste of money. Researchers show that children who received Early Childhood Education have higher IQ scores than those who did not. They also have an advantage for a couple of years, and they know how to interact with peers better than those who did not receive this early childhood education.
This program does not have the same effects on every child. For some, it will be highly beneficial, but for others, it could not be as rewarding. It depends on the motivation the child receives. So, it is important that parents also help their children with this program to see better results.
Children learn a lot during the first couple of years. Early experiences affect their cognitive, emotional and social development and these couple of years are an excellent opportunity to invest in their future lives because this is the time when the child has the highest potential to learn new skills. Early Childhood Education ensures that children get the tools they need to achieve future goals.
Teaching techniques
- Translating from picture into words. This helps children language development, and it is a fun game that teaches the child new vocabulary. The child may be asked to bring pictures of symbols in the neighborhood and label them in class.
- Sound recognition. Children must listen to certain sounds and recognize which letter is being pronounced.
- This an enjoyable and interesting technique that children love. The child and the teacher will have to plant something and take care of it. They will see and learn what soil is and how it feels.
- A puppet friend. This is a good technique to get closer to children and teach them manners and skills that they need for their future in a cute way.
Teachers must encourage children to do their best and give them specific feedback. They must also act as role-model for the child and show them ways of expressing their feelings and thoughts.
Teachers must also challenge the children so they must do things beyond what they can do. And, it is important to encourage children to think. Asking questions is an effective way of doing it because children should think of what to answer and how to do it.
Child’s development
Many children around the world do not receive the education they deserve, and it puts our future in danger. Researchers show that Early Childhood Education provides different experiences that parents cannot offer to their children. Not only will they learn new things, but also, they will interact with other children which is crucial for future success.
This education has a great impact on the children because it works as a preparation for school and it also helps the children to develop basic skills that will need in the future. But more importantly, children have fun. They end up enjoying Early Childhood Education, and they also make good friends.