The minute a child enters Preschool parents start worrying about the academic gains that the child should make. “When will Aaryan start writing?”, Does Ann know all the letters of the alphabet?” “Can Vikram count from 1-100?” and a host of such concerns that teachers hear every day. While we agree, early education creates an important foundation for academic skills, many parents would be surprised to know that social skills are actually far more predictive of adult outcomes than early academics. So, while many parents and schools may feel the pressure to cut back on the play and social interaction in order to get more ‘hard skill’ instruction time, in reality, it’s those ‘soft skills’ that actually indicate long-term success
A few competencies that we could foster in children are as below
Playing well with others- The importance of play is a well-known fact by now among all parents. It is an important catalyst for development in the early years. It is through play that children learn to negotiate, take turns, experiment and a host of many such skills. Structured activities like- dance classes, football practice or music and movement classes have their own value, the importance of engaging in unstructured play (supervised but not instructed by adults) can never be undermined.
Problem-Solving- Parents and supervising adults are always tempted to leap in, at first sight, the minute they see the first signs of a fight among toddlers. It’s because we immediately want to make everything right for our children. We are able to solve every problem because we are so good at it, and we got that way only because we have had so much practice at problem-solving! So, the next time you see your child in a situation, invite them to take part in the problem-solving process. Discuss the situation with them, brainstorm solutions and try theirs rather than your solution. Give them opportunities to experience their abilities and intervene only when necessary.
Label and recognize their feelings- Children who can empathize, perceive feelings and emotions are always at an advantage when getting along with others. You can hone and foster these skills in children by calling attention to the different emotions. Recognizing them, naming them and talking about the same can go a long way. Reading books and telling stories about emotions also help in developing an understanding of the same.
Being Helpful- This means that the children need to look beyond themselves and recognize the feelings of others. By noticing and complimenting your child when you notice helpful behaviors encourages and motivates them to do more of the same. Give your child simple opportunities to help within the family, role model helpful actions in front of them and encourage others around your child to showcase helpful behavior constantly.
Though competition and the fast-paced society of today gives one an impression that a child needs to be advanced academically as soon as possible, the reality of the 21st century is the development of ‘soft skills’ is what will serve the children better in the future- So simple processes of playing, engaging with others, interacting and building relationships should be in focus.
Experts believe that reading to your child is one of the most important things you can do for your child.
Here are some ideas to help build literacy skills while keeping it fun for your child and you.
Read Everyday- Try to read with your child every day at least for 15 minutes. Bedtime usually is an ideal time to read together. You could read to them in any language, it’s the love of reading that we are building on.
Cuddle, hold your child- Sit with your child on your lap or cuddle on the bed, let your child hold the book or help you turn the pages.
Voice Modulation- Read with fun in your voice, use your face, body and voice to make reading fun. Use different voices for different characters and settings.
Stop when needed- If your child loses interest or has trouble paying attention, just put the book away and don’t force them to read with you. Stop the reading and do something else that your child might enjoy at that time. You can read again the next day or a little later in the day.
Look at the pictures– Point to the pictures on each page and talk about them, they could describe the pictures and build on their vocabulary.
Show them words- As you read, run your fingers along the bottom of the words, Soon your child will realize that ‘print conveys meaning’, they will see words are read and not pictures.
Tell them how you enjoyed reading- Say how much this time means to you and it’s the favorite part of your day. Make them feel the joy of ‘story time’.
Fill your house with books- Surround your child with books, try to have as many books as you can for your child as well as for other members of the family. Pick up books from second-hand stores, garage sales or library book sales.
Let your child choose- Let your child pick out his or her own book for the nightly reading time. Make it fun and follow their interest, it’s one way to keep them connected to what is being read
Make books and reading special- Do things that will make books and reading special. Do activities that are related to stories, use books as rewards or surprises.
Show them all the parts of the book- The cover, illustrations, author and even the page numbers. Show them how we read from left to right and top to bottom. Show them the spaces between each word as well. Teach them book handling skills from an early age.
Make it interactive- Ask your child questions related to the story, discuss what’s happening, ask them to predict what will happen next or change the ending if they would like a twist in the story. Encourage them to ask you questions during the story, make connections to the story and your child’s life.
Read it again!- Your child may want to hear the story over and over again…and that’s great it shows you how much they love the book….repeat the books as often as your child asks, soon you can ask them to narrate the story by looking at the pictures. They can pretend to be ‘reading it to you’.
Encourage them- If they show interest in a particular topic or like a book of an author you can encourage them by getting more books on the same subject or by the author they liked, this will keep their interests in books soaring.
Take turns- Once they learn to read, you can take turns reading the pages of the books or the days.
The most important thing to remember is that reading should be an enjoyable experience. Create positive experiences and memories with books, this will ensure a lifelong love for reading.
Do you always let your child win? Even if you think it’s the right thing to do, letting them win may give them a sense of false success. Your child would probably realize that very soon that you are trying to ‘be nice’, however, you will be surprised to see that your child wants the very challenge you are actually trying to avoid giving him.
This may feel strange, but letting your child win all the time actually prevents them from growing. It is important for a child to find out that sometimes they will succeed and sometimes they may not. Learning to lose is something that children can learn in the Early years and knowing how to accept both results is a valuable life lesson. We let our children win all the time for fear of hurting their self-esteem, we don’t wish for them to feel bad about something. But we should work with them to show them how they can improve and work on themselves in order to succeed and win.
When a child ‘learns to lose’ they gain the skills of overcoming barriers, dealing with conflict and problems and being prepared for the unexpected. They learn to rise and work harder to achieve what they are capable of rather than us making it easy and non-challenging for them. You definitely can give the child an advantage in any game you play as you both need to be on the same level, so competition is equal for your child. The difficulty level also needs to be age-appropriate to make it fair for your child to have the right opportunity to either win or lose.
Another great life skill one can teach children when they ‘learn to lose’ is to actually enjoy the process, the playing, the thrill they get during the entire session rather than just focussing on the outcome. Teach them to enjoy the experience and not so much the result. Children learn integrity and not to fall apart when they lose, they can learn to control their anger as they grow older and acknowledge the victory of others. It teaches them not to look at it as a failure but as an opportunity to improve, mature and grow as needed. They are able to tolerate frustrations more easily and emerge strong from defeat.
The application of this can be seen in real life, often things don’t go as expected and adults are unable to cope with that. A child who has learned to lose, sees errors, finds opportunities and grabs every chance they get to change things that are not going so well.
Almost all of us love pets, in fact, animals, in general, are a favorite with adults as well as children. Once children know how to love and respect animals, teaching them respect for others and the environment becomes easier.
The benefits and advantages of being around animals are many, here are a few of them:
Friendship- Children need companionship, and if they have a pet around they can be a great friend
to the child. They play together, share mealtimes, and even go to bed together, sometimes
snuggling up on the same bed. Children also talk to animals the way they don’t (can’t) talk to
people. They have a constant companion with them all the time and rarely get lonely.
Social and Emotional wellbeing- Animals are not always what we want them to be, they show
different sides to them which we may not be prepared for. Learning to handle these teaches a
child-patience and self-control. Children learn how to be soft yet firm, careful and considerate and
learn that being patient can have a better effect than hitting, yelling, or throwing a tantrum. Bonding
with animals helps children develop close relationships, they learn to understand feelings,
compassion and empathy.
Therapeutic- Animals have been found to be incredibly effective in helping children cope with
anxiety and stress. The presence of an animal around provides children with a sense of
responsibility and fosters leadership. Pets are extremely calming and a great source of joy for all
children, more so in the cases of troubled children or children with special needs.
Sense of Responsibility- Once a toddler is old enough to walk around and communicate they are old
enough to start contributing to taking care of the pet. They can refill the water bowl, or brush their
coat. They also learn to share their toys, space, treats and parental attention and time especially if
the child does not have a sibling. Children imbibe kindness and will share without being asked or
told to do so.
Lessons on life- Animals provide lessons on life children learn that other beings have needs as
well, birth, death, stages and phases of life and the different emotions attached to each phase, all
become easier for a child to understand when they learn it through the presence of animals.
Animals should be a part of children’s lives. It’s a good thing because there are some truly amazing
benefits as we have seen. Animals large or small love, teach, delight and offer a special
companionship. The earlier they start interacting with animals the more they will learn to love,
respect and be kind to animals.
Having children and animals as friends around the house will be a constant source of smiles,
laughter and stories that will brighten up each day!!!!
As we are well aware maximum learning for a person happens between the ages of 0-6, it is at this age that children acquire almost all the skills needed to be successful later in life. It is these first years that shape a child’s future, most significant brain development happens at this time, hence sufficient stimulation must be given to children so they can have positive progress in all their learnings, as well as physical and mental health.
What better way can there be for children to learn than play?
Play is what allows children to build on their creativity, imagination, physical and social skills. It is through play that children interact and understand the world around them. Play helps children to learn how to negotiate, discuss, understand, resolve conflicts, and build resilience.
International schools across the world advocate almost all learning through play which could either be structured or unstructured. All play is considered ‘Meaningful’ and no matter what the children do during this meaningful time they always learn and gain. Meaningful play is one that drives the children and motivates them to explore the environment and the people around them. It is this play that gives children rich experiences that are created spontaneously in a risk-free environment. When play is child-driven and not adult controlled the children can build on decision-making skills as well as discover their interests and passions. If adults take charge then play might lose the benefits of developing creativity, leadership, and some of the social skills that we so look forward to developing in the children.
In an academic environment social, emotional as well as cognitive development are all addressed through play especially in an early year’s setting. Play helps children adjust and settle down to new environments, it enhances learning readiness, and most importantly helps in peer interactions and relationship building.
Simple fun games like shaking a rattle, playing hide & Seek or Peekaboo teaches children about communication, develops inquiring minds, and helps with problem-solving skills. Something as simple as knock down the blocks or water play can help build science and math concepts. Shapes, sinking and floating, balancing, counting, building blocks, and more are some of the enjoyable ways of teaching higher-order concepts.
Research has indicated that early experiences rich in language and literacy are important and essential for long-term academic effects- Language is an essential skill for daily communication; it is everywhere. The best way for preschoolers and toddlers to build on their language skills is through play.
Communicating, having conversations is a fantastic way to teach language, the minute children start talking about their favorite game and their favorite toys they get involved in the conversations and love to talk about the things they have created or done thereby adding to their vocabulary. Puzzles, alphabet matching games, flash-cards, story sequencing games and most importantly role-play with silly props and voice modulations are all stepping stones to great language building in a child. As they grow older children can explore fun drawings and writing activities to build on their creative writing skills clubbed with creativity, imagination, and thinking skills.
We as adults need to lay the strong foundation for formal education- play is a vital ingredient to that, the more we engage in playing, responding, and connecting with children through play the stronger the bonds and development will be seen.
As a parent the best excitement that you could feel would be when your child says- “Oh I love learning, I love Math, I love Reading” or even when you see them enjoying an exploration or the discovery that they have just made. Just seeing a child learn and grow step by step is joyful for every parent.
Learning academics, school report cards and mark sheets are only one sign that your child is on a learning journey, while that is important – what truly is exciting and thrilling is to see them go beyond the required syllabus- A new artwork, learning a new sport or maybe something they saw through the telescope for the first time , if we could sustain this joy throughout their lives we truly would have raised a lifelong learner
Unfortunately, some children lose this passion as they grow up. School becomes a place to achieve rather than learn, to compete rather than acquire. Getting their grades and scores takes precedence over the process and the joy of the learning journey. It therefore becomes important as parents that we look at how we could encourage preschoolers to be lifelong learners and inquirers
Start Early- Parents can build on the natural curiosity of children, encourage their questions, fuel their enthusiasm and look for potential learning opportunities. Share their wonder at every little thing they observe, it’s all so new to them!!!!
Role Model- Enjoy learning new things yourself, talk through with your child about all your new discoveries and any new skill you acquire as a grown-up, a new book you read or movie that you enjoyed.
Go beyond academics- Some learning cannot be measured by tests and exams – but encourage your kids to keep learning to be the best they can. Building character, building 21st century skills, relationships, all add to being a lifelong learner
Keep it Real- Let them make independent choices, encourage autonomy and resilience. Let them make mistakes and learn from it. Allow children to explore a variety of interests and choose to pursue those that they find relevant and exciting to themselves
Whether a child or an adult is pursuing personal interest and passions or chasing professional ambitions, lifelong learning can help both adults and children achieve personal fulfilment and satisfaction
It recognizes that humans have a natural desire to explore, grow, learn and always acts as a motivator to keep paying attention to ideas and goals that inspire us to seek out more.
Each one of us no matter how challenging it may seem can be encouraged to be lifelong learners- Exploring, Discovering, Seeking and Creating something along our journey called life!!!!
One of the most well-known phrases in the Montessori philosophy is “Help me do it myself”. I think that it’s so documented because it really summarizes the Montessori in its very essence. While Montessori schools are known for their learning methods, many people quickly discover the skills of independence are equally visible. Children in all Montessori classrooms are given the space and freedom to be independent learners.
Similarly, in the IB, it is always emphasized about providing the students with skills that allow them to think, act, and choose for themselves. In the PYP, such skills include gross/fine motor skills, organization, time management, safety, healthy lifestyle, codes of behaviour, and informed choices.
Self-managing learners are ready to make choices, persist, solve problems for themselves, access resources for their play ideas, and use social skills to urge others to assist them. Self-management skills require perceptive abilities such as planning, thinking, decision-making, problem-solving and managing attention.
Self-management skills are supported by:
The aim of self-management is for children to be self-regulated rather than parent or teacher-regulated, that is, to be able to determine the best course of action for themselves rather than following rules set by an adult
A prepared environment can be thought of one that would facilitate a child to maximise learning and exploring as independently as possible. The environment can be made conducive for a child to move around freely yet complete a variety of activities. Children are encouraged to explore a multitude of resources and experiences. They have both the freedom and the self-discipline to guide their choices and work in such an environment
A prepared environment is not limited to school or a classroom but can be brought into the houses as well. It will add to the learning by reinforcing the principles of school in the home as well. A prepared environment not only encourages order and independence but acts as a self – motivation tool that allows children to develop the competence of caring for themselves and their surroundings.
A few tips to help you create this at home-
Getting Organized- Having a place for everything, which the children are aware of and, that children know where to find what they need, and have a place to put things when they are done. An ordered environment also has fewer distractions, allowing children to specialise in the task at hand. To assist a toddler, we must provide them with an environment which can enable them to develop freely.
Simplifying Your Home- Doing this in your home environment enables your child to understand what is expected of them. With your support, encouragement, and consistent, gentle reminders, even toddlers can return items to their rightful places. For example, limiting toy choices and providing open shelves (instead of toy boxes where toys are heaped during a pile) at your child’s eye level allows them to ascertain all their choices and return objects to their correct places. Sorting smaller items, like puzzles, art supplies, and blocks by category into trays or baskets makes them accessible and your child can easily put them away. Keeping extra toys in storage to be swapped out once you observe your child growing tired or tired of the things currently available will keep her curious about playing with new and familiar favourites, and ensure an area that’s not only neat and tidy, but also highly valued and cared for.
The Workspace- We all know the value of creating an engaging, colourful, and educational space in a classroom, but did you know it is equally important to make an inviting learning space at home? Believe it or not, a happy home learning space can help develop your child’s creativity, sharpen their focus, and increase their motivation to read and learn. More so now in the current scenario.
Dedicated Space – The focus should not be on the size of the space but think about creating consistency. You can dedicate a corner of an area or create learning spaces that are more flexible. For example, pull out foldable chairs and tables when it’s time to learn, or create a learning space with cushions and stools only for study time. The key is to make a selected routine and spot for your child’s learning. It is most vital to point out to your child that you simply value learning enough to offer it a uniform place in your home.
Declutter– After designating a space for learning, focus on removing distractions. Remember, less is more. Too many toys, books, and supplies can crowd an area and make a sense of chaos. Create an orderly environment by decluttering the area. This will greatly help your child specialise in learning.
Comfort – Much like adults, children need to have a comfortable place to work. As a parent, it’s important to make the learning area where children are comfortable enough and happy to spend their learning time. Try to have a dedicated consistent worktable with the device placed at a comfortable distance, everything else in their bedroom should be put away—toys, books, even the bed—can be a distraction.
Visual Stimulation- When you create a learning space in your home, look for ways to create inspiring, creative, and visual places for a child’s mind to wander. For example, hang small pictures, posters, family photos, and other things that make the place positive a place where a toddler feels inspired, safe, and free.
Organize supplies– Work with your child to fill their space with necessary, supplies. Here are some things they would need handy- Writing materials, tray with markers, crayons, eraser, colours and scissors, Slate and chalk, writing books. You could keep the parent guide and resources needed for the day kept ready as well.
Food and Water- If possible, feed them well before the classes, however sometimes they may need a small snack (Finger food) to keep them engaged. Keep a simple light healthy snack handy along with a bottle of water- encourage them to sip water during the class.
If you engage your children in the process and give them a place to sit, think, and learn, it will help your child feel focused and comfortable.
Parents are always surprised by the amount of times a child can repeat an activity or a song or an action and one always question about why children are repetitive in some things at certain stages.
Research has shown that children pass through certain phases throughout their development- it is during this phase that they show a sensitivity and to learning specific skills- These phases are called ‘Sensitive Periods’- These periods of sensitivity are transitory and when the aim of the period is accomplished the special sensitivity simply falls away. In other words, it reaches its peak and fades away.
It is during these periods that children appear to repeat actions over and over again till they master it. Children seem to enjoy this repetition while building on new skills.
In her teachings, Dr Montessori observed that the sensitive periods were not linear. They do not follow each other. Some run parallel and some overlap; There are different skills that the children build on during the ‘Sensitive Periods’- some of them are as follows-
Sensitivity to Order: This appears within the first year and continues through to the second year. During this time, the child is working hard to sort out and categorize all his experiences. It makes it easier for them if there is some kind of order in their lives. To support the sensitive period for order, it is important to establish ground rules, a solid routine, and create an organized environment where everything has a place.
Sensitivity for Language: The sensitive period for language begins at birth and goes the whole way till the child is about 6 years. To support language development at home, Dr Maria Montessori believed it is important to immerse your child in an environment that is rich in language stimulation.
Sensitivity to Walking: When the young child learns to steer at around 12 to 15 months, he wishes to perfect the skill, and can walk and walk without feeling tired. To support the event of fine and gross motor skills, it’s important to support your child with regular visits to the park or an outside environment.
Sensitivity to the Social Aspects of Life: At the age of about two and a half years to three years, the child becomes aware that he is part of a group. He begins to point out an intense interest in other children of his own age. To support the development of social skills in your child, it is important to provide your child with opportunities to socialize with children their own age.
Sensitivity to Small Objects: When a child reaches its first year and becomes more mobile and has a larger environment during which to explore, he’s drawn to small objects like insects, pebbles, stones and grass. He will pick something up, check out it closely and maybe put it in his mouth.
Dr Maria Montessori recommended that a baby be kept close to his caregivers so that he can see everything and hear what is going on around him. Then as soon as he can move around, he needs the freedom in order that he can explore. Throughout this period, you may find that a child will repeat these actions for long periods of time on a daily basis.
Recognizing and supporting sensitive periods in your child’s development begins with knowledge of what is typical at different ages. The other aspect is just observing your child and allowing them to progress at their own pace. To support your child during this special time of learning, it’s important to supply them with a supportive learning environment that gives stimulus appropriate to their stage of development. This includes ensuring adequate time and materials are available, and by respecting the individual interests and passions of your child. It is through observation that the requirements of the kid are revealed.
Reference: – https://www.iammontessori.com.au/ https://www.pbcexpo.com.au/
What is the IB Learner Profile?
At the core of the IB is the ‘learner profile’, a long-term vision of holistic education that reinforces all three programmes and puts the student at the centre of everything we do. The learner profile is the mission statement of the IB and it is this that helps the students go beyond academic outcomes and prepares them to become 21st century citizens.
“The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.”- (ibo.org)
As IB learners we strive to be:
Caring
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
Knowledgeable
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Communicators
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Reflective
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
Inquirer
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Open-Minded
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
Principled
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Risk-Taker
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Thinker
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Balanced
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
**Reference- ibo.org
How do we incorporate it or teach it in school?
Different strategies are incorporated within the class to inculcate and build on the attributes of the Learner profile- some of these might include
How could parents encourage it at home?
The attributes of the profile are what we wish to see students imbibe in themselves as their personality and character, it is not limited to just behaving in a particular way at school. To continue to apply these traits at home as well parents should incorporate this at home.