As a devoted parent, I have been diligently following my kid’s learning and how she has adapted to different teaching styles and educational methods. If I could go back in time, these are the 7 things I wish I knew about how kids learn and the best way to educate them.
1. Learning is active
Learning is an active personal process. Learning arises from a child’s natural curiosity about the world and the things around them. The worst way to help a child learn is to make it sit in a class and teach them numbers and alphabets at 4.
2. Curiosity is precious, protect it
Curiosity is the natural driver behind learning. It is important not to kill the child’s natural curiosity. Putting them in front of YouTube or TV are surefire ways of smothering the curiosity out of your child.
3. Playing is learning
Children learn through play. Play is not “wasting time.”. Play is a natural window to the world. Play is how a child learns social skills, motor skills, and language skills. Engage with your child in play. And you would end up rekindling the child in you.
4. Not all toys are the same
Avoid getting the latest Spiderman or Chota Bheem toy that they cannot do anything with. The best toys for children are those that involve building, assembling, and creating in unlimited combinations. They allow for infinite possibilities, create new connections in their brains, and enable self-expression. Think LEGO Classic. They are expensive for a reason.
5. All children are not the same
If all adults are not the same, why should children be the same. Each child is unique, with a unique combination of genes and childhood experiences. Each child will have its own pace of learning, and teaching should be personalized.
6. The Public education system is a sham
The mass public education system that we see today is a result of the mass industrialization that happened a century ago. It was designed not with the child in mind, but with the factory in mind. If you’re serious about your kid, put them in a smaller, non-traditional school.
7. Keep an eye for symptoms of abnormality
Do not ignore any signs of abnormalities, which may include communication difficulties, social Interaction Challenges, repetitive behaviors or unusual reactions to sensory input. Do not think it will be fine with time. Early detection can prevent long term disabilities. Consult a specialist right away.