Child is the father of man, educate them early

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Child is the father of man, educate them early

First six years determine the brain development of a child, say experts

by

Kelly Clarke

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Published: Sun 4 Sep 2016, 6:24 PM

Last updated: Mon 5 Sep 2016, 9:09 AM

"A child's mind is like a sponge." We are all familiar with this saying, but is there really any truth behind it? Well, yes.
Neurological research has proven that the early years of a child play a key role in their brain development.
From the moment they are born, babies begin to learn. The difference in learning capacity between a child and adult is huge - with the child being the favoured learner of the two.

 What nurseries should focus on 
> Literacy and Reading: A space for storytelling, filled with books, small chairs, rugs and crayons that allows children to expand their knowledge.
> Dramatic Play: A space full of props and role-play encouraging children to understand the symbolic representation of everyday professions, as well as developing their reading skills.
> Manipulative play: A space for construction toys such as Lego, allowing children to develop their fine motor skills, learn hand-eye co-ordination and practice problem solving.
> Art: A space with coloured paper, crayons, markers, tape, paint and other creative materials. Children in these spaces are developing their small muscle control, creativity and hand-eye coordination
> Gross Motor Skills: Areas designed to encourage the use of children's large muscles such as tricycles, tunnels, slides, running, dance, yoga and other physical activities
> Sensory: These areas are essential for children to understand the physical world around them. Parents should look for sand and water tables, as it also aids children in understanding math and physics (pouring, floating etc.)
> Science: It is important that children understand how the world around them works and operates, especially the environment. Look for areas for gardening, composting, plants or aquariums.
> Technology: In order to best prepare children for "big school" and the future, introducing them to technology is important.
 
Here, Khaleej Times speaks to Lovita Tariq, founder and director of Kids World Nursery, to find out just how important education in the early years is.
Q: Why is early education important?
A: Many parents have reservations about early education. Having been in the industry for 12 years, I have worked with the parents of around 10,000 toddlers. After years of close observation, research and educating toddlers, I can confidently say the first six years of a child's life can impact the next 80. Children's early years of learning experiences deeply affects their future physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. For instance, children that have received early education are more likely to have better social relationships, perform better in school and have higher attention spans.
What impact does early education have on development?
Academic achievement is one of the main benefits you see in early years of learning. A child that has attended early education is able to achieve and adjust to any circumstances, far more than those who have not had formal early education. Research has also shown that children with a formal early education are more likely to attend college, and have fewer behavioral problems
Why is tutoring a 3 to 6-year-old more effective than those from age 6?
The future of every child's success in many ways is determined before he or she turns 6. As it is during these early years, a child learns and develops their critical mental, emotional and social capabilities. This is not a theory but a fact, based on decades of research, that most of what you need to succeed in life is established before you enter school.
What is the enrollment rate of children in your kindergartens and nurseries?
The UAE has been a center of attraction for most young couples around the world. It is in many ways a perfect option for families. Our nurseries are usually 85% to 100% enrolled depending on the time of the year.
Is there a particular demographic you see more of in your nurseries?
Operating in different communities of the UAE - Al Nahda, International City, Jumeirah Village Circle and Jumeirah Lake Towers - we see a wide range of nationalities enter our doors.
Our Al Nahda branch is home to predominantly South Asian and Middle Eastern families. International City has multiple East and South East Asian families (China, Indonesia) Jumeirah Lake Towers and Jumeirah Village Circle have no particular dominant demographic.
The financial costs of pre-primary education can be a burden for parents. How do you tackle this issue?
Yes, this is especially true when only one member of the family is working. This is why our fees have been modelled to best fit those families with genuine financial cost restraints. The monthly fees in each nursery is unique, as they operate specifically for the community they reside in. Our fees range from Dh1100 to Dh2,150 per month.
How are your facilities evaluated?
Although times have changed over the last 12 years of Kids World, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have consistently expected the highest standards of quality, safety and education for children. We are expected to adhere to three main factors: Curriculum, quality of provision, environment.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
 


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