Education is an essential component of our society that paves the way for the individual and collective growth. It is a lifelong process, starting at birth and never ending.
The initial stage of education, also known as early childhood education, is a crucial phase in a child’s life that lays the foundation for their future learning journey. Early education plays a critical role in developing children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills, which will help them succeed in their academic and personal lives.
Despite its importance, many people are still unaware of what early education implies and how neuroscience in education influences child development. Therefore, in this post, we will delve into the foundations of initial education, including its definition, goals and objectives.
We will explore the different approaches and methods used in early childhood education such as STEM education and their effectiveness for promote the overall development of the child. In addition, we will analyze the importance of parental participation and the role of teachers in shaping the child’s educational itinerary.
What ages are included in initial or infant education?
Initial education is the foundation of formal educational trajectory of a child, in which he begins to learn the basics of arithmetic, literacy and social skills. It is a critical stage of education that lays the foundation for future academic success.
In general, initial or infant education refers to the education of children between three and six years of age. This stage is often called the early years, and it is a period in which children develop their cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills.
It is a time when children learn through play and explorationand teachers or carers play a vital role in facilitating this learning by providing a supportive and stimulating environment.
The main objective of initial education is promote the holistic development of the child and prepare him for the next stage of formal education.
What knowledge is taught to children in initial education?
In this stage, children are taught a series of knowledge and skills that help them to develop their mental, physical abilities, emotional and social. The main objective of initial education is to provide children with a safe and nurturing environment that encourages learning and development.
Although the curricula may vary depending on the country and the educational system, below, we will tell you some of the knowledge and learning areas common in early education:
- Physical development and health: The motor development of children is promoted through activities that encourage movement, coordination and balance. They are also taught about healthy habits, such as personal hygiene, a balanced diet and the importance of physical exercise.
- Language and communication: Focuses on the development of oral language, listening comprehension and verbal communication. Children learn to express themselves, listen and follow instructions. They are introduced to basic reading and writing concepts, such as letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and storytelling.
- Mathematics and problem solving: Fundamental mathematical concepts such as numbers, shapes, measurement, and sequences are introduced. Children learn to count, classify, compare sizes, and solve simple problems using manipulatives and games.
- Science and environmental exploration: Curiosity and observation of the world around them is encouraged. Children explore basic science concepts such as animals, plants, seasons, natural phenomena, and basic principles of cause and effect.
- social and emotional development: We work on the development of social skills, such as cooperative play, mutual respect, peaceful conflict resolution and empathy. Emotional skills are also taught, such as the identification and expression of emotions, self-control, and self-esteem.
- art and creativity: Creative expression is encouraged through artistic activities, such as painting, drawing, music, theater and dance. Children explore different materials and techniques, developing their imagination and artistic skills.
- moral development and values: They are taught ethical principles and fundamental values, such as honesty, respect, responsibility and tolerance. Ethical behavior and care for the environment and others are encouraged.
Teachers at this level use various teaching methods and techniques age appropriate and appealing to children. Skills taught at this level include basic literacy and numeracy, social and emotional development, physical development, and creative and imaginative skills.
Besides, children are taught the world around them, including nature, science, history and culture. The aim of initial education is to provide children with a solid foundation on which to stand as they progress to higher levels of education.
What is emotional education in early childhood?
Emotional education in early childhood is a crucial component of child development. It consists of teaching children to manage their emotions, to recognize and express them appropriately, and to understand how their actions affect others.
Emotional education also helps children to develop empathy and social skills, which are essential for establishing healthy relationships with others. This type of education is often introduced into early childhood education programs, where educators create a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow.
Through various activities, such as storytelling, role-playing, and art projects, children can explore your emotions and learn to regulate them In a healthy way. Early childhood emotional education is an important foundation for a child’s social and emotional well-being, and lays the foundation for future learning and development.
What is education to live in society?
Education is no longer limited to the acquisition of knowledge and skills, but is seen as a tool for prepare people for a fulfilling life and fully in society. Initial education, in particular, plays a vital role in shaping the attitudes, values and behavior of young learners, while providing a solid foundation for future learning.
It is during this stage that children develop social skills, emotional intelligence, creativity and critical thinking skills, which are essential for their overall development. Early childhood education also focuses on instilling positive attitudes toward diversity and inclusion, teaching children to respect and accept differences of race, culture, and ethnicity.
Therefore, early education it is a critical stage of learning that lays the foundations for a successful future in society.
What skills does a child develop in early education?
During this period, children develop a wide range of skills that will serve you throughout your life. These skills include, but are not limited to, language and communication, cognitive and problem solving, social and emotional, and physical.
Some of the skills that are developed in initial education are:
- Cognitive skills: Children develop cognitive skills, such as attention, memory, perception and reasoning. They learn to solve problems, think logically, and develop critical thinking skills.
- language skills: The development of oral language, communication and listening comprehension is promoted. Children learn to express themselves clearly, communicate effectively, and understand and follow directions.
- Socio-emotional competencies: The development of social skills is encouraged, such as empathy, cooperation, respect and conflict resolution. Children learn to interact with their peers and regulate their emotions, developing emotional and social skills that allow them to establish healthy relationships.
- motor skills: Gross and fine motor skills are worked on, promoting physical development and coordination. Children learn to move safely and efficiently, control their movements, and develop skills such as grasping, cutting, and writing.
- creative skills: Imagination, creativity and artistic expression are encouraged. Children explore different artistic media and techniques, developing their ability to creatively represent and communicate ideas.
- Scientific and exploration skills: Curiosity and exploration of the environment are stimulated. Children learn to observe, ask questions, formulate hypotheses, and perform simple experiments to understand the world around them.
- Ethical and moral competencies: The development of ethical values and principles is promoted, such as respect, honesty and responsibility. Children learn to make ethical decisions and behave ethically in their interactions with others.
- digital skills: In the digital age, basic technology concepts are introduced and the responsible and safe use of digital tools is encouraged. Children learn to use technology devices appropriately and understand basic computer concepts.
Through game-based learning, children are encouraged to explore their environment, experiment and learn by trial and error. This stage of education is vital to building a solid foundation for a child’s future academic and personal success.
By providing children a solid startthey are better prepared to meet the challenges of their future education and beyond.
Why is initial education in schools so important?
Initial education in schools is of the utmost importance due to its impact on the comprehensive development of children. Here are some reasons early childhood education is crucial:
- Early development: During the first years of life, children experience rapid physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Initial education provides a structured and stimulating environment that favors this development in multiple areas, laying the foundations for continuous learning throughout life.
- Significant learning: In early childhood education, children learn through play, exploration, and interaction with others. This allows them to build knowledge in a meaningful way, connecting concepts and experiences in a practical and relevant way to their environment.
- Socialization and social skills: They learn to work as a team, to resolve conflicts and to establish healthy relationships, skills that are key to their success in personal and professional life.
- cognitive stimulation: Curiosity, critical thinking, problem solving, and the development of literacy and numeracy skills are encouraged, laying the foundation for strong academic learning at later stages.
- Emotional development: Initial education also addresses the emotional development of children. They are taught to recognize and manage their emotions, to establish positive self-esteem, and to develop emotional self-regulation skills.
- Prevention of inequalities: Initial education contributes to reducing socioeconomic and educational inequalities by providing all children, regardless of their socioeconomic or cultural origin, equal opportunities to learn and develop.
- Transition to formal education: They develop learning skills, autonomy, adaptability and self-confidence that help them face new educational environments and make the most of their school experience.
