As we have completed the first term of this academic session, let me share few thoughts about the fundamentals of preschool learning process.
Preschool is the stage when tiny tots start ‘learning’. And this does not refer to academic learning. This is essentially ‘learning about oneself’, ‘learning to grow meaningfully’. The first step to enter in this realm of learning is to develop a sense of responsibility.
As an aware parent you have to play a key role in this scenario. You should motivate your child at this stage to start taking responsibilities. You can start entrusting small responsibilities in early years, such as, filling his/her water-bottle from the filter to carry school.
This process should be initiated carefully. It is important that the child enjoys the responsibility and he/she should consider it as a special privilege—not a chore. Therefore you should smartly start this training and also keep track of it.
Next time if the child carries out that responsibility without your prompting, then make sure that you acknowledge this very evidently. Your child should undoubtedly ‘feel’ that he/she has done something good.
When parents show their ‘approval’ such responsible behaviour is aptly reinforced.
Now the festive season is at hand and you’ll get many opportunities for this. But be cautious. Be reasonable. You should be sure enough that the responsibility you are giving to the child is not unsafe for the child in any way. Don’t force anything and don’t impose something which may be beyond the child’s capacity. It may backfire.
Wishing you joyous celebrations!
