Play Schools are known by Pre-primary School, Pre-School, Nursery School or Kindergarten. All these are designed to offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) to children for kids between the age group of 2½ to 5 years. A Play school is a place where around 10-20 children spend a few hours regularly under the supervision of trained teachers and professionals. The curriculum does not aim at developing academic skills; it only focuses on social development and character building of a child. At this phase a child is very observant, and hence they can learn things just by imitating and following instructions. There are no rules or goals as such and there is no pressure imposed upon children, the kids are handled patiently and allowed to learn at their own pace. Objective of a Play School: Children are not born with skills, they have to develop them. This is where the play school steps in to not only help the children but also provide support to their parents. The parents have a chance to observe their own child and the other toddlers and get a reference for judging their own child’s behavior. Play schools offer an external support system to the parents, where they also get an opportunity to interact with other parents and keep in touch with different approaches to parenting. Parents can easily access the trained supervisors for advice if they are facing any problems with their child at home. Apart from widening parenting horizons, play schools offer a lot for an all round development of a child. Benefits of a Play School: Pre-Schools provide different facilities under one roof like Learning Toys, Puzzles and technology based Toys, different types of learning activities & many more facilities. All these activities are done by kids under proper guidance so that it becomes a learning experience. When a child plays with a doll and dresses it up and feeds it, the teachers aim to transfer their behaviors into their own lives. This way a child will eventually learn to feed and bathe themselves. Nursery Schools also teach children to recognize their own possessions. A child learns to take care of their own belongings and not misplace them time and again. A child’s language skills also develop faster as they interact with many children of their own age and learn to connect better. Play Schools prepare children for their smooth entry into formal school as they help to minimize separation anxiety. They prepare children to face the world, as they are more self-confident and independent also they have improved interpersonal skills and better capabilities.
The new generation kids are blessed with technology from such an early age and these modern equipments can work wonders if they learn to use them judiciously. A 2-year old can easily handle any gadget and exactly knows how it functions. Action figures, puzzles and blocks are no longer the standard toys among today’s children rather they prefer playing video games and mobile games on tablets and I-pads. Positive effects of Gadgets upon Kids: From a very early age kids develop an aptitude for technology, which is an important skill now as modern equipments and multimedia are used in school learning. Tablets and smart phones offer a very good user interface which makes learning much more fun for kids. Using various applications like Skyping or Face timing with friends or relatives, which enhance their communicative and interpersonal skills and also help in cordial relationship building. Negative effects of Gadgets: Brain Damage: Modern gadgets are not of utmost importance for child development. Rather, fancy gadgets hamper their brain activities and reduce one-on-one time with their parents. Overexposure to gadgets may cause attention deficit, cognitive delays and impaired learning. Language Delay for infants: Reports suggest that toddlers under the age of two do not have the cognitive ability to comprehend complex programs of a smart phone, which interferes with the “talk time” between the parent and the child, which ultimately results in delayed language skills. Delayed Development: Kids under the age of 12 do not play outdoor games, rather they spend time playing video games and surfing the internet. This restriction in movement results in delayed development which makes them physically unfit and socially awkward. Sleep Deprivation: Using laptops and mobile phones late at night, deprives children a good night sleep. This results in an unhealthy lifestyle and divided attention, which hampers their performance at school. Child Aggression: Some online games available on the internet portray violence, murder, torture and mutilation, which can make kids violent and aggressive. Guidelines for Kids using Gadgets: The user interface should be made interactive which helps the brain development and language development, which happens only when a child talks about what is happening on screen. It should be more of an exchange of words rather than only one directional. The build-in parental controls in the device should be used by parents to restrict their child`s use of internet for a limited time period. Parents should also have access to their search history and their different activities online. Reading E-books should be encouraged, though not for long, as more amount of screen time may affect the eyes of the children. Too much screen time should not be allowed as it means less time for other activities like playing outdoor games or studying. Moderation and balance is the key to ensure a healthy relationship between a child and the gadgets. A child must be monitored and should only be allowed to spend a few hours on gadgets. Parents must talk to their kids and spend time with them and get them involved and interested in hobby classes so that their attention is diverted and their time is spent fruitfully.
Science and technology has changed the outlook of the society and has shown its positive impacts in every sphere. The use of technology and modern equipments has been whole heartedly adopted by schools and has helped teachers to expand beyond linear, text-based learning and monotonous lectures. Its role in schools has evolved with time, and has expanded the horizons of learning by matching international standards. Advantages of Technology Integration in Education: Technology integrated in education sphere, facilitates the student`s learning and boosts their capacity, productivity, and performance. It brings about positive changes in teaching methods which is at par with international standards. 1. Technology makes teaching easy: Boring long lectures and theoretical explanations often deteriorates the attention span of students and sucks the interest out of them. Audio-visual presentations, enable students to understand exactly how the knowledge is applied in practice and give makes the concept easier to understand. Projectors and computer presentations can be used to deliver any type of lesson or instruction and improve the level of comprehension within the class. 2. Technology helps in tracking a student`s progress: Some innovative software and applications like MyStudentsProgress and theTeacherCloud Progress Tracker are great online tools that enable schools and parents to determine the progress of the students. Instead of using old traditional techniques and manipulative methods, teachers rely on this new technology to have an update about every student. 3. Educational technology is good to the environment: It would be an eco friendly option to stop the use of papers and use digital textbooks in classrooms. Ebooks ad Ereaders are prevalent in today`s time, and it would be really convenient for a student to take exams online, and study via ebooks, instead of using pens and paper. This would reduce environmental pollution, as more trees could be saved. 4. Technology makes learning fun: Students are addicted to social media and internet from a very early age, which might turn out to be a harmful distraction. But teachers and parents can mold their inclination to spend time online for good purposes like making presentations, watching educational animated videos, writing and reading blogs, following TED talks, etc. Such activities can motivate a student to be innovative and inspire them to be constructive dreamers. 5. Technology makes distance learning more accessible: Distance learning or Distance education is one of the most trending learning methods. Virtual lessons are attaining greater importance than before and it is highly convenient for students. In case a student cannot afford to travel a long distance, or rather move out to another city, then they can easily enroll for courses on-line and gain the knowledge they are interested in. Working professionals can also opt for distance learning, to expand their knowledge without leaving their jobs. Online services are highly sought after, and the high quality video lectures and trained professionals available virtually, are at par with classroom education. 6. Students and teachers can easily access information at any time: Students can easily access newspapers, scientific articles, studies, and any other type of content online. They can write better, deeper academic papers because they can support and modify their arguments with references and ideas from all over the world. Students get instant information once they type the keywords online, irrespective of what time it is. Whereas, in old schools, students have to spend hours in the library to look for a single piece of information. Thus, technology saves a lot of time in this busy world, and makes the job much easier for students and teachers. 7. Technology makes collaboration easy: Online tools and apps offer a unique setting for students to engage in a group projects and participate in discussions with their teachers. They work from home, as the team is connected through the Internet and everyone is inspired by the focused environment. In case of any query, they can ask the teachers directly and gather instant help. Online collaboration gives every student an equal chance to participate, unlike traditional classroom settings, where only good students monopolize the discussion. Conclusion: The future of the educational system is practically determined by the development of technology and only proper technology can guide students towards greater understanding of all concepts covered in class. Thus, there should to be no second thoughts in accepting this positive change and digitalize education for the convenience of both teachers as well as students.
Teenage is considered as one of the best phases in one`s life. Kids between the ages of 13 to 19 Years enter adolescence and encounter a lot of ‘firsts’. Although teenage is considered as a cheerful, happy and carefree time, it also marks the advent of formidable years and challenges too. Teenage is a time that is filled with confusion and anxiousness and it is the duty of the parents, to extend their helping hand and be there for their kids as a friend and confidant. Issues faced as a teenager: There are various issues which a teenager faces, irrespective of gender. Some of the problems are extremely alarming, and needs to be addressed immediately by a caring adult or a professional. The most common Teenager Problems are: Appearance: A girl and even a boy at this age, gets really anxious about how their body and structure is turning out to be. Presently, due to excessive use of social media and public forums, teenagers constantly compare themselves to the perfect-figure bodies that they come across on the internet. This lowers their self esteem, as they start doubting their looks and try to become someone they are not. This is a very serious issue, as students tend to change their lifestyles and starve themselves to death, so that they can attain the so called perfect look. Media and peer pressure also adds on to their baggage. Bullying: Bullying is an issue which is extremely prevalent in the teenage phase at schools. A student may get depressed if they are constantly picked upon and consequently they might react strangely by keeping to themselves. Such a hostile environment, impacts a teenager negatively, and shatters their self respect and personality. Cyber bullying: Online bullying or Cyber bullying is a widespread and fast growing phenomenon while offline bullying continues to be a problem as well. Cyber bullying is far worse than direct in person bullying because, the anonymous person posting rumors on social media is completely oblivious of the fact that how badly they are affecting the victim by shattering their self esteem and reputation on a public forum. Education: Academic is a constant criteria in which a student needs to excel, in any phase of life. But sometimes, especially in this phase, amidst all the distractions it becomes extremely difficult for students to keep up with their scores and handle the pressure. Many good students also succumb to the excessive stress and lose their confidence. Depression: Teenagers especially girls can get affected by any random unimportant things due to which they feel restless and lose the will power to stay strong and happy. Various factors may lead to depression like low grades, break ups, high parental expectations, weight gain, substance use, peer pressure, etc. It is alarming to see that such minor problems also trigger suicides amongst teenagers and the numbers have only been increasing over the years. Students succumb to such intense situations and decide to throw away their lives, without even thinking about their family and future. This is very serious issue which needs to be pondered over by parents as well as schools. Solutions for Teenager Problems: A child should be constantly reminded that they are beautiful just the way they are, and they do not need to be perfect or match presumed standards. The teachers should make sure that they are not forcing extra pressure on the kids, to excel in all fields. They should understand their limits and weaknesses and glorify their strengths to rekindle their self confidence. Students should not be allowed to use social media from such an early age, and even if they do, they should not be taking these platforms seriously. Validation from a public forum is absolutely unnecessary as it plays with a student`s mind and perception. Parents should give special attention to their children at this age and monitor their activities and take interest in their personal life. Instead of immediately denying an idea or permission, they should consider their child`s needs and make sure they are mentally stable and not disturbed by uncanny situations. Conclusion: These Teenage Issues are very common and can be easily handled if they are identified at the right time by the right people. Life has so much to offer and children should understand that some small glitches cannot be the end of the world. They should learn to fight and stand up for themselves and hold their ground in such challenging and upsetting scenarios.
It is never too early to educate a child about safety and security. Parents are afraid of their child`s safety at schools, roads and even at home; irrespective of age, a child should be aware of their surroundings, and self security should be their first priority. Teaching a child about talking to strangers depends on their age. Preschoolers are unaware of the term “stranger” and fail to determine who is safe or unsafe. Thus, at schools and toddlers must be taught about basic safety and how to deal with unfavorable situations. The 5- to 8-year-old must be given special attention and lessons about safety and how to deal with strangers, when they are alone and unsupervised in public or at home. A 4 year old knows who a stranger is and must be taught safety rules. Whereas, School-age kids have an idea that some strangers might be dangerous and some can be totally harmless. They have the ability to differentiate between the two with their judgment and impulse. Ways to teach kids to handle strangers: Informing Parents: A parent should be aware of their child`s whereabouts, no matter where they are going. A child must be given strict instructions to inform to their parents about their outings. Even if it is a minor chore or an errand, a parent should be informed; this way they can protect their child from other people. A child should feel free to inform their parents about someone`s inappropriate behavior, be it a stranger or a known person. Parents must listen to their kids by supporting them and address the person trying to hurt them. No Stringent Rules: To a child, virtually everyone they meet is a stranger, at least at first, like, day-care providers and teachers, babysitters, doctors and nurses and dentists, the mail carrier, even police officers. While there are some strangers with ill-intentions, most of the others are safe and probably friendly and kindly disposed towards children. Thus, a child should not be taught to “never” interact with a stranger, rather they should be taught to be more alert and aware and avoid any physical contacts. Childproofing: At an early age a child should be taught to spell and write their full name and at least know the names of one parent. They must know their address and telephone numbers of their parents and emergency numbers like 9-1-1 or 1-0-0. Basic body safety: Teachers and parents should educate 2- and 3-year-old with general body safety. Preschoolers are not too young to learn the correct terms for their genitals and they must be taught that no one is supposed to touch their private parts and they must avoid any kind of physical contact with strangers or sit on their laps. Using Public Bathrooms and Trial Rooms: By age 6, most children are ready to use a public restroom and trail rooms on their own. A parent should be vigilant and should stay close to their child. They must immediately refuse help from unknown people, if offered any. Ability to say NO: A child should be taught to recognize suspicious behavior. Instead of telling them to be scared of an unknown person and run away from them, a child must be taught to detect danger and uncanny situations. Instances like, a stranger offering candies, asking for directions, asking for personal information, showing inappropriate behavior; kids should be aware of such circumstances and never succumb to the given scenario. They should be taught to stay away from such strangers and never offer or accept any help from such people. Final Thought about Parents, Kids & Strangers: It is not possible to protect kids from strangers at all times. But it is possible to teach them about appropriate behaviors and what to do if somebody crosses the line. There is no point crushing a child`s friendly and outgoing nature and terrorizing a child by making them scared of everyone by dwelling on such unpleasant possibilities as kidnapping, rape, and murder; rather they must be taught to distinguish among different people and always be alert and attentive. Keeping these tips in mind can help kids stay safe while they’re out and about.
Actions speak louder than words. Manners and Etiquettes are not inherited by a child; instead, they learn and inculcate values while growing up. Parents have the power to nurture, guide, show and instill kindness, responsibility, and gentleness. When children are polite, kind and honest they make their parents look good and set an example of their upbringing. Importance of Manners and Etiquettes in Kids Social skills are very important in a child’s life, from the playground to the classroom to the workplace. Interaction with people, building relationships and friendships are some of the basic needs of an individual and thus development of interpersonal skills is a must. To show respect towards elders and treat everyone politely, these two basic traits shows the character of a child, parents and teachers can guide the kids in the right way. Every parent wants to raise their child into a respectful honest human being and thus, good manners are important skills that children should develop when they are young. Several aspects like good manners at the table, on the telephone, financial etiquette, good Sportsmanship, show respect towards elders, these are some basic nuances that a kid must follow and grow up to learn. Some pointers that ensure good mannerisms: Respectfully knocking and waiting for permission to enter in a classroom or office. To ask for permission to borrow something and positively return it in the same or better condition Privacy is very important aspect, thus a kid must be taught never to look through someone`s private possessions without prior permission. Whatever happens in the family stays in the family. A kid should never discuss family arguments and problems with outsiders. This is invasion of privacy and some people may take advantage of the facts. To maintain cleanliness and hygiene is extremely important. Every child must be taught basic rules to leave the bathroom, toilet, kitchen and TV room clean and tidy and to not leave dirty dishes around the house or litter food. Practicing the art of good manners and etiquette starts at home; parental guidance should be followed through to school and the sports field. Kids Telephone etiquettes are also of huge importance and must be taken care of from an early age itself. Good Table manners and etiquette for kids should be a part of life. Wasting food, littering food here and there, not using spoons, these are considered as poor table manners, and should not be encouraged. Children are never too young to learn the art of welcoming family and guests. A warm and friendly greeting is essential and it shows that a child has been raised with good values. Conclusion: Learning to apologize and thank people, are two very important lessons a child must be taught. These values come in handy for the rest of their lives and mould them into better human beings. For students to be successful in life, they need to have social skills as well as academic skills. And with a polite and caring behavior, they will continue to use good manners and become more socially aware as they get older.
The most important aspect of parenting is good communication. Irrespective of age and gender, there should be a cordial relationship between a parent and a child, to develop mutual respect and understanding. A child is most dependent on a parent, but sometimes, due to lack of interaction and involvement they fail to share their problems, and waste their time over thinking and hurting themselves. Thus, it is the job of the parents to always be present for their kids and monitor their activities without interrupting and being over obsessed. Basic Principles for Good Communication between Parent & Children Attention: Children constantly seek attention, love and appreciation, thus parents must inflict positive feedback rather than dwelling on the negativity. A child wants a warm and loving connection with each of their parents and this is only possible if the parents make extra efforts to communicate with their children and make them feel safe and loved. Involvement: A parent should always be involved in their child`s activities and make them feel important and worthy. A child develops self-esteem, once they understand that their parents are proud of them. Thus, irrespective of the fact whether a child is verbose or reserved, a parent must spend some quiet time with them and encourage them to open up when they need to. Being a good and attentive listener, makes a child feel that they are being heard and thus boosting their confidence. Avoiding lectures Interventions are necessary when a parent notices their child is following the wrong path. But lecturing and nagging won’t help the child understand a parent better; rather it will drive them away. Mutual understanding is important in such cases, and both should consider each other`s perspectives. Inflicting Positivity: Children get boosted by positivity, thus it is the job of the parents to maintain positive vibrations around the house, and inflict enthusiasm. Narrating good funny stories, going out on meals, discussing about school life, all these aspects are extremely important for building a healthy communication. This gives a chance to have an interaction on a daily basis, and make each other aware and curious about each other’s life. As working parents, having a tight schedule makes it difficult to spend all the time with the child, but as parents one must consider taking some time off and build ways to communicate and improve the overall relationship. While the interaction habits will evolve with time, practising these communication skills will support the foundation of a healthy relationship into the future.