The key to early human development
JOBURG – Child development starts at an early age and play is one of the key things to assist in future human growth.
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Early human development should be invested in by parents for their children at an early age, before Grade 1, as it brings out benefits such as enthusiasm for education, communication skills and the ability to interact with others.
A school that is recognising the importance of such development is Future Nation School. Head of School at Future Nation Schools Fleurhof, Xolisa Luthi said, “[Their children are trained at a young age] to be receptive to education and to have more capabilities. Quality early learning and development programmes can foster valuable skills, strengthen our future workforce, grow our economy and reduce social spending.”
Luthi added that children go through various development stages, “A child’s brain develops and matures as they continuously learn language and communication skills as they mature and the development of their motor skills and problem-solving techniques.”
The school believes play is integral for early learning childhood programmes. Luthi has listed some of the benefits children learn through play:
- Active play: By playing, children develop their coordination, balance, gross-motor skills such as crawling, walking or skipping, including smaller fine-motor skills such as picking objects up with their hands or fingers
- Emotional: Children learn to cope with and understand their emotions when they have an engaging play, a chance for them to practice empathy and understanding of others or various situations
- Be interactive: Socialising and playing with others, children have the opportunity to negotiate in group dynamics, work with groups, learning how to collaborate, compromise, share with others, recognise and respond to others feelings, showing affection, resolve conflicts and follow rules put in places by teachers and their parents
- Cognitive: One of the most important ways to stimulate brain development is by playing with your child as they explore objects and spaces. Skills attained include paying attention, reasoning and remembering things they’ve learned.
- Communication: Children learn how to communicate, how to start and hold a conversation, how to express their thoughts and their feelings in the way that is conducive
- Creative: Children should be allowed to have a chance to let their imaginations run wild and express themselves. Make-believe is actually important for child development, it prepares them for independence.
Details: Email nonki@futurenationschools.com or visit Future Nation Schools website
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