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At Angels Academy we are committed to the provision of quality early childhood education, that can be measured in terms of; education concept and practice; structural quality; interactions between educators and children. Angels Academy will continue to enhance children’s learning experiences, including their transition to “Big” school.

Why Parental Engagement is Important to Your Child’s Future

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Parental engagement is a commitment between parents, students, Pre-Primary School staff and the community at large. Parental engagement is more meaningful as it opens the doors to gainful communication and understanding. The school values the parents spending their time to share their views and ideas so that both participants reap the benefits. Parents are resourceful partners that help the school to move forward together in developing creative ideas and making a positive impact on the children and community.

As a hands on administrator of a private school, I recognize that our parents make conscious decisions to have their children enroll with us after visiting other schools because our parental engagement is activated at the very first meeting. We listen and know that parents have vision and goals for their children. As parents partner with staff, they become part of the solution. They gain access to the keys that will help us all achieve our united goals. In fact, parental engagement is no longer an option, it’s a necessity for success.

I close with an even more important question, Are you engaged in the process or are you merely involved?

Parents must become part of the team. Parents are an asset and resource. Their input should never be limited to parenting at home. We must see our children as future change makers in the making. It’s our collective opportunity and honor to mold these individuals for the betterment of society at large. Parental engagement is not an option. It’s a necessity.

Parent engagement refers to all activities that mother and father do to help their children succeed in college and existence. It includes everything from making sure they are prepared to go to school every day to attending parent meetings and conferences, to volunteering their time and talents to the school and their child’s classroom and to the importance and value of they place on education.

Parent engagement is vital to student success. Parents are a child’s first teacher and parents are partners with teachers in the education of their children.

When parents are engaged, students receive higher grades and test scores and therefore have a better chance of graduating from high school and going on to post-secondary education.

When parents are engaged, students have better attendance, increased motivation, better self-esteem, and fewer behavioral issues so they are actually present in PreSchool to learn.

When mother and father are engaged, they have greater self belief within the Preschool and keep higher expectations and reviews of the academics.

When parents are engaged, they feel more confident in their abilities and are more likely to continue their own education.

When parents are engaged, teachers feel better about themselves and their job; this translates into higher student achievement. When teachers feel supported and valued by the parents their morale improves.

When parents invest in a relationship with their children’s school, the school has a better reputation in the community which increases the interest and involvement of community stakeholders.

What is Early childhood education?

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

infants before the advent of formal education at schools. Such education can be provided by teachers in specific programmes, or by parents who have the time to play with and educate their children at home.

ECE programmes are fairly flexible in that they can cover an array of educational experiences during the years of preschool (this is the critical period before nursery school begins). The overall goal is to prepare children adequately for the schooling system, and to improve their academic performance later in life. From about the 1950s, early childhood education has become a lot more recognised, and is now largely regarded as essential for infants.

Types of early childhood programmes
Various kinds of early childhood education exist. One of the earliest such programmes is titled Head Start, which began in 1965 in the United States. The head Start Programme aimed to teach free early childhood education to infants of low-income households. Indeed, children in poorer families usually receive little or no early education, because their parents spend more time at work to earn a living. This then disadvantages children who enter the schooling system without prior preparation. This is why Head Start Programmes were and continue to be so effective.

A large number of early childhood education programmes are privately run by companies, organisations, churches, individuals or private and public schools. These programmes usually require fees, and thus do not specifically target low-income families like the Head Start programmes. It is for this reason that infants from low-income families have a lesser chance of attending early childhood education programmes than those belonging to middle or upper class families.

Benefits of early childhood education


The benefits of early childhood educational are multiple and varied. Primarily, it has a positive influence on the way that children learn and develop. Indeed, early education, if of a sound quality, can militate against children dropping out of school later in their academic lives (particularly if said children come from low-income households).

While the advantages of these early childhood education programmes are numerous for children of all social classes and levels of income, the benefits are most pronounced for children from lower income households whose families have not high levels of formal education.

Some studies show that advantages of ECE programmes for infants of low income households are only temporary, but other studies show that the benefits are more long-term. For example, children who have had access to ECE programmes tend to improve consistently on achievement tests. Moreover, there is a lesser chance of having to repeat a year of school, or of being assigned to special education programmes.

Yet more benefits are that there are fewer chances of being involved in criminal activity, higher chances of graduating from high school, and a decrease in the potential to receive welfare from the state as adults. The higher the quality of early education programmes, the more long-term the benefits are likely to be for infants.

What is Early childhood education?

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

While early education is widely regarded as a necessary service during the early childhood stage, the extent of its effectiveness depends largely on the standard of the programme itself. If the quality of early education is high, then the advantages of the programme will, most likely, be long-term. Inversely, if the content of the programme is of a lesser quality, then the positive effects of such early education will probably only last for the period of time in which the education is being received, or for a short time after that.

Unfortunately, the quality of early education is often fairly low. The higher the quality of early education, the more expensive it tends to be. Since infants who are from low-income households are most in need of early education programmes, it is ironic that they are the ones who do not have access to better quality early education – because of fees.

What makes early education programmes effective?
There are a variety of factors that contribute to the overall quality of early education. Firstly, the programmes require professionals, competent and engaging teachers in order to operate well. They should be experienced in providing early education skills, and should be role-models to their young students. Furthermore, they should be constantly tracking the progress of the children.

The next key feature of effective education for young children is a suitable environment. Infants should have access to a secure, caring and stimulating setting that is mediated by appropriate staff. In addition, the programme should make available healthy foods and snacks.

Another area that determines the quality of education for young children programmes is that there is good organisation and regular scheduling in the form of lesson or activity plans. Ideally, activities should be organised in such a way that infants are not hurried along and they do not become too tired. The activities should focus on developing the use of language, early mathematical ability and early reading skills. In addition, the overall objective of the programme should focus on child development in a multifaceted manner – that is, it should teach a variety of different skills. Moreover, activities should involve a lot of play (a key part of childhood learning).

Parents should be involved
Other important elements of early education programmes include high levels of parental involvement and good grouping methods. Teachers should communicate with parents regarding the progress of their child, the infant’s strengths and weaknesses, and what parents can do at home to complement the benefits being received from the programme. In terms of grouping, there should be activities that vary in group size: individual, small-group and big-group activities are all important.

Topics covered in effective education for young children
If the quality of ]education is sound, programmes will expose children to: learning the letters of the alphabet; coming into contact with new vocabulary; understanding the phonetic aspect of the alphabet; learning the basics of writing; coming into contact with written words by interacting with books and by listening to stories being read; and encountering maths and science for the first time.

Indeed, the quality of education for young children has a powerful influence on the continued success of the infants receiving such education.

Dramatic play for children

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Play, as one of the most important parts of early childhood development, is multifaceted. Indeed, infants benefit emotionally, psychologically, socially, intellectually and physically. Such imaginative play allows children the space to emulate and imitate what they observe in the world around them by embodying different people or characters’ careers, emotions, experiences and vocabularies. This type of imaginative play-activity is referred to as dramatic play, and allows children to develop problem-solving abilities and to gain new knowledge.

Through dramatic play, infants develop gross motor skills by arranging the play environment to their liking – for example by moving tables and chairs around. They also sharpen their fine motor skills by making use of and manipulating specific objects and accessories – such as clothes, dolls, toys and books. There are various aspects that contribute to enriching the dramatic play experience

Useful equipment
Certain materials and pieces of furniture are particularly useful for the dramatic play environment, and are used by many professional early education groups. Such equipment includes items like toy fridges, stoves, ovens, sinks, counters, pots, pans, plates, tables, cash register(s), chairs, irons and ironing boards, appliances, mirrors, telephones, play food, dress-up clothes, shoes and accessories, dolls, doll accessories and furniture, puppets and puppet theatres. Of course, these are just examples, and there are various other pieces that assist children to construct scenes for dramatic play.

The educator’s part in dramatic play

The role of the teacher or supervisor in early education environments is critical. A dramatic play environment could have all the equipment in the world, but the most important entity in the classroom is the teacher him or herself. Teachers are pivotal for a host of reasons.

Firstly, teachers ensure the physical safety of infants by supervising activities, avoiding potential hazards and reacting appropriately in an emergency. Secondly, teachers provide emotional support for young students by fostering a healthy environment that focuses on politeness, consideration and kindness.

Yet another duty of the teacher is to help build infants’ senses of identity by encouraging suitable behaviour for specific developmental phases. This guidance helps to solidify children’s senses of self at this critical stage in their lives. Educators are also responsible for establishing feelings of inclusion, affiliation, cooperation and belonging. This develops resilience so that children feel loved and worthy even in times of adversity.

Additionally, teachers give children the opportunity to be (somewhat) independent – they can take small risks, so that they feel in control and capable, but the educator always maintains boundaries, so that no actual threat arises. Lastly, educators assist children in feeling purposeful, and in establishing goals and objectives through dramatic play.

Social and emotional advantages
Dramatic play is incredibly important for development of social and emotional skills. When children are in an environment in which they feel secure and at ease, they are able to express themselves and their worries or troubles through play; thus, it becomes a healthy outlet. Moreover, the process of creating, compromising and adapting in dramatic play leaves children feeling proud and triumphant about what they have managed to achieve. Additionally, since there is no ‘right or wrong’ with regard to how these activities play out, there is no potential failure. Instead, dramatic play allows infants to move and develop at their own pace.

Play and toys in early education

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

and to experiment with the concepts of roleplay and growing-up. Toys in early education thus become the tools that children employ to facilitate this process.

Types of educational toys
Toys in early education take on various forms. They can be specifically targeted at early education, and purchased for the specific purpose of ‘being a toy’, or they can be random household items like pots, pans or socks that are then transformed into play-items in the imagination of the infant. Indeed, as long as an object does not pose any threat to a child’s physical safety, it can be used as a toy.

There are four main groups into which toys in early educational environments fall, depending on what skills the particular group of toys develops. It is important to recognise that toys fit into more than one of these categories, and that each group is pivotal for development.

Firstly, there are toys that foster physical growth and strengthening, such as brooms, mops, spades, puzzles, buckets, wagons and bikes. The second group focuses on promoting the development of the five senses. Examples of these types of toys include bubbles, playdough, plasticine, musical toys, and sand or water toys. Another group of toys develops social skills and the imagination. Dolls, board books, dress-up clothes and accessories, cars, trucks and games make up this group. Lastly, there are toys that promote creative and intellectual capabilities, for example crayons, paints, paper, clay, stencils and stamps.

Why are toys important?
In order to learn, understand and to situate themselves within the world, infants require actual lived experiences. Toys in early education provide such experiences, and illustrate how the world works.

One example of how toys in early education function is in the theory of gravity. Children discover through the use of their toys that objects will fall to the ground. A child may inadvertently drop a toy and observe that it falls on the ground. He or she will then repeat the process to see the same thing happen again. Through this recurrent activity, the child learns that gravity exists. This is how actual experience with toys teaches children about the surrounding world.

Developing self-confidence with toys and play
Toys in early education also help children to develop self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. As infants learn how to use their toys (for example when they complete a puzzle or successfully blow a bubble), they become more in control and more capable. This sense of accomplishment is important – parents, teachers and caregivers should take care to acknowledge these milestones in order to bolster their self-concepts. Indeed, the way in which a child learns to see him or herself at this age will have a large impact on how he or she views him or herself for life.

Playing with toys in early education environments also encourages friendships to develop, especially when a toy or play-situation requires more than one child to master it. Other advantages of toys in early education include allowing children to express feelings and to release energy.

Role of parents in educating children

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Early education is pivotal for children, as it helps them to develop in a host of ways. While most children attend some form of preschool or playgroup run by a teacher, the role of parents in educating children is just as important in fostering skills and experiences for their infants. Indeed, educational familial involvement is defined as the activities that parents or caregivers run for their children in the home during the early childhood phase.

These activities either directly or indirectly complement what their children are being taught in the preschool setting. Moreover, involvement of parents in bringing up children allows for a smooth transition into nursery and primary school.

Connecting home and school environments when educating children
It is beneficial for parents to link the home world and the school world by relating school experiences to those at home. Thus, involvement of parents in early education includes the ability to expand on what has been learnt at playgroup, and to identify strong and weak points in their children’s understanding. This will increase both the ability and confidence of the infant. Parents can also connect these two worlds by taking the time to learn the names of their children’s friends and peers, and to listen to their senses of belonging in the group. For example, do they feel threatened or isolated by any particular peers?

Positive association when educating children
The consistent presence of parents in early education settings encourages a positive identification between children and their school. Indeed, infants enjoy having their parents step into the educational environment with them, where the former are able to showcase the new skills that they have learnt. In addition, teachers and educational staff members welcome parents’ assistance for the large number of tasks that need to be undertaken during the day. Most importantly, this presence communicates to both the teacher and the child that the parents place a high value on education – and so should their offspring.

Development
If the role of parents in early education is taken seriously, then the progress of their children can be easily tracked from the start. Instead of a parent comparing a child’s development to that of another’s later on in his or her academic career, and being unable to account for this difference, early involvement will supply this information from the start. Parents will be able to identify and value children’s strong points, areas that can be improved and specific interests. This also allows for open communication between parents and teachers regarding issues that may arise.

Social networks
The presence of parents in early education environments can help to forge social networks between their children and peers in the class. Friendly parents who have a similar age to infants’ own parents become comforting figures in the classroom. They are supply information and security to not only their child but to the latter’s peers. Through association, his relationship between a parent and children in the class then encourages friendships between the children themselves. Thus, parents become friendship enablers for infants who might otherwise be too shy to reach out. Indeed, the role of parents in early education is multifaceted and critical for their children.

The Importance of Play in Early Childhood

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Play in early childhood is one of the most important things for a child’s social, intellectual, emotional and physical development. In essence, play is the foundation for all learning in early childhood, as it is through play that children begin to process and understand the world. As such, it is through play in early childhood that a child will develop analytical, problem solving and motor skills, as well as cultivate their imagination and creativity.

What is Play?
There are multiple definitions of play all pointing to the different forms a game might take. Depending on the circumstances, a child might engage in any number of the styles of play, however, typically more social types of play occur amongst older children in early childhood. Play can include using toys, children organizing and playing different roles, playing set games such as “tag” or even simply watching other children play for example.

Play in early childhood is dependant on large blocks of time being assigned to play, for children to develop more sophisticated forms of play. Shorter times being assigned to play, in contrast, will reduce the maturity of the children’s game- thus reducing many of the benefits like problem-solving, persistence, negotiation, cooperation and planning that children gain from longer periods of play. Children should thus be given half an hour to an hour, if not longer, to reap the rewards of play.

Why is play in early childhood so crucial?
Play combines the use of symbols, objects, body, relationships and is a flexible, voluntary and fun activity. Play is a right of childhood and is a universal phenomenon. Some of the benefits of play in early childhood include:

Developing social skills.

Because play provides opportunities to socialise, it helps children to learn to communicate, negotiate and understand others as well as develop their vocabulary through interaction with other children and adults.

Play in early childhood is vital, as it helps children to learn the skills that are the building blocks of learning to do mathematics, as well as to read and write.

Therapeutic benefits.
Because young children are unable to process, or fully understand certain aspects of their life, play in early childhood gives children the opportunity to express disturbing aspects of their daily life. For example, play can be used for a child to process a trauma or family conflict to which they have been exposed.

Cognitive development.

Play in early childhood supports a child’s imagination as well as their ability to learn, concentrate, problem-solve and categorize.

With the modern demands on children and their highly scheduled lives, it is important not only that they are given enough time for free play, but that parents devote their time to play with their children. Spending enough time in play in early childhood, can greatly help that child in their development in multiple spheres of their lives, and is thus as important, if not more important, as regimented learning for children. It is thus that play is considered a right of passage for children.

The Emotional Abuse of a Child

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Emotional abuse of a child is the continuous emotional neglect or mistreatment of a minor. Emotional abuse is sometimes referred to as psychological abuse, and can involve the perpetrator deliberately humiliating or scaring the child, as well as ignoring or isolating the child. As such, the emotional abuse of a child can be extremely detrimental to the emotional health and development of a child. In summation, emotional abuse can be defined as actions, speech, and behaviour of any significant figure in a child’s life that has a negative mental impact on the child.

What is Classified as Emotional Abuse?

Emotional abuse will be present in all forms of child abuse, making it challenging to differentiate emotional abuse from other forms of abuse. However, this type of abuse specifically includes the following:

- Manipulating a child
- Humiliating or constantly criticizing a child
- Forcing a child to perform degrading acts
- Name calling
- Threatening violence (regardless of whether or not the violent act is carried out)
- Using sarcasm to belittle a child or making the child the subject of a joke
- Not being present for the child
- Ignoring the child persistently
- Not allowing the child to form friendships or close relationships with others
- Blaming or making the child a scapegoat
- Not realising a child’s limitations and pushing them too hard
- Being over controlling of the child’s life
- Exposing the child to domestic abuse or violence of any type
- Exposing a child to substance abuse
- Emotionally neglecting the child
- Never expressing positive feelings, saying anything kind or congratulating a child on their successes.

Emotional abuse is under reported

Because Emotional abuse of a child is inclusive of such a wide range of behaviours, it is one of the most under reported forms of abuse. While emotional abuse of children can happen in any family, it is most common in families that struggle with substance abuse, have financial difficulties, are in the process of or have gone through a divorce, or families that are dealing with single parenthood.

Why Does Abuse Happen?
As is clear from the families where emotional abuse is most rife, periods of high stress can encourage a situation where emotional abuse can occur. This is because in such situations the focus of the caregiver can be on matters other than providing love and support for the child, and thus they can become more short tempered with the child, leading to the different forms of emotional abuse.

Another reason that a parent or caregiver may be emotionally abusive toward their child, is because they themselves experienced this as a child. In such cases, the parent has not been exposed to a good parenting role model and so repeats the cycle of behaviour. In other cases, a parent or caretaker may not understand their child’s behaviour, and thus lash out at them. Lastly, if a parent or caregiver and their child do not have a good bond that is constantly worked on, this too can result in the emotional abuse of the child.

Emotional abuse can have lasting effects on a child, and thus it is vital that the child receives the appropriate help to recover. Once the child is receiving the support they need, it is just as important that the abuser seeks treatment for their behaviour so as to put an end to the abusive pattern of behaviour.

Emotional Abuse of a Child – Signs and Symptoms

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Unlike physical abuse, there are no obvious physical signs of the emotional abuse of a child. A child who is emotionally abused will usually feel confused about the abuse, and even ashamed or guilty. As such, the child may feel scared to tell anyone about the abuse. This is especially true if the abuser is a close family friend, relative or parent. However, there are certain signs and symptoms to watch out for in a child’s actions or emotions, if you suspect the emotional abuse of a child. However, it is important to remember that changes in emotions are a normal part of growing up, before accusing someone for the emotional abuse of a child.

In general, babies and young children who are being emotionally abused may lack confidence or be anxious, be aggressive or nasty toward other children or animals, and they may be overly affectionate towards strangers. Emotional abuse of a child in an older child can generally be seen in that they struggle to control strong emotions and have outbursts, they may act in a way, know about things or say things that you wouldn’t expect of a child of their age, and they may lack good social skills and thus have few friends.

Physical Signs and Symptoms of Emotional Abuse of a Child
The physical signs of emotional abuse vary according to the severity of the abuse and type of emotional abuse. However, some of the signs include the following;

- Learning disabilities
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bed wetting or soiling with no medical cause
- Prolonged diarrhoea or vomiting
- Dressed differently to other children in the family
- Frequent complaints of headaches, nausea or abdominal pain that is psychosomatic
 -Has different living conditions to other children in the family
- Has not reached significant development milestones

Behavioural Signs and Symptoms of Emotional Abuse of a Child
Emotional abuse of a child can often lead to certain behavioural issues in the abused child. Examples of behavioural signs that indicate abuse of a child include;

- Problems in school
- Poor social and relationship skills
- Abusive toward others
- Withdrawal
- Violent behaviour
- Self-harm
- Suicide attempts
- High-risk sexual behaviour
- Teen pregnancy
- Severe developmental gaps
= Substance abuse
- During play, models negative behaviour or language experienced at home
- Attention seeking behaviour
- Overly compliant, extremely well mannered, neat and clean

Mental and Emotional Signs and Symptoms of Emotional Abuse of a Child

Emotional abuse of a child inevitably takes an emotional and mental toll on the child. These signs and symptoms include the following;

- Difficulties with trust
- Difficulties with intimacy
- Inability to cope with stress or frustration
- Personality disorders
- Low self-esteem and self-confidence
- Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Troubles with sleep
- Attachment issues

If you suspect the emotional abuse of a child, it is also important to look at the caregiver of the child’s behaviour. All parents tell their children off from time to time, and every relationship goes through rocky patches. However, if you notice severe or constant harsh behaviour toward the child, and the child is either scared or withdrawn from the caregiver – it is likely that child is being emotionally abused. However, it is important to keep in mind that the warning signs and symptoms listed above are just that, signs. They do not necessarily mean that the child is being abused. It is important that you follow the correct procedures to help the child if you do suspect the emotional abuse of a child.

Five Good Reasons Your Child Should Attend Nursery School

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

You may feel like it’s too early to send your child to any type of school, but nursery school is essential to setting your child up for success in the future. At nursery school children learn all kinds of important academic social skills. In fact, it is at nursery school that the foundations of your child’s education will be laid. Early education helps children to succeed for the rest of their school career. If you find yourself wondering whether of not to send your child to preschool, here are five good reasons why it would be beneficial for your child to attend nursery school.

Nursery school is a structured environment
Although it may look like chaos, nursery school is a highly structured environment. This is important has it helps children to learn to make friends and play nicely with each other. However, having a structured environment doesn’t mean that there are lots of strict rules for your child to abide by, and a teacher directing their every action. Much of why a nursery school may seem chaotic, is because the structure is invisible to the children. The structure promotes learning through play using a variety of educational tools to foster positive learning behaviour and concentration ability in the children.

Children learn with and from each other
Young children learn unconsciously through observation, repetition and imitation. When in contact with other children of different ages, races, cultures, religions, talents and heritages, children learn from their classmates. As such, each child develops their own knowledge, abilities and social skills, forming the bases of their learning.

Children develop their motor skills
It cannot be stressed enough how important play is for children. One of the benefits of play is that it helps to improve a child’s physical coordination. In addition, at nursery school children will participate in activities like beading, art, cutting with scissors and playing with a ball to help develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and balance.

Nursery school promotes emotional and social development
At nursery school, a young child learns to foster trusting relationships outside of the family structure with their teachers and other caregivers. At early learning programmes, children learn important social skills and emotional self-control through their experience with their peers. Teachers will make use of situations that arise throughout the day to teach the children how to manage their frustrations and anger. This does not mean that teachers will step in and resolve children’s conflicts. On the contrary, nursery school teachers know when to step in, and when to let a conflict play out so that the children can learn to work their own conflicts out. At the same time, teachers will make children aware of the impact of their aggressive of hurtful behaviour toward other children, without shaming them. With these opportunities to make friends and foster relationships, these social interactions are crucial for providing the foundations for how children will interact with others in the future.

Children learn important language and cognitive skills
Between the ages of three and five a child’s vocabulary grows, on average, from about nine hundred to two thousand five hundred words and their sentences become longer and more complex. This learning will happen in a “language rich” environment. This means an environment where children are surrounded by new language, such as through story telling and interacting with teachers and peers. As such, nursery school teachers stretch children’s language skills by introducing new vocabulary in every activity throughout the day, and through conversation with the children by asking thought-provoking questions. Moreover, children’s cognitive skills are developed through engaging in a broad variety of hands on activities that challenge them to observe, ask questions, solve problems, and test their ideas at nursery school.

It is clear then that at nursery school your child will be in a safe environment where they will be making friends, building knowledge and social relationships and building their confidence so that they can thrive in the future.

AUTHOR: Louw Albert

Early Childhood and Pre-Primary School Education is Essential

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Pre-Primary School Education is Essential by Angels Academy
When we speak of early childhood education we mean education of children between the ages of a few months to 5 years old. This suggests that it does not typically start and end in the classroom. Early childhood training is the most crucial phase of educational development as it is from this phase that future development happens. A high quality pre-primary school program needs to incorporate teaching in reading capabilities, motor skills, vocabulary and communication capabilities. With a quality program this will create substantial benefits in children’s understanding and growth. Good childhood education has gotten more attention each year due to the outcomes in research that documents that a child will be a more successful student in his high school years and at tertiary level if they have been positively impacted in their early years.

Pre-primary school children must be provided with early reading, writing, recognition and involvement to be able to perform better through the later years. Pre-primary school teachers have an integral role to play during the early childhood development as they are part of the child’s initial experience of learning inside a classroom environment. Teachers also significantly assist families balance child rearing and work duties. The development of behaviour, values and long term habits requires a relationship involving the teacher, as well as families of children. Child development levels are encased in a multitude of places. Motor development means adjustment in a child’s movement abilities, motor learning will be the ability obtained from practice and experience. Child development and involved efforts to improve the quality and pace of the child’s ability via childhood schooling involves the reality and understanding basic abilities early in life, this results in a better understanding of complicated skills in the future.

Parents, caretakers and pre-primary school educators perform a crucial role during the early years of a child’s education. Most mother and fathers tend to be concerned with the calibre or the early childhood program accessible to them. Parents, the majority of whom are employed, have to know that their small children not merely are learning but are being properly cared for throughout the day. Parent’s will help make their child’s initial learning experience successful by examining their own thoughts and expectations and by considering how they can strengthen skills that their child is required to have at school. Parents are a child’s first teacher and definitely will proceed all though life to be instructors for their kids.

AUTHOR: Louw Albert
Angels Academy

The advantages of early education – part 1

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Early education is education that is taught to children in their early years, before they are old enough to enter nursery school. This form of learning plays an essential role in influencing the trajectory of children’s development. Indeed, early childhood is the most impressionable stage of human life, and infants take in more information in these years than in any other period. While early education can be taught either at home by parents, caregivers or other family members, or in a preschool or playgroup environment by teachers, this article focuses on the latter. The advantages of early education in such a setting are numerous.

Socialisation
It is key for children to learn and to experience socialising and interacting with other humans who are not part of their immediate family. The sooner this type of engagement commences, the more opportunity there is for the development of sound social skills. Socialisation in early education environments (such as in crèches or playgroups) provides the perfect setting for such interactions, because they are safe, supervised and allow for contact with other children of the same age.

Up until this point in early childhood, infants predominantly socialise with their parents or caregiver. Thus, the beginning of socialisation with other children marks the beginning of relationships with peers and non-family members – this is an important transition and an important part of early education, because it teaches children the ability to relate to others, and lays the groundwork for friendship formation which will develop as they grow older.

Indeed, the sooner such socialisation starts, the better. This is because the socialisation process assists in building self-confidence and in tackling shyness. If this form of interaction occurs too late, the development of social skills is negatively affected.

The idea of cooperation

Another key advantage of early education is the introduction of cooperation as a necessary part of life. When children interact with teachers and peers, they learn that goals, objectives and the acquisition of resources cannot be obtained or achieved without teamwork and cooperation. Thus, experiences such as learning to share, compromising and negotiating, taking turns, being patient and persevering are all important lessons that will later translate into the ability to forming and maintaining meaningful relationships with other people. Moreover, these experiences are all facilitated by adults who have the experience to guide these interactions in proactive and healthy ways, so that children get the most out of them.

The lesson of cooperation in early education is particularly necessary for a first-born or only child, because he or she may not otherwise experience having to share or compromise with other children. This can be a tough lesson to learn – thus, it should be taught as soon as possible.

Fostering holistic development

Holistic development is a method of child-educating that emphasises building a solid basis for physical, social, mental, psychological and emotional growth, which will guide children throughout their lives. Early education teachers focus on recognising the particular areas in which individual children require support, and then work to build curricula to address these needs. Peers are also pivotal in this regard, because they tend to be accommodating, supportive and inclusive.

The advantages of early education – part 2

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Early education is a key aspect of early childhood, because it sets the tone for the development of a child in all spheres of life – emotionally, physically, intellectually and psychologically. Indeed, during the critical period of early childhood or infancy, children’s minds are like sponges, and absorb information at rates that exceed those during any other life-phase. Thus, it is important to take advantage of this developmental stage, and to equip children with as many skills as possible. Early education (in the form of, for example, playgroups) allows for the introduction of such skills and lessons. The benefits of early education are both short-term and long-term, and lay the groundwork for the trajectory of all forms of development during both childhood and adult-life.

Passion for lifelong learning
The way in which skills and lessons are taught as forms of early education should be innovative, engaging and entertaining, so that learning becomes an enjoyable activity from the get-go. This means that learning will carry positive connotations from an early age, and children will be encouraged to take new opportunities to learn, and perhaps to seek out learning themselves.

It will also give them the tools to learn effectively and in meaningful ways, that will come in use for their future studies and academic lives at school, university and beyond. This ‘thirst’ for learning needs to be fostered as soon as possible, and if early education is delivered with verve and vigour, then education will be valued in the same vein. Indeed, interest in various aspects of education (such as reading, discovery, exploring nature and the development of the imagination) takes shape now.

Learning through experience

One of the best ways to learn in early education settings is through real-life experience. For example, instead of explaining what good manners are, early education teachers can roleplay with toddlers, so that they learn how to interact. This is when play becomes important.

Furthermore, although parents or caregivers are the most influential people in their children’s lives, the playgroup or preschool setting allows a fresh perspective regarding the value of education. This is especially so, since attending day-care, crèche or playgroup revolves so much around learning in fun and exciting ways. It sets the tone for how they experience education for the rest of their lives, and should not be underestimated. In addition, it shows children at an early age that their parents care about and prioritise their infants’ education, and that they should as well.

Respect

Yet another benefit of early education is that it teaches the importance of respect. It is at this critical age where infants need to learn both to respect themselves and to respect others. More than this, they also learn to respect things around them – resources, objects, nature and their immediate and non-immediate surroundings. Indeed, this is how they learn that they are a part of the world, and that they have a responsibility to respect it and all that is held within it. This is a perfect setting for children to understand the meaning of respect, because it is primarily a sharing environment where etiquette, consideration and courtesy are learnt and internalised naturally.

The advantages of early education – part 3

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Early education in the form of playgroups, pre-schools or other peer-group situations allows for infants to develop important skills during early childhood that will equip them for the rest of their lives. While there are various advantages to early education received both from parents and from early education teachers, the latter gives children their first opportunities to interact with other infants as opposed to with their immediate family members. Indeed, the skills that are developed at this critical age will determine how children go on to interact with others throughout their lives and into adulthood. Thus, the importance of early education of high quality is pivotal; if it of a high standard, then there are various benefits.

Teamwork
Since the early education environment is usually one of the first instances (if not the first instance) of children coming into contact with other children, they learn how to work in groups at a young age. Teamwork is an essential skill to have – from schooling to university to one’s career. The way in which children play and engage in problem-solving activities teaches children how to listen to each other’s contributions, ideas and viewpoints. Likewise, children learn to cooperate, accommodate each other, compromise and to think of outcomes for groups as opposed to thinking only about themselves. Through the process of teamwork, children learn to view each other equally, and learn to relate to others despite differences.

It is for these reasons that activities in early education environments are often structured around teamwork and cooperation. Indeed, teaching a child what it means to belong to a team and how to work within one will advance his or her social skills, and can make him or her more employable in the future.

Resilience
When it comes to fostering resilience in children, this skill must be taught by both parents and by early education teachers – and it must be done while infants are still very young; otherwise, it can be difficult to develop later on. Resilience is built through providing secure, loving, consistent and just treatment to a child. If parents provide a warm and dependable social setting for the child, in which clearly communicated expectations and expected repercussions are established, then the infant will be able to deal adequately with his or her own feelings and experiences.

While these skills must be taught to children from their parents, early education teachers must create an appropriate setting in which infants can employ the skills learnt at home. These skills can then be translated into ‘real-life’ experiences which are made possible in the playgroup or preschool environment. Thus, children get to practise the ‘theory’ that they learn at home – these two forms of early education complement each other. It is through this that children learn to accept the occasional defeat, failure and dissatisfaction – and where they develop the ability to cope with challenges thrown their way.

Concentration

At this age, children absorb all information that they receive: from people, places and experiences. While imagination and discovery are important in this process, these entities must be encouraged alongside skills of concentration in early education. This includes being able to listen and to respond appropriately, to follow instructions, to execute activities and to engage in group-work.

The advantages of early education – part 4

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Early education provides a multitude of skills that will help children to succeed throughout their lives. The sooner these lessons are learnt, the more prepared infants are to interact with the world around them. There are numerous advantages that come with being exposed to early education from both teachers and parents – both forms are important. Indeed, studies have shown that those who have experienced education as infants go on to perform better once formal schooling begins. Additionally, they have a higher chance of attending university and of being able to hold down a long-term job. This article explores some of the many advantages of early education.

Patience
Patience is a key skill that is required from infancy all the way through adulthood. The ability for children to learn patience early on will mean that is highly developed by the time they are teenagers and adults. Indeed, patience can only be fostered through experiencing enough social interaction. Early education is one of the only ways in which children engage with the social world – this is where they first communicate with peers and learn what it is to be social. Likewise, it is here that patience is learnt.

In addition, infants look to the examples set by parents and early education teachers, and then mirror what they see. If they witness caregivers, educators and other peers waiting until it is their turn to do something, then they will begin to do tis too. Patience can be viewed and internalised when, for example, children are required to wait for an object, toy or resource, or attention from a particular person.

Confidence and self-worth
Children can only develop a strong sense of self, a healthy self-esteem and an optimistic worldview if their psychological wellbeing is nurtured and protected. This will then lead infants to seek out and value hobbies, passions and talents.

One of the ways in which psychological wellbeing is nurtured is through the social interactions that emerge in early education environments. Both peers and teachers validate the feelings, experiences and understandings of the infant – this encourages healthy self-esteem, which will translate into confidence and self-love both now and later on in life. Indeed, this is arguably one of the most essential advantages of early education, as self-worth lies at the very heart of how a person develops and how able he or she is to reach his or her potential.

Familiarity with diversity
Children need to learn to appreciate and to value difference as opposed to learning to fear it. If difference is internalised as a fact of life, instead of as something negative, then future prejudice and discrimination can be militated against. Early educations exposes children to peers who belong to different backgrounds to themselves – this introduces and reinforces the idea that each individual is valuable, unique and has something different to offer the world. In the same vein, different constructs such as race, gender, culture, religion and ethnicity should be celebrated as opposed to alienated or ‘othered’. Thus, early education is instrumental in promoting diversity recognition and appreciation from the start.

Play in early childhood

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

Play in early childhood is often mistakenly viewed as an indulgent activity in which children idly participate. On the contrary however, play is an essential process for development – infants establish and build skills, values, beliefs, habits and strategies of viewing the world. Although interaction (with parents, teachers and other infants) is necessary in early childhood as a part of early education, playing by oneself is also important and effective for learning. Indeed, such play is universal and archaeological evidence suggests that it has been a part of early childhood development for thousands of years. Indeed, play in early childhood is one of the most productive activities in which a child can participate. There are various ways in which play is pivotal in early childhood; this article explores three of them.

Skill development
Skill development is most noticeable when watching children play alone with toys. For example, even when a baby shakes a rattle, he or she learns how to manipulate objects, and how to control movement skills to some degree. The more a child plays, the more advanced these skills become. Moreover, play in early childhood allows for the combination of different senses in skill development. Once again, a child playing with a rattle is a perfect example – touching, seeing, hearing (and often tasting and smelling) such objects and toys allow for action depending on the coordination of different senses. The sequences of such actions become more and more complex as the child learns. Moreover, play fosters problem-solving abilities.

Social development
Once a child begins playing with other children, he or she starts to learn how to socialise in the surrounding world. Parents are the first people with whom infants socialise; thus, the shift from interacting with them to interacting with children of the same age is monumental. In this social environment, they learn how to share, take turns and how to compromise. The art of balance is learnt through the desire to maintain healthy relationships with others, while simultaneously achieving one’s objectives (for example by obtaining access to a particular toy). Likewise, play in early childhood teaches children the importance of consideration, kindness and patience. These are all valuable social skills.

Imagination and creativity
Play in early childhood also stimulates children’s imaginations, and allows them the space to express creativity. Roleplay, for instance, allows the child to take on different characters and roles – such as doctors, police officers, princes and princesses, librarians etc. In order to take on these roles, children process the differences between these characters and themselves. They must understand what makes them ‘not doctors’ in the real world, for example. Then, when imagining themselves as doctors, they are required to know what doctors do, how they go about doing their work etc. In addition, a child who admonishes or even hurts, say, a doll or a stuffed animal for ‘misbehaving’ is a healthy way in which to express anger, frustration or aggression. Instead of inflicting harm on other children or on caregivers, children express themselves through play in early childhood with make-believe interactions with inanimate objects.

Early Writing: The importance of squiggles

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

The beginning of writing for children comes with the understanding that what we are writing down are words and that words come from what we say. In effect a child starts to write the minute she understands that writing is talking on paper. Once this realization is in place, the writing can begin. However, the child is still a long way off from penning out a perfect sentence, there are many stages to explore before that happens.

Anyone who is a parent or guardian of a preschooler has probably had the privilege of a young interior designer re-decorating the walls, leather couch, cream curtains or any number of furnishings with crayon, pen, paint, you name it. To make you feel better these are the first stages of writing. Those wavy lines and bunched up scribbles are to be encouraged, just on paper and not the furniture. Never underestimate the importance of those squiggles.

The importance of squiggles: Adult squiggles are very interesting
Children watch and emulate. They think adult squiggles and very interesting. You may think writing down a shopping list, or a note to someone is just another chore, but your child will watch you and you will find yourself presented with drawings that contain “writing.” Your little one can get quite intolerant when you aren’t able to discern the difference between the picture and the writing, after all you should know what writing is. The squiggles turn into rows of favourite squiggles, some squiggles bigger, and others smaller. Your preschooler has noticed and is observing the methodology of writing. Encourage your preschooler to write and make a space for him to do so.

As you progress you can begin to make marks to define syllables of words. For example, ‘crocodile’ 3 marks would be drawn. The clapping method also works. Clapping out the syllables of your child’s name. Then comes the big step of learning her own name. It is probably the best word to start with and letters in her name will be learned quickly and then be identified in other words. One favourite is writing words down so your child can copy them. This may seem tedious because all of a sudden he has the attention span of a brain surgeon, and you are writing down words for the whole world for him to copy, but its is a fascinating time in the world of learning.

At this point you can also help your little one sound out the words, and allocate sounds to letters. Letter magnets on the fridge as well as chalk boards in areas of the house where you spend time are a good idea.

Early writing: Stages of writing development
The Texas center for reading and language arts has pioneered the following stages of writing development:

- Begins with drawing
- Scribbling where children learn the difference between writing and drawing. Children in this stage also try to mimic letters and words in their scribbles
- They now produce forms that begin to look like letters
- They write actual letters and string them together in sequences or strings
- They begin to spell phonetically
- They begin to spell conventionally

Early Parenting: How to raise good kids

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

As new parents we bumble along trying to make sure our children get the best of the best so that they will grow up to be intelligent, successful, beautiful, and affluent. We look at our children when they are little and wonder if we are pouring the right potion into their little minds and bodies to achieve all those things. Well all of us parents can take a big sigh of relief because according to the latest report from the research psychology department of Harvard, there is only one character trait that kids need in order to develop a delightful disposition and become a successful human being.

If you are worried about the ways to raise good kids and how to do that, Harvard suggests all you need to teach them is to care. According to the research of this esteemed institution, children that care about others are happier. Full stop! Nothing more fancy, elaborate, or expensive than that.

Early Parenting: Here are 7 ways to raise kids that care.
- Pencil in ‘Fun Time’ on the family calendar. The reason why is that children respond to care and respect when they are treated with care and respect. Putting aside family time to engage in a fun activity give everyone the opportunity to practice, and learn how to ‘care and respect’ each other.

- Your child turns to you for ethical and moral values even if you are not aware of it. Make sure that you yourself are practicing what you preach. Honesty, fairness, and caring are things you yourself must practice if you want your little one to emulate you. Don’t worry, he will emulate whatever you do. What is even more interesting, according to Harvard is that if you also practice self-awareness and honesty by admitting mistakes and flaws of your own. With this comes the opportunity for you children to understand that you are not perfect and that it is alright to make mistakes and work on your personal flaws.

- Harvard stipulates that children do not know before hand that if they care for others it will make their own life better so it is important to teach them. Set high standards for yourself, prioritising doing the right thing by others and the world around you. Sticking to your principles of justice, values, and fairness. By doing these things you are even raising a child who cares for the world around her.

- Teach them ‘thank-you’. Gratitude is an invaluable tool. People all over the world who practice gratitude extol its spiritual value. The Harvard psychologists add that when children learn to acknowledge and thank the people who have contributed to their lives they become more helpful, generous, compassionate, and forgiving people themselves.

- Discuss the hardships of the whole planet. You would be surprised how young children are when they figure out the inequalities and injustices in the world. Don’t be afraid to be honest. Don’t be afraid of your child’s emotion.

- Motivate your child. Join a cause together. This gets the child actively involved in caring for others. It can be a pet shelter, visiting an old age home, or even playing with younger children like toddlers and babies.

- Identify emotions. Help your child understand what she is feeling. It is important for you as the parent to be able to navigate through a tantrum, for example, when you child does not know what she is feeling. It is easy to get caught up in the hysteria but if a child can learn to deal with her emotions from a young age, that is one of the best legacies that you as a parents can give.

The benefits of reading to children (it benefits their parents as well)

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

There are great benefits to reading to children and in our busy world the time you spend reading with your children can be memories being made. As well as this valuable time set aside to read together, reading to your young ones is proving to be beneficial in the development of many different skill sets, according to latest studies. Here are five different ways that reading to your child can make a difference in his life, and yours.

Bonding: Reading to children benefits you as well
Even though most of us see reading as an exercise to further our knowledge, reading can be wonderfully fun and a very satisfying way to bond with your child. Scholastic, the book publisher, calls reading, “a gift for time-challenged parents who may feel guilty about missing special moments with their kids.”

With this is mind, reading to your children or with children, you can create quality time together, bond over stories, and learn new vocabulary. By reading to your kids you can help them learn about new and exciting themes, relationships, and aspects of life that they don’t know about. There is much to learn about the different ways that humans behave through reading, and it is through this medium that you can travel with child as he explores the world.

The research: Reading to children is the secret to success
The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research shows evidence that if children under the age of five years old read with an adult at least three times a week they are generally six months a head of children who do not when it comes to reading. The Melbourne Institute implies that children who are read to will keep on doing well as they age.

One benefit of reading to children: A rich vocabulary
There is a vast difference between talking to a child and reading to a child. Mostly this stems from the fact that when we talk, we use slang, colloquialisms, phrases, and jargon. When we read however, we are reading literature which is intricate, contains proper grammar and a rich vocabulary. When reading the child is confronted by a much more complicated and sophisticated world of language. A child who hears this form of language has an advantage, hands down.

Good for parents too: Teaching by example

If you are the kind of parent who has your nose in a book every once in a while then you will be teaching by example. Reading to your kids can be good for parents too. It can remind you, the parent, that for one, reading is great fun and two that your kids tend to copy what you do. When you think about how many bad habits you don’t want your kids to pick up from you, this is one habit that you want to get caught down in front of the kids often.

Reading to children boosts self esteem
Children who have a good vocabulary and have access to the words that they need to express how they feel, and what they think generally have a strong sense of self esteem and self image. When children have the vocabulary that is necessary, for example terminology, to express their ideas to teachers, peers and parents they build self confidence and strong academic standing. Well read children are more likely to be able to express themselves using the appropriate language without getting frustrated or acting out.

So a little hour or half hour of reading to your kids at bed-time can make a world of difference.

Early Childhood Education and Technology

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

What does it mean to bring technology into the classroom in early childhood education? Does that mean that we need to go in and set up a bunch of computers and hope the young ones will start learning how to use them? How old should these kids be before we plonk them in front of a screen and put a mouse in their hand? Will these computers make life easier for everyone as they take over the teaching and learning jobs? Or should we ban any technological device from the premises and teach the children the good old fashioned way to read and write?

To answer these questions is to begin a heated debate. Technology in schools and classrooms has its pros and cons and educators are still today scratching their heads as to whether to allow technology in.

Technology for silly games and technology for the real fun
The age old argument, and this one goes back to the good old days when you hid your comic book inside your text book so you could read it in class, is that the kids are going to goof off and use their technology for frivolous purposes. Teachers will have to confiscate phones because kids will be chatting and playing games on them. The other argument is that the kids can be using their technology to research subjects that they are busy with. That educational information and connectivity can be utilised on a hand held device.

The real fun comes when the classroom, preschool, primary and high school, is wired for technology. There is internet connection, smart boards, community areas on the internet, everyone in the class has a tablet, questions and answers pour in through technology. There are so many advantages. Kids are able to have access to each other’s work. They can work in groups remotely. Children who are not confident can participate in classroom discussions without having to identify themselves. Hiding your phone under the desk to play a silly game is not really where the fun is anymore.

Technology for a global early childhood education

It sounds so poetic. Technology for a global early childhood education and it is. Here is the huge step into the vast beyond. The place that technology could take us if we were not afraid. Our little ones are not afraid, they are curious. Technology can linkup a classroom full of preschoolers here with a classroom on the other side of the planet and start to make friends. They could play together everyday for half an hour. You child could have a great understanding of several cultures, several economic brackets, several problems that another culture faces. Your child could grow up as a young person who cares.

Your child would be aware that there are many languages in the world, maybe even learn a few words. Your child would learn new skills, learn to collaborate, and communicate with all different kinds of children, not just the ones in her classroom.

Your child would be able to explore the world from his classroom, not just in books but also through technology. 3D, live and in colour.

The most amazing thing to think about when we allow ourselves to ponder the possibilities is that we could be giving birth to a generation of people to whom inequality, racial and economic barriers could be a thing of the past. Where diversity and global understanding becomes a reality.

The real reality of it is that technology is not going anywhere except bigger, better and beyond, so we are going to have to cooperate. Plus there aren’t many four year olds out there anymore who can’t download a game onto an iPad.

How to talk to young children: Communication in early childhood

by adminn | Sep 24, 2017

We spend an awful lot of time thinking about what our children need to do to get ahead in life from a young age and yet what we don’t often take into consideration is that there are also some disciplines that we could take on ourselves as educators and parents. Once again our behaviour is an example for our children and our children are constantly looking to us, their care givers for tools on how to process all the information in the world around them. Young humans have difficulty with communication in early childhood and words, sentences, tantrums and physical acting out can be a blur to them. It is important to understand how to talk to young children.

How to talk to young children: Here are some ways to talk to children so they listen
First before you start telling your child what to do from the lofty heights of where you are standing, try squatting or kneeling down and talking to the child eye-to-eye. Try to connect easily and ask politely for the child’s attention. For example, “Jane, can I see your eyes for a minute?”
- Use your child’s name. You did give it to her and she likes to hear it.
- Don’t use long convoluted sentences or explanations. Try to put your directive into one sentence that is easy to understand. The more you ramble on the more likely it is that you will loose the child’s attention rapidly. If you do this the child can feel that one, your don’t really know what you want to say and two, that you can be manipulated and don’t mean what you say
- You can ask your child to repeat your request back to you and if he can not then it usually means that he did not understand.
- Try to stay positive instead of depreciating. In other words, instead of telling a child to stop running inside, tell her that we walk inside and run outside.
- Use some simple tools. For example “when… then”. Approach your child with a tedious task followed by something fun. “When you are finished brushing your teeth… then we can go outside and I’ll push you on the swing.” Another example is Legs first… - Mouth second, and this one applies to you the parent, or care giver. Instead of shouting across the house “dinner time!” rather take a walk into the room where the child is and firmly declare dinner time, and then take a couple of minutes to help the child finish what she is doing.
- Give children choices. It empowers them. Let them choose between two things. Apple or banana, red shirt or yellow shirt, pajamas on first or brush teeth first.
Teach your children manners. Even a two year old child can say please. Speak correctly without baby talk. Again this empowers a child as they feel like they are being treated like everyone else. Baby talk is condescending.

There are many more tools and ways to discipline parents and caregivers so that communication both ways works successfully. Try these ones out for now and see how it goes.

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