Has this thought ever come to your mind? Were you wondering what their preschool day looks like?
Your little preschool is a colourful chaos of giggles and toys, where the memories are cherished, and where every day is a small step towards a bright future.
But in the whirlwind of ABCs and 123s, have you ever taught about the less structured, more experiential activities where your child is playing or getting their hands dirty with mud during planting or with colours during finger painting; why are they doing all these activities?
Because these joyous experimental activities are important beyond their traditional education for their holistic development.
But in this article, we are focusing more on their physical education and development and laying the foundation for a lifelong quest for knowledge and growth.
Holistic development means providing children with a supported and nurturing environment where they excel in all areas which includes physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and moral aspects.
Here's a detailed explanation of how holistic development is fostered in International schools in Nagpur:
1. Physical Development:
● Preschools emphasise play and physical activities; where children are engaged in activities like running, jumping, climbing etc. which help in developing motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness.
● In preschool students are taught about healthy eating habits which is also essential for physical growth.
2. Cognitive Development:
● Preschoolers are introduced to age-appropriate learning concepts such as numbers, alphabets, colours, shapes etc. through games, stories, and practical activities.
● Children are given tasks to solve problem-solving activities like puzzles and building blocks where they have to think logically which stimulates cognitive development.
3. Emotional Development:
● Preschool teachers create a safe and supportive environment for children where they are able to express their feelings and share things. They are also given various activities to check their emotional quotient, and teachers help them identify and manage their emotions.
● Preschoolers are given storytelling and group activities where they learn to understand and empathise with others' feelings, promoting emotional intelligence.
4. Social Development:
● Preschoolers are given opportunities where they can interact with peers, share things, take turns, and learn various social skills such as cooperation, empathy and tolerance, communication etc.
● Conflict Resolution: Children learn how to resolve conflicts in a healthy manner and build positive relationships with others.
5. Moral Development:
● Preschools often incorporate activities that teach children moral and ethical values, such as kindness, honesty, and respect.
● Teachers themselves make sure they are portraying the right behaviour and ethics so that students can learn from them by observing them.
6. Creative Development:
● Art and Music: Preschools encourage creativity through art and music activities, allowing children to express themselves and develop their imaginations.
● Imagination Play: Pretend play and storytelling foster creativity and imagination.
7. Independence and Self-help Skills:
● Children are taught basic self-help skills like dressing, eating, cleaning, washing hands, and following hygiene, promoting independence and responsibility.
● Children are given activities like choosing colours, reading or writing which helps in developing decision-making skills.
Preschool Teachers are highly experienced in handling kids and providing them with valuable education. They act as mentors who observe each child, track their progress and tailor activities as per their needs and interests. The goal is to provide children with a nurturing environment where they are free to explore, learn on their own, and develop in all areas; helping them to build a strong foundation for their future education.
Physical education is a part of holistic development in preschool and here is a detailed explanation of the importance of physical education in preschool.
● Physical Health and Fitness
Physical activities develop basic motor skills in children which are seen from their improved coordination, strong muscles and bones. Regular exercise and eating healthy food fosters healthy growth and development promoting overall physical well-being.
● Cognitive Development
Physical activities like counting steps, following directions, and problem-solving games engage the brain improving memory, concentration, and cognitive skills.
● Emotional Development
● Role of physical education is vital. Physical activities like running, engaging in exercises etc. release endorphins, which reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being. It also provides a healthy outlet for children to release pent-up emotions through physical movement. When children achieve physical milestones, it enhances their self-image and emotional resilience.
● Social Development
Physical education involves group activities fostering social interaction where they share, and communicate enhancing their emotional intelligence and social skills.
● Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Early exposure to physical education develops a love for physical activities and a healthy lifestyle which they continue to follow when they grow older.
● Improved Behaviour and Discipline
Consistent physical activities develop discipline in children which is reflected in other areas of study and behaviour helping them to channel their energy in a positive way.
● Maths and Literacy Skills: Physical activities like counting while jumping, and following instructions improve literacy skills.
By fostering a love for physical activity and teaching essential life skills, physical education sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits and overall development.
International School Nagpur encompasses the overall growth of children through holistic development. Let’s explore these elements in detail:
● Physical Development
Physical development helps in the development of both fine motor skills and gross motor skills through activities like writing, colouring, walking and running promoting strength, flexibility, and coordination.
● Cognitive Development
Children are given activities to think, find reason, memorise, and improve language which is crucial for academic success and lifelong learning.
● Emotional Development
Students learn to understand and manage their own emotions and other’s as well. Developing emotional resilience helps them to cope with stress, adversity, and setbacks in a healthy manner.
● Social Development
Social development focuses on building positive relationships and effective communication with others. This includes skills like sharing, listening, and conflict resolution.
● Moral and Ethical Development
Children are taught values, ethics, and a sense of right and wrong through various age-appropriate activities which encompass principles such as honesty, integrity, and responsibility.
● Creative Development
Kids are encouraged to explore their imagination and express it through various forms of art, helping them to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to challenges.
● Independence and Self-help Skills
Preschool kids are taught self-care skills like dressing, feeding, and self-care developing self-reliance, responsibility and accountability for one's actions.
● Environmental Awareness
Holistic development teaches children to be responsible towards the planet and their environment by using sustainable practices.
● Lifelong Learning
Holistic development encourages a love for learning in children where they learn to freely ask a question, be curious about the world, and adapt to new experiences.
These vital elements of holistic development are interconnected which nurtures each aspect of an individual contributing to their overall development.
In the journey of finding a nurturing environment for our children, we often focus on their academic success and physical well-being. However, the real development is holistic development which is a blend of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social guidance by values and creativity. As parents, it's crucial to remember that our little ones have unique needs and interests which need to be nurtured.
Physical holistic development in the early years means the development of a child's physical abilities, motor skills, and overall health during their early years as it provides a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.
The holistic approach to physical activity emphasises physical fitness along with mental, emotional, and social well-being through various activities.
Physical education can be made fun for students through engaging activities, games, and creative teaching methods that not only promote physical fitness but also foster enjoyment, motivation, and a lifelong love for staying active.
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