Young Children Learn at Birth

December 16, 2019

Learning begins at birth. Very young children are learning through play, the active exploration of their environment, and, most importantly, through interactions with the significant adults in their lives. Children learn more quickly during their early years than at any other time in life. They need love and nurturing to develop a sense of trust and security that turns into confidence as they grow. Self-confidence grows as children feel loved and nurtured by the adults who care for them. They also begin developing self-control when they feel upset. Young children learn to think, and to puzzle out an interesting problem, by using their senses to play and explore the world around them. They grow, learn and develop rapidly when they receive love and affection, attention, encouragement and mental stimulation, as well as nutritious meals and good health care.

The first five years of a child’s life are fundamentally important. At this time, they have already begun laying the foundation for life-long. They are the foundation that shapes children’s future health, happiness, growth, development and learning achievement at school, in the family and community, and in life in general. Early experiences provide the base for the brain’s organizational development and functioning throughout life. They have a direct impact on how children develop learning skills as well as social and emotional abilities.

Understanding the stages of child development helps parents know what to expect and how to best support the child as she or he grows and develops. Early childhood is the first stage of lifelong learning, shaping the individual’s course as a learner over the life cycle. The expectation that children who take part in high quality early childhood education programs will learn better in school.  In this way, early childhood education can play a key role in assuring a firm foundation for subsequent stages. Indeed, Early Childhood Education Center is important for ensuring that each child will get the best possible start in life as your child’s first five years are the most influential for their learning and development. Not only nurturing the minds of young children during their fundamental early years by enhancing and instilling a love of learning that leads to growth, ability and resilience is important, but also all early learning activities should adopt a play-based, child-centred approach.

written by Yenti Handala, 
Center Director of Tutor Time Pluit

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