1.
Introduction
Early education is advantageous for children aged 2
to 6 years. Commonly referred to as preschool, kindergarten, daycare, or
nursery school, these educational settings share the primary goal of preparing
young minds for the transition to elementary school. One of the main objectives
of kindergarten is to instill socially acceptable behaviors in children. This
includes helping them learn to share, take turns, and respect the privacy and
belongings of others. Education is not merely a preparation for life; it
embodies life itself. Children should be provided with opportunities for
natural exploration, allowing them to connect with nature. In a free and
nurturing environment, children learn various skills and develop a love for the
natural world.
2.
Functions and Importance of Early Education
1.
Kindergarten offers a platform
for children to learn and practice essential social, emotional,
problem-solving, and study skills that will be valuable throughout their
schooling.
2.
It helps uncover children's inner
talents and interests, guiding them toward becoming well-rounded individuals.
3.
Children become familiar with
their culture, character, and traditions.
4.
It empowers individuals to
establish meaningful connections with life.
3. Needs
of Children
When determining the aims and objectives of
education, it is vital to consider the needs of children. Their essential needs
include:
1.
Attention and care
2.
Security and safety
3.
Smiles and encouragement
4.
Opportunities for conversation
and listening
5.
Support for their feelings and
belongings
6.
Rewards and special recognition
7.
Praise and autonomy
8.
A desire to explore and learn new
things
4.
Objectives and Aims of Preschooling
1.
Foster the development of
children into intelligent, healthy, and morally upright individuals—physically,
mentally, and spiritually.
2.
Educate and train children to
become independent and resilient while learning to share.
3.
Instill hygienic habits,
including dressing, toilet routines, and cleanliness.
4.
Teach manners and etiquette for
social acceptance.
5.
Encourage curiosity about their
environment and surroundings.
6.
Enhance vocabulary development.
7.
Cultivate an understanding of
right and wrong.
8.
Promote creativity and
appreciation for the arts, such as music and dance, and a sense of wonder for
nature.
9.
Prepare children for school
readiness.
10.
Encourage participation in
extracurricular activities and games.
11.
Develop the ability to express
thoughts and feelings clearly and accurately.
12.
Provide opportunities for
self-expression to foster independence and creativity.
13.
Adopt a child-centered approach
to teaching.
14.
Emphasize "learning by
doing."
15.
Instill virtues of discipline and
a positive mindset in children.
16.
Ensure the kindergarten
curriculum is flexible and adaptable to meet societal needs.
17.
Practice fine motor skills
through activities like holding pencils, turning pages, painting, and molding
clay.
18.
Focus on gross motor skills, such
as kicking, rolling, jumping, and balancing.
19.
Teach balance on bicycles and
tricycles.
20.
Instill respect for national
symbols like the flag and the national anthem.
5.
Importance of Preschool
Kindergarten provides children with vital
opportunities to learn and practice essential life skills. Through cooperative
activities, children build self-esteem, patience, curiosity, and teamwork. In
contemporary education, play-based learning significantly contributes to
preschool literacy development. During play, children express their ideas,
learn to interact with others, and practice newly acquired skills and
knowledge.
6.
Conclusion
The significance of kindergarten in today’s world
is invaluable. To achieve its aims and objectives, proper guidance is
essential. Effective teachers are crucial in realizing the goals of
kindergarten. They present concepts in a structured manner that allows children
to explore, manipulate, and engage with ideas actively, helping them fulfill
the objectives of preschool education.
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1. https://ddceutkal.ac.in/Syllabus/MA_Education/Paper_19.pdf
2. https://www.unesco.org/en/early-childhood-education
3. https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v8i10/ART20201596.pdf
4. https://ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in/hsp10/chapter/importance-need-and-scope-of-early-childhood-care-and-education/