Getting Ready for Learning …!!!

Children are natural learners. They have an inbuilt curiosity and an eagerness to know more about everything – about themselves, about others and about the world around them. And they learn fast – but only when they are ready and their interest is aroused.

Because they come to us so young we must guard against putting pressure on them to learn what they are not yet ready for. Demanding too much too soon can switch a child off completely. At the same time we must cultivate readiness so that they can get moving as soon as possible.

The first year in school therefore, is mainly about settling in, relating to others, making friends, feeling happy and gradually getting used to the routine of the school. On the learning side the emphasis is on getting children ready for learning by –

- Developing their oral language and expression.

 - Sharpening their senses, especially seeing, hearing and touching.

 - Developing physical co-ordination especially of hand and fingers.

 - Extending their concentration span and getting them to listen attentively.

 - Learning through play - the most enjoyable and effective way.

 - Co-operating with the teacher and other children.

 - Performing tasks by themselves.

 - Working with others and sharing with them.

 - Getting each child to accept the general order which is necessary for the class to work well.