Akshara Foundation, June 2014 - 109 pages.
It is widely acknowledged that roots are the foundations for a plant. Similarly, the importance of early childhood has been recognized by all as the time when the foundations are laid for later life, in terms of emotions, personality, social development and cognitive developments. It is a fact that the first seven years of a child's life are the most important in his/her entire life span, as development at this stage determines the future trends that the individual's life takes.
I. Child Characteristics:
At this stage the child is making a slow but immensely important shift from dependent baby to independent child. The preschooler,
Can move around easily.
Can communicate more and more clearly.
Has a sense of himself as a separate person with specific qualities.
Has the early intellectual and social skills that allow him to interact more rully and successfully with playmates.
Is shifting from using herself as the only frame of reference.
Has become less tied to the outside appearance of things.
The Preschool years also stand out as period in which the seeds are sown for
The child's strong social skills and personality
Higher order thinking processes
Independence in almost all areas of daily living
Problem solving skills
Academic skills, such as reading, wring and arithmetic
Creative and innovative thinking
Management of emotions
Mastery over almost all gross and fine motor skills
Effective spoken, written and printed communication
For these reasons it is extremely important that a stimulating and healthy environment be provided to the child.
