Importance of Motor Development And How Preschools Accelerate It During Early Years!
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Motor development begins right from birth. Infants exercise gross motor skills when they roll over, turn their heads, or shake hands and legs. Likewise, they use fine motor skills while reaching out to adults, grasping objects, shaking rattles, etc.
What Are Fine Motor Skills & Why Do We Need Them?
Unlike gross motor skill activities (like running, jumping, etc.) that involve voluntary movement of the larger muscles in the hands and legs, fine motor skills include activities that use precise movements of the smaller muscles in the wrists, fingers, toes, hands, and feet. They’re much more complex, requiring stronger coordination between body muscles and the brain. Activities involving fine motor skills come so naturally that we often don’t realise or think about them. However, they’re significant because we rely on these skills to perform diverse activities like self-care, lifestyle management, studies, and professional jobs. For instance:
- Brushing and flossing teeth
- Showering or bathing
- Turning door knobs
- Buttoning & unbuttoning shirts
- Tying shoelaces and buckling belts
- Using forks, spoons, and knives to have meals
- Whisking, mixing, or stirring items,
- Holding objects
Students use fine motor skills when:
- Holding pencils, pens, or colours
- Taking measurements with the help of a ruler
- Writing, drawing, or painting
- Turning the pages of books
- Cutting, pasting, and folding
- Playing different musical instruments
- Building structures using blocks or Lego
- Sculpting and making pottery
- Dressing up dolls
How Are Fine Motor Skills Significant For Learning?
Child development experts believe that fine motor skill development involves the participation of different body systems like neurological, sensory, cardiorespiratory, and musculoskeletal systems.
Participation in related activities develops many abilities and critical life skills. (For Ex: Balance, coordination, flexibility, physical agility) Some academic activities require fine motor skills (e.g., art & craft, drama, music, typing, note-taking, etc.)
Moreover, when motor skills improve with systematic physical activity training (like sports), it results in better endurance, fitness, and physical performance. Regularly indulging in activities involving gross and fine motor skills can help reduce the risks of lifestyle diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, cardiac diseases, hyperlipidemia, etc.
Various Activities For Strengthening Motor Development in Childhood
Preschools play a crucial role in developing gross and fine motor skills during early childhood. The “Early Years Programme” offered in schools includes creative, cognitive, and physical activities that accelerate these skills.
For instance:
- Sand Play
Sand sensory bins are common in preschools, not just because they’re easy to maintain and are fun to play in. When children trace patterns on sand or use them to make figures and structures like castles, they use almost every muscle in their hands. It enhances curiosity, observation, fine motor skill development, coordination, collaboration, etc.
- Water Play
Splashing in the kiddie pool, swimming, fishing, mixing watercolours, painting, etc., are a few water-based activities that ensure motor development in infants and toddlers. It gives them a chance to interact with nature and is especially significant in the case of learners struggling with Angleman syndrome.
- Eye Dropper Testing
Eye dropper testing involves identifying various colours and pouring them using a dropper. Educators can make it more engaging and challenging for preschoolers by performing eye-dropper activities like target practice, splash painting, watercolour experiments, fireless baking, etc., in classrooms.
- Patterning
Pattering includes comprehending and arranging different materials or resources in a sequence to maintain a pattern. We often see preschoolers performing patterning activities in the art and craft class, where they cut and stick coloured papers, beads and sequins, solve puzzles etc., to create artwork or indulge in the thumb, leaf, or vegetable impression printing.
- Activities For Improving Hand-Eye Coordination
Free play is an excellent way to promote hand-eye coordination. When toddlers indulge in bouncing balls, juggling, playing catch with friends, swinging, or using slides, they simultaneously use multiple big and small muscles in their bodies, which keeps them fit, healthy, observant and alert.
- Activities To Strengthen Bilateral Coordination
Beating drums, skipping, jumping jacks, playing with a frisbee, pushing or pulling objects, climbing a ladder, walking up and down the staircase, marching, etc., are some activities that improve bilateral coordination. These activities simultaneously use both sides of the brain and body to perform a task, thus indicating that both sides of the brain are active.
- Activities For Strengthening Core Muscle Strength
Crawling, rolling, standing from sitting on the floor, yoga, martial arts, cycling, sports, etc., build core muscle strength in students, which is important for good health and endurance.
Thus, it’s impossible to negate the importance of a good preschool programme in ensuring motor development in infants & toddlers. Make sure you choose a school that incorporates such activities into its curriculum to give your child a good start.
Are you seeking the best school in Bangalore? Ekya Schools build a resilient foundation for young minds by incorporating a diverse range of learning activities in their Ekya Early Years program to ensure the holistic development of students. E.g., sand play, performing & visual arts, puppetry, gardening, free play, sensory activities, etc. Click here to discover how we encourage children to live their lessons everyday.
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Ekya / April 03, 2024
The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education
In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.
At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.
Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.
Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.
In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
By Sweta Pradeep Rao
Senior English Educator
Ekya School JP Nagar
Ekya / April 02, 2024
Gadget-free Summer Break
With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.
Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others. When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.
I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds) with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.
This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.
Mathangi R,
Head of School,
Ekya NICE Road.
Ekya / April 02, 2024
The Eye of the Storm
In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.
And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy
Grade 8C
Parent guide towards social media and its impact on kids
The positive impact of social media on different age groups:
Social media can positively influence a child's life when used for the right purpose.- Better Lifestyle: According to research on the brain study development of 9 and 10-year-olds, children of this age who had access to social media were seen to have increased physical activity, decreased family conflict and lesser sleep problems. It can help young teens to make friends across the globe and share their interests with like-minded people.
- Develop new habits: Children can develop new habits through social media. For instance, by restricting screen usage within a stipulated time, children can learn self-control and discipline. Sometimes children can learn the developing social etiquette appropriate to their passion and career choices. With various artists sharing their work, it does not just act as inspiration but provides a platform for finetuning skills (research, collaboration, active listening, creative output etc.) even during leisure hours. One also develops new interests and hobbies by following social pages, joining groups, watching videos, participating in events, etc.
Negative impact on different ages and ways to overcome them:
While social media has many positives, children must also be prepared to face and overcome its negative sides. Social media has become an environment where bullies thrive. According to the statistical data by Enough is Enough, an organisation dedicated to making the internet safer for families, one in three people is a victim of online bullying. Read more to learn a few measures both parents and students can take to remain on the productive side of social media usage.- Reporting bullies: Children must be taught to be conscious of online trollers' and not take their words to heart. And how they should report such accounts associated with bullying or impersonation.
- Protecting privacy: Other dangers on the internet include invasion of privacy. Children may need to be made aware of ways to protect their privacy on the internet. We could teach them ways to use social media safely. For instance, children could learn to use two-step authentication for login. They should choose an alphanumeric password and change it often to minimise the risk of hacking. Before we introduce them to social networks, we should discuss the type of content they are allowed to share in public and the use of privacy settings for sharing content with a restricted group. We must discuss the consequences and effects of oversharing, cyberbullying, using hate speech, etc.
- Restricting social media access: Parents and guardians should make it their duty to monitor their children's social media use, as excess time spent using the internet could harm their state of being(physically and psychologically). We should have transparent discussions around their online experiences to understand the effect of social media on their behaviour and be aware of how they're using it to interact with strangers.
- Starting conversations regarding online bullying: Youngsters should be mindful of the impact of cyberbullying on the lives and well-being of both victims and bullies. Victims of cyberbullying need to be acknowledged, assured, and supported to cope with the trauma. Similarly, we need to humanise juvenile bullies and make them understand how their actions can devastate their friends. In this case, counselling, peer or family support, and open communication can help preserve mental health. We must make both parties' school teachers and parents aware of the incident to reduce the risks of offline bullying. Parents can enlist the assistance of the school to provide emotional support and guidance to their children in this regard.
- Online Gaming - Do's and Don'ts: When it comes to online gaming, a parent or guardian's first step towards safety is to allow the child to purchase and use paid games with parental consent. Remember to monitor the time and usage of various gaming apps by children. The time they spend online gaming should be separate from the time they spend on homework, offline playtime and family time.
- How to handle warning signs: Sometimes, children may not acknowledge the negative impacts of social media on their well-being. Because of guilt or embarrassment, some are unlikely to share their negative experiences. Therefore, we must watch for behavioural changes like disinterest in studies, distance from friends, gloominess, insomnia, hesitation, etc. They could be warning signs of social abuse. As caregivers, we must build trust and transparency with children right from the beginning. It allows them to open up and talk about their problems.
Role of schools in spreading awareness
It is not a crime to use Social Media; it is necessary to understand that it has both positive and negative impacts on children. It is part and parcel of this generation, and one must use it best. Online classes came to them as a boon during the COVID pandemic. Students had the opportunity to learn irrespective of where they lived. Not just online courses but children took exams, learnt efficient ways of staying organised by creating online documents and explored various other aspects of online learning. During the pandemic, schools played a crucial role in reassuring the parents’ confidence regarding their children’s academic progress; they also ensured to educate safe and right internet usage.Conclusion
While social media has become a daily part of people's lives, parents must take note of various factors regarding children. They should monitor their children's social media usage and teach them the importance of effectively using it. Make them aware of the consequences and harmful effects of cyberbullying. Schools play a crucial role in generating awareness about cyber threats such as bullying, and phishing, along with safe use of the internet and online etiquette. Ekya Schools, one of the best schools in Bangalore conducts workshops, interactive activities, classroom discussions, etc., to make students aware of the current issues and to ensure their mental well-being & safety, especially in the virtual world. Raising awareness and mentoring students can help them conduct themselves in the best possible way and judiciously use technology to grow. Click to read our initiatives on student well-being.Kindergarten Teaching & Learning: Why Is It Crucial For Preschoolers?
Importance of Kindergarten Education
Kindergarten offers little ones (aged 3 to 6 years) the first opportunity to learn and practise critical life skills crucial for lifelong learning, growth, and development. The activities and lessons incorporated in the curriculum aim at building self-esteem, emotional intelligence, social behaviour, and foundational skills like curiosity, collaboration, observation, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving, etc., that are needed during and beyond the school years. Flexible pedagogies and engaging classroom activities encourage peer-to-peer interactions, strengthen student-teacher relationships, and create a culture of collaboration. The kindergarten years, heavily dependent on experiential learning, mainly through play, sensory activities, and environmental interactions, build a strong foundation for the academic journey of toddlers.The Unique Aspects Of Kindergarten Learning At The Best International Schools In Bangalore
The early year programme at the best kindergarten schools in Bangalore fosters:- The Love For Learning
- Social Etiquette
- An Active Imagination
- Academic Excellence And Future Growth
How Ekya's Kindergarten Programme Nurtures Curiosity & Independent Learning?
Ekya Schools, one of the best kindergarten schools in Bangalore, follows an inquiry-driven, experiential learning-based curriculum to encourage curiosity, exploration, and independent learning. It centres around active observation, self-awareness, and free expression. Educators use various tools and activities to engage students in lessons and foster a love for learning. E.g., sand play, water play, gardening, puppetry, visual arts, sports, etc. These tools ensure the holistic development of students. The curriculum is consciously curated to cater to different learning styles and builds a connection between classroom learning and everyday activities. As children learn about numbers, letters, geometric shapes, colours, and society, they develop a natural interest in relating these to their world. Preschoolers access dedicated learning spaces and resources for building their knowledge and practising new skills. There are dedicated hours for hands-on activities, reading, storytelling, etc., which allow students to work with different materials & peers, share their ideas, and enthusiastically explore their areas of interest. It creates opportunities for educators to offer emotional scaffolding, respond to social, physical, or cognitive changes, and give feedback for improvement to support a child's emerging capabilities.Ekya's Quest Programme:
It raises children as inquirers, thinkers, risk-takers, and researchers by covering diverse quest-based topics, ranging from family to wildlife, personal safety, surrounding areas, etc. Children undertake excursions, indulge in discussions, work with peers, and interact with their surroundings to develop awareness and build on their existing knowledge.The Benefits
By the time kindergartener finish school, they:- Develop early reading, writing, drawing, gross & fine motor skills
- Recognise letters, numbers, names, patterns, structures, objects, sequences, etc.
- Learn to use educational supplies and resources (e.g., scissors for cutting, glue for pasting, an abacus for counting, etc.)
- Make rhymes, stories, imaginative drawings, and communications
- Practise self-care, basic hygiene, and daily routine (e.g., folding napkins, holding cutlery, washing hands, etc.)
- Follow social etiquette (e.g., saying sorry or thank you, sharing toys, helping friends, etc.)
- Understand basic moods & emotions, handle disappointment & boredom, take directions, etc.
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