According to Dan Gartrell, director of the Child Development Training Program and professor of early childhood and elementary education at Bemidji State University in northern Minnesota, brain research helps us to better understand what school-readiness is. It doesn’t only concern academic basics, but also children’s attitude and confidence in the learning process. In other words, a healthy state of mind. So, where can young children develop such a positive mindset during the determining years from birth to 5?
Actually, the learning process begins at home. Parents play a crucial role in teaching their kids major skills, like the ability to focus, self-control, as well as academic skills such as speaking and reading. The second best way to develop a healthy state of mind is by attending a high-quality early-learning center where kids can learn to communicate, to get along with their peers, to deal with adversity, and much more.
Many studies have shown that a child’s outcome at school and in life is highly related to kindergarten readiness. The early years are capital years for building strong social and academic foundations, the indispensable abilities to become a successful student. Scientific research has shown that the first years are the most important period of human development. The gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children is widening long before children enter school. A lot of them start school unprepared and research has revealed that school is generally powerless to compensate the early gaps.
Picture: The First Lesson, by Carlton Alfred Smith (Wikimedia Commons, w/Effects)
