A lot of you have questions about why we need to plan activities for kids when it’s their time to enjoy (of course child led).
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So after a lot of reading articles I thought of penning this down here.
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SENITIVE PERIOD in a child is very important. This is the time where they love to learn and explore new things.
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They get so dedicated that they cannot stop until they finish.
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This sensitive period runs from birth to 6years. Now you feel the times too less, did you?
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Well, during the sensitive period kids tend to learn a lot.
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For eg, an infant who is trying to roll over or walk. Have you noticed the dedication? That’s an example of sensitive period.
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A teacher or a parent should know the sensitive period of the child and respect and act towards it.
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There are times when a child loves water play. That’s an example of sensitive period too. That child is trying to discover or explore something there. Let them free with required precautions and wait to see their face gleam.
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There are kids who love animals at one stage( D at present), that’s when you need to try your best to let them know more about it.
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There’s nothing called overloading when the child is actually enjoying it.
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0-6 plays an important role. Observe your child and note their interest. Plan an invitation play, activities and change the environment according to the interest.
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I have heard, read people mocking at someone for the efforts they put for a child’s activity. Is it really required for children so young to learn?
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If its child led, hell yes it is! .
Practical life, language, sensory all these are different sensitive periods. If your child likes just one thing then you need to back off and let them do it.
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Quoting this from an article I read-
"What’s always interested me about Montessori is that she believed that parents and teachers don’t actually teach children. We model, guide and assist. But, we don’t do the learning for children. They do it on their own! In a certain way, the thought that we “teach” children places the responsibility and achievement on us. But really, children are the ones who must put in the effort, interest and motivation while discovering and learning.
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Consider recognizing their sensitive period and it’s an opportunity to speak. You can teach them loads of vocabulary and help them learn to read and write.
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All I want you to do is google “sensitive period in kids” and start observing your child. Make note of their interests and help them learn what they like.