Childhood is characterized by the formative years when a child is between 0-8 years of age when they learn faster than at any other point in time. In these years, children experience rapid intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.

How does a preschooler learn and grow?

 A preschooler experiences five major developmental stages:

 1. Brain Development:

 Cognitive skills such as problem-solving, asking questions, visual discrimination, matching and comparing, sorting, organising, understanding fact and fiction, and understanding cause and effect are part of brain development. A healthy childhood is essential for brain development.

 2. Emotional and social development:

 Children express their emotions, communicate their likes and dislikes, form friendships, and gain confidence through their social skills. To achieve social and mental development, the child learns to get along with his siblings or other children of the same age.

 3. Development of speech and language:

  Introducing concepts related to print and phonics helps children develop reading skills. By using developmentally appropriate drawings, listening to stories and instructions, and creating initial letters, the child can express himself and communicate. The skill of speaking and listening gets developed by participating in conversations, asking and answering questions, explaining something, providing details, and speaking clearly and in full sentences.

 4. Development of fine motor skills:

 Children learn that fine motor skills require structure and detail in early childhood care and education with activities like eating, brushing teeth, dressing, and washing hands, as well as activities like paper tearing, clay molding, cutting, and sticking.

 5. Development of gross motor skills:

 Participation in physical activities such as jumping, kicking, throwing, climbing ladders, opening doors, etc., helps develop muscle control, balance, and coordination. The health and participation of children improve their chances of success in life.

 What do we need to do to achieve these development goals?

 Early knowledge is acquired through reading, stories, playing simple sound-letter games, or simply by looking at pictures, letters, and words in the environment -- for example, on billboards, street signs, and cereal boxes. Drawing, scribbling, coloring, and painting help a child develop their writing skills. Children also learn how letters correspond to spoken sounds through writing. When children are young, singing with them, playing music for them to dance to, and allowing them to play instruments can help them gain an understanding of music, drama, and dance. It is crucial to teach our children to be in tune with their environment as with other behaviors. Using hands-on activities, starting small, leading by example, and making learning fun is key to engaging young children.