If you’re a parent, you’re probably very familiar with that phrase: “children are like sponges”. It refers to how children absorb facts, language, and life skills at a remarkable rate during their earliest years of development. That’s because these years are among the most critical in shaping who they will become and what they will learn. And while kids discover many of the things they need to know from their families and communities, early childhood education is an integral part of this process.

Many people refer to early childhood education as preschool. But today, the term means so much more. It is a time when children begin to acquire essential social, emotional and cognitive skills. This will serve them well in later years and help lay the foundation for success in school and beyond.

Besides learning in the classroom, young children’s earliest experiences directly impact the development of their brains and their abilities far into the future. Research has shown that 90% of brain development happens before age 5. Early childhood education provides opportunities for active exploration and helps children meet essential developmental goals while encouraging curiosity and creativity. Here are some of the benefits of early childhood education:

👉 Socialization

Socialization happens when we learn how to live in harmony with other people in our communities — when we learn how to share, take turns, and respect each other’s boundaries. And for many kids, preschool is the first place they can practice those skills! 

Children at this age are often eager to make friends and connect with others, but they haven’t yet learned how to do so appropriately. They may still have trouble sharing toys or taking turns on the swing set. Young kids can experiment with interactions by participating in activities like cooperative play and music time with their peers. They can do it under the guidance of trained teachers who can show them how to communicate effectively in a group.

👉 Better Academic Performance

A study found that young children who attended early childhood education programs were more likely to score well on reading and math tests than those who didn’t attend these programs. 

One of the main reasons for this is that children who attend preschool are exposed to structured learning and playtime activities, which help prepare them for kindergarten and first grade. A child who has not mastered basic skills like the alphabet, numbers, and shapes will find it difficult to progress further in school. They may be at risk of falling behind their classmates or having to repeat a grade level. If a child is too far behind, they may eventually drop out of school. But if you give your children a head start when they are young, they will have fewer problems in school as they grow older. 

👉 Lifelong Learning

It’s a universal truth that children are the most tender, impressionable minds. Every experience they have, every interaction they witness, stays with them into adulthood. It shapes who they become as people and how they treat others. Early childhood education provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning. 

👉 Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence

Kids with a solid foundation in early childhood education tend to have higher self-esteem and confidence. Kids are naturally curious, and as they develop their knowledge through play and hands-on learning, their sense of self-worth also improves. They feel good about themselves for what they are capable of doing. 

A strong sense of self-worth is essential for children to build confidence throughout the rest of their lives. Preschools focus on the overall growth and development of the child rather than only academics. The curriculum that these institutions follow is designed to foster an environment for learning and social interaction for small children. This allows them to be prepared for life at school and provides them with the confidence to pursue their dreams.

👉 Better Attention Span

Children who attend preschool have better attention spans than kids who start kindergarten without the benefit of preschool education.

Zankhana, a Senior Curriculum Developer and a seasoned Foundational Year Educator at Square Panda, opines, “When in preschool, children get accustomed to having their attention directed by an adult. As a result, they are less likely to become distracted or frustrated when required to focus on a difficult task or academic concept. This increased ability to focus makes it easier for them to pay attention in class, making them more likely to succeed academically and socially.“

👉 Exposure to Diversity

As parents, you want your kids to grow up in a world where they are not judged by the color of their skin or what religion they practice. But beyond that, you should hope your child will grow up to be someone who respects other people and learns to understand the world around them. 

Early childhood education provides the opportunity for children to meet and get along with people who look like them and those who don’t. It is a place where they can develop empathy towards others while also gaining an understanding of themselves—which will help them later on when they enter the workforce and have co-workers from all walks of life!

👉 Healthy Lifestyle

Children need to be physically active to stay healthy and develop their gross motor skills, which will enable them to be successful in school. In childcare facilities, kids tend to follow the lead of their peers and teachers. If a child sees their friend running around outside or jumping through tires on a swing, they may be more likely to join in on the fun. The other kids might inspire them to try something new, or they may learn by watching what others do.

👉 Boosts Creativity

Though many parents worry that the pressure of learning too much at an early age will stifle their kids’ creativity, it’s actually the opposite — studies show that children exposed to an enriched environment from birth do better creatively later in life. 

Early childhood education programs often allow free play periods that give children time to use their imaginations when playing with other children. In addition, different classes may be offered in music, art, and storytelling that can help boost creativity in early childhood.

Square Panda India offers comprehensive early childhood programs that put children on a path toward academic success by setting them up with the tools they need to succeed, and creates the supporting ecosystem needed to ensure lifelong learning and success. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in 

Here are some useful videos to explore the topic further:
Why Educators Are The Key To Successful Early Childhood Education
5 Reasons India Needs A Strong Early Childhood Education System
8 Activities To Build Social And Emotional Skills In Early Childhood Education

You may also be interested in reading some of our blogs on early education:
The Economic Impact Of Early Education
How Adaptive Learning Can Transform The Early Education System In India
Why We Need Phonics In Early Childhood Education

We hope that you enjoyed our post on early education. If you have any tips or suggestions please leave a comment below. If you would like to collaborate with us, you can drop us a mail on marketing@squarepanda.in.

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Empathy is a critical skill for every human being to have. It is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. To be empathetic, one must be able to imagine themselves in another person’s shoes. Thus feeling what that person is feeling. Anyone can learn empathy through practice and experience. We are all born with the capacity for empathy. But we often need to nurture it to grow into a full-blown skill.

Empathy maps are visual tools that explore the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of a particular population. We can use them to learn how a particular population processes information and makes decisions. They are based on the principle that we humans make decisions based on our emotions, not our intellect.

In education, an empathy map is a simple, easy-to-understand visual that captures knowledge about a student’s behaviours and attitudes. Using empathy maps, educators have a better chance of relating and connecting with students, which leads to more effective teaching practices. The empathy map consists of four quadrants: 

• thinks/says
• feels/needs
• does/goes/seek
• hears/sees

As a teacher or adult interacting with the student frequently throughout the day, you can capture insights about them in these different quadrants. We can use it to understand a student with whom you have a troubled relationship. We can employ empathy maps to build a relationship with any student you don’t know well yet.

For example, what does this student say to his or her peers? How does he or she act when her team is struggling with a problem? What does he or she look like when she is happy? 

Empathy Maps allow teachers to put themselves into the shoes of their students. They can then better understand what students need from them. A teacher may ask students questions about their learning experience and then record their responses on a map to make it easier to analyze the data.

How do Empathy Maps help Teachers?

Empathy Maps do not replace in-depth assessments or other methods for understanding students’ needs. They provide a framework for educators to go beyond conversations with students and generate more meaningful results. These results contribute to improved design, courses, and programs. 

These maps help teachers see things from the perspective of their students. They also aid in developing an emotionally supportive learning environment. By understanding what they need and want, teachers can provide more engaging lessons that cater to the specific interests and goals of their learners.

It is essential for educators not only to know how students feel, but also why they feel this way. Thus, Empathy Maps should include reasons behind emotions expressed by students during classes. With such information at hand, educators can adjust their lesson plans accordingly to address students’ needs and promote a positive classroom atmosphere.

Benefits of Using Empathy Maps:

The use of Empathy Maps promotes the development of emotional intelligence in students. They become more attentive to others and get new skills in communication. In addition, this approach encourages interpersonal relationships and personal growth and development.

This benefits learners in many ways, including:

• It helps learners put themselves in someone else’s shoes, and see things from another person’s perspective. By developing greater empathy, learners can better understand the world around them and work collaboratively.
• It helps them get to know each other better as team members. Having a learner complete his or her Empathy Map can help other members understand that person better. 
• You may be asked to work with someone who is not part of your usual team. They may have a chance to see your perspective in a new way and generate ideas about how best to work together.

By using a variety of unique approaches and pedagogical tools, Square Panda India helps people across the education ecosystem realize their full potential through the transformative capabilities of EdTech. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in

We hope that you enjoyed our post on empathy maps. If you have any tips or suggestions please leave a comment below. If you would like to collaborate with us please reach out to us on marketing@squarepanda.in.

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Here is a list of our other blog posts that may interest you:
Six Tips to Help Children Cope with Stress
Overcoming The Gendered Digital Divide Through Education In India
3 Ways ICT Labs Can Equip Students To Be Better Learners

Stress can get the best of us, and children are no different; they’re sensitive to stress too. The fear of not knowing what comes next can be paralysing. Anxiety becomes an unwelcome companion, and frustration can turn into anger, manifesting itself in defiance, often throwing tantrums or causing a scene. From school to home, from art class to the playground, from one class period to the next – so many things can keep children overwhelmed. Plus, after studying from home for the last two years, the recent transition to the physical classroom has resulted in an increased amount of stress. 

Even before the Covid-19 virus hit, high rates of psychosocial distress plagued children in many countries. According to a UNICEF and Gallup survey, 1 in 5 young adults felt depressed or were demotivated. While children can be resilient to occasional stress, constant stress can affect their physical, emotional, and behavioral health. Children exposed to long-term stress may become fearful, anxious, and insecure. They may also feel depressed and irritable. Stress in children can also lead to various physical symptoms, including headaches and stomach aches. Over time, chronic or severe stress can weaken the immune system and cause more severe problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

While stress may be inevitable, there are ways to help manage it. Throughout April, schools worldwide celebrate stress awareness month and encourage children and teens to de-stress. Here are some helpful tips on how to help your kids cope with stress:

👉 Talk It Out

Helping your children learn to cope with stress begins with communication. This can be as simple as a casual conversation while driving in the car or when you’re tucking your child into bed at night. Take the time to talk to them about their feelings and listen carefully to what they have to say. When they share things with you, try not to judge them – simply offer support and guidance. Make sure you let them know that it’s OK for them to express their feelings and ask questions about their day or any activities that seem out of the ordinary for them. Keep communication open and honest so that your child will feel comfortable confiding in you when they encounter stressful situations. It’s also essential for parents to talk about being stressed so that kids know it’s OK to talk about it too.

👉 Make Time For Fun

Take a break from your family’s hectic schedule and do something fun together. Play a game, take a walk, or simply enjoy each other’s company without distractions like cell phones or television. Avoid the temptation of over-scheduling activities outside the home. While it might seem like you’re doing something special by taking your child out to see a film or play, too many outings can leave children feeling rushed and overwhelmed when you could be spending quality time together instead.

👉 Limit Screen Time

Everyone likes to unwind after a hard day at work. But if your child is spending too much time online, it could be hurting their emotional well-being. Studies show that children and teens who spend more than two hours a day in front of a computer or TV may be at greater risk for anxiety and depression. Try to keep children from using electronic media during the hour before bedtime. This will help them fall asleep faster and sleep better throughout the night.

👉 Encourage Physical Activity

Exercise helps kids de-stress, reduce anxiety, and manage depression. It’s also good for developing their mind, social skills, and overall health. Practice taking deep breaths or imagining a quiet place together to help deal with everyday stressors like test anxiety or trouble sleeping. Breathing exercises can help slow down a rapidly beating heart and calm racing thoughts. 

👉 Help Children Get Good sleep

Sleep deprivation can worsen mood disorders in children and teens, so it’s essential to set a regular bedtime routine that allows them to get at least 9 to 11 hours of sleep each night, depending on the child’s age. 

👉 Model Healthy Coping Skills

Children watch what you do and take cues from how you handle stress. Show them how you use healthy coping skills such as talking about your feelings with people you trust, walking outdoors, or writing in a journal. Remind them that everyone feels stressed at times and that there are healthy ways of dealing with these feelings.

At Square Panda, we believe learning should be an enjoyable, engaging experience for kids of all ages. Our innovative and experiential programs ensure that kids’ attention spans are not lost in our increasingly busy worlds, and that they imbibe the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a stress-free manner. To know more, visit https://ecce.squarepanda.in/.

The gendered digital divide refers to the unequal distribution of access to and use of digital technologies by women and men. It is a multifaceted phenomenon rooted in the gender-based disadvantages women face in many areas of life, including economic power, financial resources, social status, and political influence. 

As a consequence of a robust patriarchal tradition and the low status of women in India, girls are often considered less important than boys by their families. However, gender disparities in educational attainment and technology access continue to persist. These gender disparities are particularly pronounced among youth from rural areas and low-income families, who face considerable obstacles regarding access to schools and quality education. In India, only 15% of women own a mobile phone, and 33% use internet services compared to men. In 2020, a quarter of all adult females owned a smartphone, compared to nearly half of all adult males.

Additionally, a new survey shows that the pandemic has further widened the gap between access to mobile phones and computers among young girls in India. According to UNESCO, over 158 million girls were affected by the closure of schools in India during the lockdown. This has intensified the already-existing gap in educational opportunities for young and adolescent girls.

How can Education Help?

Education has long been recognized as one of the most powerful tools for overcoming poverty and inequality. The emergence of open, digital platforms has presented the means to address the educational divide head-on. It is pivotal to creating opportunities for future generations and helps pave the way for upward social mobility. 

However, the first step must come from political policymakers and politicians themselves. Political leaders must develop policies that will help girls from low-income families and those with fewer privileges than men to realise their full potential.

📌 Improving Digital Infrastructure for Women

Governments could offer free or low-cost distribution of ICT devices to women. Investing in women’s education, including training in digital skills, can have a social dividend for the nation since women with the right training make significant contributions to the economy. Just look at countries with high rates of ICT use, where men and women are on par when it comes to technological know-how and productivity.

📌 Advocating Women Education

Digital literacy classes are not enough, though. We also need to create systems and cultures that support women’s and girls’ long-term interests and success in technology. This means creating safe spaces to practice their skills without fear of harassment or discrimination. Schools should also encourage female students to be interested in computer programming & other technology-related subjects rather than discouraging them because of their gender.

📌 Better Workplace Environments

Encouraging women to join the workforce and providing support services for them to be able to both work and raise a family could go a long way toward solving the problem. It is also essential to combine employment possibilities with educational opportunities that promote the better distribution of unpaid care (childcare and housework) and training for lifelong learning.

The Bottom Line

Despite rapid growth in mobile penetration and digital access in India, women lag behind men in both these areas. Gender discrimination in technology, low level of internet access, and lack of digital literacy among women inhibit their ability to participate in the economy. By supporting women and enhancing their digital literacy and access, we can empower and enable them to fully participate in the creation of the next chapter of India’s growth story.

Our comprehensive range of programs help deepen digital access and equitability, empowering all stratas of society to realise their full potential through the transformative capabilities of EdTech. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in