Unfolding The Canvas of Learning: Learning Step 14

The First Few Steps to School 

Unfolding The Canvas of Learning: Learning Step 14

When should young children begin their school life? How many years should they spend at home with parents or grandparents learning the ways of life?

The world regards the mother as the first teacher. This is absolutely true; the home is a child's first school. Forty or fifty years ago, children stayed at home for five or six years, acquiring knowledge indirectly and through daily habits (informal learning). Before entering formal schooling, they already possessed some understanding of how to live. Beyond mere knowledge, their emotional maturity had also developed to a certain extent.

Due to the demands of the times and shifting social attitudes, children today are enrolled in preschools as soon as they turn two. At this stage, however, they are not yet physically, mentally, or emotionally ready for structured, direct learning. Consequently, the process of learning is not a natural one; instead, it is imposed upon the child's brain.

The state of mind of a child starting school is akin to that of a newlywed woman moving into her husband's home filled with a sense of anxious apprehension.

What is the mindset of a child starting school? What emotions do they experience? Generally, the following emotions can be identified:

1. Fear 

2. Hesitation 

3. Insecurity 

4. Wonder 

5. Novelty

6. Doubt 

7. Lack of confidence 

8. Dissatisfaction 

9. Physical fatigue 

10. Curiosity

Not every child experiences all these emotions, but it is highly likely that every child will feel some of them. These feelings are shaped by the child's home environment, social and economic circumstances, and the love and involvement of their parents or family members. What causes children to experience these feelings when going to school, and how do these factors affect them?

The first factor is a change of location. Moving from a familiar, accustomed environment to an unknown, new, and unfamiliar one triggers fear and a sense of insecurity.

The second reason is the transition from an environment without restrictions to one governed by rules moving from freedom to order. This is not a welcome change for the child. At home, a child can wear whatever they please, roll around wherever they like, and make any amount of noise; they enjoy complete freedom of movement. However, upon entering school, all this freedom is lost.

Consequently, children experience a sense of hesitation and dissatisfaction. Thoughts regarding how to cope with this situation and how to navigate this challenging environment begin to form in their minds.

The third reason is a sense of suspicion; the people and the surroundings are entirely new. Questions arise in the child's mind: What kind of people are these? Will they be kind? How might they affect me? Are the other children my age just like me? How will they impact my individuality? Can I play with them on equal terms? What will they think of me?

Let us continue to explore the other impacts involved.