The primary grades at school are a whirlwind of discovery! Our little ones are like sponges, soaking up information, experiences, and often a “wow” period of discovery -that lays the foundations for future learning – as they progress into their teens & higher school wings.
As parents, we play a vital role in supporting this critical growth & development.
But with so much to focus on – where do we even begin?
The answer is more straightforward than you might think:
Building the Blocks of Brilliance
These aren’t just about academic skills (though important too!), but about fostering a love of learning (BTW, we call it – the sixth element) and equipping children with diverse abilities, behavior & values they need to prepare for the path ahead.
So, what are essential skills to nurture in the primary grades?
Curiosity: It all starts with a spark! Encourage questions, exploration, and experimentation. Visit museums, take nature walks, travel, and ask “open-ended questions” to ignite their natural curiosity. Encourage their questioning and provide gentle, patient answers in a collaborative, positive dialogue format.
Problem-Solving: Let your child grapple with challenges (age-appropriate, of course!). Building with blocks, navigating mazes, or even helping with simple chores at home or sometimes outside can develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Safety is good – but “too much sheltering” may not be great for learning & development – since, as they grow older, they will grapple with some issues/difficulties- and problem-solving is an excellent skill to encourage & imbibe early.
Communication: Talk, sing, read, and listen together! One-on-one or, if feasible, in smaller groups too. These interactions build vocabulary, communication skills, and a love for language & valuable “expression” abilities.
Creativity: Art, music, storytelling – embrace all forms of creative expression! Let your child explore different materials, experiment with ideas, and celebrate their unique voice (but avoid digital media tools in the primary grades).
Collaboration: Play-dates, group activities, and teamwork-oriented games teach children to collaborate, share, and resolve conflicts. Values get reinforced if the group of students/adults they usually mingle with – both at home & school – have good values and cultural skills – so let’s try to influence/choose apt friend circles/peer groups.
Confidence: Celebrate your child’s efforts, big and small! Offer encouragement, positive reinforcement, and opportunities to take on new challenges that build their self-belief.
Remember, learning should be fun! Make it playful, engaging, and a journey of discovery together.
Could you please provide a few bonus tips?
Make Learning a Habit: Set aside some time each day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes, for reading, exploring a new topic, or playing an educational game- like, say, scrabble.
Lead by Example: Show your child your love of learning. Read books, explore new hobbies, and demonstrate the joy of lifelong learning.
Connect with Teachers: Partner with your child’s teachers to understand the specific skills being focused on in the classroom and find ways to reinforce them at home.
By nurturing these essential skills, we’re not just preparing our children for academic success but building the blocks of brilliance for a lifetime of learning and exploration. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together and watch our little ones blossom into brilliant, confident individuals!
Is the Sixth Element School in Gurgaon an EXCLUSIVE Cambridge International curriculum school?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is registered as a Cambridge International School with a global school registration number IA 892 – We are proudly one of over 10,000 CAMBRIDGE SCHOOLS GLOBALLY (IN OVER 160 COUNTRIES) & PART OF AN ECOSYSTEM of 650 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS IN INDIA.
A good understanding and positive partnership between parents and schools is cultural @ our schools – essential to nurture the future leaders of Gurugram, our great nation, and contribute to our planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYSING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR OPERATING CURRICULUM IS BENCHMARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY WHILE ALSO DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES.
THANKS TO OUR 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND OUR CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS – PIAGET, VYGOTSKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL
www.sixthelment.edu.in
the Sixth Element School
the school children love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
limited enrolment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 in 2023
@ Gurgaon’s only single-section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
