Pre- literacy skills

Pre-literacy skills are those that little children need before they begin to read and write, for example, drawing curvy and straight lines, sound discrimination, and recognising a few phonemes.

A few early years settings already require children to begin writing in books even before they acquire the correct pencil grip.

I would like to advocate for progressive transition into literacy (writing) for young children.

Air writing, finger painting, threading, cutting with children scissors, beading are a few exercises to help children gain mastery over their fine motor skills.

The goal should be equipping children with skills for flexible wrist movement for handwriting.

The Joy of learning

Traditional classrooms have evolved in the 21st century; we no longer have dull coloured tables neatly lined up in rows with a teacher pointing a rod at the chalkboard. On the contrary, teaching and learning today is TRENDING!
From flipped classrooms to project-based learning, classes are taking on colour and, yes, FUN!
Teaching and learning today is a different paradigm from what it used it be. We’ve moved from rote and performance-based learning to teaching children the skills that they actually need for life. We have started to focus on other aspects besides the curriculum that actually influences a child’s learning and development like Social and emotional wellbeing. We have realized that for effective learning to take place, the learner will have to be an active and engaged part of the process.
Schools have evolved to reflect this paradigm shift in education. They include Morals, Happiness and Wellbeing as a core part of their curricula. School structures also reflect more children's work and children’s voice.
They say you can tell a lot about a school by just taking a walk through the hallways. I find this to be very true. It’s wonderful to look into classrooms and find colour and creativity. To see the same standard expressed differently as each classroom takes on their own personality.
Learning is a process that involves experience, study and teaching. Therefore, the best approach to learning is one that is holistic. One which creates experiences and opportunities for the learner to explore, One which requires the learner to be an active participant and one which challenges the learner to think critically.
A good teacher is one who makes learning a joy! S/he employs different strategies to target each child
Using a variety of methods to ensure that each child is acquiring new knowledge and skills.
The hope is that the learner understanding of the world around him/her is deepened leading to new or refined perceptions, values and behaviour.
School is not just about getting good grades, it is truly about equipping a child with all the skills s/he needs to live a quality life.