Early learning efforts help kids and schools
In an era when demands of time often limit family communication and play, technology de-personalizes interactions, and time-intensive data collection and reporting are standard in schools, what has happened to social and emotional development? How can families and the educational institutions that serve their children be supported in such a way that positive learning experiences are maximized from birth and continue to flourish through old age?
Early developmental practices — singing, holding, reading, talking, and active play in safe and affirming environments — shape the young mind in ways that are recognized by educators upon school entry. They teach children those valuable non-academic skills of direction following, respect for rules and for others, sharing, problem solving, time/task organization, and managing emotions that the prekindergarten teacher is so pleased to see in her young students. When these skills are coupled with creative expression through integrated arts and exploring special interests and talents, the young mind is ready for further exploration and learning that build the base for competency in reading, math, science and social studies in the long term.
There are organizations in Oklahoma that offer a broad range of support to families of birth to 5-year-olds and to the schools in which they will be enrolled. These partnerships are a way to give schools a hand in raising expectations for learning readiness. By working with the families of their future students, schools provide an environment in which early learners’ play and interaction with their young peers gives them the social and emotional stability to be a lifelong learner.
Smart Start Central Oklahoma is one of those leadership organizations that operates on the belief that the essential building blocks of a socially and emotionally prepared learner begin at birth and are centered on quality interaction and the simplest play structures in the family and its daily activities. Outreach programs such as Smart Start in the Schools and Early Birds give families support and opportunities to hone the parenting skills that set their youngest children on a positive path of learning.
Children’s development comes from engaged play with others, exploring possibilities with simple toys, designing dough creatures, coloring, listening to stories, and chattering about what is going on around them with an adult. Positive results from early social and emotional development can be seen in the child who waves goodbye and skips into the pre-K classroom for a day of engaged play among peers, continuing a process begun earlier in the home. At the end of the day, praise from the teacher for having a good day of playing well with others, listening and discovering new things is the best of affirmations.
Incorporating best practices and ways to engage the children of our community in dynamic learning is a challenge, and will require restructuring the learning culture to include more outreach to parents. However, the results are far reaching and rewarding: children who feel loved and know the joy of learning and success.
Brueggen, a retired school principal, is a volunteer at Smart Start Central Oklahoma.