Early Childhood Education Is Important To A Child

Early Childhood Education Is Important To A

Child
Li Hei Lui 10643206
RCS 0011 Thought and Writing
Hong Kong Baptist University
College of International Education

Early Childhood Education Is Important To A Child

Abstract
Early Childhood Education is an important stage which lays the
foundation for life-long learning and whole person development, and
serves as the starting point of formal education. It articulates with
primary, secondary and tertiary education to form an entire spectrum of
education.
Research into the human brain shows that the period from birth to the
age of 8 is a critical phase for brain development and therefore the best
time for learning. The influence of the external environment is crucial to
brain development. If a safe and accepting environment with abundant
sensory stimulation is available in early childhood, children will have
positive brain development which is beneficial to their future learning.
According to the theory of multiple intelligences, there are many
aspects of human intelligence and every individual has varied strengths.
Numerous studies on learning theory have shown that children learn
gradually and construct knowledge with the assistance of adults.

Early Childhood Education Is Important To A Child

Early Childhood Education Is Important To A Child

The benefits of early childhood education have long been disputed. It
is hard to deny the opponents opinion that children have always grown up
to be intelligent and reliable young adults without the benefits of early
childhood education. Child psychologists and teachers for early childhood
education point out that there are many benefits including: the child being
ahead when they start formal education, having a good foundation for
continued learning, having a grasp of peer relationships, having higher
self esteem, and better enjoyment of the learning process.
Psychologists such as Segment Freud and Jean Piaget say that the
brain development is highest during the first four years of life and a child
learns the most. The brain is forming important neural paths to help
develop the child's ability to perform and function and learn well. Children
are able to learn at a rapid rate and want and need to learn new
information. Psychologists say that this time is of great importance
because this is when children learn to socialize and process basic learning
skills. In this way, early childhood education is the foundation for
continued learning in the life time.
Early childhood education will teach the child that what the basic skills
are necessary to be a success once the child starts his or her formal
education. During early childhood education, the child will learn to write
his or her name, count and recognition of first words, and do basic math
problems such as grouping objects, learn the colors and shapes.
Social skills are important to learn at this age. The child will be placed
in a classroom with other children. By playing and learning with other
children, the child will learn how to deal with day to day situations. One of
the reasons that the older children may have difficulty in school if they
had never really learned the social skills in the kindergarten. Early
childhood education provides the child a means in which to learn to listen,
to communicate thoughts and ideas, to taking turns, to share things, and
to deal with their emotions.
Children who have had opportunities for personal growth have higher
self-esteem. Imagine how happy the child will be when, during the first

Early Childhood Education Is Important To A Child

day of formal education, he or she already knows how to spell their name,
what the date is, and how to take care of their own selves such as put on
their clothes and tie up their shoes. The child will be praised by his or her
teachers and peers for his knowledge.
By giving the child an early childhood education, you are providing
your child with the means necessary to be happy and successful in life.
Research studies show that children who have an early childhood
education go on to do better in school and are more successful in adult
life. It is easy to see that an early childhood education is essential for a
childs future.

Early Childhood Education Is Important To A Child

Resources
The Curriculum Development Council (2006). <Guide to the Pre-primary
Curriculum>. Hong Kong: The Education and Manpower Bureau HKSAR.