It’s that time of the year! National school applications for grade 1 admission are out. A while later International and private school applications are out. The clamour to get your child into a prestigious school, or a school closer to home or a myriad of other reasons begins. On the other hand, in a host of developed nations, people have begun homeschooling their children, claiming benefits that a school cannot provide. As attractive as it may sound, we cover aspects in this blog of how important and how crucial it is that children attend a regular school, especially from the ages of 6 onwards.
In this post, we’ll explore how schools contribute to the holistic growth of children during these critical years, the specific areas they influence, and suggestions to further enhance their impact. Let’s dive in and understand why schools are the cornerstone of a brighter future for every child.
Schools provide a solid, tried and tested framework for academic success for a child. Yes, it’s not tailor-made to suit individual requirements, but years of research and studies by qualified and experienced educators leave no stone unturned.
From the basics of writing and reading to arithmetic and art, children are given all round knowledge which builds up over the years. Their cognitive skills are extensively developed through critical thinking to solve a mathematical problem, imagination to compose a poem or creativity to produce a Michelangelo. Art, music, and drama classes nurture creativity and self-expression, while extracurricular activities that encourage children to explore talents beyond academics are equally essential.
It’s a gradual build up, with syllabi becoming more complex and more extensive over the years.
Have you ever wondered what your child’s life would be like without any sporting activities?
On another positive note, schools provide sporting activities that help enhance talents within your kids. Under the guidance of qualified coaches, children’s individual talents are spotted early and harnessed and developed. The benefits of sporting activities goes beyond what the eye can see. Team sports develop good spirit, the readiness to accept victory and defeat alike, the ability to support peers, the testing of physical skills and the greatest benefit of learning to cooperate and work with others as a “team”.
Being healthy and hygienic starts young
Hygiene, healthy habits and nutrition are also important aspects a child will learn in school. Defiant children at home who refuse to eat their daily requirement of fruits and vegetables will most likely be encouraged to watch peers eat “healthy” and will over a period of time emulate them. Teachers can get to children in a way a parent can’t, and certain aspects of Hygiene will be enforced in schools. Rigid as it may sound; it’s all in the best interests of the child, inevitably creating a profound impact.
A resilient child becomes a force to be reckoned with
There’s no better way than attending a school to develop emotional resilience. The ups and downs, the challenges in academics and sports, the exposure to people from varied segments of society, the necessity to deal with different personalities are but just a few challenging times children will face and will learn from in school. This exposure to peers from different backgrounds fosters tolerance and inclusivity. Challenges in academics or social situations help build perseverance mental strength and the ability to manage emotions through guided interactions and peer group activities.
A home environment will not test children’s emotional skills as parents inevitably wilt under pressure and sibling hierarchies mean “there’s an order that has to be followed.” Encouragement and positive feedback from teachers and seniors also help boost confidence and self-esteem, crucial skills necessary towards becoming a successful adult.
Becoming a socially responsible citizen starts young
The exposure to lessons in history where students gain valuable knowledge on successes and failures of long-gone monarchs and rulers enables children to develop critical thinking and understanding of avoiding such mistakes in their lives. The culture, religion and traditions taught through a myriad of subjects create awareness of being socially responsible citizens of the country. The exposure to religious studies and conforming to societal norms is inculcated young. Children are exposed to religious prayers, moral values, modesty, and the ability to decide between right and wrong through these learning sessions in school. I’m not doubting that parents expose and teach their children these things, but the positive influence of peer pressure in these aspects is undeniable. It’s the rare child that traverses the wrong path; that too due to a large number of reasons, that can influence other children, but, the positive influence remains much stronger in schools than the negative. Adhering to societal and moral norms inevitably builds law-abiding, socially responsible citizens who are an asset to the nation.
Leaders are made, not born
Have you ever wondered how some children take on leadership roles with confidence and self-esteem? How do these very children become CEOs and Managing Directors? The training starts young. It’s a school environment that inspires children to emulate seniors and teachers, to walk around with their heads held high while their hearts remain with those around them. It’s in the little roles, from being a class monitor in grade 2 to being a society representative in middle school to eventually being a Club President or a Senior Prefect at the tail-end of school life that moulds children into being great leaders.
How else do these roles help children? Responsibility, respect and inclusivity are critical parts of being a great leader, and these are nurtured in the growing young minds in school environments. These sorts of experiences can never be nurtured in homes because parents especially in Asian homes assume leadership roles and children aren’t given the opportunity to explore their abilities. The exposure to these life changing experiences in schools is game-changing for children. Maybe, one day when your child is in a top management position in the corporate sector or even a leader of the country, you may want to thank the school your child attended for providing the platform to nurture and enhance these talents.
In conclusion
Schools are not just centres for academic learning; they are dynamic environments where children acquire essential life skills, discover their potential, and develop the values that will guide them into adulthood. From building foundational literacy and numeracy skills to fostering emotional intelligence and teamwork, schools lay the groundwork for a child’s success in life. The years between 6 and 14 are often described as the most formative in a child’s life. During this time, children experience rapid growth across cognitive, emotional, social, and physical dimensions. While family plays a pivotal role in early upbringing, schools are indispensable in nurturing these key areas of development.
By fostering holistic development and instilling qualities like resilience, responsibility, and leadership, schools are the cornerstone of a brighter future for every child.