By| Farooq Ahmad Lone
As it is often said, the foundation of a nation lies in the education of its youth. To have a strong nation, we need strong, educated youth. But to cultivate strong, educated youth, we must provide a robust education system that equips students with the knowledge and skills to express their hidden talents. In this article, I will explore how we can build a strong educational foundation for our children, starting from their first day of school, in nursery.
Children learn things faster and more easily as their minds are fresh and full of curiosity. They ask questions about whatever they encounter in life. They want to understand the objects in their environment, whether it’s a tree, hand pump, car, smartphone, or anything else. They want to know how their environment works and the role different objects play in it. However, children are often unable to express all the questions in their minds because they lack the words to articulate their thoughts. Sometimes they do ask questions about certain things and actions. Here, it is the duty of teachers in schools and parents at home to answer these questions. Children must be encouraged when they ask questions, as this will strengthen their spirit of inquiry. This will also foster a desire for research and exploration in higher grades.
Children must be given the freedom to speak and be heard. This will help develop their ability to think and express their thoughts without hesitation. Sometimes children offer better advice and suggestions in certain situations than their elders. We must remember that being small does not mean being weak.
Teachers should take students on outings to beautiful places, where they can be exposed to natural vegetation, mountains, wildlife, etc. This will help them appreciate the vastness and beauty of nature. Such exposure will encourage them to think in broader perspectives. Teachers should also take students to institutes of higher education and research. This will spark curiosity and a love for knowledge and research in children.
From their early school days, children should be encouraged to develop a habit of reading and writing. Reading will enable them to gain knowledge in diverse subjects, while writing will help them express their thoughts and ideas concisely. It is the responsibility of teachers to nurture their students’ love of reading because today’s readers are tomorrow’s writers. We live in an era where powerful readers can become powerful writers, capable of bringing real-world change. The blessings of modern communication have further amplified the significance of reading and writing. You can read an article from an analyst who is miles away on your smartphone, while your own article can be read by anyone anywhere in the world. The culture of reading and writing should not only be preserved, but expanded, to ensure that a generation of intellectuals and scientists is produced in our valley over the coming decades.
In addition to providing good educational opportunities, parents must also play an important role in teaching their children about modern technologies and how to use them responsibly. In today’s age of smartphones and smart devices, parents must be cautious not to let their children develop an addiction to these devices. This can be ensured if parents themselves limit their use of digital devices and spend quality time with their children, who are eager to explore and learn. In schools, restrictions should be placed on the use of smartphones during class hours, morning assemblies, and other curricular activities.
Today’s world is the era of education. If knowledge is power, education is the source of this power. As fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters, we must strive to provide the best education for our children and ensure their academic and moral upliftment. Today’s life is complex, and it is the educated who will navigate this challenging period in history.
About Author: Farooq Ahmad Lone writes on various issues. He can be reached at lonefarooqahmad80@gmail.com.
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