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There are five important components of early childhood learning that are developed through activities at the Children's Museum.
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Creativity, Invention and Imagination
For children, the ability to create, invent, pretend and imagine is an essential form of play. Art projects, creative expressions and role-playing are great ways for children to build their self-esteem, express their emotions, and learn openness to new tasks and challenges. Encouraging children's imaginative play and curiosity will open the door to enhanced learning experiences in all areas of their development and foster initiative to direct their own learning.
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Mathematical, Scientific, Logical and Problem Solving
Encouraging conceptual thought and the development of problem solving skills in the areas of math, logic, and science helps children build a strong foundation for future learning. These activities develop abilities to acquire, organize, and use information in increasingly complex ways to satisfy that curiosity. For example, playing with building blocks enables children to acquire an understanding of basic math and physics skills and also develop fine motor skills.
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Social and Emotional Development
Children develop their understanding of cooperation and social interaction through activities that engage several participants in a high level of interactive fun. These activities develop children’s feelings about themselves and others, their ability to form relationships, skills needed to maintain positive relationships, ability to understand the perspective of others, and skills needed to succeed in group settings. There is a direct relationship between a child’s social and emotional well being and overall success in school and life.
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Language and Communication
These activities help children acquire language skills in the areas of listening and understanding, speaking and communicating, and early literacy. Language has an essential impact on the development of a child’s brain during the first years of life. This development can be nourished by engaging in meaningful experiences with adults and peers that require children to effectively express their ideas and feelings, listen, and understand others. Even before children can read and write, they are acquiring basic understandings of concepts about literacy and its functions. Regular and active interactions with print, in books and in the environment, are essential for later development in reading and writing.
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Physical Health and Motor Development
These activities promote and develop children's physical abilities, and emerging knowledge and practices related to health, safety, and nutrition. Children’s future health and well-being are directly related to the development and strengthening of their large and small muscles, sensory experiences, and practicing healthy behavior. Good physical health and motor development allow for full participation in learning experiences. |
Quotes
Brain research has shown that nurturing in the earliest years is crucial for emotional and social, as well as intellectual, development. While research shows that people continue to learn throughout life, there is no doubt that the earliest years are those of greatest growth – and those most susceptible to influence by external factors. In effect, the first years of lay the foundation for educational – and life – success. - “Seven Things Policy Makers Need to Know about School Readiness: Revised and Expanded Toolkit”
Nurturing, responsive, and individualized interactions build healthy brains that provide a strong foundation for future growth and development. - Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D.
If you think about it, scientists learn mostly the same way children learn. The way [scientists] have to learn is by really being driven and trying lots of things, and doing lots of experiments and having lots of fun doing it. And then they try to make sense of what they find out. And that seems to be the same processes that are involved with children. - Alison Gopnik, Professor of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Science, University of California, Berkeley
Additional resources for parents...
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