When we hear the words firm foundation, our minds think of a building structure. Each building needs a firm foundation on which to build the rest of the structure. This will ensure that the building will be able to stand the test of time. We know that if there is a weakness in the foundation this will cause the foundation to be vulnerable. It can even be the cause that the building has problems at a later stage.
A bamboo tree takes 5 years to establish its root system. On the surface the soil looks dry and there is no sign of growth. However beneath the surface the bamboo has a well established root system in place. This foundation is so well established and firm that it allows the bamboo to shoot its stem and leaves 4 to 12 metres high in the air almost instantly. The bamboo has instant success as it spent the much needed time and preparation to build a firm foundation. The firm foundation was a process it took time to establish. This foundation was able to sustain quick growth in leaves and the stem. Firm foundations matter they add much value in time.
It is therefore important that we as parents take the time to help our children to have a firm foundation in childhood and in learning on which their values, character and habits are built. This will assist them with the many challenges life brings upon their path.
I believe as a teacher that if a child has a firm foundation in education in their early years they will reap the value of this in later years at school. This will benefit them to be able to achieve anything. Firm Foundations matter they add much value in time.
I have found that when children’s foundations are incomplete it makes it difficult for them to excel as they are always playing catch up. The gaps in their foundation will need to be filled and this is a process.
This is the reason at my playschool I focus on 6 areas of development that really count and adds value.
They are as follows:
1.Learning through play: It is fun, creative and instant for children. It also provides valuable teachable moments and children learn important skills while they are playing. Play has many benefits.
“Play how it shapes the brain, opens the imagination, and invigorates the soul” – Dr Stuart Brown.
“Play is the highest form of research” – Albert Einstein.
2.A love for learning: A child that learns to love learning will eagerly seek knowledge throughout their life. Learning is to be fun and inspiring. Curiosity and interest is to be ignited with many questions that follow.
“Once the habit of reading his/her lesson books with delight is set up in a child, his education is not complete, but -Ensured” – Charlotte Mason.
3.Imitation: Children learn through imitation. They are all the time observing their environment and the things and people in it.
4.Connections through Friendships: Social development is vitally important to each child. Relationships are what connect us with one another.
“The ability to play is critical not only to being happy, but also to sustaining social relationships and being creative and an innovative person” – Dr Stuart Brown.
5.A love for Nature and Animals: Taking care of animals and nature creates a loving, kind and caring heart in children that lasts forever.
6.Imagination: Imagination is vital for a growing child to learn. It is our imagination that creates the bright colours we see and the magical wonder of our experiences.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Albert Einstein.
Parents play a huge role in providing a firm foundation for your children.
Dr James Dobson said “Each moment is a teachable moment”.
I as teacher focus on giving each child I teach a firm foundation to build upon when going to school. The results as I have seen from many of my students are outstanding. Each child has excelled and is able to obtain their full potential and keeps growing. This touches my heart to know my kiddies are shinning brightly.
A firm foundation matters they add value to our children’s lives.
