Learning begins the day a child is born
Children are amazing learners from the day they are born, but many parents worry that placing them in learning situations can actually inhibit their learning ability and creativity. Some innovators are finding that you can find a happy medium to help a child develop in a rich educational environment:
“I’m tremendously proud to be able to prepare our Australian kids for a very challenging future”, says Shiao-Ling Lim, director of the early-learning programme Shichida Australia. “The evidence is there, the need is there, and definitely the passion is there both with our parents and instructors. First and foremost, however, it’s important that our kids love what we present to them and that it helps them thrive in every sense, even before they step into a formal educational environment.”
But Shiao-Ling is also inspired not only by a desire to impact Australian children in a positive way, but also indirectly through independent researchers like Dr. Frank Oberklaid (founding director of the Centre for Community Child Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne). He has found that:
“Gone will be the days when just knowing your ABC’s will be enough when you enter school […] if children are behind the eight ball when they start school, it’s too late.”
If the first time a child opens a book is when they are 7 years old, a child is already behind. This is a truth educators (usually teaching more than 20 children at a time) already know. As parents, this is a situation we want to avoid for our kids at every cost.
The Starting Line is at Birth (if not earlier!)
Other of his findings are that a child learns everything about the world the moment she enters it.
“We know absolutely that learning starts at birth. The first five years before kids get to school are probably the most important years in terms of education.”
Again, it’s too late once they start school.
Once the mold is set, it’s too late!
Dr. Oberklaid stresses that timing is tremendously important: Why not start creating a strong learning foundation when it’s easier and the child’s mind can learn more easily.
“It literally affects brain circuitry, As people grow older, those circuits in the brain stabilise and become much less plastic. If you try to learn a new skill as an adult, whether a language or a musical instrument, it’s very difficult and the reason is the brain’s plasticity decreases over time. It’s like the foundations of a house. You can go back and fix the foundations, but it’s expensive and difficult and never as good as if you got it right at the beginning. And the longer you leave it, the harder it gets, the more complicated it gets.”
What if you could encompass all of the best parts of learning?
To a child, learning is play and play is learning. They do not know the difference because their growing brains are hungry for knowledge and learning. However, every child learns differently so it is important to find a way to help a child engage in a way, where not only are they gaining knowledge, but the seed is planted in them to seek out learning and knowledge for themselves.
At Shichida, you will be shown how early learning takes on a new meaning, where you will be guided and shown what and how to work with your child and most importantly, have fun with your child. With just 50 minutes a week, parents and children will create a foundation together that lasts a lifetime.
Each week, your child will:
Experience comprehensive learning that leads to building success upon success:
- Every part of the Shichida method leads naturally and organically to the next step.
- A child learns a certain topic when the child can learn it the best (age-appropriate).
- They are given many opportunities to learn the material in a loving and supportive environment, and the child is set up to succeed because they are given as many positive experiences as possible in that 50 minutes period.
Focus on input from 0-3 years old and output from 4-6 years old:
- Because the child is learning all the basic concepts, they are given a wide range of engaging material to interact with.
- Children are given an opportunity to learn through simple exposure, along with hands-on activities.
- They are not pressured or tested.
- Throughout the early years as they gain more confidence, their output bursts forth from 4 years old.
- The children will be full of confidence and excitement when it comes to learning.
- They learn to gradually see how they can make a unique and amazing difference in the world. That is why we focus so much on creating that strong foundation.
Quality time and fond memories:
- Bonding time spent with parents.
- Fun and engaging learning activities establish a love of learning as the child has positive emotions repeated over time.
- In the span of just 50 minutes, the Shichida program offers an ideal capsule of quality time that you can spend with your child.
- This will also help your child become an independent learner once they go out in the world, carrying the warm memories of these very special and fleeting moments.
- On top of it all, for parents, this program teaches parents how to be their child’s first best teacher. When parents and children learn together, magic happens.
As you can see, the Shichida Method is a vital part of a child’s growth and learning that’s a treat to experience. To find out more, contact us today!