Why Is The Holistic Development of Children Important?
“Education cannot be effective unless it helps a child open up himself to life.”
-Maria Montessori
Because academic excellence alone can no longer guarantee success and pleasure in life and work, what Maria Montessori emphasised in the early 20th century is more important now in the 21st century. Today, more than in the previous century, the importance of holistic development through education from an early age in a child’s life has increased.
The term “holistic development” refers to a kid’s overall growth, which encompasses the acquisition of intellectual, mental, physical, emotional, and social abilities so that the child is equipped to handle any problems that life may present. Their development into better versions of themselves depends on these skills.
Each kid is special in their way. They have a distinct personalities, interests, values, strengths, and flaws that are all their own. Therefore, the school and its teachers must plan and offer the pupils a curriculum that can dig into and comprehend the special qualities that align with the world’s needs and aspirations.
What is Holistic Development?
A comprehensive approach to learning called holistic development seeks to expand several aspects or capacities of the human brain. The exclusive focus of conventional education and learning systems is the growth of intellectual capacities. However, the goal of holistic growth is the development of a person’s physical, intellectual, cognitive, emotional, and social talents.
What Includes The Holistic Development?
1) Physical Aptitude
The ability to physically develop includes the improvement of motor skills:
- Walk
- Run
- Climb
The growth of psychomotor abilities is a component of physical capability development in addition to the development of motor skills. Teachers may instruct pupils on how to use their senses of touch, sight, and hearing.
2. Intellectual Intelligence
Students’ growth in this area occurs as they acquire new knowledge through diverse experiences.
The following abilities are included in the category of intellectual capabilities:
- Improvement of comprehension skills
- Improvement of analytical and logical thinking skills
- Improvement of critical thinking skills
- Improvement of problem-solving skills
3. Emotional Intelligence
Students’ intrapersonal and interpersonal self-regulation, empathy, and social competence skills are the main areas of development in this field.
Why Holistic Development Is Important?
Nowadays, when hiring for various occupations, most businesses or organizations consider a student’s total academic success in addition to their holistic growth. Because of this, kids in schools and institutions must develop holistically.
The days of parents spending the entire day with their kids are long gone. Instead, parents, today want to increase their children’s engagement and involvement in nearly every aspect of learning due to how quickly technology develops. As a result, parenting now places a lot of emphasis on holistic development.
The youngster is exposed to various sports and activities that allow them to learn new things from the beginning. The method of kids in schools has transformed due to the introduction of new-age technologies and teaching approaches. The overall development of kids in primary and secondary schools has also become vital.
1. Inspiration as a Source of Learning
Children who can explore ideas in their way and at their own pace can be highly motivated by a holistic approach. In addition, giving kids the flexibility to study spontaneously and creatively fosters curiosity, which may improve how they approach more formal instruction.
2. Improved Communication Skills
Children who are encouraged to study in this way have stronger communication and social skills. It seems obvious that when a youngster is participating in an activity, they have selected, they may be more enthusiastic about it and consequently more likely to want to talk about it or share it with others. Moreover, children’s positive associations with their discoveries and pride in their work help them develop confidence and self-esteem, making them more at ease in social situations.
3. Strengthening Interpersonal Relationships:
The interaction between a child and a teacher will, of course, be very different if the teacher adopts the position of a supporter or guide rather than a more formal “keeper of information.” Children often interact and communicate more effectively with someone they trust and have a good relationship with.
Holistic activities are excellent for creating a good rapport with kids because they let them be themselves, be open-minded, and concentrate on their accomplishments. As a result, the kid and the teacher develop a good rapport, which makes it easier for the child to be persuaded to participate in extension activities when the teacher sees a chance.
Conclusion
When all is said and done, a child’s unique talents and abilities based on their age should be the emphasis of the teachers. The appropriate guidance will enable students to develop into better versions of themselves. Thanks to these improvements, they will be able to achieve the heights for which they are meant.
