Scientific research shows that in the first six years of life, a child’s ability to use senses develops very quickly in order to explore the world through their senses. The more children flexibly and regularly use their senses, the more information and knowledge they can receive from the living world. This allows them to make informed decisions and develop their learning faster. Therefore, during this period, the lessons that stimulate children to use their senses will help them maximize their imagination and be more interested in learning
By integrating modern teaching methods, WASS teachers will organize lessons that develop critical and creative thinking skills and practices of children. For example, the children will be involved in activities such as knowing how to differentiate the size and position of objects (big, small, thick, thin, far, close) or working with shapes and distinguishing between shape, colors, and parts (triangles, rectangles).
Other senses are also improved when they play with puzzles, work with percussion instruments or other special learning tools that allow for practical experiences and to find positive methods to solve problems. Therefore, young learners will draw on a wide range of knowledge, experiences, interests, and skills to shape and develop their creativity and imagination.
Nevertheless, in the early years of children lives, parents are also teachers. The school and the family can support each other to help motivate the children to improve their senses and acquire knowledge by providing stimulating and engaging toys, learning tools, and appropriate study activities.
When the children start exploring the world around them, the parents need to listen and help them to create a good habit of discovering and acquiring knowledge using all their senses. For example, we can play games with the children involving sorting, arranging, recognizing and assembling. Other games include role-playing or interacting with smart toys. The end goal is the children have the opportunity to maximize their potential to learn and understand the outside world in many different ways.
Mr. Stephen Zahra – Western Australian Program Coordinator
