Education is a continuous process from cradle to grave. In every stage of life a person learns from its environment whether deliberately or through experience. A child’s brain grows till 5 years of age and matures to reach the maximum development stage in these constructive years, and are hence deemed as crucial and even emphasized by Gandhiji in his autobiography.
The journey from mother’s lap to school is a long one for any toddler. The first excited, inquisitive and curious steps often are followed by apprehension and tears.It's very crucial for a toddler to grasp things from the environment.A soft touch of the teacher-mother that holds the tiny hands tenderly and teaches the concept lovingly is the key . Small kids gradually feel assured and confident in the new environment, a place very different from the carefree atmosphere at home, where they have to maintain discipline ,yet they love the place, relate it as their own territory. Learning things like sharing, caring, to have patience, to wait for their turn, friendship and many more in the place called school. With time the place becomes their second home ,they share their good and bad moments and some cute secrets with teachers .
In a way we can say the first year in school plays a very important role in a toddler’s life.The pandemic and consequent school closure would have a huge impact on their mental growth. Online classes,if we see through a child’s mind, are just like another passive form of entertainment with some moving characters .Such scenario has taken their ability to perceive that touch of love from the teacher. For the teacher too, teaching through a camera is not easy, he/she cannot check the work personally ,both teachers and students lose their interest in the study and this is the biggest drawback of this pandemic.
Sharmistha Rath,
Former Nursery Teacher,
Mother of two
Noida,Uttar Pradesh