Need of Rich Stimulating Environment for Kids

 While some people believe that kids should be given complete freedom to explore their own world, others think that some amount of structured learning helps children less than two years of age. Now days, it is becoming more common to see various programs being designed for children under two- age group. This was not the scenario in the past where children had lots of free time to do whatever they wanted to. It is the parents who should decide where to draw the lines for his/her child to attain the maximum benefits.
 
Colin Rose and Gorden Dryden, the authors of the book ‘Learning Fundamentals’, say that in the first five years of life, 50% of our ability to learn is developed and 30% more before the age of eight. Hence, early childhood is a crucial period where one establishes his/her base for learning. The rich stimulating environment should not be mistaken for an environment that pressurizes the child to engage in certain activities. A rich environment helps to develop rich network of brain connections, useful for the child to reach his/her full potential.
 
Right kind of activities is essential to make use of the child’s full potential. The programs need to target on physical development, co-ordination, alertness, interaction between peers, engaging in challenging activities and exposure to music. Most of the time mothers who get enrolled in mother- toddler programs, realize that they would not have done half the activities at home, which are done in such programs. 
 
There are lots of social advantages of programs for below two year age group. Children learn to share, wait for their turn and learn social aspects of interacting with other children. Children often learn better in the presence of other children of their same age. Classes also help the parents to bond with their children over fun activities and to spent quality of time with the child. These classes also encourage creativity since children are exposed to lots of new stuff they have not seen at home and more free play is also possible. 
 
Things parents should look for while choosing classes for their toddlers:

• A no- pressure environment: Beware of classes that guarantee particular results. Children should be able to learn and explore at their own pace.
• Teaching and learning with fun activities: Enquire about the time children are engaged in various kinds of activities. What are the activities? Are they interesting and age appropriate?
• Stimulating environment: Is the environment stimulating. Is it bright and colorful so that it attracts the attention of the child?
• Safety: Is the place clean and child friendly?

 
 The right kind of classes can be extremely beneficial to children and so it is important that parents choose a program for his/her child with great care. A healthy mix of structured and unstructured time should be available for the wholesome development of the child.