Prepared For Life

The absorbent mind is divided into two subphases; zero to three years old and three to six years old. These phases differ between an unconscious mind and developing a conscious mind.

Impressions form the mind. As adults we must understand this and be aware of the examples we are setting. Be aware of statements made, reactions expressed, and the environment that is surrounding the child. We must remember that the ages between zero and six are the formative years and the child must accomplish everything nature has intended for this period of life.  At the time of birth children are unconsciously absorbing everything around them. Similar to a little sponge that can not be squeezed out. They do not posses the ability to create paradigms and there are no reasoning skills developed. The mind of a child from the ages of zero to three has the capacity to absorb and acquire knowledge directly and effortlessly from the environment. The development of a child’s behavior is a product of environmental experience. The child may not seem aware of what goes on around them but they are taking in every detail. They may not remember these details but they are absorbed in the mind for the rest of their life.

The environment must be interesting to the child and aid in the development. A prepared environment that is child sized, organized, and stimulating is crucial at this time for it helps children gain self-esteem and respect for the environment. It aids in the refinement of movement, developing gross and fine motor skills.

Establishing grace and courtesy are a means of expressing the culture in which the child lives. In the Formative years children need to learn respect, manners and proper social behavior at home and at school. This is usually learned behavior from their parents, their peers, and through their experiences.

Children want to do chores and work and they want to be shown the right way to do them. A natural development within the child is for the child to want to gain independence and to overcome obstacles. The child reaches certain goals by repeating the activities they enjoy most, without fatigue. This intense interest for repetition happens for no obvious reason, but we do know it helps the child develop. This stage will end after the age of six. With repetition comes movement. Children need to move to aid the development of intelligence. They need to touch, walk, climb, or just roll down a hill and become dizzy.

Children learn to speak through auditory observation. They speak their mother’s tongue and hold on to every word she says. A child can mimic any sound, but it is through experience that the sound is understood. Adults should elicit language through experience and conversation. Talk to your child with intelligence. They will repeat the words that you say.

Nature should be a specific part of a child’s daily life. Take the child outside. Let the child absorb the natural environment. This in return will unconsciously create an appreciation for the natural world, therefore eventually the child will have an established awareness for the importance of nature and all her beauty.