In the not so distant past, of say 50 only years ago, preschool home education was rather non-existent. The main source of education came later, at school from the teacher. Teachers taught from their desk the same material for all, in more or less the same manner. Circulating amongst students or assigning group project work were rather foreign school practices to the teaching
mentality. Students had the same tasks; some graduated and few pursued University education. Teaching, not necessarily learning, was at the heart of this educational formula. The intelligence quotient was mostly dictated by the results in mathematical and word skills tests and there was little alternative provision for learners with clear kinesthetic or tactile learning preferences. The student who did not respond to the standard learning procedure, received the message that “leaning” was not his strong point. A different teaching approach was not provided.

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With time, research supplied evidence of what was more or less known; that we do not all learn in the same manner. Proof emerged of different learning needs, preferences, interests and knowledge acquiring paths. Now researchers systematically study brain functioning and record “how we learn” with the help the MR technology. New learning theories have emerged, and new methodologies are implemented in an effort to awaken educational curiosity. Now the educational world is spreading the need to implement differentiated strategies based on students’ learning styles, interests, and inclinations. Educators review the learning objectives and strive to cater for varying levels of abilities, predilections, and readiness in learning. Technology is called upon to contribute its share in this differentiated learning approach.

The educational reality changes at homes too. We do acknowledge that parents have always had little time on their hands; in the past, manual work eroded their free time. Now multi-tasking appears to bring the same result. Nevertheless, parents keep updated of research relevant to growth and learning matters. They zealously work for the overall development of their children and their language skills in particular. They tend to pick age and interest appropriate stories to read aloud to their kids and so enrich their emotional and cognitive development. Children are given hands on knowledge and diverse learning experiences which form the “building blocks” of their brain. They are also allowed access to tablets and computer games. Children become acquainted quite early with the subtleties, practices and skills of technology and share these experiences with their peers.
 

Research findings now indicate that early year experiences and preschool programs play a determining role for school preparation and the learning which is to follow. Scientists tell us that the three first years in a child’s life are a critical period since children’s synapsis and links develop at breakneck speed at that period. In these first years, the groundwork for higher order functions is laid. The plasticity of the little kids’ brain allows them to learn languages with relative ease and speed. According to Dr. Mechelli’s research “kids who learn a second language before the age of 5 have a very strong advantage”. Linguists and educators claim that the parallel use of two languages does not bring a “mix up” if the new code is introduced systematically in the child’s daily routine. Indeed, parents are no longer skeptical of introducing a second language very early.

In our days, learning in general has taken a new dimension. It starts early, becomes lifelong and involves technology. We, grownups, create our personal learning digital network which could be blogs or the social media. We are overall content that each day we grow wiser, receive universal interaction, and learn from a distance.

The Baby Steps In English suggestion is relevant to present day learning realities. It invites parents, members of family, nannies, child minders and early learning educators in general to bring English in children’s lives from very early in a pleasant, efficient, cost effective and restful way. Baby Steps In English brings interaction through technology. Our children, the future digital citizens, are fully at ease with tablets and applications and rejoice in such enriching activity.

Further reading and referencing

• Howard Gardner, multiple intelligences and education. Google search

• The Unschooled Mind: How children think and how schools should teach, New York: Basic Books.Gardner, H. (1991)

• Gardner, Howard (1999) The Disciplined Mind: Beyond Facts And Standardized Tests, The K- 12 Education That Every Child Deserves, New York: Simon and Schuster (and New York: Penguin Putnam).