“Your child is born to change our world for the better. So , don’t waste their time trying to qualify them on puzzles we have already solved . Educate them to solve the new ones“
Those years in School are the most creative and most defining years of each Child. This is the time when each child should master what’s the most optimal form of learning for them and also a child should discover what’s their resounding strength. They should be free to dream about becoming whatever they want and we parents and teachers should be able to guide them rightly so that they will have a sense of purpose when they start their journey ahead. This is exactly what each parent expects out of their kids’ schooling when we enrol them at kindergarten.
Different ways of thinking:
In reality, there is an ever-widening gap between what and how our schools are teaching and what our ever-volving world needs. Even though there are humongous amounts of investments pipelined for Education by governments and private institutions around the world; most of it is targeted at digitizing classrooms or how well we can deliver or communicate our curriculum to our kids. Which of course, is also important; because of the varied Learning or Thinking styles of children. People who think visually might love a subject say Science; but won’t realize it so, so if a teacher goes about teaching it only in a non-visual way.
Menace of Cookie cutter molds:
But does our current generic approach awaken the interest in a child for the curriculum, not necessarily; that’s primarily because our focus has been precisely on feeding information in the form of curriculum. We somehow miss the fact, of whether this information feed is transforming these kids and instilling growth in them; so that they can have passionate careers.
Remember the school experiences of amazing Gillian Lyne (Cats Fame- Dance & Choreographer) and Sonam Wangchuk (Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner, Engineer, Inventor & Education Reformist) both of them were considered weak students in school. It’s because the existing system is more preoccupied with hyperlexic skills, critical analysis and reasoning capacity in Children; which of course is important; but there is much more to human intelligence than just that.
Our entire system is in a rat race using “cookie cutter moulds” that would create more doctors, more engineers & more bankers; to satisfy the materialistic milestones of the society or community.
We use only a fraction of our powers- Each one of us is born with extraordinary powers of imagination, sensory awareness, feeling, intuition and much more. But still we use only a fraction of our powers , because we subconsciously adopt a thinking pattern of the people who influence us the most during our early childhood. And we act accordingly as they did or advised which is one reason why we miss to discover our true potential during our best years of life. We don’t realize, they are by-products of their ecosystem during their time and we keep repeating the cycle without crafting a new story of our own.
“A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable , nor does the genius or the madman . It’s only you and I , with our big brains and our tiny hearts , who doubt and overthink and hesitate.“
Steven Pressfield
Have you ever wondered what your child dreams of becoming when they grow up?
Some might envision themselves as doctors, engineers, architects or bankers while others may aspire to be athletes, dancers or singers. These are all admirable and secure career paths that promise a bright future for our children.
However, what if your child’s aspirations lean towards becoming a Guitarist (ex: Sir James Paul McCartney of Beatles, who didn’t do well at school too) or venturing into the fashion industry? Or perhaps they’re torn between multiple passions and career paths? In such instances, I believe it’s crucial for us as parents to step in and provide the right guidance. This is the prime reason we need a shift in the way we educate children today and push more for transformation or growth-oriented education.
There is a vitality , a life force , an energy , a quickening that is translated through you into action , and because there is only one of you in all of time , this expression is unique.
Martha Graham , Dancer and Choreographer
To start with, understand that every child is born with a unique set of innate talents waiting to be discovered. From very early age, they display signs of their potential through their interests, habits, and passions. As parents, it’s crucial to keep a keen eye on these indicators to uncover where our child’s heart truly lies. Providing the right environment and guidance from an early age sets the stage for a child’s future success. It’s highly critical; We set the right environment for growth during early childhood itself. While traditional education methods and career paths may offer stability and security, it’s equally essential to support your child’s passions and ambitions, even if they diverge from the norm.
Remember, the opportunities we see as jobs today, may not even exist after 20 years, so it’s very important to allow our kids to believe in their capacity to imagine and follow their dreams. That’s why an education system focused on child transformation is important, which is an evolved and personalized approach to the child education system that we are all familiar with today.
For the benefit of our topic today ; let’s look at the approach of education vs transformation closely:-
Child Education, is a structured path of academic learning, focusing on knowledge acquisition, skill development, and formal assessments. It’s the foundation upon which young minds build their academic progress, preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead. But unlike its counterpart, Child Transformation isn’t confined by rigid lines or predetermined outcomes. It’s the weaving of a tapestry of holistic growth that extends far beyond textbooks, classrooms and examinations. In the realm of Child Transformation, the approach takes on a kaleidoscope of colours– it’s flexible, personalized, and deeply rooted in the individuality of each child. It’s about igniting the spark of curiosity, nurturing passions, and cultivating exceptional aptitudes in oneself.
Imagine a world where education isn’t just about memorising facts but about exploring passions, where success isn’t measured solely by grades but by the depth of character and sense of purpose. That, my friends, is the essence of Child Transformation.
Embarking on the journey of unlocking a child’s full potential via child transformation involves employing various invaluable tools, and one such method that has emerged as essential is 360-degree analysis. Through a multifaceted perspective, the 360-degree analysis delves into all facets of a child’s development – from strengths and weaknesses to interests and challenges. This holistic approach is crucial for crafting a tailored educational journey that nurtures their potential in every aspect of their being. By recognizing the child’s uniqueness and embracing their entirety, we lay the groundwork for meaningful growth and transformation. This profound insight into the child’s essence fosters emotional intelligence, and nurtures innate skills, shaping the child into the best version of themselves.
As parents and educators, we hold the keys to unlock the transformative potential within each child. It’s a sacred responsibility, a calling to nurture not just their intellect but their hearts and souls. It’s about guiding them as they navigate through the process of self-discovery.
But amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to lose sight of this transformative journey. The pressures of standardized assessments and fixed curriculums often overshadow the true essence of education – the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Yet, within this challenge lies an opportunity for profound change. As we stand at the threshold of a new era, let us embrace the holistic concept of Child Transformation. Let us reimagine education as a journey of self-discovery, where each child is empowered to unleash their full potential and become the architect of their destiny.
To Wrap Up:
Let’s keep in mind the importance of balance as we navigate the journey of nurturing our children’s potential. While we value the structured paths of Child Education, let’s also embrace the transformative power of Child Transformation. Through this delicate balance between knowledge and growth, structure and self-discovery, our young ones flourish into the brilliant individuals they are destined to become.