The human being between the stages of infancy and puberty is known as a child. The term is a general one and applies to all persons, regardless of age, race, religion or socioeconomic status. However, children are a vulnerable group of people who are more at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation than any other age group. In many places around the world, children are not able to enjoy a safe and healthy childhood. This is due to a variety of factors including poverty, discrimination and conflict.
A child’s family and community influence the development of their identities, beliefs, morals, customs and attitudes. Children learn by example, so parents and carers should set a good example. When setting boundaries for children, it is important to be firm and consistent. Children are more likely to accept limits if they have been explained, rather than simply being told off. Children need to know who is in charge of their care, so it’s best if all those who look after them take the same approach to things like bedtime routines, meals and screen time.
Storytelling is one of the most powerful teaching tools that a teacher can use to build language skills, especially reading comprehension. Whether oral or text, stories teach kids new words at a time when their brains are predisposed to learning them. They also help kids develop vocabulary in the context of definitive language rules – such as metaphors, colloquialisms, word pairings, and puns.
Research has shown that children who are read to frequently, have better language development, and are more literate than those who do not. Children’s books should be age appropriate and include a mix of fiction and nonfiction. Having a diverse selection of fiction and nonfiction books allows children to see that the world is full of different ideas, people and cultures.
Children’s bodies, minds and hearts are constantly developing. It is important to have a wide range of learning experiences, both indoors and outdoors, that allow children to develop creativity, social skills and emotional intelligence. Children need opportunities to be active and physically engaged so that they can explore, experiment and solve problems. It is also vital that children have time to relax and recharge – both through play and quiet activities such as listening to music, drawing or taking a nap.
Every child has an inalienable right to a decent standard of living, a safe and secure childhood, and the chance to grow up to realise their potential. Yet around the world, millions of children are denied these rights. They are often deprived of everything they need to thrive, because they live in poverty; because they are poor or from a disadvantaged background; because they have a disability; because of their gender; or because of war or conflict. These inequalities are not only violations of a child’s human rights, but they also threaten the future of the entire global community. This seminar is part of a series that interrogates the concept of the rights of the child and implications for research, policy and practice.