Empowering Educators to Foster Holistic Child Development
Caritas Valvuthayam Hosts Awareness Workshops for Preschool Teachers in M.K. Adampan and Valvuthayam
On October 3 and 16, 2024, Caritas Valvuthayam, in collaboration with the Madhu and Manthai West DS Divisions, organized impactful half-day workshops for heads of institutions, school staff, and preschool teachers. These workshops, hosted in M.K. Adampan and Valvuthayam, aimed to deepen understanding of young children’s physical, emotional, and social development needs, while also addressing the role of family dynamics in a child’s well-being.
With a turnout of 54 participants, the program was led by Mr. X. Thayan Croos, a Nursing Officer from Mannar General Hospital. His expertise brought valuable insights into child health and development, making the workshop an engaging and educational experience for attendees.
Workshop Highlights
The workshops focused on essential areas of child development, providing educators with strategies and best practices they can apply directly in their classrooms and beyond:
- Nutrition and Health
Participants learned about the significance of breastfeeding and the need to provide nutritious complementary foods to ensure optimal physical and mental growth in young children. - Physical Activity
Emphasis was placed on ensuring that children under five engage in at least 180 minutes of physical activity daily, with 60 minutes dedicated to moderate to vigorous activity. This activity is crucial for both physical health and cognitive development. - Emotional Needs
Understanding and responding to a child’s emotional needs is vital for fostering self-esteem and resilience. Teachers gained insights into how nurturing emotional intelligence in children impacts their behavior and learning abilities. - Social Skills and Emotional Development
The workshop covered the importance of teaching children empathy, cooperation, and social skills, highlighting how early social interactions are fundamental to their lifelong emotional health. - Family Dynamics and Child Behavior
Recognizing that family issues often impact children, Mr. Croos provided practical solutions to help educators understand and address these challenges, thereby creating a more supportive learning environment. - Cognitive Skill Development
Attendees were introduced to methods for evaluating and supporting a child’s cognitive development, including IQ-related exercises and interactive questioning techniques that can spark curiosity and encourage learning.
A Path to Holistic Development
These sessions were instrumental in equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to support a child’s holistic development. By understanding each child’s unique physical, emotional, and cognitive needs, educators are empowered to create inclusive, nurturing environments that foster growth and resilience.
