Why is primary school more important in child development than most people think

Primary school education is often overlooked as an important phase of child development. The reason for this might be the focus on secondary education and higher studies. Many people think that primary education is all about reading, writing, and arithmetic.

However, it is more than that.

Throughout the years of a child’s life in primary schooling, they put their feet forward in understanding themselves and about the inner workings of the world around them.

A quality primary education can help children succeed in later life by fostering their intellectual, social and emotional development. This is critical for both individuals and society as a whole because educated people are more likely to be productive members of society and contribute. 

We like to look towards Finland – the happiest country in the world.

According to UNICEF, “Primary education forms the bedrock of development. It is in primary school that children learn foundational skills that prepare them for life, work and active citizenship.”

Primary education is a critical time in a child’s development because it is when children begin to establish their identity and start to understand who they are and where they fit into society. It is during this stage that children learn to interact with others, make friends and understand those around them.

Children also develop many skills during this period, including literacy, numeracy, self-esteem and discipline. This early learning sets the stage for future success in school and beyond.

Role of primary education in holistic development of a child

The primary school years have a significant impact on children’s development. Here are few benefits of primary school education for children:

Social Development

Communication is key to a healthy society. And one of the most important roles of primary school education is to help children learn social skills that will aid in their development throughout life. Children learn how to interact with other people and how to get along well with them. This is especially important for children who have trouble interacting with others or following rules when there are no consequences for misbehaviour. Primary school helps children develop positive interpersonal skills such as cooperation and respect for other’s needs and feelings.

Emotional Development

Emotional development happens when children learn how to manage their emotions in positive ways so that they can deal with difficult situations without getting upset. They also learn how to express themselves freely without feeling shy or embarrassed about it. Primary school helps children develop positive emotional skills such as self-awareness, self-control, empathy, responsibility, and good decision-making skills.

Intellectual development

Primary school education helps children to develop their thinking skills so that they can solve problems intelligently and independently. Their intellectual ability is improved through challenging activities suitable for their age, such as reading books or listening to stories from an early level which helps them develop reasoning skills that will help them throughout their lives.

Cognitive development

Children have an innate curiosity about the world and they learn through interactions with others, exploring new environments and solving problems. These experiences help them develop an understanding of how things work, which is essential for the development of language, cognition and reasoning skills.

Physical development

Primary school offers plenty of opportunities for children to participate in physical activities such as running, jumping, throwing and catching objects – essential for maintaining balance and coordination. Apart from developing motor skills for the major muscle function, children are given the chance to socialise through group activities like sports, dance classes and more. Group activities with friends encourage positive interactions in children and ingrain them in a society with healthy habits. 

Providing a stimulating environment

Children learn best when they enjoy what they’re doing, so it’s important that primary schools provide them with a stimulating environment where they can thrive academically as well as socially and emotionally.

At Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, students are always our priority. We maintain a confident, engaged, innovative and bully-free environment that encourages an atmosphere of tolerance, openness and trust.

Our teachers employ fun and creative methods of teaching to create engaging learning experiences that empower students and create excitement to come back to school every day. 

Students are encouraged to ask questions, research their interests, train their bodies and mind, and be who they are, and who they want to be.

Apart from the teachers, students and staff that make up the heart of Kingsley, the natural and built environment of the school play a key role as well. 

Large fields and ample space in facility rooms for students to use helps with maintaining distance while encouraging students to move and exercise.

Spacious classrooms and common spaces are available for students to help them learn comfortably and properly distance themselves from each other. 

Our state-of-the-art facilities and an expansive environment to learn in ensure that we are able to cultivate a supporting atmosphere for students to flourish.

At Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, we focus on our student’s well-being and happiness by offering a nurturing and supportive environment where children can learn, grow and express themselves. We ensure that Kingsley is a home away from home for our children.

Note: Maple Leaf Kingsley International School follows proper masking and standard SOPs to ensure students, teachers and staff are safe. 

Fondly known as Kingsley – we are a homegrown international school established in 2011. We have garnered recognition from Malaysians and Expatriate parents alike through our devotion to moulding the next generation and our exceptional British curriculum. Click here to know more about us.