The Anguilla Early Childhood Association, in collaboration with the Department of Education, launched Early Childhood Month on Tuesday 5th March, 2024, at the Teachers Resource Centre under the theme Early Childhood, where Learning is an Adventure.
The Opening Ceremony was attended by the Honourable Minister of Education and education officials including the Permanent Secretary Education, Chief Education Officer, and Education Officers. There was also a strong turn out from the members of the Early Childhood Association, with representation from all the preschools and kindergartens. Several parents also attended the ceremony but most importantly, there was a contingent of preschoolers and kindergarteners who participated fully in the event, rendering the National Song to start off the ceremony and then providing several musical, dance and poetic interludes throughout.
President of the Early Childhood Association, Ms. Aliethea Richardson, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of Early Childhood Education (from birth to eight years) to lay the foundation for children’s success; whether in learning to write or learning to be compassionate.
In her address, Honourable Minister of Education, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, called attention to how intently the preschoolers and kindergarteners looked to their teachers for cues during their performances. She noted that this method of learning how to behave (that is watching others and taking direction from their actions and behaviour) continues throughout children’s development. Therefore, the Minister exhorted “it is important for us as parents, as educators and as the wider community to continue to hold the hands of our students as they learn the rules”.
The Minister also highlighted how critical it is to nurture curiosity and learning in children while managing their exposure to, and appropriate use of technology, and optimising opportunities for social interaction and engagement with the environment.
Key Note Speaker, Mrs. Estelle Laurent-Carter, Deputy Principal, Valley Primary School, delved into the theme Early Childhood, where Learning is an Adventure by sharing the three secret ingredients that unlock the wonders of Early Childhood Education, namely, cultivating curiosity, embracing play and fostering resilience.
Firstly, Teacher Estelle noted that young children are inherently curious. They tend to ask 101 questions and their questions should be used to help them learn about the world. Additionally, exposing children to diversity and allowing them to explore the environment whether far afield or near home, are two other methods that can be used to cultivate curiosity in young children.
Secondly, Mrs. Laurent-Carter noted that embracing play is key. She suggested that practical, hands-on, unstructured playtime is helpful to grow the imagination and to learn about the world.
Thirdly, the keynote speaker recommended fostering resilience during early childhood. She explained that learning how to overcome obstacles and learning to figure things out would develop skills that help to manage anxiety or conflict resolution through youth and into adulthood.
Mrs. Laurent-Carter closed by reminding those present of the adage that we all ‘grow through what we go through’.
“Let us remember that early childhood is not just a stage of life but a precious moment in time, a time of exploration, wonder and learning,” she said. “As educators and parents and community, I want to encourage all of us to continue to embrace the adventure, inspire curiosity and ignite a desire for lifelong learning in every child we encounter. So continue this journey where you make learning not just a destination but an exciting adventure.”
This week, Early Childhood Month continues with Literacy Night at the Rodney McArthur Rey Auditorium at Campus B on Thursday 7th March at 5:30PM. Other events include Children’s Service on 11th March; Turn Around Day on 13th March where Teachers and Students exchange roles; Children’s Parade at the Agriculture Grounds at 9AM on 14th March; Teachers’ Appreciation Week from 18th to 22nd March; Family Social Evening during the week of 25th to 28th March; Parents’ Appreciation Day on 25th March and Sports Fun-Day on 19th April starting at 10AM at the J Ronald Webster Park.
