Growing up as a child in the 21st century is a completely different experience from any other generation. You could even argue that kids in elementary schools today can’t be compared with kids who went to school in the early 2000s.
It’s a different world – and this should be reflected in how schools prepare kids for life. The same lesson, ideas, and tools that worked in the past might not have an impact now. Young children need certain things to fuel their development, and here are three important school investments that shape children in the modern world:
Quality Playground Equipment
The playground is where children go to develop social skills and become active. In a society where many young kids spend a lot of time indoors, online; this is more important than ever. Quality playground equipment for schools should ensure that every child has an excuse to run around at break time or before/after school.
Every school needs a broad collection of equipment that covers a few key development areas:
- Climbing
- Balance
- Building strength
- Encouraging communication and shared play
Never underestimate what a good playground can do for young children as they develop. It’s where friendships form, new skills are learned, and it’s good for overall health.
Modern Technology & Computers
Despite some parents wishing that their children spend less time on the computer, you can’t deny that learning how to use a PC is a valuable skill in the modern world. Elementary school children need to become tech-intelligent from a young age, or they’ll be left behind. Gone are the days when a school could have maybe one room with a few computers that the kids would use once a semester.
It’s time to invest in technology and give children tablets or computers to carry out a lot of their weekly work. Mix it up with more manual learning styles, but always ensure that children grow up using the latest technology. So it’s easy for them to adapt when they get older and everything revolves around tech.
A Really Good Library
Reading is slowly becoming a lost art in this modern generation of children. All elementary schools need a good library that’s filled with books for children to read. Library sessions should become a core part of the curriculum, encouraging children to spend their free time reading.
Books are brilliant. They’re how kids learn new words, understand complicated concepts, and pique their curiosity. Whether it’s an educational book about numbers or a fantasy story about a magical world, there’s always something to gain from reading. And that’s why all schools should invest in libraries.
As much as schools need to invest in these three things, some of the responsibility falls on the parent to choose the right school for their kids. Visit schools in your local area and see how they fare in these three categories. The best options will be schools with excellent outdoor play resources, fantastic tech-learning schemes, and brilliant on-site libraries. Your child will have everything they need to develop comfortably in the modern age.
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
