Taking a first step, writing their first word, and grasping the basic rules of grammar are just some of the developmental milestones your child achieves in their first few years of life and schooling. It’s important to consider that each child is different and learns at a different pace, but what if your child is just not achieving what their peers have already mastered?
The Early Intervention Foundation identifies early intervention as “providing effective early support to children and young people” including those who are at risk of poor outcomes, like those with developmental delays and special needs. In fact, the significance of addressing learning needs at an early age cannot be overstated, as it sets the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Early intervention can take many different forms: from school-based programmes and mentoring schemes to one-on-one tuition and speech or physical therapy. The sooner the need for early intervention can be identified, the sooner your child can begin to overcome barriers to learning.
We’ll take a closer look at why early intervention is so crucial and what you can do to help your child.
Cognitive Development: Building Strong Foundations
One of the primary reasons early learning intervention is critical is its profound impact on cognitive development. Research shows that children who receive early learning support are more likely to develop strong literacy and numeracy skills, which go on to have a critical role in their performance on standardised tests as well as later academic achievement.
Language and Literacy Programs: Mix up your lingo! Did you know that early exposure to language can come not only through reading, but also through storytelling, and interactive dialogue and play? As the Department of Education explains, having a large vocabulary helps children learn more, and by age 5, children recognise about 10,000 words!
Programs that introduce children to books, phonics, and vocabulary games early help them develop these skills whilst parents can also do their part by reading aloud to their children. Reading to your child fosters early literacy and families who enjoy reading together have more opportunities for discussion and the development of empathy, which paves the way for them to become a lifelong reader.
Numeracy Skills Development: I’ve spoken before about the methods to consider when teaching primary maths and setting up a good foundation for early numeracy skills is no different: children benefit from using multiple approaches and solving problems rooted in everyday life. The Education Endowment Foundation charity estimates that effective early numeracy approaches typically increase children’s learning by seven months!
The charity also offers a concise list of approaches and practices educators can use to support mathematics in the early years. Teachers can promote a student’s fluency with numbers and sequences through simple counting exercises and puzzles whereby children can practise and repeat the count sequence, which also serves to make learning maths fun and engaging. The list of activities is by no means exhaustive: numerical board games, computer-assisted learning and more can encompass a larger implementation plan.
STEM Education: STEM (which comprises science, technology, engineering, and maths) is another crucial component of early childhood education and intervention. Teaching STEM concepts at an early age can ignite a lifelong interest in these fields. Inquiry-based STEM education in the early years can be a collaborative process, which encourages children to raise questions and kindles inquisitive minds and scientific thinking. Laying the groundwork for STEM learning at home doesn’t even have to be centred on standalone science experiments (though those are fun too!) - your children’s questions of everyday life (Which shape makes for the fastest paper airplane? Why are triangles important for bridge building?) can be the springboard for fun investigation.
Social and Emotional Growth: Nurturing Well-Being
Early learning intervention is not limited to cognitive skills; it also plays a vital role in a child’s social and emotional development. Early childhood is a crucial period for the development of social skills, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence. Children who receive support and guidance during this time are more likely to develop healthy relationships, manage their emotions effectively, and navigate social situations with confidence.
Interventions often include activities that promote social interaction, such as group play and collaborative projects, which help children learn essential skills like sharing, empathy, and conflict resolution. Additionally, these programs can identify and address emotional and behavioural issues early on, providing children with coping mechanisms and strategies to deal with challenges. This holistic approach ensures that children not only excel academically but also grow into well-rounded individuals who can thrive in various aspects of life.
Special Education Services: The above especially rings true for children with identified learning disabilities, and early intervention through special education services is essential. Programs that offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, or individualised education plans (IEPs) can provide targeted support. For example, a child with a speech delay might benefit from sessions with a speech-language pathologist who uses play-based therapy to improve language skills. It’s important to talk to your health provider and your child’s teachers to figure out what might work best.
How can a tutor help your child?
A tutor can play a significant role in the landscape of your child’s early learning intervention. As parents and educators increasingly recognise the importance of early support, the demand for specialised tutoring services has surged. Tutors are uniquely positioned to provide personalised, one-on-one attention that can address specific learning needs and challenges your child can be facing, which may be especially needed for a child who struggles with traditional classroom instruction.
Tutors can work closely with parents and teachers to create a cohesive support system for the child. By providing regular feedback and progress reports, a child’s development is put to the forefront and everyone can make informed decisions about their educational journey. Why not contact us to find your child a specialist educator?
Blog Post Crafted by Cheryl
Cheryl manages our Admin Team, and is a qualified teacher with 5 years' experience in schools across England and Canada.
Cheryl graduated from University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Education. She tutored secondary school students in English for over nine years in Canada.
Cheryl speaks Cantonese, English and French, and in her spare time, she can be found illustrating and reading children’s books for inspiration.
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