animals
Dog, cat, monkey, tiger, elephant, cow, lion, cheetah… What do they have in common? They are all animals! That was probably one of the simplest questions anyone would have answer. But ask a child of about three and they would look at you all confused. One of the basic concepts that a child has to learn is that of differentiating animals from birds and insects. And then to go in further in-depth study, they are required to understand the different animal kingdoms such as domestic and wild animal distinctions; herbivorous and carnivorous categories, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, etc. This can be all too confusing for the young mind, but an essential part of education.
When teaching animals to a child the best mode is that of audio-visual. There are educational programs on television channels such as National Geographic, Animal Planet, etc., that use comprehensible language and excellent visuals. Apart from this there are dimensional picture books, animal story books and plastic animal toys available.
Complete animal education would include a description of the animal, the category it belongs to, where it is commonly found, its eating and sleeping patterns, et al. Usually children enjoy listening to stories, so explaining animals in a story format always works wonders. In Indian literature, the Panchatantra and Jataka Tales, are fine examples of entertaining animal stories.
Taking your child to the zoo is another important teaching aid. After all there can be no teacher than first-hand experience. Seeing the animals housed in the enclosure is a form of practical learning measures. Even going to a dairy farm or a stable teaches the child about these animals far more than any book or television program can.
Learning about animals is not only a child’s work, it is something that adults enjoy constantly learning about. Watching the latest researches that bring about the proximity between human existence and animals always calls in for our curiosity, especially concerning the evolution of mankind.
The animal kingdom is not only a subject of curiosity amongst children, but adults alike.