My Childhood Story

Knowing your kids' childhood story is important. Experiences as a child either continues as a baggage one carries or it can be the foundation of character building.

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In writing and publishing my story - embarrassing though it may be, I hope it will help you think of the practical life aspect of your preschool kids, as you plan your preschool lesson plans and activities.



This is my personal childhood story that happened in the late 1950s :

“Children, stay out of the kitchen !” screamed the maid with long plaited hair. This was a familiar and regular phrase during the days of my childhood. As a child, I understood it full well not to step into the kitchen and get into the way of our maid. It all went well, at least it seemed to be.

I caught the idea that housework or kitchen work is only left to the maids. I grew up with no desire nor seen no need to learn any of the skills that I now see so vital in life. In school, I only learned that if I sit and study and revise my work consistently, I would excel in life. Oh no ! Life was hard ! Not because I could not read or pass my exams but it was really hard, because life is not just reading and writing and solving problems. Indeed life is filled with daily chores - yes, I say “chores” - while others may simply say “routines” or "hobbies".

Reality of life struck me when I left home for a 2 year missionary travel on a ship. There was no mother nor maid with me. Instead, I was placed on the other side of the line. We were all made servants to one another to keep the ship running. I remember vividly the many pains and sorrows during those days of hard labour - I called it “torture”. I had blisters on my hand when I had to sweep the floor, because never in my life had I ever held a broomstick in my hand. My joints ached when I had to carry the heavy plates to set tables for 300 ship members. In the event, there were many broken plates and glasses. And within a month, I found new plates and cups replaced, and I knew why. Only glad that they did not make me pay for them nor did I have to stand before a firing squad. It was all part and parcel of missionary training, I guess. As for making my own bed, it seemed like the bed sheet just would not stay in place. It took me more than an hour to make my bed and finally I decided the next time to put three sheets on together so when it got dirty I could carefully peel off the top layer one at a time.





My childhood story continues:

In retrospect, I believe all that had happened need not come to pass had I had the opportunity to help around the house and catch on the skills of practical techniques or at least to learn it from school.

Well, such disasters continue even to this stage when I have become a mother. I bet if I mention about cooking, anyone would have imagined what my kitchen is like. I am resorting to instant food cooking and even then, my husband used to laugh and say, “You use so many pots and dishes for cooking just one dish”. I am glad he has a good sense of humour. Eventually he bought me a dishwasher. You see, in those days dishwashers were rare.

All that had happened in my childhood story is a close repetition of my mother’s life. There seem to be a pattern that is naturally carried on to the next generation unless it is deliberately cut off. Well, I am determined not to let such pitfalls be extended to my next generation. Moreover, I wish not to apply this all-important lesson to my son alone, but also to impart to the children whom I will teach in the class.



My childhood story continues:
I now know that it is so important to teach the skills of practical life to a child while he is in the sensitive period of learning and while he has the intrinsic desire to be involved in our daily activities. Whilst such activities are joys of learning to a toddler and pre-schooler , it will remain a joy once he has caught on the skills and it will continue to be so; - at least it will become a routine and not a chore. Why not help a child to have a pleasant childhood story.

“Every phase of the creative life has this dual nature. A struggle, a dread, a reverse of some kind, can have incalculable consequences, since the reaction to these obstacles becomes absorbed, just as much as the positive effects of progress…. Certain malformations, or “deviations” of personality, may also be formed, which become serious at later stages of growth.” (The Absorbent Mind page 118 by Maria Montessori)

Do you have a great story about your childhood ? good or bad, share it here so teachers and parents may be able to learn from your experience.

See Also:-

Child Intellectual Development

The importance of Play in your preschool curriculum

Know the Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education as you set out to write your preschool lesson plans>

Ideas for fun and economical preschool crafts using Pasta, beads or beans

All kinds of Preschool Activities to supplement your preschool curriculum

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