Nurturing Young Minds
The first years of a child’s life are a whirlwind of growth, exploration, and discovery. Preschool is a crucial time for children, as it lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
As we step deeper into the digital age, and as cases of digital addiction in young children as well as developmental delays become more prevalent, we must carefully consider the role technology plays in the early stages of education and the development of children before the age of 5 years.
In a recent Independent Education article titled South African children face school readiness challenges, Justin van Fleet, President of Theirworld, was quoted saying that “90% of a child’s brain develops by the age of five, making the period between birth and school the most critical time in their lives. Failing to support children during these crucial years means setting them up for lifelong challenges.”
The Role of Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology has become an integral part of everyday life – even for the youngest of students. While digital tools can offer new avenues for learning, the overuse of technology in early childhood, often used as a babysitter, poses risks to healthy development. Research has shown that excessive screen time can lead to delayed language development, reduced attention span, and impaired social skills in young children.
Balancing Tech with Traditional Play
Technology, when used appropriately, can be a useful tool to enhance learning. That’s why schools should integrate age-appropriate, interactive technology in a way that complements, rather than replaces, traditional forms of play. For instance, digital storybooks might supplement reading programmes, but responsible schools must ensure that children also experience the joy of holding physical books and listening to stories read aloud by a teacher.
St Mary’s Approach to Responsible Learning Side-by-Side with Technology
The approach at St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls in Pretoria is rooted in experiential learning, where play, creativity, and social interaction form the backbone of the girls’ development. They encourage hands-on activities that stimulate the senses, allowing the girls to explore the world around them, build confidence, and develop critical problem-solving skills. The girls’ social-emotional skills are further bolstered as they are guided to not only conquer developmentally appropriate social skills but to explore concepts such as emotional vocabulary and regulation skills.
The school believes that learning in early childhood includes developing social, emotional, physical and cognitive abilities. The curriculum is designed to foster a love of learning through active engagement, curiosity, and personal expression and emphasise the importance of moderation and mindful use of technology. Their preschool classrooms limit screen exposure, instead focusing on real-world experiences that promote face-to-face interaction, outdoor play, and imaginative exploration.
Empowering Parents to Make Informed Choices
The St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls in Pretoria believes that education extends beyond the classroom. As a school community, they work closely with parents to provide guidance on managing technology at home and to empower parents to connect with their daughters through activities that foster connection and support development. Together, the school believes that this can create a balance that ensures children benefit from technology without falling prey to its potential risks.
In a world where screens are omnipresent, it is more important than ever to prioritise human interaction, creative play, and experiential learning in preschool education. The school provides a safe and enriching environment where girls can flourish, both with and without technology. Their goal is to empower confident young women of integrity and character, while ensuring they have the freedom to be children in the present.
St Mary’s Opens a Grade 00 Class in 2025
St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls in Pretoria is excited to be opening a Grade 00 class in 2025, building in an additional preschool year to their offering and further consolidating their efforts to lay a strong foundation for the girls in preparation for Grade 1.
