Concepts of Suzuki early childhood education
Every child can learn
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Every child has the ability to learn. Children learn to speak their mother tongue language naturally and with ease, hearing it all around them and copying the sounds and actions. Dr. Suzuki applied these principles to music education, developing the Suzuki Method so that every child can learn.
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ability develops early
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"Education begins nine months before the birth of the mother" - Dr. Suzuki. Studies show that babies hear and respond to sounds even before they are born. Babies are learning and absorbing their environment all the time, even when they are sleeping. The development might not always be obvious at first, but small steps will lead to big developments.
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environment nurtures growth
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A positive, nurturing environment is the key to raising children to be good human beings. Children learn their mother tongue language with positive praise, encouragement and repetition. In the calm environment of SECE classes there are many encouraging smiles and a positive atmosphere for learning.
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children learn from one another
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Children learn by watching and copying their peers. The younger babies watch the older children taking independent turns on instruments, and aspire to achieve this in the future. The older children take seriously their position as role-models to the younger babies, and they learn to respect and care for them. In SECE classes babies from age 0-3 all come together, creating the perfect environment to learn from one another.
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parental involvement is critical
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"Children learn to smile from their parents" - Dr. Suzuki. For children to learn and develop well they need to feel safe, loved and encouraged. In SECE classes parents model the actions for their children, they sing the songs with them at home, and they notice the small developments in their baby each week and write them in a special journal throughout their SECE journey.
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success breeds success
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When a child has a positive experience they are more likely to try again, and try harder next time. In SECE classes the teacher is there to guide the child to help them produce a beautiful sound on the instruments. Along with the reassuring presence of a loving parent, this success creates in the child the desire to achieve good results.
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encouragement is essential
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Hugs and smiles in acknowledgement of a child's efforts are extremely encouraging for their development. When children are rewarded in positivity for their achievements, no matter how small, they will gain the confidence to go that little bit further next time. In SECE classes parents acknowledge the efforts of not only their own baby, but all the children in the group, creating a wonderfully positive and nurturing environment.
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