Page 4 - Final Lesson-3.pmd

Needs and Rights of Children

a balanced diet. Every child must be given a nutritional supplement to
avoid nutritional deficiencies in diet.
Notes • Medical check-up of all children is a must at least once a year. It must be

ensured that they have received the necessary immunization on time.

3.1.3 Play, Early Stimulation and Learning Needs

Play, early stimulation and opportunities for learning are yet another set of needs
for the proper development of children. An environment that is full of praise
and encouragement, opportunities to play, explore and experiment helps
children grow and learn. Apart from this, playing provides children with an
outlet for emotions. It helps develop imagination, problem-solving and decision-
making skills. Through play, children also develop good relationships and learn
to care and share. Lack of a stimulating environment and opportunities to learn
through play may delay growth and development of children.

Children must be exposed to an enriching learning environment that provides
opportunities for various age-appropriate activities and learning material. Free
conservation, storytelling and rhymes contribute immensely in developing
language, creativity and imagination which are essential for learning. Similarly,
playtime is as important to their development as food and good care.

To sum up, we can say that all these needs are interrelated and interdependent
on each other.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 3.1

Match Column A with Column B:
Column A Column B

(i) Psychological needs (a) Age and developmentally appropriate

(ii) Health and nutrition (b) Love and affection
(iii) Stimulating environment (c) Physical development

(iv) Activities (d) Opportunities to play, explore and
experiment

ACTIVITY 3.1

Interact with your neighborhood children about their needs and enlist
their responses according to the categories of needs discussed above.

34 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION