The Importance of Cultural Learning
According to Bogardus “Culture is the way of doing and thinking of a group” It consists of values, ideals and emotions of group life. Culture has links with the past.
It is past which is given to the future in the form of customs, traditions etc. Culture is usually passed on with the help of languages. Culture is learnt, culture grows in society. One of the principal causes of the cultural backwardness of the African peoples has been their comparative isolation.
Importance of Cultural Learning
Cultural learning has its advantage that it enormously speeds upon the process of learning.
The environmental conditions to which the infant is exposed influences development. Each culture differs in its methods of child rearing, and each family within a culture has its own schedules and ways of doing things which varies from country to country and from one social class to another.
Children flourish under a wide variety of rearing methods. And it is tribute to the adaptability of the young organism, and probably an indication that specific methods are less important than the basic attitude of the parents.
One thing seems clear- the most important factor in child rearing is affectionate relationship with a parent or parent substitute in the early years. The absence of warmth and affection leads to many undesirable personality characteristics. Teach the child the value of self-control and discipline by reasoning rather than physical abuse.
Importance of the family for the growth and development of the young child, the role of culture and community in the development of the under five-year old.
The newborn takes in the sensation of sounds, sights and scents. A parent’s face is new born’s first and most wonderful “toy”. Give the new born simple toys that appeal to his sight, hearing and touch like unbreakable crib mirrors rattles, extrude toys and musical toys and musical toys. Choose contrasting colours and patterns; red and black patterns seem to appeal new born’s eyesight which is not very well developed, and strong contrasts will help in keeping his interest longer. Provide one play thing at a time.
