Holistic Development: Path to Fulfilled and Wholesome Growth

We see that adults often emphasise the importance of education. As kids go from elementary to middle and then to high school, pressure is put on them to sideline co-curricular and extracurricular activities, in favour of spending all their time studying. What many people fail to see is the role played by non-academic activities in ensuring a child’s well-rounded growth. 

Holistic development is an approach to learning that emphasises the importance of physical, emotional, psychological, cognitive and social well-being of children. It allows children to learn, grow and explore through their own experiences by engaging in various kinds of activities. When given the opportunity, children grow into independent individuals who can explore and develop their strengths and skills.

So, why does holistic learning matter? Physical development is crucial as not only does it keep us fit and healthy but also helps our kinaesthetic senses develop. It often includes the development of gross and fine motor skills (these involve large and small muscle movements, respectively). Eating healthy, getting adequate sleep and maintaining hygiene are also a part of one's physical development.

Cognitive development aids thinking, memory, problem-solving and comprehension abilities. Linguistic development facilitates communication and hence, is yet another integral facet. It is believed that children below the age of five grasp linguistics faster than those who are older. This means that they are likely to learn new languages with more ease than adults.

Social skills also become essential as children age; if adults create a safe, trusting environment, children are likely to have improved social abilities. To ensure emotional adjustment, it becomes the duty of the adults in their lives to be patient with children and listen to their problems. This would help validate their emotions and encourage them to acknowledge and accept their feelings. 

Some features of the educational models in holistic learning are:

• Experimental Learning — Students work in groups, experience different styles of learning and adopt them from each other.

• Self-guided Learning — Teachers give students the freedom to learn at their own pace in their unique style.

• Community Schools — Teachers partner with community members to provide integrated support and expanded learning opportunities through after-school and summer programs.

• Interdisciplinary Coursework — Programmes where teachers of different subjects put together thematic courses that address the same issues from various perspectives. This may also include research, travel, internships and field trips.

Holistic approaches to teaching lead to strong student-teacher relationships, which are likely to positively impact performance and engagement in class. The fact that students have the freedom to learn in ways best suited for them also boosts their confidence. Emotional reflection, lessons on empathy and active listening among many other social skills are also incorporated.  

When children have a supportive and accepting learning environment, they are more likely to grow into self-sufficient individuals. This especially helps in reducing the effect of inequities such as poverty or stressful home lives. The student’s mental well-being is also enhanced as they are taught to be more self-aware and are inculcated with a sense of social responsibility. Research has also found that children who receive holistic education emerge with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills when presented with real-world problems.

Hence, holistic learning can help build children to be independent thinkers while providing a solid base for their future in academic, as well as non-academic endeavours. By paying attention to all these key aspects, one can make sure to help the children develop properly, leading them to become fulfilled adults.

NOTE: This article was originally written for The Mind Garden.