Especially, as Indians, we are always surrounded by people speaking in various languages in school, at workplace and the community around.

It’s impossible for us Indians to just live by knowing/speaking one single language whole our life.

And the foundation for learning languages is laid in childhood. That’s when we see and absorb everything around us and learn at a rapid pace.

We at ILP work with Anganwadis to ensure that kids in Anganwadis have a strong foundation in numeracy and literacy. And definitely one of the most important foundations is definitely about language skills.

Language skills are crucial for kids (children aged 3-6) for several reasons:

𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Strong language skills in early childhood form the base for future learning. They help kids understand instructions, learn new concepts, and express themselves clearly.

𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Language is key to interaction and building relationships. At Aanganwadis, where children from diverse backgrounds come together, language allows them to play, share ideas, and make friends.

𝗖𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Language is linked to cognitive development. By using language, children organize their thoughts, solve problems, and develop critical thinking skills.

𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Language allows children to express their needs and feelings. This is important for their emotional well-being and helps them build healthy relationships.

Language skills are taught through various means.

Anganwadis can nurture language skills through:

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Storytelling, singing rhymes, and engaging in conversations.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀: Kids in Anganwadis may speak languages other than the main language used at the center. Recognizing and respecting these languages helps children feel comfortable and confident in communicating.

If you are interested in knowing more about how ILP works with Anganwadis across India, and are willing to partners with us, reach out to archana@ilpnet.org