If, for example, children are taught that the earth is round in science, Tawfiq explains, this piece of information should be consolidated in English and maths. Photos should also be used in demonstration and activities carried out in classes to stimulate children's minds and make them like the subject. But this, unfortunately, is never the case in many schools. Our elementary school syllabus is light when compared to what is taught abroad. We cannot go below international standards, or our students will be ignorant.
Children go to kindergarten to play and learn.
They should learn through playing, and that is what the ministry's kindergarten activity book is all about. Formal education would be too dull for young children, who would normally end up hating school and books. Kuchuk sees teachers' claims that kindergarten students should be given reading and writing in preparation for the elementary stage as unfounded. That elementary books start with sentences does not mean the student is demanded to know the whole phrase by heart. It is just one way of teaching the alphabet in a context that makes it easier for children to grasp meanings rather than just memorise.