Early Childhood Development by Nikitin
Boris Nikitin and his wife Elena are striking parents and amazing teachers, founders of new early childhood development method, creator of different developing toys and exercises. They dreamed about their own school but they had no possibility to open it because ot the peculiarities of Sovet system. Instead they created amazing family – outstanding example for parents of all the world how to make the children healthy and happy.
It’s hard to underestimate his role in the history of Russian pedagogics. He was the same for Russia, like Maria Montessori for Italy, Glenn Doman for USA, Masaru Ibuka for Japan. Perhaps he isn’t so famous in USA but I’m sure that it would be interesting to know about him for parents who do care about their children development.
The Nikitin’s family is well-known family in Russia and in all territory of former Soviet Union. By the example of their own family they showed how to help a child to become independent creative and harmonious developed person. Surely Boris and Elena Nikitiny were outstanding parents and teachers.
The first they were spoken about at 50th of XX century. In the small village Bolshevo people were shocked by their seven healthy talented and well developed children, who can walk on the snow with bare feet and do astounding gymnastic exercises. Till the 3 years children were able to read and solve simple mathematical problems. Everyone had a great desire to test children to know for sure of all rumours are true. But the school teachers held children up as an example for other students and all doctors said children were asolutely healthy.
The main principles of the early childhood development by Nikitin.
1. There are two extremes harmful for children development. First is too much attention, when parents don’t give enough time and space for being alone. Too much care, too many games are played, all day long the child is entertained and get use for the role of spectator.
The second is neglect. Communication with the child is only when he need to be fed up or washed, time go to bed or something else. This attitude cause emotional starvation and finally to the mental backwardness.
2. Freedom of choice. Children should choose what they like to do and how long to be busy with the activity. Children are never pressed to do something because the parents want it. Nikitin was against any artificial routine. Parents don’t choose but help to solve some difficult life problems for children. Parents advance the children and at the same time give them a push to development giving rich environment to explore and talking over everything around.
3. Attentive attitude of the parents. Children shouldn’t be left to themselves. Parents take part in all the activities.
4. The aim is not to teach children something earlier than other parents but to give all the objects kids are interested in to stimulate their further development.