12-05-2025
‘Need to help kids understand conflict, war from early age'
Mumbai: Amid tension with Pakistan, the Early Childhood Association (ECA) has recommended that parents and schools adopt the 'panchadi' approach—a five-step learning process for the foundational stage—from
National Curriculum Framework 2022
to help children grasp complex concepts like conflict and war by breaking them down into simple and relatable which focuses on
play-based learning
, critical thinking and problem-solving, comprises 'adhiti' (introduction to a concept), 'bodh' (understanding), 'abhyas' (practice), 'prayog' (application), and 'prasar' (expansion).The ECA said children of all ages are grappling with questions, queries and anxiety about words like 'conflict' and 'war', and it is important to help them understand, cope and develop resilience. "Parents and schools must begin by telling children a simple story or fable that illustrates conflict, and then explain that conflicts happen for different reasons—misunderstandings, not listening to each other, fighting over something, or even being afraid of each other," said its president, Swati Popat-Vats.
Under 'abhyas', the objective must be to encourage children to explore peaceful ways to handle conflict, she said. TNN
