Balance between teaching and facilitation of children's learning

In the last few decades, our increasing understanding of children's native learning potential, particularly in the area of spoken language, has led us to place more emphasis on children's learning than on teachers' teaching.

Indeed, some educationists have become suspicious and even scornful of intervention into this "natural" learning process. This has undermined the confidence of teachers, and many have become tentative about the appropriateness of any overt teaching of literacy and language skills.

However, the fact that children are well-equipped to learn does not mean that they do not need teaching. Common sense and academic research findings are in accord that children need help to learn the basic skills of literacy and numeracy. While many parents may contribute in important ways, the main responsibility still rests with teachers.

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