The growth and development of any child occurs in two main environments: the home and the school.
The birth of a child into a family opens up a new phase filled with laughter, joy, and unending emotions signalling this new phase. Every member comes together to celebrate this new feat.
The child learns to take his/her first step at home while falling repeatedly, learns to say dada and mama from the urging of parents and gets familiar with the faces of close relatives. The child’s journey on earth has officially begun.
As this child grows older, more individuals are introduced and this baby is being geared up for life inside the four walls of a classroom – life away from home.
A home is any physical dwelling where a family or a group of persons reside. It is a place where relationships are formed, where wrongs are forgiven and new experiences are made. A school can also be a home.
For a school to be a second home, it must have certain qualities which make it a great feat for grooming children and teenagers to become responsible adults.
This article aims to divulge tips to back up our claim that the school is a second home for the growth of any child in society.
Reasons Schools Should Be Called Second Home
1. Increase in Extended Family
Family is not only those we have a blood relationship with. One major reason why schools are a second home is the relationships we build within the four walls of a classroom.
Some relationships between romantic partners, business partners, and the best platonic friendships are formed here.
Also, we develop great emotional bonds which we also share with our parents and siblings thereby increasing the number of people we have in our circle.
2. Presence of a Nurturing Atmosphere
An environment filled with love and friendship is very important for children as they grow. This helps them to express themselves freely, devoid of any judgment or stereotypes, and increases the chances of them growing up to be responsible adults.
Just like every home, schools that have a calm and nurturing environment feel like a second home to these kids.
3. Emotional Backing
Another superb reason why schools should be called a second home is the emotional support students receive from their teachers and friends which is synonymous with those dished out by their parents. This is needed when parents are not close by to give such.
4. Established Routine
Routines are a lifesaver. They help us to be better organised which in turn makes us achieve our tasks faster. In our homes, there is a specific time to get up in the morning and a time we have our breakfast. Deviating from this can make children late for school.
In the same light, schools have an established routine; a timetable for all students, a time for games, and a time to eat lunch.
5. Cultivation of Lasting Relationships
This is my favourite. What is life without meaningful relationships in it?
Some of us have neighbours that we still communicate with after moving to another location or colleagues that we visit often after changing jobs. The school environment encourages children to build lasting relationships with their peers.
6. Fun Memories Are Created
Life is full of fun memories and experiences. In our homes, we take pictures and videos to remember when we cross a major milestone in our lives. Looking at those pictures brings smiles to our faces, lifting our moods and putting hope in our minds.
The school environment is another opportunity for students to create memories that will last them a lifetime. From making videos while playing a football game to taking pictures at graduation.
7. Individual Development and Progress
The community has a role to play in the development of every child and all hands must be on deck to achieve this. Different children grow at different paces, hence the need to provide several options to give them more opportunities to thrive.
Furthermore, some students have great relationships with their teachers who also offer them guidance on any issue.
8. Shared Morals
Every home has a set of morals they follow which directs the path of all family members. Though some persons might stray out of that direction, there is still an unsaid rule about topics like integrity and uprightness.
When children are taught these things early, it sets the foundation right which orders them on the path to follow and influences their decisions as they make friends in school.
9. Access to Mentorship
The first person a child looks up to is their parents but the school environment allows students to have mentors within their reach.
This is extremely important when their parents are not within reach for guidance. Also, students can have a different view of any matter from their mentors.
10. Making the Switch to Independence
The school environment heralds a turning point in the life of every student, allowing them to make decisions regarding subjects to take or drop, friends to hang out with, and clubs to join.
Just like at home where they have to keep their rooms tidy and help with other chores, schools are their second step to playing the independent game.
Conclusion
In essence, schools act as a comforting second home for students. Besides being places of learning, they offer a multitude of advantages that contribute to moulding students for the challenges they’ll encounter in the future.
Through the substantial time spent within their walls, schools actively promote overall development, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for their journey ahead.
Read here; The Role of Indigenous Languages in Schools.
Researched by Adejoke Toye
