As early learners, children are constantly exploring their surroundings, trying out new things, and taking risks. While this is an important part of their development, it is also important to ensure their safety. In fact, safety is one of the most important aspects of early childhood education, and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) recognizes this fact.

The NCF is a framework for school education in India, which provides guidelines for the development of the curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment practices. Within physical development, the NCF stresses the importance of young children understanding what they can do to keep themselves safe, especially when they are away from their primary caregivers.

Also, read > A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Principles and Objectives of the NCF

In today's world, it is crucial for children to know how to protect themselves in case of an emergency. However, children often lack the context and knowledge about the emergency numbers in their country. One of the ways in which Kutuki is helping children stay safe is through rhymes that cover critical emergency numbers used in India. Isn’t that amazing? We realized that the most common emergency number that most kids know would be “911” and that is pointless for kids living in India.

The rhymes are catchy and use simple melodies and beats to help children recall these numbers quickly. This not only helps children learn the emergency numbers but also gives them a sense of confidence and control in case of an emergency. The app also encourages parents to use simple beats or "taal" to help their children remember important phone numbers, including their parents' phone numbers. Try breaking down a ten-digit phone number into beats of two or three and saying it out loud with your child. This simple hack can go a long way in ensuring that your child knows how to reach you in case of an emergency.

Ensuring safety for early learners is not just about teaching them emergency numbers; it also involves creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive. Early childhood educators play a crucial role in this process by creating a safe and secure space where children can explore and take risks. This includes providing age-appropriate equipment, ensuring adult supervision, and teaching children about safety rules and procedures.

You might also be interested in > How is the NCF Transforming Early Childhood Education in India

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