What is Education?

**Disclaimer: This post is based on an opinion, and may not resonate with all.

When any person hears the word “education,” they imagine books which are filled with lessons and homework activities. What if education is more than that?

Close-up image of a teacher holding a clipboard, and glasses. There is chalkboard behind him with written math equations. Education is more than just a lesson plan.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-a-teacher-holding-a-clipboard-8617949/

Education is Playing

Children love to play with toys. Toys give children an opportunity to learn because it expands their imagination, develops their confidence, and stimulates their senses. A study from the North Clinic of Istanbul revealed that toys are a tool which are a component of playing. This study states that playing is an action, in which a child chooses to participate. Toys have many uses, and children can use them however they wish. This in turn builds their confidence, since their creativity is not restricted. Toys also educate children by introducing them to the senses. Toys such as building blocks introduce senses such as sight and touch.

Children also love to interact with children of their own age. Children interact with their peers through games such as tag. This gives children an opportunity to develop social skills, including learning conflict management, learning to follow instructions, and learning to be mindful of others’ needs (August, 2021). This is all highlighted in the study conducted by the North Clinic of Istanbul .

To read more on how playing and education are inter-connected, you can read this post.

Four female students are posing together with their backs facing a green chalkboard. Education is playing and socialization.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-four-girls-wearing-school-uniform-doing-hand-signs-710743/

Education is Learning Experience

It is normal for everyone of all ages to make mistakes. As children grow older, they are prone to making mistakes such as failing a test, being careless with money, or by associating with bad company. Children who make mistakes are given the opportunity to learn from them, so that they can do better.

Text on a chalkboard, which reads, 1+1 = 3.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/1-1-3-text-on-black-chalkboard-374918/

Conclusion:

Education is not limited to books, school, nor lesson plans. Children, and adults alike are able to have access to education through playing, socializing, and life experience. Education is also not limited to the things mentioned above.