From Emotional Intelligence to Life Skills: The Critical Role of Comprehensive Education in Primary School Curriculums

The generations are moving from Genz to Gen Alpha. We have moved from Earth to the moon. Society is establishing the profound foundations of scientific growth. The exposure to the digital world that everyone gets has expanded its boundaries over the years. We have now robots in schools and AI in our laptops that have significantly impacted our lives. However, amidst these rapid changes, primary education has remained relatively static. Concepts such as emotional intelligence remain very vague here.  

This impact must be observed in primary education too. It is high time that we move forward towards more holistic education that is also inclusive of Sex education, Life skills and emotional training to students which are some fundamental aspects that students must learn there. The basic aim of primary education should be the training of students for their own lives. The facts that they learn at that age generally remain vague and are obsolete when they grow up, but their experiences and training are their life-long companions.  

Emotional intelligence: – A trait as well as an ability 

Emotional intelligence in prima facia words can be defined as a way to effectively identify and manage our emotions and those of others. Regulating emotions as per the situation makes any person much more mature and logical enough to take action. One learns the responsive mechanisms here rather than the reactive mechanisms. This helps them to make healthier relationships and stay optimistic and mentally fit. 

On the one hand, this is a trait that can be inherited or conditioned by individuals. However, it is also an ability that can be improved with training. If students are provided hands-on training on emotional intelligence at the primary stage, it will help the students to find a healthy future. 

The reason that they find their textbooks boring is that they have the same material that was too relevant years ago. Thus, skills such as emotional intelligence must be the fundamental training provided from the very early age of their life.  

Sex education: Breaking the taboos from the society 

Sex and sexuality are the subjects that always rest behind the curtains in primary education. Students even in their teenage years remain confused about the concepts of menstruation and sexual terms. One of the greatest problems do arises here is the pathway that they tend to take to satisfy their sexual curiosity. 

Sexual desires are the natural phenomena of the human body which are essential for the reproduction and survival of species. Thus, such desires inevitably become active with age and students become curious about it. We must make them aware of the sexual processes and normal functioning of the body to prevent them from the Unreliable pathways. The reason we have the porn industry increasing significantly as they use addiction as a tool for our children which makes them addicted to it. Thus if we want to get rid of some catastrophic consequences, we must make them aware of sex education. It must be incorporated in Indian primary education as well to demystify the natural processes. 

 Life skills 

The skills that deal with interpersonal communication, personality development, confidence building, professional linguistic training and teamwork must be there in the curriculum of students at primary schools. The name itself suggests that training is here for a healthy and sustainable life.  

Interpersonal skills are vital for resolving conflicts and promoting a cooperative classroom atmosphere, laying the foundation for successful social interactions throughout life. Personality Development focuses on helping students understand themselves and build a positive self-image. It encourages personal growth by highlighting individual strengths and areas for improvement. Confidence Building is about empowering students to take risks, voice their opinions, and participate actively in their education. Professional Linguistic Training equips students with the communication skills needed for future academic and career success. Teamwork teaches students the value of cooperation and collective effort. Working in groups helps children develop empathy, learn to share responsibilities, and achieve common goals. 

Thus, it is high time that the obsolete subjects of primary education must be made progressive. We must move forward towards a holistic development of the personality of students rather than the production of nerds. We need parents as well as teachers should respect the interests of their children. Co-curricular activities inclusive of singing, dancing or sports must be promoted equally and should be awarded. We need a primary goal which enhance our personality through education and make the future a better time to live. 

References

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