Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. nursery (n.) [nur-suh-ree] – a place where very young children go to learn and play
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. nursery (n.) [nur-suh-ree] – a place where very young children go to learn and play
Example: My five-year-old son
learned how to read in nursery
school.
2. competent (adj.) [kom-pi-tuhnt] – skilled or knowledgeable about something
Example: Schools need teachers
who are competent in using the
computer.
3. doubt (n.) [dout] – feeling that one cannot believe or trust in something
Example: Unprepared teachers
have doubts about their skills.
4. qualification (n.) [kwol-uh-fi-key-shuhn] – a special skill or knowledge required in a certain job
Example: Teachers must meet qualifications before they can teach.
5. recommendation (n.) [rek-uh-men-dey-shuhn, -muhn-] – a suggestion on the best course of action
Example: According to the
government recommendation, teachers
should be trained to improve student performance.
Article
Read the text below.
A report published
by the UK’s Department of Education shows that many nursery staff and child care providers are hired even though they
are not competent in mathematics
and reading.
Professor Cathy
Nutbrown, who conducted the research for the government, expresses doubt whether a year of training
courses is enough time for people to understand child development. She even
cites one academic who said more qualifications
are asked of those taking care of animals than of those taking care of
babies.
According to Nutbrown’s
report, nursery staff and care providers need to take learning courses that
will help them develop the right skills and personal qualities. Nutbrown
believes people with these qualifications will give the best care to children.
Anne Longfield, CEO
of the charity group 4Children, also suggests raising job qualifications. She
says math and reading skills of nursery staff can lead to different learning
experiences for children. As an example, she says, a person who can read
aloud to children with confidence and energy is much more effective than
someone who cannot even read properly.
Pearson, a company
that offers training to child care students, agrees with Nutbrown’s review.
It believes the quality of care that young children receive can greatly
affect their future. The company recently started offering new learning
courses that hope to raise standards in child care.
Meanwhile,
Children’s Minister Sarah Teather says she appreciates the study and welcomes
further recommendations from
Professor Nutbrown. Teather says the early stages of children’s development
are very important, so those who care for children must possess the proper
skills and training.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
How important is it for employees to have the
right qualifications?
·
Do you think there should be strict
qualifications for child care providers? Please explain your answer
Discussion B
·
What are some of the things you learn from
childhood that helped you grow as a person?
Can
you cite some important lessons young children can learn from their teachers?