The history of ancient cultures mostly focuses on adults. This makes sense. Most of the work in a civilization is done by adults. In the past, many children went to work just like adults did. They were like small adults, but less important.
However, ancient cultures did make time for children. Archaeologists have uncovered many children’s toys in the Indus Valley. The most common are miniature oxcarts made from terracotta. Only a few are intact. But these are well crafted, with moving and removable parts.
What can you learn about Harappan civilization from these toys? Why might their toys have been oxcarts? What can you infer from the fact that the toys were well made? What do they tell you about children’s day-to-day lives so long ago?
However, ancient cultures did make time for children. Archaeologists have uncovered many children’s toys in the Indus Valley. The most common are miniature oxcarts made from terracotta. Only a few are intact. But these are well crafted, with moving and removable parts.
What can you learn about Harappan civilization from these toys? Why might their toys have been oxcarts? What can you infer from the fact that the toys were well made? What do they tell you about children’s day-to-day lives so long ago?
Answers & Comments
The most significant skills needed to be inculcated in children in this era of stress and competition are the
life skills like listening patiently, communicating effectively, empathizing with people, anger management
and emotion management. These are the qualities which will enable children to face the challenges of life.
Children should be encouraged to work regularly, but they must also be taught to learn how to
relax as well. They must be taught to dwell in nature for some time. Let children watch the dew drops
shining in the rays of the morning sun or the serenity of a flower or the intricately woven designs of
dahlias. They must enjoy the penetrating glow of the rising sun or the reddish sky at sunset. It is as
important to enjoy watching the butterfly as it is to study English or History.
Children must also develop a hobby which will help them to be cool later in life. During exams,
parents should act as counselors. Friendly and frank communication can help the children share the
problem they are facing with their parents.
Gradually we should inculcate a feeling in children that 99 percent marks are good but they
not the only way to live. We should make children realize that hard work never goes wasted. It is possible
that it may not provide immediate dividends, but the dots will get connected later in life. Therefore, they
should be taught to do their best and leave the result to the Almighty.