Etymologically speaking, “autonomy” is a word derived from the Greek terms “auto” (self) and “nomos” (law or rule). We can therefore define it as the “freedom to determine one’s own behavior.”
In the early years of life, human beings depend on an adult to develop and survive, but this dependence gradually diminishes over time, with the first signs of independence emerging through movement and communication. According to the laws of development, children go through two fundamental stages:
- A love for the activity—the desire to accomplish things. Part of children's activities involves imitating adults.
Children do things in their own way, but this imitation is important in shaping them into social individuals in the future.
- Independence—in order to grow and develop, a child needs to gain independence. All aspects of growth contribute to this. It is very important for a person to be able to function on their own.
Children do things in their own way, but this imitation is important in shaping them into social individuals in the future.
- Independence—in order to grow and develop, a child needs to gain independence. All aspects of growth contribute to this. It is very important for a person to be able to function on their own.
Children need to do things on their own from the very beginning of their lives. It is an impulse they continually express. By helping children do things on their own, we are contributing to their independence. It is therefore necessary to foster children’s autonomy through small, everyday tasks, which help them structure and organize their thoughts.
The Curriculum Guidelines for Preschool Education (Ministry of Education, 1997, p. 53) state that “fostering the autonomy of the child and the group is based on the acquisition of the skills essential to their independence and necessary for greater autonomy, as an opportunity for choice and accountability.” Organizing daily routines facilitates better learning for children. It is very important for children that their daily routines be structured by adults.
For a child to develop harmoniously, schools and families must maintain a healthy relationship that prioritizes the child's independence and daily routine.
- Filipa Andrade (Preschool Teacher)
