Elementary education is the basic education which is provided to the small children in schools. Elementary school term is used in North America. In other parts of the world elementary education is the compulsory form of education provided by the schools but the term used for it is different. In European nations, India and other Asian countries elementary education has been replaced by the term of primary education. Elementary and primary education is two different terms but the aim is same and that is the imparting of basic education to the children. There is clear distinction of courses offered to the students in elementary schools and in middle level schools.

Following pointers throw light on elementary schools:

1. Elementary school term was used in United Kingdom in starting and many schools were opened for children which were funded by people. The education imparted in these schools was quite beneficial and it aimed for teaching children about the use of mathematics in day today life and skills of reading and writing.
2. Teachers were hired for providing education to the children of different age groups in elementary schools. The age of the student was not defined and usually children below 14 used to attend the elementary schools. Children at the age of 4 started attending the elementary schools and around 80% of the population were interested in getting elementary education.
3. Children in United Kingdom started attending primary schools at an early age of 4 and education was given till the age of eleven. Arithmetic was given importance so that children can do the calculations. Reading of the newspaper and the books was taught in the primary schools. Children learnt language for reading and writing which is essential in daily life.
4. Elementary schools in US provide education to the children from kindergarten level to the 5th grade. The grade fixed by the US schools became popular and the elementary or the primary schools were called grade schools. Children were also taught other creative things like drawing and crafts.
5. In the Asian countries like India elementary education referred to the education from 1st to 5th level. Children between age of 4 and twelve attended the elementary schools and then moved to other institutions for higher education. Sanskrit is taught in many elementary schools and children interested in other languages are also taught.

Education pattern in many parts of the world has gone through tremendous changes but elementary education is mandatory.

Tags: elementary education, elementary schools, primary schools