Children are people who have not yet reached the age of adulthood, usually defined by international law as 18 years old. They have rights that cannot be taken away from them, and they are expected to operate under the guidance of adults. They can express their opinions freely and discuss matters affecting them, as long as they do not hurt other people.

Children have a right to freedom of religion, expression and opinion, and to take part in cultural activities. They also have the right to education, play, rest and leisure. They should not be forced to work or sold for sexual exploitation, and they have the right to be protected from drugs that harm their health, education or physical development.

There are many ways to teach children, but it is important for parents and teachers to keep in mind that children are individuals and they learn at different speeds. It is important to find a way to engage kids in learning, and it is often best to present lessons in a story format. Using storytelling allows kids to connect with the subject matter in a meaningful way and it increases their interest. Moreover, it helps to reinforce lessons in the long run, and it can help to increase retention.

In order to make a learning experience fun and interesting for children, it is crucial to use hands-on activities. It is also important to allow children to express their creativity and be imaginative. A great way to encourage this is to provide them with the tools they need. This may include giving them access to a variety of materials and encouraging them to experiment with different art forms, such as painting, sculpture and music.

It is also important to give children positive feedback and encouragement. It is important for children to know that their efforts are appreciated, and it will encourage them to continue to strive for excellence. Lastly, it is important for parents and teachers to avoid using negative language when addressing mistakes or bad behavior.

Children’s literature is an international industry, with its own publishing houses, theatres and libraries, itinerant storytellers, critics, historians and biographers, periodicals, lectures and instruction in centres of higher learning, collections, exhibitions, and “book weeks.” It has even developed the appearance of a discipline, and it has spawned an extensive body of commentary, scholarship and criticism, as well as a theory of composition. But some feel that the institutionalization of children’s literature has gone so far that it no longer retains the spontaneity and lack of self-consciousness that lies at its heart.