Helping children build confidence in lifelong learning.

Preparing children for first grade isn't about teaching them to read and write prematurely, but about equipping them with the skills to confidently embark on a lifelong learning journey.

Teachers and students at Thach Dinh Kindergarten during a lesson.

Many studies by experts have shown that the difficulty for children entering first grade is not learning to read or write, but rather learning how to adapt to a new environment, being taught correctly to truly love learning and language, and being listened to throughout their development.

In its childcare and education program, Kim Tan Kindergarten (Kim Tan commune) always focuses on the comprehensive development of core qualities: love, respect, honesty, and responsibility; and five fundamental competencies: communication, cooperation, adaptability, self-reliance, and problem-solving. The principal of Kim Tan Kindergarten, Dao Thi Khanh Ly, shared: “To prepare children for first grade, the school has intensified efforts to help them become familiar with learning routines, develop self-care skills, communication and cooperation abilities, and especially promote physical development through movement and play activities. These contents aim to help children form self-confidence, be proactive, and readily adapt to the new learning environment when entering primary school.”

To ensure children acquire all the necessary skills before entering first grade, Thach Dinh Kindergarten in Kim Tan commune has developed and implemented an educational plan that suits the practical conditions while ensuring continuity with the 2018 General Education Program. The principal of Thach Dinh Kindergarten, Vu Thi Tuyet, stated: “Besides teaching children how to recognize numbers and letters and how to hold a pen correctly, the teachers also guide them on proper posture while studying… In addition, the school, together with the local government, has strengthened infrastructure and promoted digital transformation in teaching activities. Especially, we have strengthened communication between the school and parents so that parents better understand the goals of the preschool education program, thereby cooperating and agreeing on effective methods for educating children.”

Entering first grade is always a significant milestone for children. Besides thorough preparation from schools, each family needs to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge to support their children, fostering a love and passion for learning, helping them quickly adapt to the new educational environment, and ensuring that every day at school is a joyful one.

Today, many parents still believe their children must learn to read and write early and don't fully understand the value of learning through play. Early childhood education is necessary, but the teaching method and timing are crucial. If a child is curious and interested in letters, parents can start with simple games, songs, picture books, etc. But if the child isn't ready, slow down a bit and prioritize language, emotional, and connection development first.

Bui Thi Trang, the principal of Thach Quang Kindergarten in Thach Quang commune, shared: “We always remind parents not to let their children learn the curriculum in advance, because when children already know the curriculum beforehand, they will lose interest and will no longer be eager to explore and discover new knowledge when they officially enter first grade. This will affect their concentration and learning effectiveness.”

Currently, a new preschool education program with many new features has been piloted in several localities. The core difference is the focus on shifting from a framework curriculum to a competency-based approach, placing the child at the center and promoting the comprehensive development of fundamental qualities and competencies in children, preparing them for primary school.

The new early childhood education program adopts a rights-based approach, ensuring quality, equity, inclusion, equality, and respect for children's differences; it educates children with special needs, develops language skills (with attention to the child's mother tongue), and encourages children to access foreign languages ​​where possible, gradually making English a second language in schools.

In Thanh Hoa , many schools have proactively adapted to the demands of innovation, organizing educational environments that are more open, increasing opportunities for children to experience and explore. Educational methods have also shifted towards reducing one-way transmission of knowledge, increasing experiential activities, and encouraging children to be proactive and creative. This helps children become more confident and assertive; communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills are improved, fostering personal development... This is an important foundation for children to adapt to the new learning environment and confidently pursue lifelong learning.

Text and photos: Linh Huong

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/giup-tre-tu-tin-hoc-tap-suot-doi-282567.htm