We had a quick interview with Ms. Thao Trang, Director of Vinschool Kindergarten. Ms. Trang said, “We understand parents’ concerns when it comes to linking AI to children using electronic devices. However, about 80% of AI learning activities in kindergarten do not use devices. Children learn through crayons, paper, wooden blocks and role-playing – in the spirit of ‘learning through play’.”
Reporter (PV): Can you tell us why Vinschool had to introduce AI so early?
Ms. Trang: Neuroscience studies show that the period from 4 to 7 years old is the "golden window" for developing pattern recognition and classification skills - the foundational skills of algorithmic thinking and machine learning. In its 2024 report, UNESCO ranked "algorithmic skills" on par with reading - writing - calculation, considering it the third fundamental skill of the 21st century.
Therefore, when children are exposed to AI early, they will understand the nature of technology before they are at risk of being swept away by technology.
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Ms. Thao Trang - Director of Vinschool Kindergarten |
PV: Can you give some examples of students “Learning AI without machines?
Ms. Trang: I would like to give some situations in the classroom as follows:
- Robot cleaning the classroom: a student plays the role of a robot that only picks up red LEGO blocks. When pencils are left behind, the class adds a new “command” – this is a visual exercise in training a machine.
- Navigate the maze: children use chalk to draw a map and read out a series of commands like “Forward – Forward – Turn left”. Just change the order and the “robot-friend” will get lost, helping children learn a lesson about the accuracy of algorithms.
After each game, teachers always ask the question: "Why did you choose that way?", to help children develop their explanation and critical thinking skills.
According to Vinschool's pilot results in April 2025, 92% of children were able to explain why "the robot did something wrong" after 3 lessons; 87% of parents noted that children were excited about the classification game and through the lessons, teachers noticed that children used concepts such as "step", "command", "data" correctly.
PV: So can you tell us specifically what content Vinschool will teach about AI?
Vinschool's AI program for preschoolers is designed around four competencies and three major AI circuits, helping children form a foundation of algorithmic thinking and safe technology usage habits from an early age.
For example, in the “Understanding how AI works” track, children practice converting data into drawings, real objects and symbols; collecting, classifying, comparing familiar objects; identifying and describing rules in daily life or games; and at the same time, getting familiar with visual programming tools through “robot” role-playing activities, drawing mazes and correcting “algorithms” when the friend-robot goes astray. Moving to the “Recognizing and selecting AI tools” track, children explore AI-integrated devices around them (smart speakers, automatic cameras, etc.), learn how to choose the right tool for the target, use the supervised voice Q&A feature, and then explain why they chose one solution over another. Finally, the “Responsible Use of AI” circuit helps children communicate with adults to ensure safety, identify personal data, distinguish between what should and should not be shared, understand that machine-generated results are different from human results, and promptly “raise the red card” when encountering strange ads or scary content. Thanks to the learning-through-play approach, children learn to understand the nature of technology before officially entering the vast digital world .
PV: AI is a fairly new and abstract concept for many parents. So how can parents of a 5-year-old child know that their child is truly understanding and absorbing knowledge related to AI?
Ms. Trang: Parents can easily recognize that their children truly understand AI concepts through specific expressions in everyday activities. Children will be able to clearly explain why the "robot" in the game performs the task correctly or incorrectly. They will also naturally and accurately use simple AI-related terms such as "command", "step" or "data" when participating in games or activities. More importantly, children will know how to recognize and describe patterns or rules in everyday activities or simple games they participate in.
In addition, children will proactively use safe applications and websites that are confirmed by teachers or parents, consult adults when they feel uncertain about the safety of an application or online game. In addition, children will know to immediately notify teachers or parents when encountering anything unusual or scary while using technology, and always use learning applications with adult supervision.
PV: How do you answer the question of many parents about whether childhood is being stolen?
Ms. Trang: The introduction of AI into early education is controversial because parents are concerned that their children's childhood will lose its innocence. However, looking at it from a positive perspective, children are being better prepared for the future. If the program ensures that children can still play and explore without depending on screens, then childhood is not lost but is being enriched. Children are not having their childhood "stolen", but are being equipped with a solid foundation to confidently enter a technological world that is changing every day.
Source: https://tienphong.vn/vinschool-dua-ai-vao-mau-giao-post1750615.tpo
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