Centralized Early Childhood Teachers Conference For Kinderland: Smart Learning for 21st Century

170 teachers from Kinderland’s 16 centres across Singapore attended the much-anticipated annual centralized training spearheaded by Crestar Education Group on 20^th July. The Kinderland teachers joined more than 400 educators from NurtureStars, Skool4kidz and ELFA from around the region.

The day kicked off with a welcome address by Dr Carol Loy, Director of Curriculum and Professional Development, instilling the importance of raising lifelong learners and critical thinkers. She gave an update on the curriculum, highlighting outstanding achievements such as the STREAM methodology being awarded the Early Childhood Innovation Award with Distinction 2018. Other highlights include an update to the music programme with Ms Shimazaki from Japan and incorporating more social and emotional development elements to raise the EQ of children.

CODING AS A PLAYGROUND: COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
Up next were keynote speakers Professor Looi Chee-Kit, Head of Learning Sciences Lab at the National Institute of Education, and Dr Chen Wenli, Associate Professor with the Learning Sciences and Technology Academic Group.

40% of current jobs will become automated in the next 10 – 20 years. Hence one of the ways to equip our children to be future-ready is by teaching computational thinking.

What is it?

To structure thinking processes to logically approach a problem, therefore helping children solve problems in an organized way. One example of how to teach children is by using picture cards to show a set of instructions where the order of steps is important.  Look at assembling a sandwich, what happens if you start spreading without the bread?

In the 21^st Century, skills that will become increasingly important are the 5Cs –

• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Creativity and innovation
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Computational thinking

“If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow” – John Dewey

IGNITE TO SERVE
International motivation speaker Mr Christian Chua was invited to inspire our teachers to continue being the light for our little ones. Together with his mandarin co-speaker, Dr Nick Sim, the session was a lighthearted, enjoyable one that had teachers almost rolling on the floor in laughter.

Key takeaways:

1. Have a good attitude

• Your attitude affects your workplace environment, and in turn determines character
• Magic of a smile: costless to share, priceless effect
• Fun and laughter really changes an environment for the better

2. Be professional

• Be at your best whether you are in the mood or not
• How to assert yourself – say no but with a smile

3. You are an important team member

• Everyone is a part of the equation
• Crestar Group is committed to giving you the opportunity to grow and upgrade yourself

Mr Chua pointed out that most of us still can remember the names of our teachers. Hence showing the long-lasting impact that teachers have on a child.

To end off, remember that YOU create your own working environment. If you tackle each day with a more positive attitude and a smile on your face, it becomes contagious!