Centralized Early Childhood Teachers Training: Smart Learning for 21st Century

20 July: Crestar Education Group held its much-anticipated annual Centralized Early Childhood Teachers Training, bringing together more than 700 educators from Kinderland, NurtureStars, Skool4kidz and ELFA in Singapore.

The day kicked off with a welcome address by Dr Carol Loy, Director of Curriculum and Professional Development for Kinderland, NurtureStars, and ELFA, instilling the importance of raising lifelong learners and critical thinkers. She gave an update on the curriculum, highlighting outstanding achievements such as the STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) 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, thereby bringing to light issues such as bullying.

On the tech side, Dr Loy announced more web-based training to come, allowing teachers from all over the region to stay involved and updated. She also shared about the in-house Developmental Assessment System (DAS) used to track and analyze a child’s growth and the e-folio that allows parents to view daily activities via mobile in China.

CODING AS A PLAYGROUND: COMPUTATIONAL THINKING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
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?
It is 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

IGNITE TO SERVE
International motivation speaker Mr Christian Chua was invited to inspire our educators 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 educators 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

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

• Crestar Education Group is committed to giving you the opportunity to grow and upgrade yourself

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!