Three senior early childhood trainers from KLC International Institute (KLCII) and two heads of Skool4kidz shared their knowledge and industry experience with some 1,200 principals and teachers at the Early Childhood Conference 2017 on 6 & 7 October 2017.
Their presentations emphasized how a Conducive Environment, Creativity and prerequisite teaching Skills can impact young children’s learning, in line with the theme “Inspiring Leadership: Nurturing the Future”.
The annual event organized by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), and held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, was officially opened by Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr Desmond Lee.
Ms Madhavi Tiwari and Ms -Anizah Binte Mohd Saleh from KLCII jointly presented a paper on “We Inspire, We Spark – Building Conducive Learning Environment with Effective Team and Collaboration”.
The interactive presentation emphasized the importance of collaboration and working closely with community partners to tap on relevant resources to build conducive learning environments for children. Delegates picked up useful tips and strategies that can be used to accomplish desired outcomes and organizational goals. The two main presenters were supported by co-presenters Ms Christina Paediwalla and Mdm. Vasandy, principal at Skool4kidz could not be physically present to share their collaborative effort as they were one of the SPARK recipients but their collaborative journey was shared through visuals and video.
Ms. Madhavi has a Master’s degree of Education (ECE) from NIE, NTU with years of myriad experience as an educator, management personnel, trainer and mentor. Mdm Anizah holds Master of Education (ECE) from UniSA and has years of experience in the EC sector.
The second presentation on “Skills and “Creativity in Chinese Language Teaching for Young Children” was delivered Dr. Chen Shi, KLCII’s Vice-principal of the Early Childhood Chinese Department. She shared the latest methodologies that have been designed to make Chinese Language lessons fun and increase children’s interest in learning the language. Dr Chen Shi also presented case studies to present the latest developments in the teaching of the mother tongue and emphasized the importance of “Skills” and “Creativity” in teaching the Chinese language.
She has a PHD in Chinese Language and Literature and a Master’s degree in Education Management, has more than 30 years of teacher training experience and has done several research studies on Education and Literature.
The ECDA conference programme was meant to build on efforts to transform the early childhood profession as outlined by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally in August this year, and help to enhance the career prospects for early childhood practitioners.
The learning lined up for EC principals and teachers included 2 keynote and plenary presentations by local and overseas speakers, 37 concurrent workshops and eight Learning Journeys for participants to discover the world of curriculum, pedagogical and leadership possibilities beyond the pre-school classrooms.