By Virginia Hunt, Primary School Principal
Recently HKA hosted an Early Childhood Education Conference focused on the power of international education. The participation of over 25 delegates from 6 provinces in China shows the significance of the event.
It was a pleasure to partner with Orange Studio Professional Learning Community and lead this conference with the aim of emphasizing the importance of taking educators beyond the confines of the classroom and into the world to foster intercultural understanding and global citizenship among early childhood students. This approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which provide a framework for addressing global challenges and promoting a more sustainable future.
By engaging with the world and learning beyond the school environment, students have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of their place in the world. The conference explored various teaching and learning methods, such as block building, role play, and symbolic representation, which allow students to process and express their understanding of the world around them.
The inclusion of classroom observations, interactive workshops led by HKA’s Early Childhood teachers, and a teacher panel showcased HKA’s commitment to fostering intercultural awareness and global citizenship. Workshops included topics such as Promoting Diversity Through Books and Toys, Hand Signals and Number Talks, Agency in Art, Chinese Language Infusion, The Role of Play and more. By sharing our learning and teaching practices, HKA aims to inspire and support educators in their efforts to develop interculturally minded global citizens.
Overall, this conference provided a valuable platform for educators to exchange ideas, gain insights, and enhance their pedagogical approaches to better prepare students for an interconnected and diverse world.
