South China Morning Post Kindergartens Festival reveals Hong Kong’s best preschools
Over 40 of city’s preschools engaged parents and discussed key early learning issues at the South China Morning Post Kindergartens Festival, at the JW Marriot Hotel on April 21
Children are playful by nature, but the potential benefits of play in early childhood go far beyond creating imaginary worlds or kicking a ball around. Experienced educators speaking at a recent South China Morning Post Kindergartens Festival pointed out that a lack of play in early childhood could lead to anxiety and problems relating to attention and self-control later in life.
Taking part in a “Let Them Play” discussion, panellists Joanna Hotung, founder, Mills International preschool; Ben Keeling, principal, Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong; Adam McGuigan, deputy principal, International College Hong Kong Hong Lok Yuen; and Betty Yau, principal, Fairchild Kindergarten; explained how play is necessary for learning.
Hotung said parents should not underestimate the importance of play, whether at kindergarten or at home.
“Play is fundamental to all types of learning, from developing fine motor skills to problem-solving and creativity,” she said. However, McGuigan noted that some parents feel the need to be reassured that they have chosen the “right” kindergarten with progress-report cards and exam results that may not reflect the benefits of learning through play.
Keeling acknowledged that it was important for teachers to listen to parents’ thoughts about learning through play, but he added that it is equally vital for educators to explain to parents the blurred lines between what they might perceive as learning and play.
