EdTalk | 7 pointers to help you plan for your child’s early education

Raising youngsters is largely about nurturing personal growth – kindergarten is a German word meaning “garden of children” – but not all flora flourishes under the same conditions. When creating an education plan for your child, there’s no point in planning too far ahead.

The process is daunting enough without the burden of trying to predict what your needs will be in 10 years’ time, or how that little person living in your house will best learn when he or she is a teenager. So here are a few points to help you along the puzzling path of early childhood education.

1. Don’t judge a book by its cover

A school’s reputation counts for plenty in the Hong Kong community, but just because the “kindergarten for the rich and famous” has Oxbridge and Ivy League alumni, or an amazing new campus, it doesn’t mean that it’s right for your child. Keep yourself grounded and do your research regardless of the school’s name.

2. Don’t marry one curriculum

With numerous approaches to early childhood learning, it’s easy to fall into the trap of analysing the differences. However, even the most sought-after curricula are only as good as the teachers and administrators engaged to bring them to life. Theories and philosophies can only go so far. We advise parents to go beyond the specific learning programme offered (the “what”) and consider the “why”, the “how”, and the “so what?”.

3. Understand your child’s proficiency and personality

Almost every private school in Hong Kong will insist on meeting your child before admission. This is mostly to ascertain their English and/or Chinese proficiency, gross/fine motor skills, and basic emotional/social competencies. Don’t coach your child for the interview; not only will it come across as forced, but the pressure can be overwhelming. Schools aren’t looking for trained monkeys; coaching can inhibit a child’s natural charm and performance.