As the field of early childhood education continues to evolve rapidly, educators are embracing a variety of pedagogies tailored to the diverse needs of young learners. To promote dialogue among professionals and keep parents informed of the latest trends, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education (YCCECE) hosted its inaugural “Early Childhood Education Community Day” in October.
The full-day event featured a compelling panel discussion titled “Exploring Early Childhood Education Pedagogies: Insights and Foresights from Leading Educators,” where representatives from several schools shared their expertise. Participating institutions included Island Waldorf School, The Italian International Nursery and Kindergarten, The International Montessori School, and Yew Chung International School.
Professor Kerry Lee, President of YCCECE and Chair Professor of Child Development, described the Community Day as part of the college’s broader outreach programme. “We organise these activities to address diverse needs through research and workshops,” he said. “This is part of our broader community engagement process, which we implement through translational research projects and other initiatives.”
The panel provided a platform for educators to explore both the distinctions and commonalities among their pedagogical philosophies. For parents, the discussion offered valuable insights to help them make informed decisions when selecting schools for their children.
In addition to the panel, YCCECE welcomed families to its Pamela Peck Discovery Space—a purpose-built environment where children could engage in play-based learning. “It’s also a hub for our student teachers to observe how these approaches work in real-life settings before they begin teaching,” said Professor Lee.
Play-based learning
Play-based learning is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of early childhood curricula in progressive schools. Ruth Benny, Founder of Top Schools and moderator of the panel, noted that many traditional kindergartens in Hong Kong still rely on outdated methods where children are expected to sit still for most of the day. In contrast, play-based learning encourages children to acquire skills and knowledge through hands-on group activities in stimulating environments.
At The International Montessori School (IMS), children experience uninterrupted work that provides a play-like flow of purposeful activity in an immersive bilingual environment. “We create an environment that encourages exploration and engages children with various materials,” said Academic Director Matthew Sneyd. “Children learn according to their own will and motivation.” In the Montessori approach, educators closely observe each child’s developmental stage and tailor learning experiences to their individual needs.
Amy-Leigh Hood, ECE Western Co-Principal of Yew Chung International School, emphasised the school’s respect for each child’s character and capabilities. “We engage them in an authentic play environment where they develop social skills and have the freedom to explore.” Yew Chung’s philosophy blends Eastern values—particularly Confucian principles of respect—with progressive Western educational practices, aiming to instill empathy for others and an inquiry-based approach to life.
The Italian International Nursery and Kindergarten also incorporates play into its curriculum while maintaining a balance with academics. “The children learn through play,” said Principal Catherine Chow. “Our inquiry and project-based learning is integrated with academics, such as recognising words.” Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the school honours each child’s unique potential and views the environment as a ‘third teacher’ that invites exploration.
Island Waldorf School takes a nature-based approach, encouraging child-directed play outdoors. “We stimulate children’s imagination and storytelling abilities through free-form play,” said Education Administrator Cindy Cornish. “Artistic activities and language-based circles help children learn rhymes and songs while moving around.” The Waldorf method aims to cultivate intellectual, artistic, and practical skills, as well as physical capacities and willpower.
Social and emotional learning
Another growing focus in early childhood education is the integration of social and emotional learning (SEL), which plays a crucial role in helping children build emotional resilience.
“At Yew Chung, we follow a pro-social approach to supporting children’s social and emotional development,” said Hood. “We acknowledge their feelings and set boundaries respectfully, giving them the tools and language to regulate themselves and navigate social situations.”
Sneyd explained that in the Montessori model, SEL is embedded in the classroom environment. “We have mixed-age classrooms where mentorship naturally occurs at IMS. Children interact dynamically, and regulation happens within the group. They learn to manage conflict, negotiate, and self-regulate.”
Cornish observed that mixed-age groups foster mutual support. “Older children take responsibility for younger ones, creating a sense of community within the classroom.”
Chow highlighted the importance of building self-esteem. “Our school emphasises respect and rights. When we honour children’s ideas and voices, they learn to respect themselves and gain confidence.”
In addition to discussing play-based learning and SEL, the experts also responded to questions from the audience. One parent inquired about language acquisition in preschool-aged children. The experts said that the participating schools immerse students in bilingual or even trilingual environments. They emphasised the importance of contextual learning in second-language acquisition and the use of accurate, meaningful vocabulary. They also encouraged parents to foster genuine connections with their children through authentic, everyday conversations.
Workshops engage children and parents
Beyond the panel and discussions, Community Day offered a vibrant array of workshops and art play sessions for children and their parents. Under the guidance of instructors, children created colourful chalk-filled bottles, painted paper lanterns, and crafted stained-glass-style decorations—much to the delight of their accompanying parents.
Children also enjoyed exploring the Pamela Peck Discovery Space, which features familiar elements from the Aberdeen neighbourhood, such as a supermarket, dumpling restaurant, sampan, and theatre. This immersive learning hub captures the spirit of child-centred play and inquiry-based learning, bringing the principles of early childhood education to life.