Connecting 300 schools in Hanoi and Thai Nguyen through the art-based learning workshop

Teachers from various primary and preschool institutions participated in hands-on activities applying the Songdrawing method in the classroom.

The event combined in-person and online participation, bringing together representatives from nearly 300 preschools and primary schools from Hanoi and Thai Nguyen.

The workshop brings together three distinguished experts in education: Ms. Minna Lappalainen, renowned education specialist, composer, and founder of Laulau Learning (Finland); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Thanh Huyen, Director of the Institute for Educational Management Research and Development and Executive Board Member of EdulightenUp; and Ms. Tong Lien Anh, Deputy Director of the Lifelong Learning Institution, acclaimed author, translator, and speaker with extensive contributions to educational publications and programs both in Vietnam and abroad.

The event was organized by Sai Dong Urban Primary School and Laulau Learning Vietnam, in collaboration with the Departments of Education and Training (DOET) of Long Bien District, Me Linh District, and Thai Nguyen City.

The event was organized by Sai Dong Urban Primary School and Laulau Learning Vietnam, in collaboration with the Departments of Education and Training (DOET) of Long Bien District, Me Linh District, and Thai Nguyen City, with media sponsorship from EdulightenUp. The workshop aimed to provide insights into prestigious international education programs, promote the integration of art into teaching, and establish a network connecting preschools and primary schools. It also sought to support teachers in implementing innovative teaching methods in classrooms.

Ms. Le Thi Thu Huong, Principal of Sai Dong Urban Primary School, delivered the opening remarks at the beginning of the workshop.

A vision for creative learning

In her opening remarks, Ms. Le Thi Thu Huong, Principal of Sai Dong Urban Primary School, shared: “Our vision is to become a leading public primary school in Vietnam, meeting international standards and gaining recognition in Hanoi, nationwide, and across the region. With a mission to build a ‘happy school’ where students are loved, cared for, and holistically developed, we are committed to introducing the most suitable learning methods. This is why we have connected with leading experts to organize this workshop”.

According to Ms. Le Thi Thu Huong, the workshop aimed to raise awareness and enhance teaching capabilities in arts education and social-emotional learning within Vietnam’s public preschool and primary education system. Integrating arts education with social-emotional learning not only fosters creativity but also nurtures empathy, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities in both academic and social environments.

Mrs. Tong Lien Anh, Deputy Director of the Institute for Lifelong Learning, shared insights on the importance of early childhood and primary education as the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning journey.

Laying the foundation for lifelong learning

Kicking off the discussions, Ms. Tong Lien Anh emphasized the crucial role of preschool and primary education as the foundation for lifelong learning. She noted that early childhood is a critical period for developing learning habits, fostering creativity, and building essential skills that shape children's confidence and adaptability in academic and social settings.

“A quality early childhood and primary education system not only supports cognitive development but also plays a vital role in shaping children's emotional and social foundations, ensuring they are well-prepared for future learning journeys”, she said.

This raises a fundamental question: How can preschool and primary education fully harness these values to create a truly happy and sustainable learning environment? How can schools nurture a lifelong love for learning? Addressing these questions requires a holistic approach to education, where schools are not just places for knowledge transmission but also spaces that respect personal development, emotional growth, and social values.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Thanh Huyen, Director of the Institute for Educational Management Research and Development, shared a new perspective on the impact of education on children's happiness.

Building happy schools through art and emotion

Following this discussion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Thanh Huyen shared her insights on the concept of happiness in education. She introduced UNESCO’s Happy Schools Initiative, highlighting four core elements: people, teaching methods, learning environment, and school culture.

“A happy school is not just about a friendly environment but also about fostering trust and mutual respect among teachers, students, and parents. It creates a space where students feel free to express themselves and develop their unique identities”, she explained.

To achieve this, Dr. Huyen emphasized that education must shift from a knowledge-based model to one that prioritizes the development of students' qualities and competencies. This approach requires integrating social-emotional learning and adopting engaging, creative teaching methods that foster collaboration and motivation. Teachers, in this model, act not only as instructors but also as mentors and inspirations for students.

Ms. Minna Lappalainen shared about the benefits of integrating music and art into teaching, highlighting their positive impact on children's development.

Innovative teaching with Laulau Learning

Expanding on these ideas, Ms. Minna Lappalainen introduced Laulau Learning, an innovative educational approach that nurtures holistic development through art. The method is based on three core activities: Songdrawing (illustrating songs), Learning Mats (interactive learning with themed mats), Social-Emotional Artplay (art activities designed to develop emotional and social skills)

According to Ms. Lappalainen, the learning through art approach has been widely adopted in Finland and other developed countries due to its effectiveness in fostering creativity and social-emotional skills. This model encourages active learning through a combination of music, art, interactive games, and physical activities - helping children enhance their creative thinking and interpersonal skills.

Drawing from practical experiences, Ms. Lappalainen also shared insights into Finland’s transition from preschool to primary education and how Laulau Learning has positively impacted children's adaptability. She expressed optimism that this approach could yield similar benefits when applied in Vietnam's educational system.

Hands-on experiences and future collaboration

Beyond theoretical discussions, the workshop provided participants with hands-on experiences, offering a direct view of how art-based teaching methods work in practice. Attendees engaged in model lessons incorporating Songdrawing, taking part in engaging activities such as The Singing Pen, giant paper canvas painting, and music games.

In addition to introducing advanced educational models, the workshop also served as a bridge connecting schools, experts, and educational policymakers. It is expected to lay a solid foundation for innovations in arts education and social-emotional learning, contributing to the overall improvement of educational quality for children in Vietnam.

Below are pictures of teachers from various primary and preschool schools participating in practical activities applying the Songdrawing method in the classroom.

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