Ha Long: Advancing the quality of early childhood education with cutting-edge international methods
WVR - On March 23, as part of efforts to advance comprehensive educational reform, particularly in early childhood education, Ha Long City organized a specialized training conference showcasing the innovative Laulau songdrawing method (Drawing songs) from Finland.
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The event brought together representatives from the Department of Education and Training, district-level education offices, as well as key administrators and leading preschool educators from Ha Long City and Quang Ninh Province. This initiative represents a pivotal step in adopting creative teaching methodologies, supporting the Ministry of Education and Training’s vision for transforming early childhood education.
Early childhood education reform: A strategic priority
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Mr. Nguyen Van Quang, Head of Ha Long's Department of Education and Training, highlighted the critical role of preschool education:
"Early childhood education is the cornerstone of character development and the holistic growth of young minds. By adopting innovative, global teaching methods, we aim to enhance the professional capabilities of our educators, laying a robust foundation for children to thrive in their lifelong learning journey and participate confidently in an increasingly interconnected world".
The reform agenda outlined by MOET emphasizes a comprehensive approach to early childhood education, focusing on developing cognitive skills, language, creativity, and social-emotional competencies in young learners. Leveraging global pedagogical innovations is a key strategy to actualize these goals, positioning Vietnam’s early childhood education system among the best in the region.
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| Mr. Nguyen Van Quang, Head of the Department of education and training of Ha Long City, emphasized the vital role of early childhood education in achieving holistic development for children. |
Inspiration from world-leading education systems
The conference provided an opportunity for Ha Long’s educators to gain valuable insights from Finland, widely recognized for its world-class education system and ranked the world’s happiest country for eight consecutive years. Finland’s early childhood education system is rooted in experiential learning, child-centered teaching, and the seamless integration of arts into pedagogy.
Ms. Tong Lien Anh, Deputy Director of the Lifelong Learning Institution and a representative of Laulau Learning in Finland, shared her perspective: “Finland demonstrates that high-quality early childhood education not only lays a solid foundation for children’s lifelong learning but also contributes to building a happy, resilient, and sustainable society. This is a transformative lesson that Ha Long, as a progressive educational hub, can adapt to elevate its preschool education standards”.
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| Mrs. Tong Lien Anh emphasized the importance of early childhood education as the foundational stage for a child’s development throughout their lifelong learning journey. |
At the heart of the conference was an introduction to Laulau Songdrawing, an innovative method developed by Finnish educator and Laulau Learning founder Ms. Minna Lappalainen. By blending music and visual arts, this approach fosters creativity, language acquisition, and emotional intelligence in young children.
Practical learning for transformative Impact
A key highlight of the conference was the hands-on experience, where participants engaged in interactive activities such as “The Singing Pen”, “The Magical Paper Carpet” and “Island Adventures”. These dynamic exercises offered educators practical tools and techniques to apply Laulau Songdrawing methods in everyday teaching, inspiring them to reimagine their classroom practices and unlock the full potential of their students.
This milestone event is a testament to Ha Long’s proactive approach in embracing global collaboration to enhance educational outcomes. By leveraging advanced international teaching methodologies, Ha Long not only cultivates a confident, creative, and capable young generation but also solidifies its reputation as a forward-thinking education hub.
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| Mrs. Minna Lappalainen shared about the integration of music and art in early childhood education, introducing the “Songdrawing” method as an innovative approach to support children’s holistic development. |
The training conference forms part of Ha Long’s broader initiative to build a UNESCO-recognized Learning City – a community where knowledge is shared, innovation thrives, and education serves as a driving force for sustainable development.
With unwavering efforts to improve education quality, Ha Long is transforming from a globally celebrated tourist destination into a leading center for educational excellence. The city’s commitment to international integration and educational innovation positions it as a pioneer in shaping the future of early childhood education in Vietnam and beyond.
Below are the photos of teachers participated in experiential activities applying the Songdrawing method in classroom lessons.
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