Early childhood education teachers share experience, tips on teaching preschoolers.
There is an old Malay phrase, melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungnya which translates to ‘bend the bamboo while it is still a shoot’. The phrase is meant as a heartfelt reminder to nurture children from an early age, so they can develop in the right direction.
Children are our most precious resource and it is crucial that they are provided a nurturing setting as well as the means to unleash their complete potential, and early childhood education (ECE) plays a pivotal role in ensuring this development.
This year’s Teacher’s Day celebrations, which holds the theme ‘Quality teachers drive education transformation’ puts an emphasis on ECE as it lays the foundation for a child’s cognitive and creative growth, as well as their self-confidence.
According to the ECE Unit of the Ministry of Education (MoE), what best defines early childhood education in the Sultanate is pre-primary education focusing on preparing and educating children between the ages of three and five.
Through the approach of learning through play, preschool education is very much a structured play-based programme. Even in Brunei, the preschool curriculum emphasises an integrated approach that include songs, story reading and project-based activities.
The Weekend Bulletin spoke with ECE teachers across the Sultanate to gain insight into the nuances of ECE in Brunei and the impact it has on our future generations.
Education officer and preschool teacher Eleyina binti Sabtu at Amo Primary School in the Temburong District, explained that teaching preschool students brings with it its own set of unique challenges.
When teaching preschool students, Eleyina, with 13 years of experience explained, it is crucial to consider the students’ daily routine, underscoring the necessity of adaptability, even when adhering to established lesson plans for the day.
In between tantrums, waning attention spans and the need to think on their feet, the preschool teacher admitted that teaching pre-schoolers may be overwhelming at times, but equally worthwhile.
“I chose to enter this field of education because I think children are unique, I love to see them grow and learn and I love how they see the world.”
Patience and discipline are key, she continued, noting how receptive young children can be to what is said in the classroom, adding that in order to fulfil one’s duty as a preschool teacher, one must possess both patience and a genuine love for teaching and for children.
For Khatijah binti Hussein from Mulaut Primary School, this advice rings true, taking into consideration that most students will have no knowledge of literacy or numeracy prior to enrolling in preschool.
“We’re teaching these students the knowledge and skills necessary for them to enter Year 1. Without the pre-literacy and pre-numeracy lessons we provide, they will struggle with primary school which requires high-order thinking skills.”
Certified in ECE, Khatijah noted how technology has been widely adopted in preschool classrooms across the nation, forming a blended-learning approach which combines online educational materials and interactions with physical classroom-based methods.
“Alongside classroom activities, we use different mediums to teach them such as YouTube to complement the lessons we’ve prepared for the day.
“Even though I’ve been teaching for more than 20 years, there are always new methods of teaching preschool kids, and it’s fun. Teaching kids is fun but you need the commitment and heart.”
Ermawaty binti Yacub from Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Mohd Yusof Primary School in the Belait District, on the other hand, has a unique perspective, having been an officer for the ECE Unit of the MoE, before becoming a preschool teacher in 2019.
She touched on the challenge of balancing not only their students’ academic and personal well-being, but also the administration work that comes with being an educator.
There is also the physical aspect of ECE, which uses the learning through play approach.
“You need to be strong physically because as a preschool teacher, you need to dance with the students, you need to sing with them, you’re always on your feet for almost the whole day, but in the end you’ll find yourself happy.
“One of the best things of being an ECE teacher I can say is the satisfaction of seeing your kids develop from not knowing anything to knowing something, especially academically – when they develop independent ways of doing work”.
Preschool teacher and literacy local coach Lily Herni binti Haji Mohsin at Pengiran Kesuma Negara Bukit Beruang Primary School in the Tutong District with 26 years of teaching experience shared some sage advice for future ECE teachers.
“When you choose a path to become an ECE teacher, you are dedicating your professional life for helping our most precious resources grow into responsible and competent learners.
“Most of your time will be spent engaging with them and influencing their behaviour more than anyone else, that’s why we need to acquire the in-depth knowledge and skills that only a preschool education focused programme can provide.” – Wardi Wasli & Khayr Zakariyya
