Hong Kong early development centre uses fun to help kids learn
Early childhood development centres have opened in Hong Kong to provide alternative learning opportunities. Demand is rising for more informal educational spaces that can help children build skills not taught in the classroom
With his face scrunched in concentration, the small boy quivered as he balanced on one foot, preparing to leap over a foam mat. After a sharp intake of breath, he jumps, makes it and is met with applause. It's a typical game of hopscotch - except for the fact that he is in an indoor studio, and the game is guided by a teacher.
Five-year-old Kyle Chan Ka-yau is taking part in a guided play session at Protege, a new early development centre in Wan Chai that aims to nurture young children's cognitive, sensory and motor abilities through interactive games and storytelling. Launched in June, the programme offers 45-minute sessions to children up to five years old that fall under three categories: storytelling, exploration and therapy.
Its sessions are built around storytelling and guided activities tailored to individual interests and needs.
"Kids like playing, they like games. And while they play, they learn," says Fion Lui Mei-yuk, founder of Protege. "Children like to be tested and they like competition, so we're creating an environment conducive to their learning style."
The programme is one of many early childhood ventures cropping up in the local education scene that strive to offer alternative learning opportunities for toddlers. In recent years, there's been a rising demand for more informal educational spaces that can help children build developmental skills that are not prioritised in more traditional classrooms.