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As parents and caregivers, it’s important to understand how young children learn and grow. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old are at a critical stage in their development, and they learn differently than older children and adults. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways that preschoolers learn and grow, and offer tips and strategies for supporting their development.

Young children have different ways of learning

Preschoolers are constantly learning, whether they’re at home, at school, or out and about. But their learning looks different from that of older children and adults. Young children are concrete thinkers, meaning they need to see, touch, and feel things in order to understand them. They also have shorter attention spans, so they learn best in short bursts of time. Finally, young children are still developing their language skills, so they may not be able to express themselves as well as older children or adults.

Learning through doing

Young children learn best through hands-on experiences and active exploration. They learn by doing and experimenting with their environment. This is why play is such an important part of young children’s development. By providing opportunities for hands-on play and exploration, you can help your child develop important skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and fine motor skills.

Learning through hands-on experiences

Hands-on experiences play a crucial role in young children’s learning and development. Children learn best when they are actively engaged in their environment. This can include playing with toys, building with blocks, creating art, and cooking. By providing hands-on experiences, you can help your child develop important skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and self-esteem by allowing children to use their senses and learn through trial and error.

Learning through regular routine

Preschoolers thrive on routine. They feel safe and secure when they know what to expect from their day. Regular routines also help children develop self-discipline and a sense of responsibility. For example, having a consistent bedtime routine can help children settle down and get a good night’s sleep. Similarly, having a set routine for mealtimes can help children develop healthy eating habits.

Learning through story time

Reading to young children is one of the best things you can do for their development. Not only does it help children develop language and literacy skills, but it also helps them learn about the world around them. When reading to preschoolers, it’s important to ask questions and engage them in the story. This helps children develop critical thinking skills and a love of learning.

Learning through relationships with adults

Young children learn best through positive relationships with adults. Children develop a sense of trust and security through consistent and caring relationships with adults. By providing a supportive and nurturing environment, you can help your child develop important social and emotional skills such as empathy, kindness, and self-esteem.

Young children have different ways of learning and it’s important to recognize and support these methods in order to enhance their development. By providing opportunities for hands-on play and exploration, establishing a regular routine, reading to your child, and building positive relationships with adults, you can help your child learn and grow in the best possible way.

How Can You Support Your Child in Learning?

One of the most important ways to support your child is by creating a safe and supportive environment for them to learn in.

Create a Safe and Supportive Environment The home environment can have a significant impact on a child’s learning and development. By creating a safe and supportive environment, you can help your child feel secure and confident in their abilities. This can include providing a clutter-free and organized space, establishing routines and schedules, and providing age-appropriate toys and materials.

Get Involved in Your Child’s Education As a parent or caregiver, you play an important role in your child’s education. By getting involved in your child’s education, you can help them feel supported and motivated to learn. This can include volunteering in their classroom, attending parent-teacher conferences, and reading with your child regularly.

Encourage a Love of Learning Encouraging a love of learning is one of the most important things you can do to support your child in their learning journey. By showing an interest in your child’s education and being supportive and encouraging, you can help them develop good sense of self-awareness and a positive attitude towards learning that will last a lifetime.

Unleash Your Child’s Potential at UNIS Hanoi

At UNIS Hanoi, we understand the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn in. Our dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to provide students with the best possible learning experience. With a focus on hands-on, experiential learning and a commitment to excellence, UNIS Hanoi is the perfect place for your child to unleash their potential.

By creating a safe and supportive environment, getting involved in your child’s education, and encouraging a love of learning, you can help your child succeed in their learning journey. Unleash your child’s potential with UNIS Hanoi, where they can receive a quality education in a supportive and nurturing environment. Book a bespoke virtual or on campus tour today.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is one of the most sought-after education systems in the world. It provides a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for higher education and beyond. The IB diploma is highly valued by universities across the globe, making it an attractive option for families looking to give their children a quality education abroad.

The best IB schools in Vietnam offer an excellent learning environment and experienced teachers who are specially trained to teach the IB program. For those looking to enrol their children in an IB school, Vietnam offers some of the best options in Asia, with several quality institutions offering a range of programs for all ages. In this article, we will look at some of the best IB schools in Vietnam and what makes them stand out among other schools in the country.

What is an IB school?

An International Baccalaureate (IB) school is an educational institution that offers all three of the IB programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). This type of school has a special focus on internationalism, motivated by the desire to promote peace and harmony among different cultures and nations. IB schools offer a rigorous academic curriculum that develops students’ knowledge in all core subject areas while also providing them with cultural, social, and emotional skills.

Furthermore, these schools provide an environment where students can develop their critical thinking skills through open-ended inquiry-based learning. In summary, the IB curriculum provides an excellent global education for those looking to expand their horizons and is ideally suited to an international school setting.

What makes an IB school unique?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a highly regarded and reputable academic curriculum for students who seek a broad and challenging education. It was initially used by international schools as it provided a breadth of learning skills unparalleled by any other curriculum around the world. However, this has changed over time, and many state-run and independent schools now offer IBs due to their outstanding reputations.

The IB is well-known as a strong college preparatory program; however, it also prepares students for the rest of their lives. They learn to be critical thinkers, always questioning, improving, and developing their surroundings with a strong foundation of ‘international mindedness’ and being aware of other people’s cultures and backgrounds. What makes the IB program unique?

Rigorous Approval Process for Schools

To provide an IB programme, which consists of four age-level programmes : PYP, MYP, Diploma and Career-related Programme tailored to students between preschool-grade 12, schools must go through a multi-year authorisation process led by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). Once approved, a school is able to call itself an ‘IB World School’. Each IB World School makes a commitment to constantly grow, reflect, learn, and develop. IB World Schools are held to an international standard by the IBO and submit to regular reviews and evaluations.

Interconnected, Global Studies

In a traditional school setting, subjects like science, geography, and English are often taught in isolation. However, in an IB programme, students are taught to recognise links between these core disciplines. Moreover, the IB asks students to make links between everything they learn, and to follow their own instincts. Personal, community, and global connections are made in the classroom; for example, between a science lesson and something that happens out on the football pitch. Students look for and make such connections outside of the classroom as well, and then develop and incorporate these connections into personal projects of study at school.

IB Diploma Program

The IB uniquely offers the IB Diploma Program (IB DP), which is a two-year program for Grade 11 & 12 students that provides a strong academic framework for educating internationally-minded problem-solvers.  At the conclusion of the program, students have the opportunity to earn the prestigious IB Diploma.

The DP requires students to take six classes concurrently with the Core Curriculum. The Core comprises the Theory of Knowledge course, which explores the nature and dimension of knowledge, and the Extended Essay, where students write an academic research essay based on a research project on a topic of their own choosing. The Core also includes the CAS projects, which seek to develop the student through projects promoting creativity, activity, and service.

To obtain the IB Diploma, students must take at least three higher-level classes. Each of the six classes is a two-year class taken during junior and senior years.  This is different from the Advanced Placement program, which offers one-year classes in each subject.

Students in the IB DP program are held to international standards.  IB DP students take IB exams at the end of their studies, thereby having the opportunity to earn the IB Diploma and demonstrate their knowledge compared with other IB students all over the world. Additionally, students who earn certain scores on their IB exams are eligible to receive credit at many colleges and universities.

Learning to Learn

IB students learn content and skills, and they also focus on the process of learning itself. This deliberate focus gives students the tools they need to become lifelong learners and develop new skills and find creative solutions beyond school as they move on to adult life and start their careers.

The IB Learner Profile, always forefront of an IB student’s mind, is a compilation of ten essential characteristics that inspire students in their development. These characteristics include Inquiry, Knowledgeable, Principled, Open-minded, Balanced, Reflective, Caring, Communicator, Thinkers, and Risk Takers. Students gain skills in asking questions, learning independently, thinking critically, and reflecting on strengths and weaknesses in order to support future learning.

Research and Writing skills

The Extended Essay (EE) is an independent research and writing project with the topic being chosen by the student, and is another crucial element of the IB Diploma and is unique to the IB programme. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students choose a topic and undertake advanced independent research, developing highly honed organisational skills in the process. After researching, they write a lengthy research paper, similar to a thesis at University.

Hands-on learning

The IB programme ensures that students put their learning into practice. Another mandatory and crucial element of the IB is student participation in CAS – Creativity, Activity, Service projects, where students learn through experience and take action in the service of others. Students pursue their own interests and skills through projects, clubs, community service, sports, and other co-curricular activities. CAS helps to shape students into well-rounded, motivated, engaged people.

Effective time management

The key to good independent study is time management, a skill picked up instinctively by IB students. Establishing good study habits, setting aside time for assignments, developing individual revision techniques, and resisting distractions are all byproducts of an IB education.

University preparation and admissions acceptance

IB students are given the tools and support they need to become the multi-talented, versatile students universities look for. Because the IB is offered globally and recognised by prestigious colleges and universities all over the world, the IB has become a standardised and respected benchmark for excellence.

Why should you enrol in an IB school in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a land of possibilities. The World Bank has predicted Vietnam’s GDP growth from 2022 to 2023 to be 7.2% in one year alone. According to a VN Express article on 5 January 2023, the Vietnamese government expects to nearly double the country’s GDP per capita by 2030 and increase it eightfold to $32,000, making Vietnam a top 20 global economy by 2050.

With the number of ex-pats predicted to rise steadily over the next decade, the international IB schools market in Vietnam is becoming increasingly competitive. This, in turn, attracts outstanding quality of teaching, world-class facilities, a rigorous and varied IB programme and students with a thirst of knowledge to learn more about new cultures and the country they are in.

UNIS Hanoi – The pioneer of IB programmes

As one of the best IB schools in Vietnam, UNIS Hanoi became the first school in Asia to become an IB World School in 1997 with significant experience and knowledge in running IB programme to the highest standard possible. This first international school in Vietnam offers all three programmes: the PYP, MYP, and Diploma.

UNIS Hanoi is one of only two United Nations schools in the world with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN deeply embedded within the International Baccalaureate programme throughout the school, from Early Years 3 to Grade 12. This is what makes UNIS Hanoi so unique and special. Students are truly global citizens with a strong desire to change the world.

Want to know more about UNIS Hanoi? Visit our website now.

Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make which will directly affect the course of their life. It is also one of the biggest investments you will make, especially if it is a fee paying or international school. Here is our take on “What to consider when choosing a school for your child?”.

Factors to take into account when choosing a school for your child:

There are several factors that you need to consider when choosing the right school for your child. It is often a good idea to also sit with your child whilst going through some of these factors

Learning Objectives and Values

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a school for your child is the school’s learning objectives and values. These should align with your own values and beliefs about education. For example, if you value a strong emphasis on STEM education, you should look for a school that offers a strong STEM program. Additionally, consider whether the school has a particular focus on languages, arts, or athletics.

Fees and Costs

Another important factor to consider is the fees and costs associated with the school. This includes tuition, books, and other expenses. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you can afford and what the school can offer in terms of financial aid, scholarships, or other types of financial support.

Location

The location of the school is also an important factor to consider. This includes the school’s proximity to your home or workplace, as well as its accessibility by public transportation. Additionally, consider whether the school is located in a safe and secure neighborhood.

Your child’s needs

Lastly, consider your child’s individual needs when choosing a school. This includes their academic level, learning style, and interests. Additionally, consider whether the school has support services such as special education, counseling, or language support.

Entry requirements and Enrolment Process

When choosing a school for your child, it is important to not only consider the learning objectives and values, fees and costs, location, and your child’s individual needs, but also to check the entry requirements and enrolment process.

Factors to take into account when choosing a school for your child:

1. Entry Requirements: Before enrolling your child in a school, it is important to understand the entry requirements. These can include academic qualifications, language proficiency, and entrance exams. These requirements vary depending on the school and the level of education, so be sure to check with the school directly to see if your child meets the requirements.
2. Enrolment Process: Once you have determined that your child meets the entry requirements, the next step is to understand the enrolment process. This can include submitting an application, providing necessary documents, and attending an interview or entrance exam. It is important to understand the steps involved in the enrolment process and to submit all necessary documents on time to avoid delays.
3. Application deadlines: Be aware of the application deadlines, as some schools have a specific time frame for accepting applications, and if you miss the deadline, you may have to wait for the next round of admissions, which can delay your child’s enrollment.
4. Interviews and Entrance Exams: Some schools may require your child to attend an interview or take an entrance exam as part of the enrolment process. This is an opportunity for the school to assess your child’s abilities and for you to ask any questions you may have about the school.
5. Waiting lists: In case the school is oversubscribed, you may find yourself on a waiting list. You should be aware of the school’s waiting list policy and whether you will be notified if a spot opens up.

Be sure to understand the entry requirements, enrolment process, application deadlines, interviews, entrance exams and waiting lists policies to avoid any delays in your child’s enrollment. By understanding these requirements and processes, you can ensure that your child’s enrolment in the school is a smooth and stress-free experience.

Why choose an International School?

International schools offer children a unique and valuable educational experience, providing a broad and diverse curriculum that prepares students for a globalised world. Here are some common reasons to choose an international school for your children.

Diversity

It’s in the name. International schools are the most diverse schools. They offer a multicultural environment where students can learn and interact with their peers from different cultures, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Learn Multiple Languages

Additionally, international schools often provide students with the opportunity to learn multiple languages, which can be beneficial in today’s globalised economy. Many international schools offer an array of languages from Mandarin and Russian to Polish and Hindi to fulfil the needs and demands of their learning community.

Academic Excellence

Furthermore, international schools typically have a strong emphasis on academic excellence, with state-of-the-art facilities and highly-qualified teachers. Often, teachers undergo a thorough recruitment process and come from all over the world, bringing with them, a wealth of worldly experience and talent.

Specialist Teachers

Typically, International schools are often better at demonstrating the value they add to a child’s mental health and well-being. They often have a multitude of inhouse specialist teachers such as Counsellors, Psychologists and Speech and Language Pathologists. All of whom are there to help and support a child throughout their school career.

Co-Curricular Activities

International schools offer a wide range of co-curricular activities, which can help children develop their interests and talents. Because they tend to have state-of-the-art facilities, the options available for co-curricular activities are numerous and diverse and can range from fencing and rock climbing to pottery and calligraphy.

International Schools are the right choice

In summary, sending a child to an international school can provide them with a world-class education, a diverse and multicultural environment, and the opportunity to learn multiple languages, which can help them succeed in today’s globalised world. Choosing the right school for your child can be a challenging task, but taking the time to consider these factors will help you make an informed decision. Be sure to visit schools and talk to other parents, teachers, and students to get a sense of the school’s culture and community.

It’s also important to keep in mind that school culture and community can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to revisit the school and gather feedback from your child and other parents. By doing your research and gathering as much information as possible, you can make an informed decision that will best meet your child’s needs and set them up for a successful educational experience.

UNIS Hanoi’s unique offering

So you have made the decision that an international school is a right route for your child; where do you go next? With so many international schools cropping up every year, there is an overwhelming choice of options. Therefore, it’s imperative that you get to the bottom of “What to consider when choosing a school for your child?”.

UNIS Hanoi is one of only two United Nations schools in the world. Carrying the United Nations name is both a privilege and a significant amount of responsibility. At the heart of its mission and values is ensuring students are shaped to better the world. Embedded in day-to-day learning are the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which guides how the curriculum is taught, including the service learning piece, which is deeply entrenched in the school’s ethos.

It is one of the very few schools in Vietnam that teaches the IB curriculum throughout the whole school; the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma. UNIS Hanoi has 63 nationalities at the school; students come from all over the world, and this diversity is unparalleled in Vietnam. Community is also a crucial cornerstone for UNIS Hanoi. Both the parent and local community value how much work the school does to welcome everyone.

These unique features make UNIS Hanoi an attractive and dynamic educational environment for students seeking an international education.

Visit our website for more information on our enrollment process.

Vietnam is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that has seen rapid growth in the number of international schools. The number of English-medium international schools in Vietnam has grown by 25% from 1,528 schools in 2017 to 1,905 schools as of July 2022, according to ISC Research. With a wide range of options, it can be difficult to know what to look for when choosing an international school in Vietnam. In this article, we will discuss the key factors that should be taken into account when selecting an international school in Vietnam, such as curriculum and teaching staff, facilities, and co-curricular activities.

Characteristics of an Excellent international School

International schools in Vietnam offer a variety of curriculums, ranging from American, French, Australian and British to the International Baccalaureate. It is important to decide which one will best suit the educational needs of your child. With this in mind, parents should also look into whether they want their children to receive one curriculum at one school, and, depending on if and when they move abroad to their next posting, whether there will be an option to continue with that same curriculum if they wish. These schools offer quality education and provide students with an international perspective. The education system in Vietnam is overseen and directed by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET).

Academic Success

Academic performance is key to take into account while selecting an international school. However, it is not the only requisite a parent should consider. Some international schools are highly academic, i.e. they test each student as part of the admissions process and admit the top scorers, whereas other schools tend to be more ‘inclusive’ and accept a wider range of scores. It is important to consider this when comparing academic success as the schools that are more inclusive and still manage to get outstanding results whilst beating the international average are the true success stories of international education.

Teachers with experience and commitment

Finding an international school with the best quality teaching is directly related to its greatness. The best teachers strive to create an equitable learning environment where all students can learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Their commitment to their students is unparalleled, and they are always looking for ways to make the educational system more inclusive and fair. The best international schools in Vietnam understand the importance of diversity in education, so they actively seek out teachers from different backgrounds who can bring unique perspectives into the classroom.

Supportive administrators

A supportive administrator is a leader who is committed to the success of not only the school they lead but the whole school community. A school leader should be caring and principled and strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued. They are thought leaders who understand the importance of collaboration and communication and work to ensure that all members of their community can reach their full potential. Supportive administrators take the time to listen to those they serve, so they can make informed decisions that benefit the entire community. They also need to have a vision of what the school needs to look like in years to come to it is better able to support the school community.

A safe learning environment for students

Creating a safe learning environment for students is essential for their success. To ensure that students are able to learn in a secure and supportive environment, many international schools have implemented a gated campus system. This system allows the school to control who enters and exits the campus, thus providing an extra layer of security for students.

Moreover, international schools are also focusing on creating an inclusive community where students feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgement or discrimination. This is done through initiatives such as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) programs which promote diversity and inclusion within the community.

By creating a secure and supportive learning environment, international schools can ensure that their students are able to reach their full potential without any external pressures or distractions.

Reliable support and coordinated service providers

Reliable support and coordinated service providers play a vital role in helping individuals with learning needs. Counsellors, pastoral care and psychologists are all important professionals who can provide emotional and practical support to students.

Specialist teachers can also provide tailored education programmes that are specifically designed to meet the individual’s learning needs. This type of service ensures that individuals are able to reach their educational goals in an effective and efficient manner.

By providing reliable support and coordinated services, these professionals are able to help individuals overcome the challenges they face in the classroom. This allows them to achieve success in their studies, which is beneficial for both themselves and society as a whole.

UNIS Hanoi – The Best Fit for Your Child’s Education

UNIS Hanoi is a leader in international education, being one of the first international schools in Vietnam and the first whole-school IB school in Asia. With a commitment to providing students with the best school education as well as ensuring they leave with a thirst for knowledge and a continuous desire to change the world by helping others around them.

UNIS Hanoi offers an environment that is both challenging and supportive for each student’s development. From experienced teachers to modern facilities and engaging activities, UNIS Hanoi provides a comprehensive learning experience that helps prepare students for success in a fast-paced changing global world. Apply today.