In chinese preschools, children explore hands-on and creative learning

Children in Chinese kindergartens get busy, blending learning with play: they cook, use beads, create castles and tracks with cards and much more

From the math class with wooden abacus, to singing and dancing, to taekwondo, eating with chopsticks, and learning to play traditional Chinese instruments, preschools in China keep their kids busy with a number of activities with the aim of developing practical and creative skills, creating fun and social interaction. That’s just what Molly, a British teacher who currently works in China, has shown in her now-viral Instagram videos-a setting where learning merges with playing, mixed with cultural traditions.

Learning to cook and do crafts

The little ones usually prepare some simple dishes, for example, dumplings, which help develop hand skills and introduce them into Chinese gastronomic culture. Another activity is beadwork: children make jewelry and adornments. This work serves to develop concentration and fine motor coordination.

They like constructing card castles and making very long tracks across playrooms. Such a hobby develops precision and requires really a great deal of patience.

Many love decoupage and sewing projects

In skill development classes, children experience decoupage and sewing projects as tasks needing concentration and ones where they learn to handle materials. Physically, “Longwei Laohu”-catch the dragon’s tail-is one of the most entertaining games that offer agility and teamwork.

Other favorites include playing with the Chinese yo-yo and jumping rope-all great ways to get exercise while developing coordination. All in all, days are filled with activities aimed at nurturing children’s imagination and development in an environment that encourages self-expression and the honing of various children’s abilities.

It is all their time to express themselves, tap into the hidden talents, and have playfulness in learning. With several workshops, they get interaction through hands-on activities with toys and games to help them learn through play.