Kindergartens invited to use education resource centres (with photo)

     The Education Bureau (EDB) issued a circular today (November 1) to invite kindergartens (KGs) to use the two KG education resource centres newly set up in the countryside and the accompanying resource packages specially developed for them. The aim is for children to enjoy more space for play and exploration and learn to appreciate life through direct contact with nature.
 
     A spokesman for the EDB said, "The new KG education policy has been implemented, starting from the 2017/18 school year, to enhance the quality of KG education. This includes the provision of more space for conducting various children activities. We have actively explored the feasibility of setting up resource centres as a medium to long-term measure. In this connection, the EDB has collaborated with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to make good use of the AFCD's two visitor centres – the Lions Nature Education Centre and the Hong Kong Wetland Park – to set up KG education resource centres where children can explore freely in the outdoors and learn through play. This also serves to cultivate in them a positive attitude towards caring for nature and an appreciation of life.
 
     "In order to help KG teachers design suitable teaching activities, we  commissioned Hong Kong Baptist University to develop for KG teachers' reference two resource packages, 'Countryside Adventure' and 'Wetland Footprints', taking into account the developmental needs of children and the unique natural environment at the two sites. The resource packages tie in with the learning area of 'Nature and Living' in the Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide (2017). Various free exploration activities are designed with the developmental characteristics of children in mind. The content of the resource packages includes design rationale, teaching principles and strategies, teacher's roles and suggested activities. 
 
     "We encourage KGs to use the resource packages flexibly for conducting activities, taking into consideration the developmental needs of children and in connection with the themes in their school-based curriculum.
 
     "As participation of parents is indispensable for facilitating children's healthy development, leaflets for parents are included in the above-mentioned resource packages. We encourage parents to make good use of holidays to engage in outdoor activities with their children to bring them closer to nature, relax their minds and bodies, and nurture in them a positive attitude towards caring for nature."
 
     From today onwards, KGs can download the two resource packages and the reservation form of the two education resource centres to arrange related student activities. Details are included in the Education Bureau Circular No. 14/2018 "Kindergarten Education Resource Centres" (applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBC/EDBC18014E.pdf) issued today.