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Dr Ginia Ng wrote an opinion piece that was published on 19 December, Tuesday in Lianhe Zaobao. In her article, she emphasises the importance of cultivating environmental and social awareness in children to help them adapt successfully in the future.

 

Dr Ng stresses that children’s ability to adapt to different environments is pivotal to their overall development. She highlights the significance of experiential learning, especially outdoor activities, to help children better understand nature and society.

She cites a camping experience for 6-year-olds on Tekong Island as an example of how such activities can contribute to developing essential life skills and environmental consciousness. Reflecting on her discussions with students about the history of child education, Dr Ng summarises the consensus of child education theories proposed by various educators from the 18th to 20th centuries. She opines that, besides physical and social-emotional skills, children must develop the ability to adapt to changing societal environments amid ongoing challenges.

 

Dr Ng suggests that early education should foster environmental and social awareness, encouraging children to explore their surroundings and engage in social activities to perceive and integrate dynamic information. She underscores the negative impact of a lack of tactile stimulation on a child’s brain development, advocating for real-life experiences over online platforms for effective learning. Dr Ng commends NIEC for offering outdoor teaching courses and promoting outdoor activities to enhance children’s physical and cognitive development.

 

She concludes her piece by encouraging parents and educators in Singapore, a highly urbanised country, to create opportunities for children to connect with nature, explore their neighbourhoods, and interact with diverse people from a young age, thus equipping them to adapt and respond effectively to life’s challenges.