Bringing traditional culture into preschools

Tan Son is a hilly area populated by more than 80% Muong ethnic people. Along with boosting educational quality, schools have recently included local ethnic groups' traditional culture into instruction and extracurricular activities, particularly preschools.

The 5-year-olds from Lai Dong Kindergarten presented an ethnic traditional performance.

Extracurricular classes for students at Dong Son and Lai Dong Kindergarten are held in a lively atmosphere. Under the supervision of teacher Phung Thi Ngoc Khanh, the students study together about the traditional identity of the Muong ethnic group at the exhibition area of local products erected on the school grounds. She thoroughly introduced each thing to assist the students recognize it. Furthermore, in the classroom, teachers set up a play area with the familiar term “Homeland Colors” or “Local Corner” showcasing cultural artifacts and tools Muong to educate students.

Teacher Phung Thi Ngoc Khanh and the Dong Son Kindergarten students learn about Muong ethnic cultural identity during an exhibition of local goods in the schoolyard.

Ms. Khanh explained that kindergarten students may not have a deep understanding, but by using simulated objects that they can see with their own eyes, touch with their own hands, and listen to with their own ears, teachers can initially raise awareness and gradually engrave images of life around them in their minds.

Kiet Son Kindergarten, Kiet Son commune currently has 202 children, with 176 of them being Muong ethnic people, accounting for 87.1%. As a result, the school is always working to provide a welcoming and intimate learning atmosphere for students. Teacher Dang Ngoc Bich, Principal of Kiet Son Kindergarten, stated that the school would always focuse on creating a corner to display Muong cultural space which displays Muong people’s belongings twice a year during the school year in order to preserve national cultural identity. The school also invited artists to visit the school to introduce and guide to perform Rang singing, Vi singing and Moi dance. At the same time, include Muong cultural elements into events of the school.

Throughout the school year, Kiet Son Kindergarten hosts artist Ha Thi Tien to introduce and guide administrators, teachers, and students in Rang singing, Vi singing and Moi dance.

Schools are also concerned with teaching children about national cultural values, such as love, pride, and self-respect for traditional cultural identity. The substance of educational activities aimed at preserving ethnic cultural identities is realistically arranged, taking into account pupils' physiological and psychological features as well as the current conditions of each school and location.

The district Department of Education and Training has urged preschools and high schools to continue including cultural preservation and development activities local traditions in Music and Fine Arts educational activities; experiential education. Strengthen communication efforts to conserve and promote local traditional cultural values, including Xoan singing, Vi- Rang singing, Lao tinh dance, Khen dance, gongs and more, in many effective formats. Choose a few units to test the integration of activities to conserve and promote traditional culture.

By incorporating traditional cultural beauty of ethnic minorities into classrooms and school activities, kids have begun to develop knowledge and pride in their identity and customs as local ethnicities.

Dinh Tu