World Education: Finland Education, The Best System in the World

Education Top 20

*Combined international test results and data such as graduation rates between 2006 and 2010. Read more on the ranking here.

Why Finland at #1?

Education Policy in Finland: Everyone has Equal Access to Education & Training

Building on the principle of lifelong learning, Finnish education secures equal opportunities for each of its resident, irrespective of ethnic origin, age, wealth or place of living, to obtain education and training to develop themselves even after compulsory schooling.

Its education policy focuses on quality, efficiency, equity and internationalization while promoting the competitiveness of Finnish welfare society.

Its key document of education and research policy, The Education and Research Development Plan, comprises of all forms of education – from early childhood to adult education and research in universities and polytechnics.

For the period of 2011-2016, the plan focuses on alleviating poverty, inequality and exclusion; stabilizing the public economy; and fostering sustainable economic growth, employment and competitiveness.

Kids.Physical Development: Preschooler - Slower Weight Gain vs. Failure to Gain Weight

Slower Weight Gain

Getting sufficient nutrition during the first three years of life is vital for the mental and physical development of a child as this will influence the growth rate of your child.

Other situations that can influence weight gain include:

1. Just recovered from illness

Your child may lose a little weight when he was sick. He will regain the lost weight soon with proper diet.

2. A slowdown in the momentum of weight gain

If your child is not gaining weight as quickly as previously, it may just be related to a normal slowing of growth rate.

3. Long-term medical condition

Medical condition can influence your child’s growth rate and he may appear to be smaller than average. If the condition can be easily reversed, he may grow faster than usual for a time period.

Failure to gain weight or Failure to Thrive

If there is a big drop in your child’s weight, you may want to consult a doctor to examine the underlying cause.

“Failure to gain weight” or “failure to thrive” happens when your child’s weight is 20% below the ideal weight for his height (BMI). Usually, it may be due to improper nutrition intake or weaker nutrient absorption.

Your child’s may be required to undergo blood, urine or other medical tests, and monitored for his caloric intake, health history, activity level and stress level for a period of time as there are many potential causes to the problem.

Professional.Association: Malaysia Association Professional Early Childhood Educators (MAPECE)

Malaysia Association Professional Early Childhood Educators (MAPECE) was established in September 2005 to:

• Call upon the society in Malaysia to acknowledge the importance of early childhood education and to accord due recognition of those who perform the crucial task of laying the foundation of the child’s development

• Urge child care providers and preschool teachers to think of themselves as professionals and, as professionals they have to be knowledgeable, well trained, and effective, and to strive to improve themselves.

• Acknowledge the critical role of early childhood educators.

There are three categories of membership available in the Association:

1. Ordinary Membership

2. Corporate Membership

3. Associate Membership

More information on membership categories and membership application are available at MAPECE Membership site.

Contact:

MAPECE.ORG

Malaysia Association of Professional Early Childhood Educators

Persatuan Pendidik Profesional Awal Kanak-kanak Malaysia

No. 41, Jalan SS22/22,

Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor, Malaysia.

Email: enquiry@mapece.org

Kids. Mind n Soul Development: How to Say No Without Saying No

Saying “NO” in a negative way can de-motivate your child and weaken your relationship. 

As Roni Leiderman, associate dean of the Family Center at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, puts it: "Children often begin to tune it out, and you may find that it takes ten no's to get your child to respond."  

What can you do? 

Say	Instead of
“Let’s cover the floor with newspaper so the glue won’t get all over the floor.”	“Why are you getting the glue all over the floor?”
“”Let’s go outside to play ball.”	“No! Don’t throw the ball in the living room.”
“Let’s see how we can do this better.”	“No! Don’t do it that way. You must do it this way.”

Rephrasing and changing the negative words into positive ones can actually help you to communicate your point to your child better. Your child will feel being loved. Furthermore, your actions - positive and negative - will be ingrained into your child’s mind and they will start to model on you. Thus, react positively and be your child’s role model.

Let your child learn from mistakes and through positive communication.

Let your child feel that they are independent and that you trust and support them.

Careers.Fun n Professional: It’s So Much Fun in Nurturing Preschoolers

Involving in nurturing preschoolers can be so much fun! It can turn a dull administrative work into an exciting one with just a simple gesture of smile from the preschoolers. It is also a way of giving back to the community and molding future achievers.

Here are some of the careers in early childhood education one can opt for:

According to the report “Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018”* which was released in June 2010, “Education” degree was ranked at No. 6. Kindergarten teachers, excluding special education, are projected to see a 15% increase in jobs between 2008 and 2018.*

*Information from US Department of Labor using May 2010 data

Kids.Music: Let’s Have Fun While Growing Up

A study on musical behaviours of children revealed that “Children’s music is the most frequently heard, chosen, and responded to positively by the children. This includes television theme tunes as well as a lot of nursery rhymes!”

1. Music stimulates the brain for learning

The repetitive lyrics and rhythmic patterns help children to remember better and learn a language in a fun way. Many researches have shown that music has a positive impact on pre-reading and math skills.

2. Music evokes movement

Music encourages movement and participation, thus contributing to development and growth. Dancing to the beat is not only fun but it is a form of exercise too. 

3. Music is an aural art

Listening to music and its lyrics enhances children’s listening skills. When they sing-a-long, they will imitate the sound, thus enhancing their pronunciation.

4. Music is a social activity

Singing along at home and school can strengthen the bond between parents and child, teacher and child, and classmates.

Nursery Rhymes: Happy & You Know It