The journey of a preschool teacher in Nghe An to ignite 'happy lessons'

Let children grow through each experience.

Being able to transform into a little chef and bake adorable mini-cakes right in the classroom allowed Vi Tan Phat (born in 2018, Bong Khe commune) to discover so many interesting things. Under the guidance of his teacher, Le Thi Ngoc Thuy (born in 1991), he got to knead the dough, shape the cakes, and observe the novel operation of the air fryer during baking.

Behind that lesson lies a meticulous preparation process, from materials to practical tools, that the teacher brings to class for the students to use. Therefore, what might otherwise seem like dry, rigid lessons become truly engaging and filled with happy laughter.

This is just one of the many activities that the children in class 5A, under the supervision of teacher Le Thi Ngoc Thuy, have participated in and experienced recently. Although the grounds of Bong Khe Kindergarten where the children study are not very large, there are always many things to do there.experiential activitiesThe event was lively and meaningful.

There were activities like dressing up as soldiers for mock battles on the anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army, or dressing up as the characters of Cuoi and Hang to sing, dance, and make mooncakes on the Mid-Autumn Festival. And then there were countless meaningful plays that the children performed in with their teachers and friends.

Behind those activities, the image of teacher Le Thi Ngoc Thuy, with her dedication and enthusiasm in leading each activity, has earned the immense appreciation of the children and their parents. For the children, each lesson at school seems more engaging and happier when they can freely express their creativity.

"Seeing that the children are now intelligent and quick learners, I enthusiastically teach them in the senior kindergarten class using a suggestive method, allowing them to experience things for themselves and then express their thoughts. As a result, the children have developed their senses, thinking abilities, and presentation skills."

"In addition, creating diverse computer-based lessons is also a way to enhance engagement and effectiveness. As a result, 5-year-old kindergarten children are confident enough to enter first grade and independently develop self-care skills," Ms. Thuy shared.

Serving as both a homeroom teacher and the Deputy Secretary of the school's Youth Union, Ms. Thuy also wholeheartedly helps students maximize their inherent talents. From singing and dancing to storytelling, the students enthusiastically participate in practice sessions. Many once shy boys and girls are now confidently performing on large stages. For example, they won second prize at the "Folk Song Singing Competition in Schools" organized by Con Cuong district; the "Ringing the Golden Bell" competition; the arts competition celebrating November 20th; and many other beneficial activities organized by the school.

Keep the flame of passion and enthusiasm burning!

Having achieved outstanding academic results in both Literature and History at the provincial level, few were surprised when Le Thi Ngoc Thuy chose only one major: Early Childhood Education at Vinh University. After four years of high-achieving studies, as graduation approached, Thuy and her classmates received numerous offers from provinces in the South. However, she surprised everyone a second time by choosing to return to her hometown of Con Cuong.

Even though, during the first two years of her contract work, teacher Thuy had to take turns teaching two classes simultaneously with a salary of just over 1 million VND, and then nearly 5 years working in Thach Ngan commune - a school located in a particularly difficult area - what people easily notice is her enthusiastic spirit and radiant smile every time she comes to class.

Understanding the difficulties and hardships faced by her students, she often had to deduct a portion of her salary to support them. Names like Thanh Tung and Thuy Duong from Dong Tam village (Thach Ngan commune) are still very familiar in her memory, as these were unfortunate children suffering from leukemia, and Ms. Thuy and her colleagues at Thach Ngan Kindergarten supported them financially with meals throughout their years at the school.

When asked how she always finds joy in such a demanding job, Ms. Thuy confided that she has a 7-year-old daughter who unfortunately suffers from a speech disorder and poor health, requiring constant care. From her own experience, Ms. Thuy understands the disadvantages faced by children in the impoverished mountainous region where she lives. This is the driving force behind her dedication to caring for, educating, and looking after these children every day.

Thanks to these efforts, Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Thuy has received many awards from various levels and sectors, most notably the title of Excellent Teacher at the provincial level for preschool education in 2021; a Certificate of Merit from the Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An province for outstanding achievements in education and training from the 2018-2019 school year to the 2019-2020 school year; and a Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Education and Training for outstanding achievements in the emulation movement "Innovation and Creativity in Management, Teaching and Learning"...

In 2023, Ms. Thuy had the honor of being the only representative from Nghe An to be recognized at the "Sharing with Teachers" program, jointly organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Union, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Committee for Ethnic Minorities. This program commends outstanding teachers working in schools in disadvantaged communes in areas I, II, and III of ethnic minority and mountainous regions across 51 provinces and centrally-governed cities, for the period 2021-2025, according to Decision No. 861/QD-TTg dated June 1, 2021, of the Prime Minister…

Despite her young age, Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Thuy is a capable teacher who consistently maintains a creative spirit and dedication to her profession. Beyond her professional work, she actively participates in charitable activities and sets a good example in school movements with a high sense of responsibility. This has earned her the trust of parents, students, and the school. I personally have high expectations for her continued creativity and effort in the future as she continues to support children.

Ms. Dien Thi An - Principal of Bong Khe Kindergarten, Con Cuong District