STEM in Early Childhood Medicine

By Dr. Win Win, Dr. PLAY

I recently visited the Women's Welfare Club Western District Hong Kong Kindergarten and was highly interested in their early childhood medicine program.

Having known Principal Wan for many years, I admire his innovative and extensive networking approach. He frequently introduces various curricula to students, expanding their horizons.

1. Hands-on Learning in Early Childhood Medicine

The early childhood medicine program is captivating in itself. It encompasses six major areas of early childhood education, allowing students to learn basic medical concepts and principles through hands-on activities.

2. Self-Awareness and Gratitude

From understanding their own birth and growth, children cultivate gratitude for their parents' nurturing and develop an understanding of the value of life. This aspect contributes to the development of medical ethics and character.

The program places emphasis on children's safety and enables them to explore basic first aid techniques with the goal of assisting others and themselves in emergency situations. Children also gain insights into the structure and functions of various organs through the use of human organ models.

3. STEM in Medicine

S for Surgery - Experience-based activities: dressing wounds with cotton and adhesive tape. Introduction to common bodily symptoms and interactive symptom checks involving parent-child interactions.

T for Terminologies - Foundation vocabulary covering different organs and processes, combined with tactile teaching using physical models.

E for Ethics - Highlighting the importance of medical ethics and compassion, fostering strong values, and nurturing future professionals in the healthcare field.

M for Medicine - Experience-based activities: using blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and stethoscopes. Introduction to the uses of medications and fundamental concepts of disease management. Enhancing students' awareness of public health by discussing diseases caused by bacteria and teaching proper handwashing methods.

4. Medical Games to Foster Respect

Through systematic teaching activities, children learn to apply basic first aid techniques in various scenarios. For instance, they learn to assess injuries and clean wounds using cotton. Students also gain proficiency in using authentic medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and stethoscopes, which helps cultivate their interest in the medical process. By integrating hands-on teaching with different models, they become capable of identifying the names of various human organs and developing a fundamental understanding of their functions, ultimately fostering positive lifestyle habits.

Mrs. Jue Wai Fung, Margaret, Chancellor and Chairman, Women's Welfare Club Western District Hong Kong Kindergarten