The Education Council joins forces with partner networks, promoting the 4 H strategy and reinforcing the 3 Accelerate, 3 Reduce, and 3 Increase approaches to restore early childhood brain power to confront crises, aiming to build a strong foundation for Thai children amid the challenges of the digital era.
On 26 Feb 2024 GMT+7, reporters reported that the Secretariat of the Education Council organized a major workshop titled "Power of Brain: Enhancing Early Childhood Brain Power in Crisis Situations." Experts and partner networks in early childhood development joined to advance the "3 Accelerate, 3 Reduce, 3 Increase" concept and the "4 H" strategy to establish a strong foundation for Thai children amid digital age challenges at the Asawin Grand Convention Hotel, Bangkok. Mr. Supachai Janpoom, Deputy Secretary-General of the Education Council, presided over the opening ceremony.
Mr. Supachai stated that child development from birth to six years is a golden period for building the brain's foundation, especially the frontal lobe. Investing in young children yields the highest long-term social returns. However, Thai children currently face crises economically, socially, and from time lost to the digital world. This meeting emphasized that enhancing early childhood brain power is not the responsibility of any single agency but requires cooperation from all sectors to nurture Thai children who can think critically, learn effectively, and adapt well.
The conference revealed the successful formula for restoring early childhood development with the 3 Accelerate, 3 Reduce, 3 Increase approach during the ECD Talk panel. Experts including Dr. Dusadee Jungsirakulwit, Assistant Professor Dr. Panadda Thanasetthakorn, Ms. Thida Pitaksinsuk, and Dr. Woralak Chookamnerd shared sustainable child support lessons. The 3 Accelerate are: accelerating developmental restoration and screening at-risk children, accelerating proactive learning skills (Active Learning), and accelerating support for nutrition and family mental health. The 3 Reduce are: reducing risk factors and household stress, reducing screen time, and reducing inequality in access to resources. The 3 Increase are: increasing life immunity through play, increasing the family's role as the first learning base, and increasing community collaboration.
Ms. Suangmon Sittisaman said they have united partner networks to drive the 4 H strategy (Head – Hand – Heart – Health), which is key in developing children aged 0–6. Head (The wonder of reading) focuses on reading stories for 15 minutes daily to stimulate brain cells and strengthen family bonds rather than rote memorization of letters. Hand (Play changes the world) promotes free play using loose parts such as twigs, leaves, and stones to train problem-solving and unlimited imagination. Heart (Media and emotional learning) uses creative media to help children understand and manage their emotions, empathize with others, and build emotional security. Health (Holistic well-being) addresses physical health (nutrition and sleep), emotional health (love), and spiritual well-being (self-worth) to build quality human capital. Parents, guardians, caregivers, and teachers who missed the event can watch the full morning and afternoon discussions and apply the techniques with their children on the Education Council's Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/183GfqdhrG/Education Council YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/mNLJVah8Fxc?si=FWSVhoVcII7z2MQ0