My time teaching music and English in Cambodia was an incredible journey that opened my eyes to so much about how children learn and grow. It gave me a unique perspective on the kids of today and what their future might hold.
The Amazing Children of Today:
The children I met in Cambodia, and children everywhere today, are growing up in a very different world. They have so many new things around them all the time! This means they see the world in a new way. These young people are going to bring big changes to our society, and they will be the ones to take charge of making these changes happen. Change can sometimes be hard and might go against how things have always been done, but that’s often how the world moves forward.
I see today’s children as very sensitive and caring. They want to help with good causes and are open to new ideas. Of course, the environment they grow up in – their family, their culture – can really shape this.
One thing I noticed is how play is changing. Kids are so good with phones and computers even when they are very little. This can mean they don’t spend as much time using their hands and their imagination. Everything is often set up for them, and there isn’t always space to just think, invent, stop, watch, and learn on their own. I think technology can be great if we use it in a smart way.
Understanding the Relationship Between Parents and Children:
Families today are also very different from how they were some years ago. Parents often have busy work lives, and families can look different. This means children might spend more time with friends, grandparents, or at school programs.
In some ways, this can be good for kids. They get to see different things and learn to be more independent. They can become good at solving problems and taking responsibility. Spending time with other children also helps them learn about being social and making friends early on. When parents do spend time with their children, they often really focus on them and try to make it fun.
However, children also need to feel loved and supported. They need that special feeling of safety and knowing they are cared for every day. They need a calm and happy home where they can relax and just be kids. It’s so important for them to have time to play without worries and just enjoy being young. This is really good for their minds.
The good thing is that even if a child’s home life isn’t perfect, today’s children often have more chances to be around positive and encouraging people and places.
Helping Children Grow: The Important Things:
From my experience, one thing that is often missed is the importance of taking things slowly. It’s so good for children to be in nature, to see animals and places for themselves, to play freely, and to just have time to do nothing much. Relaxing the mind is never wasted time. It helps children understand what they’ve learned and gets them ready to learn even more.
I saw this was a big issue in Asia, but it’s true in other places too, like America. Kids can see everything online now, but they miss out on the fun and growth that comes from real, direct experiences. We often ask children to learn so much and to keep up with busy adult schedules – lots of homework, rushing around, and sometimes not enough time to just play.
The Joy of Play in Asia:
Even with all the pressure, the children I worked with in Asia still loved to be kids! They loved playing with each other in simple ways that used their imagination. They wanted to have the right to just be children.
Many children found ways to play and use their imagination in secret, whenever they had a moment to relax. It’s just their nature! It made me smile so much. They are amazing and can quickly find ways to escape into their own world and recharge.
My Approach and Acceptance from Parents:
My approach is to have clear and not stressful programs where everything is easy for children to understand. Parents in Cambodia really wanted their children to learn well and quickly. They were very happy to see their kids enjoying my classes and learning a lot in a fun way. For them, the most important thing was that their children were happy and making progress. They trusted my methods as someone from a Western culture.
Sometimes, because of the pressure to study hard and pass tests, my lessons would become a space where children could let out their stress and talk about their worries. I always tried to help them with this. Art and music are great for this – for letting go of stress and relaxing the mind. They help us reconnect with our human side, which, along with knowledge, helps our hidden talents shine.
My Vision for the Future:
Based on my experiences, especially in Cambodia, I believe that children today have incredible potential. We need to remember that they are growing up in a rapidly changing world and need our support to navigate it. My vision is for a future where children have the time and space to learn at their own pace, to connect with nature and real experiences, and to nurture their imaginations through play. By creating a learning environment that is joyful, engaging, and understands their needs, we can help them become sensitive, responsible, and open-minded individuals who are ready to shape a positive future for all of us.
Music & English Methodology 