Dr Cheng Wan-Ni

         On 26 May 2024, Dr Cheng Wan-Ni, Dean of Early Childhood Care and Education, Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL), was invited to conduct a workshop and shared her insights into picture book creation at the 15th Asian Festival of Children's Content (AFCC). The theme of the workshop was "Let's Start with the Chimney: The Journey of Creating Singapore's Localised Picture Books".

        The workshop began with the story of Santa Claus trying to deliver gifts in Singapore where chimneys could not be found. It then explored the connection between flip-flops and Milo, the exchange of the red hood for a Santa hat, and how kiasu and picnic culture were presented in picture books that depicted various aspects of the Singaporean experience. Dr Cheng shared how she engaged in field observations of urban culture to extract local elements, employing innovative book design and incorporating concepts of child development to craft a picture book that embodied the human touch of Singapore.

         The public is welcome to visit our YouTube channel to view the workshop.

Dr Cheng Wan-Ni shared her inspirations for picture books creation

 

An introduction to different picture books

 

         On 24 June 2024, Dr Cheng Wan-Ni of the Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL), was invited by Xiyao Mandarin Toastmasters Club to give a speech titled "How to Teach with Heart".

        In the lecture, Dr Cheng reinterpreted family interaction and child-rearing concepts in a lighthearted and humorous manner. She highlighted the importance of family as the first classroom for children, emphasising that effective parenting requires love and understanding.

         The audience, which included multigenerational caregivers and new parents, engaged actively with Dr Cheng. She answered their questions, offering practical advice and methods. Dr Cheng shared techniques such as using parent-child games to strengthen bonds and story time to instill values, while also stressing the importance of parents managing their own emotions.

         The lecture was rich in knowledge and filled with humor and warmth. Attendees found it immensely beneficial, gaining a deeper understanding and confidence in family education. The event concluded with enthusiastic applause, as Dr Cheng expressed her hope to help more families create loving and harmonious environments for their children.

Dr Cheng Wan-Ni shared that respecting and supporting children is more important than making choices for them

 

The representatives of Xiyao Mandarin Toastmasters Club presented a token of appreciation to Dr Cheng