By Karel van der Linden
Deputy Head of Primary
Learning a new language can be tough, especially when the alphabet is completely different from your own. For our young students at Northbridge International School Cambodia here in Phnom Penh, most of them from Khmer or non-English backgrounds, mastering the orientation of English letters can be a real challenge. That is where the Kaligo Handwriting app comes in.
Kaligo is an educational app that uses advanced technology to help children learn how to write. It is especially useful for young students who are just starting to learn English. The app uses a tablet and stylus, which makes the experience like writing with a pen on paper. However, it has many more benefits than traditional writing methods.
One of the biggest advantages of Kaligo is that it provides instant feedback. When students write a letter or word, the app analyzes their handwriting and gives suggestions for improvement. This helps students understand what they are doing wrong and how they can fix it. For Khmer students who struggle with the orientation of English letters, this feature is incredibly helpful. It ensures that they learn the correct way to write each letter from the start.
Another benefit of Kaligo is that it makes learning engaging. The app includes fun exercises and games that keep students interested and motivated. This is important because children learn best when they are having fun. By turning writing practice into a game, Kaligo helps students stay focused and enjoy their learning experience.
Additionally, Kaligo is customizable. Teachers and parents can adjust the difficulty level and choose specific letters or words for students to practice. This means that each child can work at their own pace and focus on the areas where they need the most help.
This year, our Grade 2 and Grade 3 students undertook a trial using Kaligo and we saw some real progress with both the overall presentation of written work improving, but also students ensuring that the letters were clearly orientated.
The next step for our school is to expand the access to the Kailgo app to our KG and Grade 1 students, which will surely have a positive impact on our standards of writing moving into the future.
Metacognition is the process of thinking about one’s own thinking. It involves reflecting on how you come to conclusions, understanding why you think the way you do, and recognizing patterns in your thought processes. By developing an awareness of your thinking, you can learn to reduce cognitive biases or identify and reuse effective thought processes in different situations. Essentially, metacognition helps people become more intentional and effective in their actions and decision-making.
At Northbridge International School Early Learning, we believe that children's curiosity is a powerful tool for learning, sparking discoveries that help them develop important skills for life. Through loose parts play, we create an environment where children’s natural inquisitiveness shines.
What is art for? Why do artists create? What does it mean to be creative?
