Norleen Zulu, a passionate Early Childhood Development Specialist, is on a mission to make learning fun and engaging for young minds. She also uses her TikTok, ‘Education with Norleen’, to share valuable insights and creative learning activities.
Johannesburg, South Africa (17 November 2024) – Driven to advocate for quality education and create conducive learning environments, Norleen Zulu is an Early Childhood Development Specialist whose heart beats for growing young minds.
In her line of work, which is really her calling, Norleen works closely with various stakeholders, parents, caregivers and teachers, recognising their significance in a child’s educational journey.
Norleen believes that learning should be a joyful experience and is dedicated to inspiring others to embrace a holistic approach to education.
Creativity and care are at the heart of a growing mind
Norleen is a firm believer in using creativity to engage with and inspire children, and therefore, it is her mission to find innovative ways to make learning as fun and as interactive as possible.
One of these ways is through her social media, particularly her informative TikTok account Education with Norleen, where she shares helpful tips on various childhood development topics such as building fine motor skills, understanding autism and ADHD, mastering childcare, sensory play and other fun ways to engage with little ones.
Norleen took a moment from enriching young minds to speak to Good Things Guy about her journey and passions, which began as a foundation phase teacher.
Her academic journey started with a solid foundation in teaching, culminating in an International Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Centre. This achievement paved the way for her to further her studies and obtain certifications focused on the formative years of child development.
“The Montessori principles resonated deeply with me, and witnessing children blossom from curious learners to self-sufficient individuals was and continues to be inspirational. I became driven to acquire more knowledge on holistic education,” Norleen shares.
Her love for children and their development runs deep. She has witnessed first-hand the transformative power of high-quality early childhood programs.
“When children receive nurturing care, stimulating experiences, and supportive relationships during these pivotal years (from birth to age eight), they develop essential skills, confidence, and curiosity which they carry into adulthood.”
Norleen also recognises the significant inequalities in access to quality early childhood education, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. These differences fuel her determination to advocate for closing this gap.
“Every child deserves an equitable start in life, regardless of their background or circumstances. By investing in early childhood development and care, we’re not only changing individual trajectories but also strengthening families, communities, and society as a whole.”
Nurturing a mind is a family affair.
According to Norleen, families raising children must unlearn the notion that learning must and can only occur at school as learning opportunities constantly present themselves to us every day.
“Learners do not need to be confined to traditional standards of learning. We often prioritize academic achievement over emotional intelligence, social skills, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication. Yet these skill sets are the foundation of 21st-century learning and living,” Norleen explains.
She encourages parents and educators to not force children into rigid moulds but instead look for innovative ways of lesson delivery, catering to the needs of the learners as this drives academic and social success.
“If a child is not learning the way we want them to – then we should change our approach!”
Norleen’s ultimate goal is to empower adults to become co-learners, advocates, and champions for children’s rights, education, and well-being, thereby collectively creating a world where every young mind can thrive, grow, and reach new heights.
“The greatest takeaway I hope people gain from my content and work is that every child is inherently capable of achieving great things. They are deserving of love, respect, and compassion.
“I want parents, educators, and caregivers to understand that nurturing a young mind is not about shaping them into who we think they should be, but about uncovering and supporting who they already are,” Norleen passionately shares.
@educationwithnorleen Choosing the right school for your child is a pivotal decision that shapes their future. At Education with Norleen, we emphasize the importance of selecting a school that aligns with your child’s needs, values, and beliefs. With the new school year approaching, parents of toddlers (ages 4-6) must consider various factors to ensure their child receives the best education possible. A well-informed decision requires careful evaluation. By prioritizing your child’s education, you invest in their lifelong learning and success. Stay tuned for more insights and expert advice from Education with Norleen. Key Considerations: • Child’s Needs and Character • Class Sizes • School Facilities • Curriculum and Extracurricular Activities • Family Values and Beliefs • Holistic Approach to Education #EducationMatters #SchoolSelection #ParentingTips #ChildDevelopment #EducationConsultant #RightSchool #FutureSuccess #LifelongLearning #ParentingAdvice #EducationExpert ♬ original sound – Education with Norleen
Sources: Nothando Mthembu
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