02/05/2026
Bhutan celebrates Teacher’s Day on May 2nd to mark the birth anniversary of 3rd king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Father of Modern Education in Bhutan. The day honours his vision in introducing modern education and his lifelong contribution to nation-building through learning.
Teacher’s Day is also a meaningful occasion to recognize ECCD facilitators as children’s first teachers. They play a vital role in nurturing young children during their most important early years, building the foundation for lifelong learning and development.
In ECCD centres, children are gently guided to become independent by learning small but important responsibilities such as taking off and wearing their shoes, opening their lunch boxes, packing and unpacking their bags, and taking care of their personal belongings. These simple routines help build confidence, independence, and self-help skills.
ECCD facilitators also design purposeful activities to develop fine motor skills, such as drawing, coloring, threading beads, tearing and pasting paper, and manipulating small objects. These activities strengthen hand muscles and coordination, preparing children for proper writing skills in formal schooling.
At the same time, gross motor development is encouraged through running, jumping, balancing, climbing, and outdoor play, helping children build strength, coordination, and body control. Cognitive development is nurtured through storytelling, puzzles, sorting, counting, matching, and problem-solving activities that develop thinking, curiosity, and understanding of the world around them.
While some may still view ECCD as less important than formal schooling, early childhood education is actually the strongest foundation of a child’s learning journey. The care, patience, and intentional teaching in ECCD shape a child’s personality, independence, confidence, and readiness for formal education. Therefore, ECCD facilitators deserve equal respect, recognition, and appreciation for the essential role they play in shaping the future of our children and our nation. 💛
