Vinschool Introduces AI in Kindergarten: A Smart Start or the End of Childhood?

Vinschool’s recent announcement to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its kindergarten curriculum starting in the 2025–2026 academic year has quickly stirred public debate. On social media, many parents have questioned: “Should five-year-olds really be learning about technology?” and “Will screen time become excessive?”

In a brief interview, Ms. Thao Trang, Director of Kindergartens, addressed these concerns: “We understand parents’ worries, especially the assumption that AI means screen exposure. In fact, around 80% of our AI-related activities at this level involve no digital devices at all. Children explore AI concepts through crayons, paper, wooden blocks, and role-play — staying true to the principle of ‘learning through play.’”

Reporter (R): Why has Vinschool decided to introduce AI education at such an early age?

Neuroscience research shows that ages 4 to 7 represent a “golden window” for developing pattern recognition and categorization skills, key building blocks of algorithmic thinking and machine learning. A 2024 UNESCO report recognizes “algorithmic thinking” as a core 21st-century competency, on par with literacy and numeracy.

Therefore, introducing AI early allows children to build a grounded understanding of technology before they risk being passively swept up by it.

R: Can you share some examples of how children can learn AI without using screens or devices?

Ms. Trang: Absolutely. Here are a few classroom scenarios:
“Classroom Robot”: One child plays a robot who only picks up red LEGO blocks. When a pencil is left behind, the class adds a new command. This hands-on activity help children understand how machines are trained through instruction.

“Maze Navigation”: Children draw a path with chalk and call out commands like “Forward – Forward – Turn left.” If the sequence is wrong, the robot-friend gets lost, teaching children the importance of algorithmic precision. After each activity, teachers ask reflective questions such as “Why did you choose that solution?” to encourage explanation and critical thinking.

In a pilot run in April 2025, 92% of children could explain why the “robot” made a mistake after just three sessions. Meanwhile, 87% of parents noticed their children were enthusiastic about classification games, and teachers reported increased accuracy in using terms like “step,” “command,” and “data.”

R: What specific AI-related content will be taught in this program?

Vinschool’s AI curriculum for preschoolers is designed around four core competencies and three thematic strands, helping children build foundational algorithmic thinking and develop safe technology habits from an early age.

For example, in the “Understanding How AI Works” strand, children transform data into drawings, real objects, and symbols; collect, sort, and compare familiar items; and identify patterns or rules in daily routines and games. They also get introduced to basic programming through role-play activities like robot navigation and debugging when a “robot friend” goes off course.

In the “Recognizing and Choosing AI Tools” strand, children explore smart devices around them (such as smart speakers and motion-detecting cameras), learn how to select appropriate tools for specific purposes, practice using voice assistants under supervision, and explain why they chose one solution over another.

Finally, the “Using AI Responsibly” strand teaches children to consult adults for safety, recognize personal data, differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate content to share, understand that machine-generated results differ from human responses, and “raise the red flag” when encountering suspicious ads or scary content. Through a play-based approach, children learn to understand the nature of technology before fully entering the digital world.

R: AI can be an abstract and unfamiliar concept for many parents. How can parents of a five-year-old know if their child is truly grasping and benefiting from these AI lessons?

Ms. Trang: Parents can observe signs of understanding through their child’s daily behaviors. For instance, children will clearly explain why a “robot” did something right or wrong in a game. They will naturally and accurately use terms like “command,” “step,” or “data” while playing or describing activities. More importantly, children will be able to recognize and describe patterns or rules in everyday activities or simple games.

Additionally, children may start choosing and using safe websites or apps recommended by teachers or parents, and will seek adult guidance when unsure about an app’s safety. More importantly, they will know to immediately report anything unusual or frightening they encounter during screen time, and use educational technology only under adult supervision.

R: How would you respond to parents who worry that this might take away their child’s childhood?

Ms. Trang: It’s completely understandable that parents may worry about losing the innocence of childhood when AI is introduced so early. However, from a positive perspective, this approach actually helps prepare children better for the future. As long as the program ensures kids still have plenty of time to play, explore, and learn without becoming dependent on screens, their childhood is not being taken away. Instead, they are being equipped with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-changing technological world.