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Korean Songs to Help Kids Get Started with Korean
Introducing a new language to children doesn’t have to start with textbooks or memorization. In fact, one of the most natural and effective ways for kids to begin learning Korean is through Korean songs for kids. Songs help children absorb language through rhythm, repetition, and play—long before they’re able (or expected) to understand grammar rules.…
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Big Letter Hunt
words and photo Rute Nieto Ferreira Finding Letters in the World Around Us Two two-year-olds were being pushed to the park when one of them pointed up and said: “Look, it’s an M.” I looked to where she was pointing, and there it was – it was most certainly an M. It was made from…
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5 Tips for Cultivating Empathy
words and photo Making Caring Common (Harvard Graduate School of Education) Empathy is at the heart of what it means to be human. It’s a foundation for acting ethically, for good relationships of many kinds, for loving well, and for professional success. And it’s key to preventing bullying and many other forms of cruelty. Empathy…
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Nurturing Our Children’s Creativity
words Sally Chung illustrations Amy Sihyeon Jeong Rethinking What It Means to Be Creative When we hear the word “art”, we often think of Leonardo’s Mona Lisa, or Van Gogh’s Starry Night and hastily conclude that we aren’t skilled enough to do that kind of art. We draw a line and limit our creative potential as the imaginative and…
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What if Children Created News and Media?
What If Children Created News and Media? An Interview with Youth Reporter Nadia RosendahlOttiya Magazine From the Ottiya MagazineThis article explores what happens when children are trusted not just as media consumers, but as creators. Through the voices of youth reporters and mentors, we reflect on learning, curiosity, and the power of children-led storytelling. Listening…
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Creativity in Education, in Action
A Case Study from the Boston Architectural College Summer AcademyOttiya Magazine From the Ottiya MagazineThis article reflects on an early experience observing creative, project-based learning in action. While originally written by our Founder, Rufina Park, before Ottiya formally launched as a magazine, the ideas explored here continue to shape how we think about creativity, structure,…
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What if Children’s Voices were Taken Seriously?
Ottiya Magazine At Ottiya, we believe meaningful change in education begins by broadening the conversation. Instead of education being shaped only by policymakers, institutions, and adults, we ask a simple question: What would happen if children’s voices were taken seriously? When we slow down and truly listen to children, we begin to understand learning in…
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Korean for Kids: A Gentle First Step for Ages 6–8
Children naturally absorb language when lessons are designed for how they learn best. Beginner Korean 1A is built around early childhood learning principles, with lessons that are: Instead of rushing ahead, the course allows children to slow down, notice patterns, and build confidence from the very beginning. Learning the Korean Alphabet, One Letter at a…
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Can Learning Be Playful In 6th Grade Like Kindergarten?
words Claire, Grade 6 Student (Taipei, Taiwan) Hi! My name is Claire, and I’m a 6th-grade student living in Taipei, Taiwan. I love to read, and today I want to explore a question many students wonder about: Can learning still be playful and fun in 6th grade—like it was in kindergarten? From Kindergarten to 6th…
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Making Our Hopes and Dreams Come True
words and photo Samantha Song At the beginning of each school year, my key priority as an educator is to create an inclusive and inviting classroom community. Children need to feel a sense of belonging and safety before they are comfortable enough to take risks and make mistakes in their learning—whether in front of their classmates…
