VUS recently partnered with E-future, a leading ELT publisher, to host a special workshop: “Balancing Sounds & Names: Fostering Literacy and Well-being in ‘Little Hands.’” Led by Ms. Soo Kim and Ms. Hannah Ruppert, the session offered both fresh perspectives and practical strategies for our teachers.
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Expert Speakers Who Inspired the Session
The workshop was led by Ms. Soo Kim, a teacher trainer with a Master of TESOL from Victoria University of Wellington, and Ms. Hannah Ruppert, a U.S.-certified teacher and ELT consultant with extensive experience in Asia.
Both were also featured speakers at the 2025 VUS TESOL conference, where Ms. Hannah stood out as one of the debaters in the event’s signature debate.
Didn’t catch it live? Watch the 2025 VUS TESOL Conference – The Debate highlights here.
Both experts brought not only academic expertise but also hands-on classroom insights, setting the stage for a highly engaging session where teachers explored practical strategies to enrich their daily teaching.
Key Highlights
Designed around the objectives of the Little Hands curriculum, the workshop highlighted practical ways teachers can bring literacy and well-being to life in their classrooms:
- Explored ways to combine the sound-first approach with letter naming.
- Practiced using the Little Hands curriculum through songs, classroom routines, and engaging visuals.
- Learned how to build a dynamic and welcoming classroom environment, helping teachers feel more confident and effective in their teaching.
Practical Impact for Teachers
Through hands-on practice and discussions, teachers gained theoretical insights and practical solutions to apply directly in their daily classes. These takeaways serve as valuable tools to enhance teaching quality and create positive learning experiences for students.
More than just a training session, the workshop reflects VUS’s vision of creating classrooms where learning and well-being go hand in hand.
By focusing not only on students’ learning journeys but also on teachers’ confidence and classroom happiness, VUS strives to create a truly supportive environment — a happy school for everyone.
If you want to become part of a happy school where both learning and well-being are nurtured, VUS is ready to accompany you on your journey. Apply today to join our team of dedicated teachers and enjoy benefits such as:
- Competitive salary with recognition through awards and bonuses
- Full support for work permits, visas, and onboarding (for foreign teachers)
- Regular professional development: in-house training, workshops, class observation & peer feedback
- Modern facilities, updated teaching materials, and a collaborative work environment
- Free Vietnamese language classes (for foreign staff) and meaningful rewards for outstanding performance
Apply now and take the next step in your teaching career with VUS!
Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of all attendees, the workshop concluded with remarkable success. This useful session further underscores VUS’s commitment to empowering educators through ongoing professional development and impactful training opportunities.
