What's Happening Wednesday News: AI learning has become an official part of the curriculum in China!

Welcome to "What's Happening Wednesdays!" Every Wednesday, I will send you a heads up email with just a tidbit of news regarding what's taking placing in the education and or parenting space. 

It's a way for you to benefit from having a super teacher in your back pocket. 

There's so much happening in the world that it's impossible for us all to stay ahead of everything, right? 

Well, that's why you've got me. I want to make sure that you not only have the tools, but also the confidence AND vocabulary to advocate for the children in your life in the best way.

So, let's get to it.

China has officially made AI education mandatory.

Starting September 1, 2025, all primary and secondary school students in China will begin learning artificial intelligence as part of their official curriculum, as early as age 6.

One thing I really want you to understand is this, because of the nature of the internet, we are all much closer than we were before. You can't simply ignore what is happening in other countries, as far as education goes because now, all of our children are digital citizens, which makes them world citizens. What does that mean? Every child on this planet is your child's peer and classmate.

Because in today’s digital world, your child doesn’t just compete locally, they collaborate globally.
Their future classmates, colleagues, and collaborators will include students from China, India, Denmark, Kenya, South Korea, and everywhere in between.
If your child is online (on Roblox, YouTube, or even learning apps), they are already part of a global network and the ability to understand, question, and use AI is becoming just as essential as reading and writing.

I have been spending the last two years in Asia, focusing on robotics and Artificial Intelligence. 

It's amazing to see how quickly schools have begun to adapt to really teaching children to work alongside AI rather than using it to work for them.

In Korea, there are now after school academies dedicated to AI for kids. 

If we want our children to be prepared for the world they will actually have to navigate, we're going to have to accept that they will need different skills. The world is not only changing, it has changed.

Because this move is not about China being “ahead."
It’s about what our kids will need to thrive in the digital world they’re inheriting.  That's right! It's part of the world we are handing over to them. 

Here’s what early AI education develops:

• Problem-solving skills that mimic how AI "thinks"

• Critical media literacy (so they don’t just believe what the algorithm serves them)

• Digital creation vs. passive consumption

• Confidence to build technology, not fear it

  When you are in conversations with schools or even among other parents and the topic is AI, the above skills and benefits are what you want to advocate for. 

Is safety a concern? Absolutely! But, you don't teach a child how to cross the street by never showing them streets? 

First, you hold their hand and help them practice looking both ways. You teach them what signs to look for. You teach them the different ways to keep themselves safe, even if there doesn't appear to be any cars around. Then, they develop enough confidence to walk across, run across, skate across, or even ride their bikes across. After awhile, they're also driving their own cars! 

And don’t worry, this is not about turning kids into coders overnight. 

It’s about preparing them to understand how their world is being shaped, and how they can shape it, too.

At-Home Conversation Starters

• “Have you ever thought about how YouTube knows what to recommend next?” That's AI! See you're already using it!

• “Let’s try asking ChatGPT a question together. What would you ask it?”

• “Did you know not everything AI says is true? Let’s explore how to tell.”

Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or educator, here are ready-to-use phrases to help you start important conversations at school: 

 To a Teacher:

“Hi [Teacher's Name], I’ve been reading about how other countries are beginning AI education in elementary school, and I’m wondering how we’re preparing our students for this shift. Are there any lessons or digital literacy activities around AI planned this year?”

“I’d love to support you if you’re interested in integrating AI into the classroom."

 

To a Principal or Administrator:

“Hi [Principal's Name], I recently learned that China is making AI education mandatory starting at age 6. I’d love to know if our school is considering ways to incorporate AI literacy into the curriculum. Our kids are growing up as digital citizens. It’s important they know how the tech shaping their world works.”

“Even a short weekly session introducing AI tools and their real-world uses could make a difference. Is there a space for parent or community support to help pilot something like that?”

 

To a School Board or PTA:

“I’d like to propose that we explore age-appropriate AI literacy programs for students. We’re seeing a global shift, and I want our school to be a leader in preparing students for a tech-integrated world, ethically, safely, and confidently.”

“Would you be open to adding AI literacy to an upcoming meeting agenda?"

 You don't have to be an expert to be an advocate. I'm proud of you, {{ first_name }}.

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I'm honored to be a member of your village. ❤️

With gentleness,

Gahmya
Evolved Kid | Big hearts. Big thoughts. Bright futures.