VioEdu launches thinking playground for children aged 3–5, offering the right opportunities in the “golden period”
Instead of restricting children’s exposure to digital devices, parents can transform screen time into safe and meaningful learning time. With this approach, the VioKids app has officially launched the online playground “Smart Little Stars” – a learn-through-play journey designed precisely for the developmental characteristics of children aged 3–5.
Preschoolers learn best through visuals and play
Neuroscience studies show that between ages 3 and 6, the brain forms millions of neural connections every second – the fastest rate in human life. This is the “golden period” for developing foundational thinking. Rather than early academic drilling, what children need is stimulation of curiosity, exploratory thinking and creativity.
Given that young children today encounter digital devices from an early age, eliminating technology entirely is impossible. Instead, parents can leverage screen time to build high-quality learning experiences, developing skills through the right channels and in the right way.
A play-to-learn environment aligned with the Ministry of Education’s guidelines
Taking place from December 2025 to April 2026, “Smart Little Stars” adheres closely to the Ministry of Education and Training’s 2023 early childhood curriculum, emphasizing comprehensive development across physical, cognitive, emotional and aesthetic domains, and preparing children for Grade 1 with a modern and practical approach.
The playground distinguishes itself by activating and developing seven core cognitive capabilities at the exact stage when they are most strongly formed: logical reasoning, creativity, spatial modeling, generalization, language, numeracy and problem-solving. These are considered essential competencies for future digital citizens and align closely with the goals of Vietnam’s new general education curriculum.
Illustration of the “choose the shorter or taller object” challenge
The learning path is personalized to each developmental age group:
• Age 3 focuses on “recognizing the world around them.”
• Age 4 emphasizes “stimulating thinking and creativity.”
• Age 5 builds “problem-solving skills,” a critical preparation step before entering primary school.
Helping parents identify their child’s strengths
“Smart Little Stars” is designed as a gentle, pressure-free learning adventure. Round 1 (Exploration) spans 16 weeks, during which children complete two weekly challenges with a total of 15 tasks in no more than 10 minutes. Through micro-learning activities—small, focused exercises—children gradually engage with foundational concepts in a highly visual manner and develop proactive learning habits. This is also an opportunity for children to express intelligence, creativity and confidence, while giving parents and preschool teachers an effective early-education tool powered by modern technology. With detailed reports across learning units and seven cognitive competencies, parents gain a comprehensive picture of their child’s cognitive profile: Is the child more left-brain oriented (logic) or right-brain oriented (creativity)? Do they show strengths in natural or social awareness?
Nguyen Thi Ngoc, Director of the VioEdu online education system under FPT, and representative of the organizing committee, said: “We created this playground as an assistant for parents, helping them navigate the early years—especially in the midst of an explosion of children’s TV programs and mobile apps. The playground emphasizes the critical role of parental companionship, not only in guiding children through challenges but also in applying the lessons to real-life situations immediately afterward.”
Round 1 of “Smart Little Stars” consists of four journeys, with children participating at home under parental guidance
The Viokids app will suggest daily real-life activities for parents and children to practice together, such as sorting laundry, organizing toys, comparing the size of vegetables while grocery shopping, or identifying left and right when walking outdoors. This ensures learning does not remain on the screen but transfers into real life, enhancing retention and cultivating analytical habits.
More than just a playground, “Smart Little Stars” is a journey that nurtures children’s confidence, thinking ability and love of learning. The top performers (Top 300 in each age group after Round 2) will advance to the Finals, with total prizes worth up to VND 250 million. This promises to be an ideal experiential environment where modern technology elevates human-centered education and helps the Alpha generation take their first confident steps on the path of knowledge.
