What do kids in preschools in Singapore do

If you really think about it, our experiences studying at preschools in Singapore had the potential to shape us to become the people we are today. However, our infant selves simply went through the motions of sitting in for the classes our teachers prepared for us. Now that we’re all grown up, we might wonder what the rationale was behind some of the preschool activities that filled our days as kids.

So, we’ve consulted Ms Ainul Farhana Binti Mohamed Bathurudin, Lead Principal Project Specialist, Early Years, on the hidden meanings behind every Singaporean kid’s preschool experience. Consider your curiosity quelled, even more so if you’re a parent whose little one is still well in the midst of making their first friends in their playgroup.

1. Mandatory afternoon naps after lunch

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As working adults, we probably miss this one the most. Yes, could you believe that we once protested against taking afternoon naps in preschool? Grown-up grievances aside, these midday snooze sessions ensure that the children are well-rested, so they can better process and retain new information in their developing minds.

Afternoon naps also help with enhancing concentration and attention span for the latter part of the day, while fostering a calmer and more focused learning disposition. As for the teachers, this quiet time also allows educators to recharge and prepare for the rest of the day ahead.

2. Cooking activities like making sandwiches or pizza

Cooking activities impart the values of teamwork and patience, as well as the ability to follow instructions.

Not all of us are destined to step on that MasterChef Junior podium, but nothing stopped us from turning into adventurous culinary artists during the cooking activities back in preschool. For one, I remember whipping up a mean egg mayo sandwich back in the day, but there’s a reason why our preschool teachers let us don a chef’s hat and apron from time to time.

Working with food makes learning fun and interactive; plus, mixing, pouring, and measuring ingredients boost fine motor skills and introduce basic math concepts too. Healthy eating habits can also be taught in the process, and since cooking is such a sensory adventure, it’ll get children to be more receptive to exploring new tastes, smells, and textures.

3. Doing different arts & craft activities like painting & paper crafts

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Probably one of the highlights of every kid’s preschool experience was the various arts and crafts lessons that we got oh-so-messy with. If we were lucky enough, our parents even recognised the abstract beauty in our doodles and scrawls, and pinned them up on our household’s fridge à la the Louvre’s Mona Lisa.

Arts and craft projects are avenues that spark a child’s creativity and serve as a medium to build upon fine motor and problem-solving skills. Apart from cultivating self-expression, these sessions can also provide opportunities for children to develop essential social skills and teamwork when they join hands for collaborative art activities.

4. Celebrating holidays like Mid-Autumn Festival & National Day

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National holidays were particularly special as a kid in preschool as you got to celebrate them with your best mates, and have a whale of a time doing so. But beyond the games and dressing up, these festive get-togethers provide opportune moments for children to immerse themselves in new cultures and interact with peers of various age groups.

It’s a great way for little ones to learn about different traditions, potentially giving a child their first brush with cultural awareness, in the melting pot of a nation that is Singapore. These celebrations help them to feel part of an inclusive community, as they foster a love for learning about our multicultural society.

5. Bringing your favourite toy to school for Show and Tell

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As an introvert, Show and Tell sessions were the bane of my existence even as a kid. But after mustering up the courage to speak up, most of us probably realised it wasn’t all too bad. These spotlight-shining moments instil within a child self-confidence, but also a sense of connection between their home and school environments.

The activity provides a stage for little ones to share a part of their personal world with their classmates, which enhances self-expression and storytelling skills. On the other hand, it also teaches kids empathy and to lend a listening ear, while promoting a sense of community in the classroom as they learn about their peers’ diverse life experiences and interests.

6. Celebrating birthday parties in class

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Another limelight-stealing occasion, birthday parties are also often celebrated in preschools, but not everything’s about passing around slices of cake and tearing open goodie bags. These joyous occasions provide emotional assurance and recognition of each child’s uniqueness.

Sing-alongs, coupled with thoughtful cards filled with heartfelt messages, ensure that every kid feels extra special and cherished on their big day. Themes of kindness, sharing joy, and appreciating one another are also floated around, making school a warm and welcoming place for everyone.

7. Heading outdoors for some fun at the nearby playground

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When you’re looking after a bunch of energetic little ones, heading outdoors for some fun in the sun is a good way to burn off some of that extra energy. More often than not, the preschool’s nearby playground became stomping grounds for the lively children. Time spent outside the classroom has proven to be a mood bolster and helps them unwind while keeping them focused.

Playing outdoors also keeps otherwise sedentary iPad kids active, builds strength, and improves hand-eye coordination. Additionally, it gives them a chance to make new friends and build important social skills while they scamper all over the place exploring the neighbourhood.

8. Taking part in music and movement activities

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If you rummage hard enough, you’ll eventually unearth pictures, or heaven forbid, tapes of your preschool graduation taken aeons ago, stashed away in the depths of your family archives. For some reason, we were tasked with wowing our parents with dance performances or musical acts during our graduation ceremonies; no exceptions for even those with two left feet.

But that’s the beauty of being in preschool; you aren’t expected to bust out moves like Jagger. From dancing to their own beat to coming up with their own catchy tunes and rhythms, these music and movement activities offer an enjoyable avenue for kids to express their emotions and build upon social and motor skills. Plus, music and movement activities allow children to be creative and gain confidence in being in front of a large audience.

9. Inviting parents to school for story time or a classroom activity

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Mums and dads who take the time out of their hectic schedules to turn up to parent-child bonding sessions at their child’s preschool are truly the real MVPs. Their presence at these activities deepens the bond between parents and children, turning everyday classes into memorable experiences.

As parents get involved, they help their little ones shine socially, nurture their emotional growth, and build a love for learning. These special occasions also create lasting memories and strengthen the link between families and the school community.

10. Enjoying mealtime alongside peers

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Nothing brings people together like good food, and preschools in Singapore undoubtedly subscribe to that notion. Although wolfing down on nutritious yet yummy meals is important to provide sustenance for a child’s developing body, having meals with peers comes with intangible benefits too.

Firstly, it provides children with a chance to pay attention to social cues, and to learn to do simple things on their own such as serving food, filling up cups with water, returning their cutlery, and cleaning after themselves.

As the children mingle amongst themselves, they also build emotional connections with one another, creating a warm and inclusive community where every child feels like they belong.

11. Growing your own harvest during gardening activities

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Just ask any kid: when it comes to piquing interest in science-y stuff, hands-on activities trump learning about things theoretically in a classroom. That’s why gardening-related activities are often incorporated into a preschooler’s curriculum, unlocking a world of wonder and discovery for young minds.

From planting seeds to watching their very own garden bloom to life, this engaging activity teaches kids about responsibility as they take charge of cultivating plants under their care. Gardening also deepens their appreciation for healthy foods and the environment, as they grow their curiosity and connection to the ever-changing world around them.

Recognising our preschool educators’ efforts & professionalism

It’s easy to fall under the misconception that all preschool teachers do is to entertain groups of children for a bit till their parents come to pick them up at the end of the day. However, once you dig a little deeper, they do so much more than that in ensuring that our childhood stands out as a fruitful, yet memorable time of our lives where we start learning important life skills too.

As such, it’s never too late to say thanks to our early childhood educators, be it reconnecting with one that taught you ages ago, or expressing gratitude to your kid’s preschool teacher the next time you pick your little one up from school. After all, a simple “thank you” goes a long way, especially when it comes to recognising the effort and dedication they put in their work every day.

Learn more about becoming an early childhood educator

This post was brought to you by the Early Childhood Development Agency.
Cover image adapted from: My First Skool