Preschool education plays a vital role in a child’s early development, and in Singapore, the focus on early childhood education is particularly strong.
Preschoolers in Singapore undergo structured learning experiences that lay the foundation for their future academic and social success.
In this article, we will explore the typical lessons that preschoolers engage in, highlighting the key areas of learning and development that are emphasized in Singapore’s preschool curriculum.
Holistic Development
Preschool education in Singapore aims to promote holistic development by addressing various aspects of a child’s growth.
Lessons are designed to cater to their cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative development.
Teachers employ a range of teaching strategies, including play-based learning, to create an engaging and supportive environment.
Cognitive Development
Preschoolers are introduced to early literacy and numeracy skills through activities that encourage language development, pre-reading, pre-writing, and basic mathematical concepts.
They learn to explore, observe, and problem-solve through hands-on activities and group discussions.
Physical Development
Preschoolers participate in physical education lessons, which include activities that enhance their gross and fine motor skills.
These activities involve outdoor play, games, and exercises that promote physical coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.
Social and Emotional Development
Preschoolers learn to interact with their peers and develop essential social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperating.
They also engage in activities that promote emotional awareness and self-regulation, fostering empathy, resilience, and a positive self-concept.
Creative Development
Art, music, and drama play a significant role in preschool lessons, encouraging self-expression and nurturing creativity.
Preschoolers are provided with opportunities to explore different art mediums, participate in music and movement activities, and engage in imaginative play.
Language and Literacy Development
Language and literacy development are key components of Singapore’s preschool curriculum. Preschoolers are exposed to a language-rich environment that promotes the acquisition of both English and their mother tongue languages.
Language Acquisition
Preschoolers are immersed in a language-rich environment where they are exposed to vocabulary, sentence structure, English preschool reading and phonics.
Teachers use storytelling, rhymes, and songs to develop their listening, speaking, and comprehension skills.
Language exposure is provided in English, as well as in the respective mother tongue languages of the children, such as Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and Chinese for preschool.
Pre-Reading and Writing Skills
Preschoolers are introduced to pre-reading skills through activities that enhance phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and basic sight word recognition.
They are encouraged to engage in shared reading experiences and are exposed to a variety of age-appropriate books.
Similarly, they begin developing pre-writing skills, such as pencil control, letter formation, and tracing, through activities that promote fine motor skills.
Numeracy and Problem-Solving Skills
Preschoolers in Singapore are exposed to basic numeracy concepts and problem-solving skills, which lay the foundation for later mathematical learning.
Number Recognition and Counting
Preschoolers learn to recognize and identify numbers, understand quantity, and practice counting skills through hands-on activities. They engage in counting objects, using manipulatives, and exploring number patterns.
Basic Mathematical Operations
Preschoolers are introduced to basic mathematical operations such as addition and subtraction using concrete objects and visual aids.
During math lessons for preschooler’s teachers employ various techniques like storytelling, songs, and games to make learning mathematical concepts fun and engaging.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Preschoolers are encouraged to think critically and solve simple problems through hands-on activities and puzzles.
They develop reasoning skills, spatial awareness, and logical thinking by manipulating objects and engaging in open-ended activities that require them to find solutions independently.
Science and Discovery
Preschoolers in Singapore are exposed to basic science concepts and engage in hands-on exploration to foster their curiosity and understanding of the world around them.
Nature and Environmental Awareness
Preschoolers learn about the environment, plants, animals, and the importance of conservation. They participate in nature walks, observe and care for plants and animals, and engage in simple experiments to develop an understanding of basic scientific principles.
Sensory Exploration
Preschoolers explore their senses through various activities that stimulate their sense of touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing.
They engage in sensory play using materials such as sand, water, playdough, and different textures to enhance their sensory perception and develop their vocabulary.
Simple Experiments
Preschoolers conduct simple experiments to learn about cause and effect relationships, basic scientific concepts, and problem-solving skills.
They explore concepts such as buoyancy, magnetism, and changes in materials through hands-on activities, fostering a love for science and developing their observation and analytical skills.
Cultural and Social Studies
Preschoolers in Singapore are exposed to cultural diversity and learn about their own culture, as well as the cultures of others.
This helps to develop their appreciation for different traditions and promotes a sense of global citizenship.
Cultural Celebrations
Preschoolers learn about major festivals and celebrations in Singapore, such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, and Christmas.
They engage in activities that showcase cultural traditions, including crafts, storytelling, and traditional food tasting, fostering an understanding and respect for diversity.
Community and Singaporean Identity
Preschoolers develop an understanding of their roles within the community and their country. They learn about the different occupations, community helpers, and landmarks that are significant to Singapore.
Through field trips and visits from community members, preschoolers gain firsthand experiences that deepen their knowledge and sense of belonging.
Social Skills and Values Education
Preschool education in Singapore places great emphasis on fostering positive values and social skills in young children.
Through explicit teaching and modeling, preschoolers learn about empathy, respect, responsibility, and cooperation.
Character Education
Preschoolers engage in activities that promote positive character traits, such as honesty, kindness, and perseverance.
Teachers use stories, role-playing, and discussions to reinforce these values and encourage ethical behavior.
Conflict Resolution
Preschoolers learn to manage conflicts and develop problem-solving skills through guided discussions and role-playing.
They are taught strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully and encouraged to express their feelings appropriately.
Teamwork and Cooperation
Preschoolers participate in group activities and projects that require collaboration and teamwork. They learn to work together, share responsibilities, and appreciate the contributions of others.
Conclusion
Preschool education in Singapore places great emphasis on providing a comprehensive learning experience for young children.
By focusing on holistic development, language and literacy, and numeracy skills, preschoolers are equipped with a strong foundation for their future academic journey.
Furthermore, the incorporation of creative activities fosters their imagination and self-expression. Preschool lessons in Singapore prioritize creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn through play and exploration.
By laying a solid educational groundwork during the early years, Singapore’s preschool curriculum sets the stage for lifelong learning and success for its young learners.