There are many preschools in Singapore with different programmes and curriculums to choose from. As a parent with a child ready to start preschool, where do you even begin to decide on the best one for your child?
Of course, in Singapore, there are concrete learning frameworks and curriculums that preschools have to follow, however, the methods they use differ in the early years’ pedagogy that they adopt. Essentially, every situation and child is different. Hence, understanding the preschool’s pedagogy can help you make a better choice in deciding the one to enrol your child in.
Read on as we share more about the importance of pedagogy in the early years of education of your child.
What Is Early Years Pedagogy?
Before we start, it is important that you understand the meaning of pedagogy. When it comes to early childhood education, ‘pedagogy’ refers to the unique techniques and strategies that educators use to provide opportunities for your child to develop academically and foster healthy relationship with their peers.
There are different pedagogical approaches that preschools and early childhood education centres use in Singapore. Many schools have adapted a hybrid or unique curriculum that draws on the elements of well-known systems, infused with the individual passions and beliefs of the school’s founders.
For instance, MindChamps Preschool uses its unique 3-Mind approach, a practical and developmental model that comprises three distinct qualities to help them stay open-minded and curious about the world around them and adapt to the ever-changing world.
We understand that every parent wants the best for their children. While pedagogy and curriculum play an important role in selecting the right preschool, there are also other factors that you should consider.
Preschools Should Foster A Love For Learning
While the curriculum and pedagogy practised is equivalent to the bread and butter of a preschool, the main aim of early childhood education is to foster a love for learning in children. A good preschool in Singapore ensures that their little learners are happy, secure, and have the opportunity as well as a safe environment to grow. Most of all, the preschool that you enrol your child in should harness the inquisitive nature of your little one with the aim of nurturing their love for learning and equip them with the essential skills to transition to primary school and beyond.
At MindChamps Preschool in Singapore, our teachers incorporate the S.M.I.L.E.S.™ elements into the preschool curriculum for a more holistic learning experience. What’s more, they also nurture your Champ’s curiosity about the topics of discussion by encouraging them to ask ‘how’ or ‘why’ questions that will lead to an enquiry exploration. Teachers also observe the interests of your child and the kind of questions they ask before planning their lessons and activities accordingly.
Preschools Should Have A Balance Between Play And Academics
Contrary to popular belief, preschools should be a balance of both play-based and academic-focused. While an academic-focused curriculum allows the teacher to direct activities and introduce them to various proprietary core modules like Reading, Writing, Numeracy Strategies and more, incorporating play-based activities can help set a strong foundation for future learning. As such, many preschool programmes in Singapore often use games and interactive activities to engage with their students.
Teacher-child Ratio
Teacher-child ratio refers to the number of children tagged to a teacher or educator within the classroom. And, when it comes to preschools, the amount of time and interaction your child has with a teacher can profoundly affect their learning experience and results.
Having a low teacher-child ratio ensures that your child receives more one-on-one time. This ultimately translates into meeting their social and emotional needs, especially when they have just joined a new environment. Furthermore, having a smaller class is calmer, quieter and easier for children to familiarise themselves with their surroundings, eventually leading to more class participation.
With fewer children per group, teachers can also be more flexible with their approach and have more opportunities to accommodate the different learning styles of each child in their class. Smaller classes also mean that the teachers can assess each child’s progress over time and provide feedback to their parents. Parents, in turn, will have a better understanding of what they can do at home to help progress their child’s education.
Nurture The Champ In Your Child
In conclusion, while it is important to select a preschool in Singapore with a pedagogy that best suits your child’s interests and learning habits, you should also consider other factors that can contribute to a holistic learning environment.
At MindChamps PreSchool Singapore, all our teachers embody the Champion Gold Standard so that we can offer your Champ quality care and leadership at all levels. Combining these with our unique pedagogy, we aim to foster a love for learning in our Champs, setting them up for success in their early years and when they move on to the following stages of their educational journey.
Book a visit to any of our preschools in Singapore to see how we can nurture your child and help them achieve their fullest potential.