According to a recent Pediatrics journal, while toddlers have the capacity to learn up to eight words a day – their “conversations” with adults do not even have to involve words! Even “coos and grunts” that mimic a conversation helps to build IQ and language skills.
MindChamps PreSchool @ Boon Keng has always understood the importance of language, with the curriculum emphasising on both English and Chinese for preschoolers from the playgroup to the nursery and kindergarten years. Not only does this help to provide exposure to both languages during the early years, it also prepares children for the next leg of their learning journey in primary school and beyond.
Ever wondered what our teachers and preschoolers get up to during the day?
Keep reading for a sneak preview of what a playgroup toddler goes through at MindChamps PreSchool @ Boon Keng, a childcare centre in Singapore which is conveniently located in Kallang.
A great start to the day with a healthy breakfast
Once all the children are dropped off, they will have breakfast together from 8.15am to 9am. Mealtimes serve as an opportunity for the children to interact with each other and practice their social skills.
After a nourishing meal, they have some time to engage in free play, which helps them relax and settle down before the day goes in full swing.
Warming up with playtime
At 9am, the kids either have a session of Mind Gym or outdoor play. MindChamps Boon Keng spans over 9,000 square feet and there are dedicated play areas for the children in this childcare centre to play and explore.
The padded gym room contains numerous obstacle equipment to target the motor skills development of children. The centre also has a dedicated sports area which includes a turf for mini golf and soccer.
Read also: Here’s How Lesson Time is Balanced with Play at MindChamps Boon Keng
Teachers at this childcare centre in Boon Keng engage the kids in fun lessons
After the light physical activity, the children will settle down for some lessons.
Language, numeracy and craftwork activities are conducted to extend the kids’ interests and learning. For example, they get to “explore” with photo frames by dismantling them in order to peep through the frames.
Language lessons are also conducted slightly differently at this childcare centre in Singapore, with the kids looking for objects which represent different sounds.
MindChamps Natural Literacy
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, kids will participate in the MindChamps Natural Literacy programme. Each week, they learn a letter and sound through fun activities like searching the mystery box. The playgroup children also engage in pre-writing activities through art and craft, imagining through various materials.
Break time with a healthy snack
A variety of fruits will then be served to the children at 10.30am daily. This helps the children to maintain their energy levels as well as providing them with important nutrients that will support their growth, development and learning.
Regular meal routines like this also help the kids to manage their appetite.
Cultivating a Love for Chinese Language
Kids will attend two sessions of Chinese lessons daily, spanning 30 minutes each. Their first session is from 11am to 11.30am and the other is after their nap, from 4pm to 4.30pm. Singing, role-playing, storytelling, puppetry and craft work are incorporated into the lessons to encourage their love for the Chinese language.
Tuck in for a nourishing lunch
The kids will have a healthy meal from 11.30am to 12pm. During lunch, the children learn self-help skills such as feeding themselves with a spoon. The menu is always nutritious and well-balanced, featuring mixed grain rice with fish, meat, vegetables and soup.
Time for a power nap
After their lunch, kids will take a shower and change into their PE attire. Following this, they will have their milk feed and recharge from 12.30pm to 3pm with a short nap.
Enrichment Classes at MindChamps @ Boon Keng
After their second Chinese lesson in the afternoon, the kids will have their various enrichment programmes such as Music for the Mind™, NeuroMooves™, Creativity and Theatrical Strategies™ and Gourmet Moments™.
Enrichment lessons are usually conducted from 4.30pm to 5pm.
Free Expression
Finally, the kids have some time to unwind and have fun with their friends with some free play from 5pm to 7pm. Free play encourages the children to interact with their peers, as well as helping them conquer their fears and build their confidence.
Helping toddlers to get used to the preschool environment
MindChamps Boon Keng understands that it can be challenging for kids to get used to the playgroup environment as it would be their first time away from their family.
The teachers work with the parents to ensure that the kids get a “loving goodbye” before their parents leave the centre. Teachers will also get parents to prepare transitional objects such as a family picture, a special soft toy, or a favourite blanket to help comfort the kids whenever they are in school.
The day also begins with a daily Connecting-as-One to talk about the activities that are ahead for the day. Children respond well to predictability and following a routine eases their move from home to school.
The teachers encourage the kids to explore their interests and potential during each session. These sessions are opportunities for the kids to express their creativity and imagination in a safe space.
Read also: Childcare Centres in Singapore: Is Bigger Really Better?
Written by Steffi Wee