The power of play and inquiry-led learning is integral to a preschool in Singapore at the Canadian International School (CIS), says the school’s Primary Principal DR COLLEEN DRISNER. Kindergarten teachers make use of purposeful play to develop kids’ language and social skills, imagination, critical thinking skills and empathy. Play also enhances child development of personal, social and emotional well-being, and is instrumental to future academic success.
A child’s curiosity is triggered when they’re engaged in teacher-planned and guided purposeful play in the early years. Through play, child development of cognitive skills and ideation help them to become intellectually curious and confident individuals. It also lays the foundations for exploration and group work.
By engaging in purposeful play, preschool children hone their critical thinking skills, collaborative work attitudes and creative problem-solving skills. It also helps them develop foundational skills such as counting, reading and writing in age-appropriate ways. An example of this is learning about volume and capacity through a hands-on interactive session of water play.
A new state-of-the-art preschool in Singapore
CIS’s brand new dedicated preschool in Singapore was designed to provide ample opportunities to learn through teacher-guided purposeful play. Classrooms spill out into large and open learning pods, an outdoor discovery centre sees children learning outside, an instructional bakery is the perfect place for a maths or science lesson, and a gross motor skills room and dance studio facilitate experimentation and communication and make learning fun!
CIS Singapore’s approach supports a child’s development of positive attitudes, habits and learning styles. It equips a child with the physical, emotional and intellectual skills to adapt to new ways of learning and to succeed in life beyond school. We believe it’s important for a kindergarten teacher to cultivate resilience in young students so that they continue to have a sense of wonder throughout the challenges that they face in life.
Hear from some students and their kindergarten teachers
“Our school is so beautiful, it’s like a magical garden.” Yoyo
“I love my classroom as it feels like home.” Shivansh “Our school is like a castle, I feel like a princess.” Shamael
“Our school is a special place where I learn with my friends.” Kindergarten class after a discussion
“Our new building has four walls with tomorrow inside.” Hetty B, Pre-Kindergarten teacher
You’re invited to explore the newly opened Kindergarten wing at the CIS Open House on 28 April, from 9am
Canadian International School is at 7 Jurong West Street 41. 6467 1732 | cis.edu.sg
This article first appeared in the April 2023 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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