How to choose an early years curriculum

Choosing an early years curriculum for your child can be like a jigsaw puzzle – you need to find pieces of the various topics that fit your child’s unique personality and needs. The Singapore American School has a set of questions that can help guide parents in identifying early learning programmes for learners from three to five years.

Early years curriculum topics to explore

There are many topics to consider when it comes to looking at early learning. Here are seven that you can start with.

#1 How does play foster learning?

Find out how play-based learning stimulates questions, investigation and excitement in a student. Also, look at how teachers are involved in the child’s play.

#2 How does an inquiry-based early years curriculum encourage thinking outside the box?

Ask them how harnessing your child’s inherent curiosity can help to foster their enthusiasm for learning, develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills and build their self-confidence.

#3 How does my child benefit from early learning numeracy and literacy?

Find out how developing foundational skills in numeracy and literacy can create enthusiasm for questioning, exploring and seeking answers.

#4 How does the school environment support learning?

Take a look at the school’s learning spaces and ask them how their early years learning philosophy can both enhance a child’s daily experiences.

#5 How do teachers encourage and nurture early learning?

Your child’s teachers will become very important in their learning journey. Along with qualifications and previous teaching experience, meet and speak to the teaching team to know what are the traits that you deem important for your child.

#6 Does the school provide supportive guidance for students and their parents?

Ask them what is available when a child requires some extra help from teachers, counsellors, therapists or psychologists during their school life. How about guidance or mini courses for parents to improve their parenting skills?

#7 Does joining a school mean joining a community?

Ascertain whether the school’s community ethos will benefit your child and your family. Discover whether the school and community members are on the same page as your kids and you. Your child will have a sense of belonging when everyone is on the same page. This builds self-confidence and enables them to enjoy the learning process.

Discover the early learning programme at Singapore American School

Find out how Singapore American School’s preschool learning and kindergarten curriculum supports curious children at their Early Years virtual event on 25 January, from 9am to 10am.

You’ll get a glimpse of the school, participate in a panel discussion with principals and teachers, and learn about the application process for children entering preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten.

Slots are limited so register here now to secure your slot.

Written in collaboration with:
Singapore American School
sas.edu.sg

Don’t miss our guide on kindergartens and preschools in Singapore! Also, discover loads of fun things to do in Singapore for the family.

Patricea Chow

Having lived 10 years abroad, Patricea has been rediscovering Singapore through fun events, street photography, and museum tours. She’s also partial to reading, education, spending time with family and kids, and armchair travelling.