Children learn best when they interact with the world around them; that’s why preschools organise regular outings for their students to see and experience things firsthand. Check out what these preschoolers got up to on their recent excursions!
Wonderful Wildlife
Location: River Safari Singapore
School: Arts Kidz International Preschool
Ages: Kindergarten One and Two
In July, Arts Kidz visited the River Safari Singapore to reinforce their STEAM curriculum. The students took part in many activities that were engaging, meaningful, relevant to the school’s theme and most importantly, fun. It gave them the chance to be immersed in all things river-related as they learnt about the aquatic animals at the park.
The kids took on the role of eco rangers during the “Once upon a River” animal show. They were taken on an imaginative journey through the river habitat and were able to observe the different aquatic species in their natural habitat. Highlights included seeing the capybara and observing the elasticity of a pelican’s throat pouch.
The students were also wowed by a brahminy kite’s flight agility and how it swoops down to snatch fish from the water. They got up close and personal with the animals, feeling the scales of a bearded dragon, meeting a python and even feed the capybaras after the animal show!
The students had a great day, learning about wildlife conservation and having loads of fun at the same time.
Arts Kidz International Preschool
10 Raeburn Park, Block C, #02-33
artskidz.com.sg
Nature Discovery
Location: Green Circle Eco-Farm
School: Rain Trees International Kindergarten
Ages: Pre-Nursery, Kindergarten One and Two
To offer a hands-on experience in line with their classroom topic of nature, the children visited the Green Circle EcoFarm. Each class spent time with a farm guide and enjoyed a walking tour of the farm. The children came across different edible plants and were encouraged to touch, smell and taste when appropriate. There were encounters with animals including chickens, snails, frogs, tadpoles and worms, and the children also observed water conservation and plant protection in action. A highlight of the trip was that everyone was allowed to select a plant sprout to take home to grow.
Before the excursion, the teachers taught children about senses, nature, weather and animals that are good and bad for plant growth. There were also discussions about behaviour and safety. Children were asked to wear long pants and sunscreen, and mosquito repellent was applied. While at the farm, the children and teachers also wore hats and rubber boots. Some parents came along, keeping students on track, helping during snack time and answering questions.
During outings of this kind, all teachers and aides carry first-aid kits and class lists with contact numbers with them. Each child wears a Rain Trees Kindergarten name tag with the school phone number on it. Trips are organised once a term.
Rain Trees International Kindergarten
60 Kheam Hock Road
raintreeskindergarten.com
Farming Fun
Location: Ground-Up Initiative (GUI) Kampung Kampus
School: Shaws Preschool
Ages: Pre-Nursery
Shaws Preschool believes in learning through play. The two-year-olds were learning about rice and how it grows, so an outing was organised to explore a paddy field in Yishun.
The children started the trip with some fun songs before heading into the rice fields. At Kampung Kampus, the children got to replant baby rice plants that were only eight days old. They took off their shoes, rolled up their pants and had loads of muddy fun with plenty of sensory learning experiences. After that, they enjoyed a glass of rice milk, made with rice from the farm.
The school organises excursions at least twice each term that are related to learning topics. Parents are always invited to come along. Before the trip, teachers talk to the children about safety and offer background information about the topic. In addition, before any excursion, a site visit is made to ensure safety and that the location meets learning objectives. All Shaws teachers are also trained in first-aid and, as a precaution, one teacher is specifically trained in handling children with food allergies and anaphylaxis.
After each trip, teachers organise follow-up activities, summarising what has been learnt and answering questions from children.
Shaws Preschool
Six locations islandwide
shaws.com.sg
Singapore Story
Location: National Museum of Singapore
School: White Lodge
Ages: Kindergarten One and Two
At White Lodge, field trips are organised once a term, and are usually related to the units of inquiry that classes are exploring during that term. Recently, children across all our centres were learning about the history of Singapore, so they made a trip to the National Museum.
Among other things, the children got to explore and learn about Singapore’s food-packaging industry back in the early 20th century, including the bottling and canning factories. It was an interesting experience for the children to see how everyday items like biscuits and drinks were packaged years ago. They also got to hear about the barbers that would set up in back lanes, and about traditional coffee-making. A highlight of the trip was visiting the vintage drive-in theatre where the children experienced watching movies from vintage cars like people did in the past.
In terms of preparations, a site visit was conducted prior to the field trip, followed by risk assessment. The children were also reminded about museum etiquette and safety beforehand. Principals and teachers who went on the trip were first aid trained and had emergency contact numbers on hand. In addition, for this outing, the children were told to be dressed in red for easy identification.
White Lodge
Eight locations islandwide
whitelodge.edu.sg
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This article first appeared in the October 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
