Studies show that a play-based learning approach has many benefits for preschoolers. Engaging in games, activities and outdoor play encourages creativity and exploration, and aids in the development of motor skills. Here are some preschools in Singapore that incorporate learning through play, plus parents tell us what they like about them!
Kinderland Academy & Preschools
Kinderland is intentional about play-based learning for preschoolers! Its languages of play include playing music, doing sports and fitness, programming robotic toys and helping children discover the world around us. These are delivered through various learning programmes such as the Children’s Music Programme, KinderFit Cardio-Wellness, Coding and S.T.R.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Reading & wRiting, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics).
The Children’s Music Programme develops preschoolers’ language literacy and boosts cognitive development. Pre-Nursery and Nursery children have the opportunity to play handbells, castanets, triangles, drums and claves. Kindergarten children learn to play keyboard instruments as well. Kindergarten-level children from Kinderland Academy @ Yio Chu Kang and Kinderland Preschool @ Marine Parade also participate in a marching band or stage ensemble, helping them develop social skills such as teamwork, active listening and turn-taking. Kinderland children acquire fundamental motor skills and develop self-confidence through lessons on cardio wellness and healthy eating in KinderFit. To promote social-emotional development, Kinderland’s annual sports day, Sports Fiesta, incorporates parent-child bonding exercises and activities for parents and children to participate in.
Kinderland’s S.T.R.E.A.M. programme engages children in inquiry-based project work, which fosters curiosity, experimentation and critical thinking. From idea development all the way to constructing and assembling the actual structures, children are actively involved in leading and problem-solving their own queries.
All Kinderland centres offer a variety of outdoor activities. They range from water and sand play, visits to neighbourhoods and, for the Marine Parade centre, excursions to East Coast Park. At Kinderland Academy @ Yio Chu Kang, there’s an extensive array of outdoor learning opportunities. Children experience creating a farm-to-table meal – they plant, harvest and cook the vegetables from the Children’s Garden in the school’s self-help. There’s also an in-house Animal Sanctuary at the Academy.
All these learning through play activities seek to broaden a child’s perspectives, tapping on children’s curious nature to ignite the learning spark in them.
Hear from a preschooler’s parent
“My child enjoys highly sensorial activities that contribute to his physiological development. He has consistently expressed intuitive interest and deep affection for the lives of insects, birds and other creatures. The learning through doing at school leads to at-home sharing, reading and discussion. It’s truly wondrous to witness how play-based learning is activating my son’ natural instincts to ask “what” and “how” questions about his world. He can confidently express and articulate care and empathy for all things great and small. I deeply appreciate that Kinderland’s holistic program will shape his core values of curiosity, resilience, collaboration and compassion for the years to come.” – Grace Lee-Khoo
15 locations islandwide
kinderland.com.sg
Pegasus International Preschool
Pegasus International Preschool uses the Reggio Emilia approach that’s rooted in inquiry-based learning. Children aged 18 months to six years explore their curiosity and express their ideas in a conducive and inquisitive environment. The school says that this comprehensive approach to early childhood education fosters curiosity, creativity and critical thinking through hands-on experiences and collaborative exploration.
There are many engaging learning programmes for kids at Pegasus. This includes Music and Movement where they enhance their motor skills and emotional expression through playing instruments, singing and dancing. Through An Eye for Art, they develop fine motor skills and express their unique ideas through painting, drawing and crafting. Young minds are introduced to foundational concepts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through Little Einstein, and Field Trip Excursions enhance classroom learning programmes and foster a deeper connection to the community.
Supporting this dynamic learning environment are a variety of facilities. These include an indoor gym, an outdoor playground, sensory play activities and loose part play materials where open-ended materials inspire creativity and problem-solving as children manipulate and invent new ways to engage with them.
Pegasus says that they’ve created an environment where children can “soar with confidence”. They’re able to thrive, explore and develop a love for learning through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions.
Hear from a preschooler’s parent
“My son enrolled in Pegasus in August 2021. We really like this preschool! They’re very creative! When the youngest kids learned about weather, teachers helped them to wear raincoats and carry umbrellas, and sprinkled water on them in the bathroom. Loved that idea! They’re doing many things to let kids see and experience the world around them. Also, there’s always good communication between parents, teachers and the school admin team. My son likes going to school and we’re happy with our choice.” – Magda Maluchnik, Polish
Level 2 and 4 Kim Mui Hoey Kuan Building, 72 Keng Lee Road
6291 8286 | pips.com.sg
Mosaic Preschool
For Mosaic Preschool, play is not just an activity – it’s the foundation for lifelong success. Rooted in play-inspired education, the school defines play experiences with five key characteristics: meaningful, actively engaging, socially interactive, joyful, and iterative.
The holistic learning journey at Mosaic Preschool runs from two months to six years. The curriculum includes a variety of play-inspired activities designed to engage all five senses of preschoolers. These sensory-rich experiences aim to enhance a child’s exploration and understanding of the world around them.
At the heart of the school’s sensory activities are water and sand play. These offer young children the opportunity to engage in tactile exploration, stimulate their sense of touch, and encourage fine and gross motor development. Children learn about textures and cause and effect, and they also experiment with movement and balance.
Children at Mosaic can look forward to a rich variety of activities. The bright, interactive classrooms foster bilingual language development, creative expression through role play, art, and music. Sensory play, world discovery, outdoor musical exploration, water play and sand play enrich their learning experiences. Every moment of play prepares them for the future with joy and purpose.
The school has a rich and stimulating environment with outdoor areas designed to be safe, accessible and stimulating for children. The playgrounds feature sand pits, water play areas and garden spaces where children can plant, observe and interact with the natural world.
Mosaic believes in building resilience and strong social-emotional competencies. Under the school’s Preparatory Programme for Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2, evidence-backed coping strategies by the Zippy Friends’ Programme are incorporated into Mosaic’s learning programmes. This helps equip preschoolers with the social-emotional skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Hear from a preschooler’s parent
“Koharu has been attending the infant care programme at Mosaic Preschool since August 2024. She enjoys the sensory activities; it’s wonderful to see her having fun and exploring new things. The teachers create a calm and engaging atmosphere, which makes her excited to attend each day. We appreciate the school’s holistic approach, which includes a strong emphasis on developmental milestones, communication skills and play-based learning. It’s been reassuring to see how the school fosters both independence and social skills in a caring setting. A major highlight has been witnessing our child’s progress in socialising with other babies while also becoming more independent.” – Tomoko and Shingo Kawano, Japanese
Like this article about learning through play for preschoolers? Here are more fun activities for kids! Also, find free waterparks and playgrounds in Singapore and swimming classes for infants and adults.
