Which preschool curriculum is best for your child?

Singapore preschool curriculums – structured vs unstructured learning

How do you choose a Singapore preschool curriculum? For example, how does it approach an education balance of structured vs unstructured learning? How does it incorporate play and experiential learning into daily learning? We hear from the educators who shape preschool curriculums about their teaching philosophies and programmes. We hope this will help you decide which approach might work best for your child.

Kinderland Academy & Preschools – structured vs unstructured exploration with music

A word with the preschool team at Kinderland

At Kinderland, we focus on preparing children to become lifelong learners and global citizens with a heart. We strike a balance between structured learning and child-led exploration. Through programmes such as STREAM, KinderFit, the Children’s Music Programme and character-building initiatives, children gain essential literacy and numeracy skills alongside life skills, such as resilience, empathy, problem-solving and confidence.

Our curriculum integrates play and traditional forms of learning. For example, during a literacy lesson, children may role-play characters from a story, which strengthens both language and creativity. In STREAM projects, they build and experiment through play while learning scientific, mathematical and engineering concepts and problem-solving skills. This mix brings to children the joy of discovery through play. At the same time, they develop the discipline, focus and foundational knowledge that more structured work provides. This combination helps them strive better in formal schooling years.

Our teachers set up purposeful activities to spark curiosity, but the child’s natural questions and responses often take learning further. Take, for example, a recent STREAM lesson. There were tiny pieces of paper scattered around the classroom. The children decided to build a simple eco-friendly paper sweeper cleaner, which they named Mighty Sweeper. Guided by their educators, the children brainstormed machine designs, engineered parts and created prototypes to test different sustainable materials before completing the model. Combining intended guidance with child-led discovery ensures that learning is zealous and builds their love for learning well beyond the classroom.

A Kinderland child is always confident, creative, capable, caring, curious and communicative. We equip them with a lifelong passion for learning, which will carry them far beyond preschool.

15 locations island-wide
6881 8818 | enquiry@kinderland.com.sg | kinderland.com.sg

Whistle Woods Schoolhouse – a blended preschool curriculum

A word with Eiling Goh, Founder and Director

At Whistle Woods Schoolhouse, we focus on preparing our kids for a rich inner life amidst a changing outer world. We help them cultivate quiet confidence, deep curiosity, emotional resilience and joyful connections with people and nature. Our enriching curriculum, rooted in Waldorf and Montessori principles, blends structured and unstructured learning – child-led exploration with purposeful guidance.

The most effective tool our Singapore preschool offers is a responsive and nurturing environment. This means educators who encourage rather than criticise, access to quality natural materials that inspire, and frequent opportunities to explore outdoor spaces for open-ended learning.

In our blended approach, educator guidance is important in ensuring that learning is well-rounded—balancing breadth of experiences with the depth that comes from sustained engagement. Educators guide the daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms, while leaving space for children to shape the flow and focus. During a storytelling session about community and togetherness, a child wanted to hold a handmade puppet and sing together. The teacher facilitated the shift into a shared storytelling. In that moment, togetherness became a lived and felt experience.

For us, play and work are one and the same; as Maria Montessori said, “Play is the work of the child”. Building a block tower is geometry, collaboration and problem-solving. Making bread trains fine motor skills and mathematical concepts like measurement and sequencing. Structured learning moments, such as Chinese writing, are introduced only as part of bridging older children into primary school life.

Whistle Woods is a Singapore preschool at 2A Hindhede Road
6816 6170 | info@whistlewoods.com
whistlewoods.com

Global Indian International School – a choice of two preschool curriculums

A word with the preschool team at GIIS

At GIIS preschool, children enjoy a balance of play-based and structured learning that nurtures curiosity, creativity and key academic skills. Our curriculums make learning fun while building a strong academic foundation, helping children grow in confidence, develop social and cognitive skills – ensuring a smooth transition into primary school.

Parents can choose from two preschool pathways offered for students (3 to 6 years):

• The IB PYP Early Years is a play-based, inquiry-driven, transdisciplinary curriculum. Children learn through concepts and skills, while making real-life connections. It nurtures curiosity and creativity while giving students agency to make choices and reflect on their learning.
• The Global Montessori Plus (GMP) is a customised Montessori-based preschool curriculum with structured learning pillars. The extended programme adds rotational structured learning – speech and drama, dance, coding, maker-space – so children experience both free exploration and focused skill lessons.

Our educators design and scaffold learning while children have the agency to explore and lead play-based inquiry. For example, children operate a pretend supermarket in class, practicing number sense, estimation, non-standard measurement, sorting and communication skills. At the same time, they’re also developing social skills – all in authentic, real-life contexts.

A key aspect of our structured versus unstructured learning approach is having developmentally appropriate learning spaces and sensory-rich environments. These include the Atelier for symbolic expression, the Montessori Lab with materials, and more. These spaces and materials let students touch, experiment, verbalise and internalise concepts, which research and GIIS practice show is the single biggest accelerator of early learning.

• SMART campus: 27 Punggol Field Walk
• East Coast campus: 82 Cheviot Hill

6914 7001 | globalindianschool.org/sg

ELFA Preschool – a structured and unstructured approach

A word from the team at ELFA Preschool in Singapore

At ELFA Preschool, we focus on preparing our kids for success by nurturing creativity, moral values and strong language skills. The teachers in our Singapore preschool plan meaningful experiences, design safe and enriching environments, and facilitate quality interactions while supporting child-led learning. Therefore, our children are able to unleash their potential through the exploration of their interests, strengths and weaknesses; all with the support of their teachers. For example, in weekly Chinese Speech and Drama classes, ELFA children are able to express themselves freely while enhancing intrapersonal skills. Our unique Chinese-inspired Art lessons encourage children to explore the world of art through different mediums and materials.

We blend structured and unstructured learning seamlessly. We design each experience for creativity, exploration, cultural appreciation, self-expression and skill development to flow together naturally. Our environment encourages unstructured play – children experiment with colours, textures and forms through arts. Our Chinese-inspired preschool curriculum weaves in songs, stories, role-play, and cultural games to make language learning lively and meaningful. Traditional “work” is also important and embedded in projects, storytelling and creative activities. This engages and motivates children as they build focus, responsibility and specific skills.

We believe that children surrounded by beauty, creativity and authentic cultural connections are naturally motivated to ask questions, experiment and discover. We fill our art room with open-ended art materials, natural resources and culturally meaningful objects. This environment acts as a living “third teacher”, alongside our educators and families. All come together to support each child’s growth in language, creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence.

• Hougang campus: #03-00, Blk 202 Hougang Street 21
• Jurong East campus: #03-345, Blk 135 Jurong Gateway Road
• Tampines campus: #04-01 Tampines Central Community Complex, Blk 866A Tampines Street 83

6881 8818 | elfapreschools.com/singapore

Liked this article about Singapore preschool curriculums and the balance of structured vs unstructured learning? Head to our Kids section for more about schools in Singapore, and read parent reviews of Singapore preschools and kindergartens. Plus, discover enrichment options for your kids! You can also check out our latest City Guide here for free.