Bridging educational gaps with inquiry-based learning

Founder and Director of United World Preschool NIDHI LAL shares how their inquiry-based learning curriculum bridges gaps between classroom learning and real-world skills for preschoolers. Plus, get all the details of the upcoming Open House of this preschool on East Coast Road.

How is the curriculum at United World Preschool different from what’s available in other preschools?

At United World Preschool, children are seen as a budding explorer, a future leader and a unique individual with a world of potential. Our curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between basic classroom learning and the real-world skills your child will need to thrive.

We nurture each child’s potential through four complementary approaches.

#1 Finding their voice. We give children the platform to be heard. By presenting their ideas to an audience and asking big questions, our students build the authentic confidence to express themselves clearly and courageously.

#2 Thinking for themselves. Through our Montessori-inspired approach, we encourage children to lead their own discovery. This independence teaches them to research, investigate and think critically for themselves.

#3 Nurturing natural curiosity. Children are born curious. We keep that spark alive through inquiry-based learning, where we dive deep into the “whys” and “hows” of the world through hands-on STEAM projects and creative arts.

#4 Future-ready foundations. By blending logic with imagination, a child develops the resilience and adaptability needed for a rapidly changing future. At our preschool in East Coast Road, we focus on soft skills – empathy, collaboration and agency – that textbooks alone cannot provide.

Our goal is to ensure that when your child leaves United World Preschool, they carry with them a lifelong love for learning and the quiet confidence to take on any challenge the world presents.

How does the curriculum adapt to children in different year groups at United World Preschool?

Our inquiry-based learning approach is a living curriculum that “grows” alongside a child’s developing mind. While the core philosophy remains consistent, the complexity of investigation and the level of independence expected from the child shift as they progress through their preschool years.

Let’s take a closer look through the activity of exploring plants through the different phases, using Montessori materials.

Phase 1: The spark of curiosity – PG to N1

In the beginning, inquiry is driven by sensory exploration to build the foundational order and concentration needed for deeper study. The focus is on developing fine motor skills and basic vocabulary through hands-on discovery.

Using Montessori Botany insets, children feel different leaf textures and learn their names.

This phase helps children develop a sense of security and a willingness to try new things.

Phase 2: The independent investigator – N2 to K1

As children gain confidence, the curriculum at United World Preschool shifts toward research and independent thinking. The focus moves to asking “why” and “how”.

Children begin to use STEAM concepts to test their own hypotheses, such as the “straw experiment”. They place carnations in coloured water to see how plants drink and record their observations in their own Inquiry Journals.

Through this phase, children learn to ask questions and look for answers autonomously with the help of an adult.

Phase 3: The confident leader – K2

In the final stage, the focus matures into presentation and public speaking. The focus is on presenting their findings to an audience and collaborative problem-solving.

Each child will lead a small group presentation on their plant research, explaining complex ideas like photosynthesis to their peers and answering questions.

How can parents get involved with their child’s learning at United World Preschool?

At United World Preschool, parents are considered vital partners in the inquiry process. Below are some of the ways parents can immerse themselves in the community of our preschool in the East Coast and share in their child’s milestones.

The Mystery Reader

The Mystery Reader is one of our most beloved traditions. Parents can sign up and arrive as a surprise guest of United World Preschool to share a favourite story with the class. It’s a magical way to foster a love for literacy while giving children the pride of seeing you lead the session.

Book Week and literacy celebrations

During our annual Book Week, we invite parents to help us bring characters to life. Whether you’re helping with costume parades, participating in read-aloud marathons, or sharing a book from your own childhood, parent involvement makes this a highlight of the school year.

Cultural celebrations and festivals

We warmly welcome parents to lead or participate in cultural events, such as our Lunar New Year festivities, Deepavali or United Nations Day. By sharing traditional food, teaching a dance or explaining a custom, you can help our children develop a deep respect for the world’s diversity.

Celebration of Learning presentations

As children reach the end of an inquiry cycle, they become the teachers. Parents become the audience on Presentation Days, watching their child explain their research on plants or a STEAM project. It’s the ultimate way to support their growing confidence and public speaking skills.

Career and expertise showcases

Are you a scientist, an artist, a chef or an engineer? Our inquiry-led curriculum thrives on real-world connections. Parents can give short presentations or hands-on demonstrations that align with our current topics, helping children see how their classroom learning applies to the “big world” outside.

Find out more about United World Preschool on East Coast Road

Join the preschool’s Open House on 18 April from 9am to 1pm. Families will learn how the inquiry-based curriculum fosters confidence and curiosity in every child. You’ll also discover how the curriculum bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills. Register your spot at hello@unitedworldpreschool.com.

United World Preschool is at #03-01/02/03/04/28 i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Road.
8121 0996 | unitedworldpreschool.com

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