In a shocking depiction of animal cruelty in Singapore, a preschool assignment has left parents shocked. But even though the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is aware of it, there is not much they can do about it.
The said assignment came into light after a complaint was posted on an online childcare forum by an anonymous parent on 12 April. The parent wrote that they were “disgusted” by the illustration because of the careless animal cruelty illustrated in the preschool workbook.
Animal Cruelty Depicted In Singapore Preschool Workbook
Image source: Facebook / Childcare in Singapore
This illustration shows a boy cutting off the tail of a dog who is visibly in pain. Meant as a lesson to students, the instructions ask the students to follow the shape created by the boy after he pulls off the tail.
But the lesson doesn’t come off as innocent to many. “Absolutely shocked to see my 4yo son being sent home with this kind of learning material. He’s a dog lover and this is super inappropriate and violent! Is this normal?” the concerned father wrote.
The parent–who shared the material on the Facebook public group Childcare in Singapore– also said that they’ve raised their concern with the school. But the undisclosed school has told him that they’ve been using it for years. They also said the they haven’t received such complaints before.
In a follow-up, the school added, “We often use stories with the children to teach them the strokes/characters, and use it to teach them what not to do. We also love animals and would never want to hurt them.”
But some group member refuted the school’s claims. One wrote, “Just because it’s been used for years and no one has said anything (which, by the way, scares me even more), it doesn’t make it okay.”
Photo Of Animal Cruelty In Workbook Reaches Singapore ECDA
Image source: iStock
The Mandarin-language assignment said to depict animal cruelty got some attention from ECDA. Although, while they said they are aware of this, they couldn’t do much about it.
The agency explained that lesson materials and curriculums are the school’s discretion. But they also advised that they routinely review the assignments they make, if parents raise concern.
“At the same time, preschools are encouraged to work together with parents on their children’s development, and constantly review their learning materials to ensure that the intended learning outcomes are achieved,” says ECDA, according to Coconuts Singapore.
Other Parents Share Their Concern With The Learning Material
After sharing the assignment depicting animal cruelty– on the group Childcare in Singapore–many parents reacted to the post. Netizens shared their shock and concern and some even agreed that there shouldn’t be any sign of animal cruelty in workbooks for students in Singapore.
Here’s what they had to say about the issue:
1. Many parents agree that the depiction of animal cruelty Singapore preschool workbook was too much. Saying it’s “unacceptable” and there can be other means of teaching such a lesson.
Image source: Screengrab from Facebook / Childcare in Singapore
2. Facebook user Sabrina Kok and James Seet said that the drawing might possibly even encourage animal abuse.
Image source: Screengrab from Facebook / Childcare in Singapore
3. Another parent was surprised how the school has managed to use this workbook for years.
Image source: Screengrab from Facebook / Childcare in Singapore
Lead image source from Facebook / Group Member of Childcare in Singapore.
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