Homeschooling has attracted the attention of parents in Singapore even before home-based learning became a safety measure. While it can be overwhelming for parents to personally homeschool their child, it’s still a great way for children to learn in an environment that is tailored to their own needs and pace of development. If you’re considering homeschooling your child in Singapore but don’t know where to begin, here’s all that you need to know!
From reasons to homeschool, to how to apply and what methods you can use, we’ve made the ultimate guide to help you start homeschooling in Singapore.
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Homeschooling in Singapore
Homeschooling, also known as home education, is an alternative form of education where parents or guardians take on the responsibility of educating their children at home instead of sending them to traditional schools.
It often involves a personalised curriculum, individualised learning plans, and a flexible approach that caters to the child’s unique needs and learning style.
Is homeschooling legal in Singapore?
In Singapore, homeschooling is legal but subject to strict regulations set by the Ministry of Education (MOE). Parents who wish to homeschool their children must obtain approval from the MOE and adhere to certain requirements, including submitting detailed lesson plans, assessments, and regular progress updates.
The MOE’s objective is to ensure that homeschooled children receive a quality education that aligns with the country’s educational standards and values.
However, there is not a big number of homeschooling families on the island. According to a 2020 MOE report, the number of home-schooled children has remained small and generally constant, at an average of 50 Singaporean children for each primary age cohort every year.
Why Should You Consider Homeschooling
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Before applying for homeschooling at the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore, you should look into why you would want to homeschool your child instead of enrolling them on mainstream schooling. Here are a few reasons why homeschooling might be a better fit for you and your child:
1. Parents get to customise their child’s learning environment
Schools in Singapore do offer a great academic environment for your child’s learning journey, but some parents may want to choose how their child will come about to learn about various subjects and life skills.
Homeschooling allows parents or tutors to find a teaching method that best fits the child’s development. They also get to have control over the kinds of values and activities they want their child to engage in, as well as their daily schedules and routines.
2. Flexible schedule for both parents and children
Homeschooling enables a more flexible schedule for children and their parents or tutors. This eliminated the worry of dropping kids off at school and picking them up later.
Since you’ll also be planning your child’s schedule for the day, you can set a pace of learning. This way your child can catch up on various subjects during the day.
3. An incredibly supportive community
There are homeschooling support groups in Singapore where parents receive moral and community support from other families who have chosen this path.
Parents and their homeschooled children also get to be part of social activities regularly organised by such community groups.
This is especially important as it not only allows parents to get the support they need, but also enables the kids to interact with their other fellow homeschooled peers.
4. More bonding moments between parents and their children
With the amount of time spent learning together as well as indulging in fun activities, homeschooling parents and their children have more valuable bonding moments.
It’s a great opportunity to build a close relationship within the family as your child moves forward in their schooling journey.
But while all of these advantages sound enticing for families to start their journey of homeschooling in Singapore, it’s also worth remembering that it isn’t for everyone. Not all parents may have the time or resources to homeschool their children, especially if both are still working.
But for those of you who want to start homeschooling your children, here are a few things to note.
FAQs On How To Apply For MOE Approval Of Homeschooling In Singapore
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Who do you contact?
Since children in Singapore are required to undergo compulsory education. Parents will need to contact the Compulsory Education (CE) Unit to be granted approval to homeschool their child. Children can start homeschooling once they’ve been exempted from CE.
For more information, you can reach out to the CE Unit at MOE through their email MOE_CEU@moe.gov.sg.
When can you apply?
Parents can apply for MOE approval of homeschooling in Singapore starting from July to October the year their child turns six. Do take note of the time period when applications open, since the entire process could take several weeks or more.
To ensure that your child has a place at school in the instance that your CE exemption is denied, CE Unit officers advise parents to register their child at a national primary school at the same time as your application.
What will you need to apply?
According to MOE, parents who wish to homeschool their child will have to meet certain conditions such as:
- Satisfy the ministry’s objective for compulsory education
- Your specific reasons for choosing to homeschool instead of mainstream schooling for your child
- Provide an academic learning plan or chosen curriculum for the four subjects of English Language, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics and Science
- Prepare a teaching plan for Character and Citizenship Education
- A curriculum vitae, which is a list of the homeschooling parent’s educational credentials and work experience
- A timetable to show when you’ll be covering subjects over the course of a week of homeschooling
What happens during registration?
Once you contact the CE Unit, an officer will brief you on the procedure and the prerequisites of homeschooling in Singapore. Afterwards, you can expect to receive an application packet in the mail.
This packet includes:
- The application form
- Detailed information on the requirements you will be needing to receive CE exemption for homeschooling in Singapore
- Details on the entire application procedure
- PSLE benchmarks for homeschooled students
Once you’ve submitted your application form and all the necessary documents, you can then expect a call from a MOE officer to schedule a home visit. The officer will get acquainted with you and your child, then review your home environment to assess your suitability for homeschooling.
When your application for homeschooling is approved, you can then expect to receive a certificate confirming your child’s exemption from CE.
What if my child has special needs?
If you’re a parent who wants to homeschool the child due to their special needs, you will need to submit documents provided by a registered psychologist to confirm your child’s assessment and diagnosis.
Different Methods Of Homeschooling For Parents
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Each child is different. This is why it’s important that they get to learn under a method that is fitting to their needs and interests. Although, it’s also important to remember that there isn’t exactly a perfect method or curriculum so don’t be turned down by trial and error before finding one that works well for both you and your child.
To help you with your plans to apply for homeschooling in Singapore, here are some of the most popular homeschool methods and curriculums you can use:
1. Classical Education
This method follows three phases of learning based on your child’s age, these are:
- Concrete: Preschool – 12 years old
- Analytical: 13 – 14 years old to
- Abstract: 15 years old and above
Classical education is also language-focused and literature-intensive as it is oriented toward training of your child’s mind.
2. The Traditional Method
This is when you ‘import’ a traditional or official school curriculum to adapt to your home setting. The schedule and syllabus you follow will be structured similarly to how they would be in a formal classroom.
3. The Eclectic
Also known as the ‘relaxed’ approach, the Eclectic method is popular among parents. It allows you to choose elements from various methods and preset curriculums to produce your own unique syllabus.
This lets families cater to the different needs of children at different ages.
4. Formal Preschool Methods
Different educational philosophies such as Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia are well-known methods for preschools. These are actually child-centred and developmentally-attuned approaches to homeschooling.
Parents can incorporate these philosophies into their homeschooling plans from primary up to secondary level.
5. Unschooling
Unschooling or ‘natural learning’ involves an unstructured approach rooted in the belief that children learn intuitively and continually.
You can shape your choice of subjects naturally according to your child’s interests by providing them with the appropriate resources, opportunities and guidance.
6. Unit Study
While Unit Study isn’t a curriculum, it’s a way of learning where kids explore and learn about a subject through multi-sensory activities and experiences.
It still includes a lot of reading but this method highlights field trips, art activities, real-life experiences, hands-on projects and thematic play.
If you’re thinking of homeschooling your child, we hope this will help you in making an informed decision.
But what if you just want to give your little one a headstart for primary school and would like to begin their educational journey at home?
How to Start Homeschooling Your Kindergartener
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What’s the best age for a child to start school?
The optimal age for a child to begin formal education can vary based on cultural norms and individual developmental readiness. In many countries, formal education typically starts between the ages of 5 and 7, with kindergarten or primary school.
However, research indicates that early childhood education and development play a crucial role in a child’s long-term academic success and socio-emotional growth. High-quality early childhood programs, starting as early as age 3 or 4, can foster cognitive skills, social interactions, and emotional regulation that form a strong foundation for future learning.
Nevertheless, it’s important to balance early education with play, exploration, and a nurturing home environment to ensure a well-rounded and holistic development.
If you plan on homeschooling your child and want to get on the right track, here are some things you can do:
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Play is the Name of the Game: Preschoolers learn best through play. Incorporate games, hands-on activities, and interactive toys into your curriculum. Who said learning can’t be a blast?
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Create a Cosy Learning Space: Designate a comfy spot where the magic happens. Think fluffy pillows, colourful posters, and a shelf full of exciting books. It’s the preschool version of a classroom!
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Crafty Adventures: Get your creative juices flowing with arts and crafts projects. Finger painting, DIY cardboard castles, and pasta necklaces—there’s no limit to the masterpieces you’ll create.
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Outdoor Explorations: Nature is your classroom! Take learning outside with nature walks, bug hunts, and cloud-gazing sessions. Learning about the world is a breath of fresh air.
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Daily Routines Rule: Set a loose routine to add structure to your day. A mix of learning time, playtime, snack time, and nap time keeps things exciting and manageable.
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Online Resources FTW: Embrace the digital age with educational apps, websites, and YouTube channels designed for preschoolers. Learning their ABCs has never been so entertaining!
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Cook Up Learning: Incorporate cooking and daily activities in your lesson. Counting carrots, measuring flour, and identifying shapes in pizza—it’s math and fun rolled into one!
- Mess is Progress: Arts and crafts can get messy, but messy means they’re exploring and creating. Embrace the chaos and enjoy the process.
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Storytime Galore: Snuggle up and read together. Let your little one’s imagination soar through storybooks. Don’t be shy to use funny voices—it’s all part of the show!
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Playdates and Groups: Socialise with other homeschoolers. Arrange playdates and join local homeschooling groups to make new friends and share ideas.
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Celebrate Curiosity: Encourage questions and explorations. Be their partner in discovering answers together.
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Keep it Short and Sweet: Young minds have short attention spans. Break learning into bite-sized sessions, and if they’re eager, you can always extend the time.
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Flexibility is Key: Embrace the fact that every day won’t go as planned. Stay open to spontaneity and adjust your schedule based on your child’s interests and energy levels.
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Follow Their Lead: Remember, your child sets the pace. If they’re fascinated by dinosaurs one week and astronauts the next, go with the flow and make it a learning adventure.
Remember, homeschooling is about fostering a love for learning and creating a positive, nurturing environment. Stay flexible, have fun, and cherish the precious moments of growth!
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