Let’s Play to Learn!

Arts and crafts, role-playing and music lessons may seem like normal activities in preschool but they are actually essential tools which early childhood educators use to promote well-rounded growth in our preschoolers. Read on to find out how play encourages holistic development in young children and discover how you can do so at the upcoming Humpty Reimagined Workshop.

Picture a group of preschoolers, each lost in their world of make-believe, building block houses, solving puzzles, and cooking make-believe meals. What may look like simple fun is actually hard work!

When it comes to preschoolers, play isn’t just a way to pass the time; it’s a key ingredient in their growth and development. Children are using their imagination, strengthening problem-solving skills, and boosting cognitive development. In fact, play and exploration are some of the most effective ways for young children to learn about the world around them.

Research* shows that early play encourages curiosity, creativity, and resilience. It teaches children how to interact with others, express their emotions, and tackle challenges independently. This kind of active learning is crucial because it sets the foundation for skills that will benefit children throughout their lives. So, whether they’re stacking wooden blocks or finger painting, children are making giant strides in their overall learning.

Lets Play to Learn!

But what makes play so powerful? Play allows children to explore without boundaries or the risk of failure. It gives them the freedom to ask questions, experiment, and develop a sense of agency. When children engage in creative activities, they aren’t just learning facts – they’re also learning how to learn. This intrinsic motivation is essential for long-term success, making play one of the most critical aspects of early childhood education.

Fostering Creativity at the Humpty Reimagined Workshop
Now that you’re aware of play and its benefits, let’s get started on encouraging creativity in our children at the Humpty Reimagined Workshop!

Held at the Keppel Centre for Art Education (Expression Workshop) within the National Gallery Singapore from 1 to 13 October, the workshop offers an opportunity for preschoolers (and parents) to unleash their creativity by creating their own version of Humpty Dumpty, because whoever said Humpty Dumpty is an egg?

Here’s how it works:

Each child can collect an Inspiration Pad which guides them to visit four specially curated local art pieces for inspiration, encouraging them to think about what form, colour, features and textures their Humpty Dumpty could have.
Families can then head to the Expression Workshop where parent and child will work together using everyday items and recycled materials to create their own Humpty Dumpty, just like the preschoolers did in the Shape Our Tomorrow campaign film.
When you’re done creating, don’t forget to take a picture with your masterpiece at the photo wall. There’s even a special station which will print out an AI-generated poem based on the unique characteristics of your Humpty Dumpty for you to take home!

The Importance of Parent-Preschool Partnership

In giving parents the chance to join in on the fun and actively support their child’s creative development, the Humpty Reimagined Workshop also aims to highlight a deeper, often overlooked aspect of early childhood education: the importance of parent-preschool partnership. This partnership is a collaborative effort between parents and preschool educators to nurture a child’s development in a holistic way. It moves beyond academics, focusing on emotional, social, and creative growth – all key components for a child’s success.

When parents take on an active role in their child’s learning, they create a supportive environment where they child feels understood and encouraged. A parent’s involvement also reinforces what’s learnt in preschool, helping to solidify new skills through play and real-world experiences. The Humpty Reimagined Workshop demonstrates how this partnership works by offering an event where the facilitators have early childhood training or backgrounds from whom parents can find out more about the benefits of creative play and its positive impact. There are also practical tips from award-winning early childhood educators on how parents can foster creativity in their children at each activity table as well as useful resources on partnering their child’s preschool to support their holistic development.

Lets Play to Learn!

In a world where many parents feel the pressure to prioritise academics over play, this workshop is a refreshing reminder that creative exploration is equally essential. By participating, parents can witness first-hand how their involvement can amplify their child’s development and help them flourish not only academically but also socially and emotionally.

The Humpty Reimagined Workshop is a celebration of creative play, self-expression, and the importance of parental involvement in a child’s early years. It also aims to reinforces the idea that learning doesn’t always happen through books and structured lessons – sometimes, the most valuable learning takes place at a messy table with a pile of recycled materials and a healthy dose of imagination.

Here are all the details you need to know:

Humpty Reimagined Workshop

Date: 1 to 13 October 2024

Time: 10am to 7pm

Venue: Keppel Centre for Art Education (Expression Workshop) at the National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957

*Larysa V. Zdanevych , Yuliia V. Syrova. Instilling the System of Values in Preschool Children in the Cultural and Educational Space, Universal Journal of Educational Research. 2020, 8(11B).

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