What do you look for when choosing a preschool in Singapore? There is no right answer, and every parent has their own considerations. For some parents, it’s convenience over everything else. For some it could be academic rigour while others want something more out of their child’s preschool education. If you’re looking for that something extra to value add to your child’s preschool education, we’re here to tell you all about Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Preschool. Carrying forward a 180-year-old legacy of educational excellence carved by Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, this pre-school is strongly grounded in character development in addition to focusing on the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture. Read on to find out all about it.
Why is Preschool Education Important?
In an interview with The Straits Times, Dr Robyn Anderson, a lecturer in Early Childhood and Education at JCU Singapore explained that the early years of a child’s life “lay the foundation for all learning and development that will take place over a child’s lifetime1.” As such, “high quality early childhood education can play a critical role during this important period of development1 and will set them up for success later in life.
It’s important to remember that preschool education goes way beyond learning the basics of literacy and numeracy. High quality preschool education should emphasize on learning through play and exploration through which children learn many important life skills such as communication and problem solving.
Furthermore, it is also during these formative years that children develop their character. Character education is an integral part of early childhood education as it is the basis for a child’s personal growth. Through character education, children learn traits such as self-esteem, confidence, courage and resilience among other things. Character education also lays the foundation for lifelong learning and is the cornerstone for a child to build solid relationships later in life2.
As preschool education is a child’s first foray into education, it will leave an indelible mark on a child’s lifelong learning journey. It is important for a child to be in an environment that anchors them in character and values in addition to building their academic foundation.
Bilingualism in Preschool Education
We live in a world that has increasing demand for bilingualism. Being bilingual opens the door to many more job opportunities across the globe. Did you know that in their early years, children’s brains are uniquely suited to learn a second language3? Getting children to learn Chinese when they are young sets them up to acquire it naturally, so the sooner the better! In addition to better job opportunities, Chinesee immersion also helps children to stay rooted to their family, culture and community. In an increasingly globalised world, it is important for children to feel grounded, lest they lose touch with their identity as they grow up!
Preschool in Singapore Grounded in Character Development, Culture and Bilingualism
When it comes to choosing a preschool in Singapore, you’re probably spoilt for choice with the plethora of preschool options available. If you’re specifically looking for something that leans more towards culture, character and Chinese immersion, then you might want to consider the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan (SHHK) Preschool.
SHHK Preschool offers high quality preschool education that specialises in teaching children how to appreciate Chinese culture and heritage, to love and value those around them as well as to have a solid foundation in preschool Chinese.
One unique aspect of SHHK’s curriculum is that it offers your child enriched education rooted both in nature and in the Chinese culture. The school specially focuses on the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture and language and children are taught Chinese as a living language – a language to think in, identify with and use in their daily lives.
In addition, SHHK takes pride in its living garden – a big and beautiful green space within the school where children cultivate skills that cannot be learnt in a classroom. They learn about environmental sustainability and healthy eating in a hands-on manner, allowing them to learn from the environment and take ownership of it. Character development is an important hallmark of the Living Garden-inspired learning and leaves children imbued with the school’s core values – respect, responsibility, care, sincerity and perseverance among others!
So, mums and dads, if you’re looking for a preschool in Singapore that offers your child an enriching and interactive Chinese learning environment, look no further than SHHK. To learn more about what this unique school has to offer your child, visit their website and make an appointment for a school visit.
Remember, the preschool years are truly impressionable. It is important to choose a preschool that resonates with your family values and culture, and one that will ensure your child is grounded in character education!
References
- https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/early-childhood-education-importance-of-learning-through-play#:~:text=%22The%20early%20years%2C%20from%20birth,this%20important%20period%20of%20development.%22
- https://freespiritpublishingblog.com/2015/05/20/guest-post-why-character-education-is-important-for-young-children/#:~:text=As%20children%20practice%20skills%20that,school%2C%20and%20in%20the%20community.
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/advantages_of_a_bilingual_brain