In 2019, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) released a guide for educators on outdoor learning. This learning method is now an essential part of preschool curriculums, extending beyond just physical development to include areas like numeracy and literacy.
Source: CNA
However, ECDA incorporated these guidelines into their Outdoor Learning Training Programme instead of enforcing them.
With the support of Temasek Foundation, around 2,500 educators have actively participated in training courses and sessions, consequently resulting in increased confidence in implementing outdoor activities.
Furthermore, these sessions have successfully addressed challenges such as child safety and time management. In addition, ECDA has taken the initiative to update design specifications, ensuring that new preschools include safe outdoor spaces.
Moreover, emphasising the role of families, we actively encourage them to prioritise outdoor time for their children.
10 Things Parents Should Know About the New Guidelines on Outdoor Learning
Source: Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)
1. Promoting holistic development
The Singapore government recognises the importance of preschool education outdoors for early childhood education, promoting holistic development.
2. There should be 30 minutes of outdoor activities daily
Preschools providing full-day services are required to incorporate at least 30 minutes of outdoor activities daily or 45 minutes thrice weekly, ensuring regular outdoor engagement.
3. Safety criteria must be followed provided by MOE
Singapore’s Ministry of Education has established detailed safety criteria for outdoor programs in MOE schools, prioritising the well-being of students.
Furthermore, a national standard for outdoor and adventure education is being developed.
4. Parents should be engaged
Parents are actively encouraged to participate in their child’s preschool education outdoors journey. Regular communication channels and educational outreach initiatives are employed to engage parents in the process.
5. Primary and secondary schools are also integrating outdoor learning
Preschool education outdoors is not limited to preschools. Many primary and secondary schools in Singapore also integrate preschool education outdoors into their curriculum, extending the benefits to older students.
6. Outdoor learning is structured
Preschool education outdoors encompasses a diverse range of activities. From unstructured play in the schoolyard to more structured outdoor educational programs, children have the opportunity to explore and learn in different ways.
7. Outdoor learning is found to have many benefits
Preschool education outdoors has been linked to numerous benefits for children. It fosters the development of social-emotional competencies, enhances physical skills, and instils an appreciation for nature.
8. Evaluation and monitoring are required
Schools are advised to regularly evaluate their preschool education outdoor environments to ensure safety and minimise potential risks. Ongoing monitoring ensures a safe and conducive learning environment.
9. Schools must find creative solutions to address issues
While preschool education outdoors presents its challenges, such as safety concerns and time allocation, schools are actively finding creative solutions to address these issues and optimise the preschool education outdoors experience.
10. Outdoor learning can be an integral part of every child’s educational journey
With the implementation of national guidelines and continuous support from the government, preschool education outdoors is poised to become an integral part of every child’s educational journey in Singapore.
The commitment to preschool education outdoors signifies a long-term vision for holistic education and nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Singapore’s Focus on Outdoor Learning in Preschools
Source: Sun Xueling – People’s Action Party
Minister for Social and Family Development, Ms. Sun Xueling, responded to Ms. Carrie Tan’s inquiries regarding the implementation of outdoor learning in preschools.
In addressing the questions raised, Minister Sun stated, “Outdoor learning is a critical part of the holistic learning and development of young children.
Our national curriculum frameworks require all preschools to incorporate outdoor learning as part of their curriculum.”
Highlighting the ministry’s efforts to prioritise outdoor learning, Minister Sun added, “We have increased the emphasis of outdoor learning in our refreshed curriculum frameworks introduced in 2022 and 2023.
Preschools are now expected to plan for children’s outdoor learning experiences across various domains, such as numeracy, language and literacy, rather than solely focusing on physical development.”
Conclusion
Isn’t it wonderful to see how far we’ve come in making outdoor learning a vital part of our children’s early education? Indeed, outdoor learning has now become an essential component of early education.
Moreover, over 2,500 educators have undergone training to ensure safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences for our children.
Notably, challenges such as child safety and time management are actively being addressed through dedicated funding and the redesign of preschools.
Additionally, we highly emphasise the involvement of parents. Their participation is crucial in ensuring the well-being of children during outdoor activities.
Let’s continue to nurture a love for learning that extends beyond the confines of the classroom walls. Together, we can wholeheartedly embrace the world as our greatest classroom!
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