The Benefits of Preschool

Choosing the right preschool for your child is a big decision that can often feel overwhelming. At Shaw’s Preschool, we’re here to help make that choice easier!?

In this article, we’ll explore how preschool benefits your child from learning important skills and making friends to getting ready for primary school. Discover how a fun, supportive preschool experience can set your child up for a bright and happy future!

Language & Literacy Skills

Preschool plays a crucial role in nurturing a child’s language and literacy skills. Through story-time, songs, and conversations, preschool exposes children to a rich vocabulary and helps them develop early literacy skills. This environment fosters a love for reading and enhances their ability to understand and use language effectively.

Play-based learning

Preschool introduces children to basic mathematical concepts. Our teachers integrate activities like counting, sorting, and recognizing patterns into fun games and tasks. This hands-on approach ensures children understand what they are learning, and of course makes learning math enjoyable.?

Problem-Solving Skills

We design our activities to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Through puzzles, building blocks, and collaborative projects, children learn to think creatively and find solutions to various challenges. This early development of problem-solving skills is essential for their cognitive growth and prepares them for more complex tasks in the future.

Developing Social Butterflies

Communication Skills

Interaction with peers and teachers in a preschool setting helps children express themselves, listen actively, and resolve conflicts. These communication skills are vital for their overall development and enable them to navigate social situations confidently.

Emotional Development

Preschool is a supportive environment where children learn to regulate their emotions, become self-aware, and navigate different feelings. Our teachers guide them in understanding and expressing their emotions, which is crucial for their emotional well-being and resilience.

Socialization

Building friendships, learning cooperation, and developing social skills are significant benefits of preschool. Children learn to share, take turns, and work together, which helps them form positive relationships and become socially skilled individuals.

Setting the Stage for Success

Readiness for Kindergarten

At Shaws Preschool, we not only prepare children for kindergarten but also offer a complete kindergarten program. Our curriculum helps children get used to daily routines, follow instructions, and adapt to a classroom setting. This ensures a smooth and successful transition within our school, setting them up for continued success in their educational journey.

Long-Term Academic Achievement

Research shows that preschool attendance has a positive long-term impact on academic performance. Children who go to preschool are more likely to excel academically, possess advanced cognitive abilities, and have a solid grasp of different subjects.

Higher Graduation Rates

Studies have shown a correlation between preschool attendance and higher graduation rates. Children who attend preschool are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education, leading to better career opportunities and overall life satisfaction.

Holistic Development

Develops Social Skills

Interaction with peers and teachers in a multicultural environment is a cornerstone of preschool education. Children learn to communicate, share, and collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of empathy and cultural awareness.

Promotes Bilingual Communication Skills

At Shaws Preschool, children engage in bilingual settings that foster strong communication skills in both English and Mandarin. This dual-language approach enhances cognitive flexibility and communication abilities, nurturing your child’s interest and proficiency in both languages.

Encourages Collaboration

Group activities and play sessions promote teamwork and cooperative learning. These experiences teach children the value of working together, respecting others’ perspectives, and contributing to a common goal.

Supports Emotional Regulation

Preschool provides a structured environment where children learn to manage their emotions through established routines, positive reinforcement, and guided strategies. This emotional support helps them navigate new experiences with confidence and resilience.

Cognitive Development

Exposure to New Concepts

Preschools create a dynamic and engaging environment where children are introduced to a wide range of new ideas and concepts. By participating in diverse activities such as science experiments, art projects, and cultural explorations, children develop essential cognitive skills. This exposure not only enriches their understanding of the world but also enhances their ability to think critically and adapt to new situations.

Encourages Exploration and Discovery

Play-based learning is at the heart of preschool education, sparking curiosity and creativity in young minds. Through hands-on activities and interactive play, children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and investigate their surroundings. This approach fosters a love for learning, allowing children to discover new interests and develop a deeper understanding of various subjects.

Introduces Problem-Solving Skills

Preschools use age-appropriate activities to challenge children’s problem-solving abilities. Tasks such as puzzles, building projects, and group challenges help children learn to think critically, approach problems from different angles, and find creative solutions. These exercises are designed to enhance their cognitive skills and prepare them for more complex problem-solving tasks in later stages of their education.

Early Literacy and Maths Skills Development

Engaging games, songs, stories, and activities are integral to developing early literacy and math skills in preschoolers. These activities are crafted to align with the MOE Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, ensuring that children build a strong academic foundation. By learning through playful interactions and structured tasks, children develop essential skills in reading, writing, and basic math concepts, setting the stage for future academic success.

Physical Development

Enhances Gross Motor Abilities

At Shaws Preschool, children engage in a variety of activities designed to develop their gross motor skills. Through structured play, such as climbing on jungle gyms, running in open spaces, and taking part in group games, children enhance their strength, balance, and coordination. These physical activities not only support their overall fitness but also build confidence in their physical abilities.

Strengthens Fine Motor Skills

Our curriculum includes a range of activities aimed at refining fine motor skills. From engaging in creative arts and crafts, building blocks and puzzles, these experiences help improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity. This focus on fine motor development prepares children for more complex tasks and supports their daily functional skills.

Fosters Healthy Lifestyle Habits

We prioritize creating a foundation for a healthy lifestyle by integrating active play and nutrition into our daily routines. Children take part in physical activities that keep them engaged and physically fit, while also learning about healthy eating through exposure to nutritious foods. This holistic approach promotes long-term health and helps instill habits that support a balanced lifestyle from an early age.

Preparation for Primary School

Develops Social and Emotional Skills

At Shaws Preschool, we prioritize nurturing your child’s social and emotional development to ease their transition into primary school. Through our play-based learning approach, children engage in structured play and collaborative activities, gaining crucial skills in managing emotions, forming positive relationships, and adjusting to new routines. This comprehensive support helps ensure they enter primary school confident and ready.

Creates a Foundation of Academic Skills

Our curriculum aligns with the Ministry of Education (MOE) standards, laying a solid academic foundation for your child. By integrating engaging activities in language, mathematics, and other core areas, we prepare children to meet primary school’s academic expectations with enthusiasm and readiness.

Familiarizes Children with Structured Learning Environments

Shaws Preschool helps children adapt to the structured environment of primary school through purposeful routines and group activities. Our approach familiarizes them with the concept of following schedules, taking part in group tasks, and understanding classroom expectations. This gradual introduction makes the shift to primary school smoother and more natural.

Academics

Play-Based Learning with Purpose

At Shaws Preschool, we emphasize play-based learning, a highly effective approach for early childhood development. We integrate foundational skills, such as early literacy and math, into our purposefully designed play activities. This method ensures children learn through engaging, meaningful experiences.

MOE Curriculum Alignment

Our play-based learning approach aligns with the MOE curriculum, ensuring that children develop strengths in language, maths, and social-emotional skills. This alignment provides a comprehensive educational foundation that supports their ongoing academic journey.

Addressing Concerns

Separation Anxiety?

To ease separation anxiety, it’s helpful for parents to discuss the upcoming transition with their child and consider a gradual drop-off approach. This can involve short, initial visits that progressively lengthen, helping the child become comfortable with the new environment.

Communication with Teachers

Clear communication between parents and teachers is crucial. Parents should inform teachers about their child’s specific needs, anxieties, and cultural background. This helps teachers provide the necessary support and create a comforting environment for the child.

Familiarisation Visits

Pre-enrollment visits can significantly reduce anxiety. These visits allow children to explore the preschool setting, meet their teachers, and interact with future classmates, making the actual transition smoother and more familiar.

Conclusion

High-quality preschool education has a profoundly positive impact on a child’s overall development. In Singapore, the bilingual and holistic approach of preschools like Shaws ensures children are well-prepared for future academic success, social-emotional well-being, and cultural understanding. By offering a nurturing and stimulating environment, preschool becomes an enriching experience that lays the groundwork for a child’s bright future in our multicultural society.

If you would like to find out more about Shaws Preschool or book a tour to see why Shaws helps our little ones develop a love of learning visit our website www.shaws.com.sg or contact our Enrolments Manager Olive [email protected] or +65 9772 4035