5 Tips to Persuade Your Kid Join a Reading Program for KIds

Kindergarten is not all about playing and building things using the toys around the children. Kindergarten is also a place where children are taught the basics of the alphabet, numbers, things, and figures. The preschool reading program has a basic framework aligned to the age of the child. However, there are times when kids are not actively engaged in reading because all they know is play and goof around. How do we encourage them to like and enjoy reading? Can we do it even after school? Do we need to enrol them in a reading program for kids? Fret not! Here are the following tips to encourage your child to join a reading program for children.

1. Make your child feel that it is okay to make mistakes while reading. There are times when a child no longer wants to try reading again because he is afraid to mispronounce a word or because he has no idea on how to say it. When teaching your kids to read, it is always better that you read it first and then read it aloud together. In this way, you have the opportunity to hear and discover your kid’s pronunciation and test his knowledge retention. Make your everyday routine a reading day! You can boost your child’s confidence while reading by asking him to read words and signs while you are in the grocery, in the park or in the streets.

2. Start with the reading materials that would spike up your child’s interest. Perhaps your child has a pet dog, you can start by buying books about dogs. In this way, your preschool kid won’t feel pressured because he might think that you are also interested in what he or she likes without even realising that you are observing and teaching him to read and comprehend.

3. Pay a visit to the library. “I am not fascinated in the huge amount of books inside the library!” said no kid ever. While inside the library, let your kid choose the book that he wants to read. You can read it silently together or just let him feel the crisp pages of the book in his hand. If he is engaged enough, you may raise questions regarding the book and if he answered it correctly or not, you may make a promise to pay a visit to another “cool” library in town.

4. Bedtime stories are very effective. Make it a habit to read bedtime stories to your kids. Remember it takes 21 days to make a habit and children usually mimic other people’s behaviour. According to studies, imitating the sounds of animals by reading the stories tend to stimulate part of the auditory cortex. The child usually remembers these things if done repeatedly.

5. Make it a point to have a reading nook inside your home. It is like a comfort zone but more on the interior aspect. Setting the reading mood of your child is fun. A good headlamp or lamppost would be of great help. Beanbags is also child-friendly and it will make the child very comfortable while reading. 

What to Expect from the Programs in Kindergarten in Singapore

As children reach their studying or learning age, it is suggested that they experience schooling even at a young age. Nowadays, there are lots of day care centers or kindergarten facilities offering preparatory or kindergarten programs. Most of these programs are not boring, but rather very engaging. Here we discover what to expect from the programs in Kindergarten in Singapore. Explore the benefits of these programs and learn about the expectations in an international kindergarten in Singapore.

1. Sharpens academic skills. In every kindergarten program, its goal is to sharpen the child’s academic skills. This includes increasing his interest in reading. Likewise, the program aims to encourage young people to read more and more to improve their comprehension. Letting kindergarten students write also help them communicate their ideas in the form of words. It may be a letter to their parents, friends, or neighbours. Through writng, the students’ emotions or feelings are being expressed without any hesitations.

2. Values fitness and physical activities. Young students love to play. There’s no doubt about that. That’s why many preschool programs cater to their interests in playing and sports. It may be a simple act of role playing or exercises where they have to work on their own or work closely with their classmates. In addition, their interest to play and have fun are not the only things given attention here but also their social and emotional skills are being developed.

3. Boosts self confidence and achievement. Some kindergarten classes include literacy and language arts. This type of approach is a sure way of significantly boosting a student’s self-esteem and his sense of achievement. Students enrolled in this program get to improve their mastery of the English language and even heighten their interest in reading.

4. Improves social skills. Whether it’s a reading class or a physical activity, a kindergarten program is designed to improve and develop the student’s social skills. He is surrounded with different kids who are with the same age as his. He interacts with them and learns how to play with them in a calm, peaceful, and rewarding manner.

5. Teaches the value of respect. When in the class, students, even at a young age, are expected to pay respect not only to the elders, but also to their teachers and classmates. Kindergarten students become more aware of themselves and conscious of their acts. When they see two elders talking, they are advised to stay quiet or when they notice their classmates reading this certain book, they will wait for them to finish it.

6. Exposes to new people, ideas, and concepts. There’s no minimum age when it comes to learning, socialising, or sharing new ideas. Students in kindergarten schools are given the opportunities to meet new people and befriend them. Likewise, it is an appropriate venue to express their ideas, no matter how childish or silly it is.

These are just some of the benefits of kindergarten programs and all of these can be helpful to the children. Other schools also provide support for students with special needs and resources to community support services.

Discover 5 Things About International Schools in Singapore

International schools spread like mushrooms in Singapore. It has been a thriving business because of the positive feedback from the students, parents, and alumni. It is somewhat similar to the junior term abroad being offered by other universities because at an early age, the kids are focused on understanding their classmates’ culture, and individuality. So, what makes an international school? How is this different from the regular school? Do students really benefit from these schools? Here are the factors that make up the best international school.

1. The school should follow a local or an international curriculum from a specific country or has the IB Curriculum as its framework. Most of the international schools in Singapore follow the IB curriculum or the International Baccalaureate curriculum. This type of course acts as the school’s structure in cultivating the learners for every year level. International Baccalaureate offers different types of program such as PYP – Primary Years Program, MYP – Middle Years Program, DP – Diploma Program and CRP/CP – Career Related Program. Some international schools follow other countries’ curriculum (i.e American, German curriculum etc.) because they believe that these types of curriculum produce better results in teaching the young.

2.  The school should have a transition plan for students coming in at any time and date of the year. A transition plan best works for children of expatriates because even if they transfer from half way across the world, they are still able to continue their studies and move on to the succeeding grade level with or with minimal delay in timeframe. The students are able to catch up with the lessons without repeating what they have started in their homeland.

3. The school should have interracial faculties and students. An international school is not called an international school if they only cater to locals. The more diverse the culture is, the more your kid will grasp the concept of belonging and confidence in interacting to different kids from all over the globe.

4. The method of instruction is bilingual or in English. English is commonly used as the method of instruction in international schools because it is understood by many students even if they are of different continents and nationalities. Local dialect can also be used as a form of communication because these schools provide mother tongue programs for kids. 

5. It has a variety of activities related to international studies. Most international schools observe the holidays of each country in respect for individualism and cultural differences. They often hold programs in commemoration of these dates with the participation of other students from different nationalities. These programs help the students to identify and understand these different festivities by immersing themselves in the same.

6. The school has met the standards set by the International Association of School Libraries (IASL). When choosing an international school, parents should take into consideration the following criteria set by the IASL: A moving population (higher than in national public schools), an international curriculum, international accreditation, bilingual language instruction, non-selective student enrolment, multinational and multi lingual student body, moving population, and transferability of students.

A Guide to Primary Schools in Singapore

In 2015, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development published the biggest global education school ranking based on the subjects Science and Math. It did not come as a surprise that Singapore is on top of the list based on the quality of education given from primary schools to college.  The Ministry of Education in Singapore believes that education is important in building the economy and nation. The government allotted the budget sufficient enough for each child to have education in primary schools in Singapore and finish 10 years of schooling. Aside from education, Singapore has been a consistent performer when it comes to trade and commerce, infrastructure, and transportation since their independence in 1965.

Education is a great equalizer and trains you to ask questions. It is likewise a place where ideas can be implemented, challenged, and restructured with the goal of implementing students with the knowledge on how to improve the society.  The school should be a training ground for a life lived well. This is the main reason why primary schools in Singapore make sure that they provide integrated and extensive curriculum for the kids.

Currently, Singapore’s education system is composed of six years of primary school education, four to five years of secondary education and two years at junior college, polytechnic University Education. There are two main types of primary schools in Singapore – government and government aided.  These are broadly classified into mainstream schools, autonomous schools with improved niche program such as aesthetics, arts and sports education and independent schools with greater autonomy in programs and operations as well as International profit and non-profit primary schools. 

Moreover, primary school in Singapore is composed of Preschool playgroup (age 3-4), Kindergarten (age 4-6), Primary school – Primary 1 (age 6-7), Primary 2 (age 7-8), Primary 3 (age 8-9), Primary 4 (age 9-10), Primary 5 (age 10-11), and Primary 6 (age 11-12).

Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows at his own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another aspect, such as motor development. Milestones usually are grouped into five major areas: cognitive development, emotional development, physical growth, social development, language development, and sensory and motor development.

In addition, pre-school children learn the basic language (Malay, Tamil, Chinese and English), writing skills, arts and crafts, physical activities as well as socialization skills for three to four hours every day.  

Various primary schools in Singapore are also focused into rearing a child who is globally competitive while respecting global diversity.  The primary schools not only house locals but children of different nationalities as well. It is interesting to note that the student body is composed of 10 to 30 different nationalities.  These international schools usually adapt a curriculum different from that of the country’s own curriculum, which promotes a genuine interest in the cultural beliefs of the students, enhancing their communication skills as well as preparing the students for further study and work whether local or overseas.

5 Benefits of Going to Kindergarten in Singapore

Most parents believe that it is important to send their children to school at a young age.  There are a  lot of areas assessed to determine if the child is ready for kindergarten in Singapore. These areas include cognitive, emotional, and social development.  Here are the five benefits of going to international kindergarten in Singapore.

1.  Children are exposed to the “work and play” kind of environment at Kindergarten. Usually, kindergarten classes are informal classes in which the teachers portray that they are really the kid’s second mother.  Kindergarten is the place wherein the child can learn and play at the same time.  There are a lot of activities, such as nursery rhymes, songs and poems, provided in school, which teach different concepts like the alphabet and basic number skills.  Music, craft works, and role playing are also included in the curriculum and these encourage the use of the child’s imagination. 

2. Kindergarten is an opportunity for learning beyond the comforts of home. In kindergarten, the children are able to meet people other than their families. At a young age, they will learn to understand and accept the individual differences just by looking at his or her classmate’s appearance. Although most kindergarten schools have an informal set up, some schools allow their students to just roam around inside the classroom and sit on the floor. Kindergarten is a good way of transitioning and introducing the children into a structured learning as they go along.  It also prepares children towards the more complex subjects such as Math and Science, which is where Singaporeans are very good at. 

3.  Enrolling your child in a Kindergarten is a good opportunity in igniting their curiosity through learning and significant interaction. In a usual classroom set up, the teacher acts as the facilitator but the children are asked to exchange their own ideas with each other. There is no right or wrong answers in this kind of set up so as to encourage the kids to tap their curiosity in answering the questions.  Activities outside the classroom such as a mini-tour in the school garden can ignite the child’s curiosity because of the discoveries found in the area.  What an amazing opportunity for learning, isn’t it?

4.  Kindergarten activities aid in the motor development of the child. It is a good move to send the child in kindergarten because they are able to use and improve their motor skills through the use of different fine motor activities at school. In kindergarten, kids are allowed to use clay, buttons, shells, and even seeds to learn the concept of figures and numbers.

5. Kindergarten is the best possible kick-starter for life. Early childhood development is very important.  Most Singaporean schools have developed a curriculum that is aligned with early childhood framework. In this case, there is flexibility in developing the child in his or her formative years.  Aside from that, the child learns to trust and communicate with his or her teachers and classmates because they share a common goal, which is a holistic learning experience even at a young age.  

7 Things to Expect in a Reading Program

As the cliché goes, reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. In kindergarten, children are involved in reading and writing programs. As parents, we should know the things and activities that we should be expecting when enrolling our kids to a reading program. Here we discuss the seven things to expect in a preschool reading program.

1.  The Alphabet. It is not surprising that even before the child enters the school, he is already familiar with the alphabet because his parents taught him at home. During a reading program, kids are also taught with the basics using different approaches, such as playing an ABC balloon game in which the kids are asked to form a circle, toss the balloon from side to side, and the kid with the balloon will recite the letters as the activities go along. In this way, the child is able to play while learning.

2.  Children are exposed to phonics during reading program. These are activities utilized specifically for children at an early age for them to learn how to practice saying the sound of the words or the words itself.  In these activities, the teacher will be the first one to pronounce the word and he or she would allow the children to speak up and mimic what she had said. They would often associate the words with pictures so that the child will easily recognize the words.

3. Writing. Kids are taught how to write by using books with tracing materials on it. This is the fastest way for kids to learn how to write at an early age. Of course, these tracing papers are only here for a short while as the child learns how to write the letters without the dotted lines to guide him.

4. Expect a lot of take home activities for the kids. Fun practice makes perfect. More often, the child is given a test to see if they are able to retain the things that they learned in school.  Usually, these are in the form of storytelling, role playing or reading, and comprehension tests.

5.  A child’s confidence is built because at an early age, he or she will be proficient in reading and writing. Although reading proficiency is not the only measure of success, it pays to at least enroll the child in a reading and writing program.  In reading classes, there are plenty of opportunities for learning. The classroom environment is conducive to learning and interaction.  The teachers use developmentally appropriate reading and writing materials to insure that children are getting what is developmentally appropriate for their kids. 

6. There are different reading strategies applied to reading and writing programs. There is individual storytelling and guided reading incorporated in the curriculum.

7. There are different stages in drawing and writing. First stage includes the random scribbling, controlled scribbling, lines and patterns and pictures of objects and people, and letter and word practice.  These are integrated in the curriculum allowing the children to learn at a proper pace.  After these stages, the artworks of children are placed on the wall or displayed for them to see the progress of their work and for them to feel a sense of accomplishment in their task.

5 Ways to Keep Your Kids Interested in Learning this Summer

Keeping your child engaged in learning activities whilst school’s over is a difficult task. They’d want to play with the myriad of toys they have at home or the games they have on the tablet. We can let them be or, better yet, encourage them to attend summer classes from the best international school where they’d be able to learn new things whilst also socialising with other kids.

By next school year, the kids will be entering a more advanced level. What better way to prepare them than by keeping their learning interest on a par with when they were in school? Here, we’ll provide you with simple yet effective ways to keep their interest on a loop.

●        Keep the gadgets and toys out of reach.

The golden rule is to hide them well. So long as they don’t see the gadgets and the toys they love to play with, they pretty much won’t ask for it. So long as you provide them a better distraction—which in this case is attending summer classes in an international school in Singapore—they wouldn’t notice these items are gone.

Keep the gadgets in a locked drawer or in places they don’t normally go to. Moreover, they’d rarely be home to notice the difference. That is, if you enrol them to summer classes or workshops.

●        Motivate the kids by setting as an example.

Perhaps the crucial factor is this: their actions are based on what they see you do at home. There’s a huge tendency your kids will copy the things they see you do like sitting idly watching television or aloofly staring at a gadget. Whatever it was you were watching or doing with the gadget, they’ll copy it.

So instead of being a passive television watcher or gadget user, cultivate a more healthy lifestyle or do something productive to stretch your mental capacity. Do some indoor exercises, read a book, walk on a treadmill whilst reading, so on and so forth. Whilst you’re at it, share the moments with your young ones. You’ll be surprised with how fast they pick these up.

●        Accompany the kids whilst they’re learning.

Whether they’re doing homework for an international school or simply doing a self-study, guide them whilst you can. Sit beside them, help them learn the words they can’t pronounce, aid their hands in solving a puzzle—whatever it takes to help them learn, do it. They’re only kids and they need all the help they can get. The more you accompany them, the more they’ll be encouraged to learn more things.

●        Play brain games together.

Playing can be closely associated with learning. The latter is not limited to reading books and solving puzzles. It’s also about stimulating creativity through a variety of brain games. Make them guess, allow them to think for themselves, and help them get the answers or the pieces right. Learning is not at all monotonous or boring.

Last but not the least, have fun whilst the both of you are learning together—with your kids through lessons involved in schools, whereas you learn more about their strengths and how to improve their weaknesses. Ready to motivate them for some summer fun?

Fun Writing Activities For Your Artistic Child

Nurturing creativity in children is good for their overall development. It provides opportunities for them to develop their skills in a way that works uniquely for them. As parents, we want to provide them with useful writing activities that make it enable them to develop their skills. We list down some fun writing activities you can do to improve your child’s creativity.

Activity for your three or four year old: Use glitter to write words

What you will need?

-          Glitter

-          Construction paper

-          Pencil

Preschoolers enjoy playing with glitter. What better way to learn how to write than with glitter. You can ask children to write in big letters using a glue stick. It’s a fun activity you can find in most reading and writing programs. With your supervision, instruct them to put some glitter on the paper. Make sure they don’t have glue in their hands or else the glitter will stick to their hands. Let dry and brush off any excess glitter and display. This activity allows them to be creative with their handwriting. Make them spell their name to increase their interest in spelling and handwriting.

Activity for your five year old: Stop the bus

Five year olds already have a pretty decent vocabulary. They know the words for most items in the house. The “stop the bus” activity allows them to explore their vocabulary even further.

How it works?

Ask your kid to sing the alphabet in their head. When you say “stop the bus” ask them to tell you which letter they stopped on. With a letter in mind, both of you have to think of a place, animal, name, thing that starts with that letter. Write the words in a piece of paper. If you want it to be a competition, the person who was able to come up with the most words wins. This activity encourages them to really think and improve their vocabulary.

Activity for your six or seven year old: Write a short story

Children who are six to seven years have a very active imagination. They enjoy reading story books or watching TV shows, movies, and cartoons. During play, they manifest what they learned from media into characters. Role playing is such a fun activity for them because they get to play their heroes and the story is theirs to control.

With this in mind, give them a small journal where they can write about their favourite characters. Have them develop the story with new scenarios that the characters have to face. Or, better yet, create their own storyline and characters. Encourage them to include drawings or illustrations to add to their story. Creating a short story would be a great activity for them because they get to read it after. It’ll also be a treat for you to see what their imagination can come up with.

There are so many more activities you can create in order to develop their reading and writing ability. Do you have a favourite kids writing activity? Share it with us. 

Activities That Keep Your Child's Mind Active This Vacation

It is important for children to keep busy during summer vacation because in a few weeks they are back to school again. In order to prevent your children from falling behind, it is important to keep their mind active during summer vacation. The best part is that it doesn’t have to be an academic activity. By learning a new sport or a new language, you can keep them sharp and ready for the next school year.

Most international preschools in Singapore swear by it. Here are some benefits your children can get from summer programmes:

1.       It raises their self-esteem. Learning new skills boost their self-esteem and confidence. This will help them greatly in school.

2.     
  They learn about long term commitments. They’ll fully understand the value of committing to a task or activity in order to advance.

3.       They develop diverse interests. It allows them to explore various interests that would be beneficial to them in the future. 

4.     
  They develop their social skills. They get to make friends with children their own age.

Now that you know the benefits we’ve compiled a list to help you decide on an interesting summer activity or activities for your kid.  

1.     
  Robotics

In a kid’s eyes, nothing is cooler than building a robot from scratch. Think Lego but so much cooler. It is a chance for them to learn about technology in such a fun environment. Robotics classes are very hands-on that really allows them to be introduced to seemingly complex mathematical, engineering, technological, and science concepts in a very interesting way.

2.     
  Programming

Learning computer codes is probably not the first thing you think of when you decide on a summer activity. Fortunately, there are a lot of international kindergartens in Singapore that offer super fun coding classes for your preschoolers. They integrate children’s interests such as Minecraft and Star Wars. If you don’t want to shell out a lot of money, you can have these coding courses in your home too. There are programs for 4-6 year olds available online. With varying degrees of difficulty, your child can learn about the fundamentals of computer science at an early age. These courses are designed like games that make it so easy for your preschooler to learn these concepts faster.

3.       Cooking

Cooking is an excellent activity for any child. It builds one of the most basic concepts: math.

As simple as it seems, it allows them to count the number of cups or tablespoons for each component. This grounds mathematical concepts into reality. By following simple recipes, they can also develop their “following instruction” skill. This skill is a very important part of learning. It also encourages them to have an adventurous palate. By cooking they are more attuned to the work and ingredients that come into creating meals that they are more likely to try new food.

By giving them fun activities during the summer, you can also enrich their learning. So, what activity are you planning for your preschooler? If it isn’t on the list, please let us know in the comments below. We’d love to know.

Benefits Of Exposing Your Child To International Schools

For expat parents and guardians in Singapore, one huge concern is choosing which school to enroll their kids in. They can choose to enroll their kids in public schools or they can also go to international schools. There are several international schools in Singapore, and this only reflects the fact there are also a significant number of expats in the country. Finding the best international school in Singapore can hence be a challenge for parents. However, if it’s about your child’s education, you might as well take time in deciding which educational institution to trust. After all, it’s the best gift you can give your young ones. On this post, we’ll talk about the benefits of exposing your child in an international school in Singapore.  Read on so you can decide better whether to give an international school a go or a no.

Low student teacher ratio. International schools usually boast a low student-teacher ratio. This means that every student is given the attention they need. In Singapore public schools, it’s common for a teacher to have around 30 students. That number goes down to 10 to around 20 in an international schools. Children no longer have to keep up with the learning pace of several other students. They can be given one-to-one attention when necessary. Not only that, curriculum is usually also widely recognized; you can keep peace of mind knowing that your child has an access to quality education that is at par with the world’s top educational institutions.

Cultural diversity. International schools in Singapore accept enrollees from across the globe. Chances are your child will experience meeting people at their age with various cultural backgrounds. This is a great training ground for kids to increase awareness about and learn to deal with diversity. Kids earn the wonderful opportunity of interacting with other students in an international scale. They are trained to become more open-minded. Also, an international school makes a good choice If you are planning to enroll your kids overseas in the future.  There are international schools that specialize on a specific curriculum. You might want to look out for this schools if you are looking to move to a particular country soon. For example, if you have plans of migrating to Europe, then it might be worth it to check out European international schools. This will also lessen difficulties for your kids as they adjust to another learning environment.

Close-knit community.  With a low student body population, students are able to connect better with other students. The virtue of camaraderie between students is fostered. Also, learning is not always confined in classrooms. Students are trained to become comfortable with a social setting. They don't just sharpen their academic skills with the carefully designed academic programs, they are also able to exercise practical skills. Students are taught outside of the classroom, say during outdoor activities such as camping.

The Singapore government values education and understands it is important for parents too. Hence, parents are free to choose between public schools and international schools. An international school may be more costly than a public school, but for several good reasons. Good reasons you and the kids will appreciate for sure. 

5 Tips for Continuing Your Children's Learning This Summer at Home

Most children are already looking forward to summer vacation because, as the word ‘vacation’ implies, it’s the time of the year where they get to play and have fun. When there’s school, learning certainly is their top priority, however it doesn’t have to change drastically just because summer’s on its way. In fact, the key to continuous learning—irregardless of the season—is developing the perception of ‘fun’ through reading and writing programs. Once they perceive learning as a fun activity, they’ll never settle for anything else. Here, you’ll find the best tips to ensure your children’s learning never stops even though it’s summer:

1.       Be a role model.

Your children look up to you even if they don’t tell you this is the case. If you want them to nurture reading and writing for instance, show your interest in a similar program as well. It’s important to be observant of your own actions and to express your affinity with learning whilst at home. After all, it’s you who leads the way whilst they follow.

2.       Invest in quality education—both fun and interactive.

Right now, we’re focusing on home-based learning which gives you better opportunity to bond with your children as well as guide them throughout the whole learning process. Let’s say, reading and writing are your main priorities for the children.

Wouldn’t scrabble be an ideal board game? It’s fun because the game allows your children’s creativity to shine, whereas having yourself or other children to play makes it interactive. What’s more, it presents quality education as it has high potential to enhance your children’s spelling and vocabulary. These two are both crucial for your children’s ability to read and write.

3.       Compliment your children’s achievements.

No matter how big or small their efforts were, your children deserve to be recognised for it. See the good in what they’ve done and mention the areas where they can improve or—if your children are feeling down at the moment—give them your positive feedback right away. The act of giving positive feedback or reinforcements will work wonders. These things can:

●        Encourage your children to try again and never give up.

●        Help them carry on even if the program for kids have become more challenging.

●        Decrease their physical and mental stress—these will depend on the type of activity.

●        Boost their emotional health.

●        Increase their self-esteem.

4.       Be present whilst they’re learning.

The children have yet to be completely aware of the difference between right and wrong. However, you can start developing their awareness and bringing these things to their consciousness. Call their attention in case they do or mention something incorrectly, and immediately help them understand the correct one. Being physically present whilst they read and write can foster a strong bond between you two and create a great learning experience.

5.       Support your children’s reading interests.

Inspire your child to grab a book and read. It can literally be about anything under the sun. If your children is interested in music, acquire books that discuss music genres, famous artists, or even a specific instrument they find amusing. If your children is into sports, acquire the latest magazines or published books about the sport they’re inquisitive about. Doing this might even inspire them to do gain a hands-on experience with music or sports.

It’s important to spend time with them whilst they’re still young. Because by the time they grow older, they’ll want to spend more time with their friends and make plans of their own. What better way to spend time with than by learning together? That’s right, you’ll also learn things from them as they do so with you. Plan your children’s summer learning adventure now!

5 Ways to Prepare Your Children for International Preschool Days

The transition between summer vacation and the beginning of a new school year is difficult for most children. Some may hesitate to attend the first day of school, some may find it hard to wake up early, and others may come to school a little unprepared. Before international preschools in Singapore start classes, here are five ways to prep your children and get right on track:

1.       In the last few weeks of summer vacation, adjust your children’s body clock a little at a time.

Your preschoolers need lots of naps in the afternoon and deep slumbers at night. If they used to sleep at nine in the evening or later than usual, it’s time to adjust their body clock and make sure they’re in bed by half past seven or exactly eight in the evening. To adjust their body clock, this has to be repeated on a daily basis until it becomes a normal routine. They’ll certainly need lots of energy in the international kindergarten they’re attending to in Singapore.

2.       Study the curriculum and do what you think is necessary to prepare your children.

For instance, the curriculum involves Mathematics. There are toys that have numerical numbers written on them, and they’d give utterance to the numbers when pressed. If the children pressed “1”, the toy would verbally say “one”. Other than this, you could opt for charts. They’re more practical and you don’t have to buy batteries in the future. All you need to do is point the numbers and say the correct pronunciation of each. However, your children may seek more than a verbal approach. Try using puppets, costumes, or whatever works to get your children’s attention.

3.       Actively encourage your children of attending school.

You can’t take no for an answer! Boost your children’s confidence and support them in every way possible. If they felt positive emotions and gave positive assumptions about school, back it up immediately. Tell them the truths and make it sound as vigorous as possible—they’re children after all. On the other end, empathise with them and help them think positively about school in the case of hesitation or doubt. Tell them how every child goes through the same thing although, in the end, they gain fun experiences in international preschools in Singapore.

4.       Tell your children about making new friends.

Apart from having siblings or cousins to play with, your children will start making new friends. Allow your children to anticipate and look forward to the first day of preschool. Make this a gradual process—just the right amount of anticipation and excitement.

5.       Give your children an assurance you’ll be there.

If your children’s experiencing difficulty adjusting or keeping up with the class activities, help them overcome and improve on these situations. Physically and mentally be there for your children and see the wonders of your hard work. Even when school hasn’t started yet, be there in times of their excitement and doubt.

Every parent is responsible for the upbringing of their children, what if they’re about to start schooling? Just follow these five tips weeks before school starts. They’ll certainly be a big help. Let us know how it goes!