As your child enters preschool, you might wonder what are the learning milestones as they progress from Playgroup to Nursery and Kindergarten. From 5 to 6 years old, the kindergarten years play a critical role during this important period of development as it sets them up for formal education in primary school. In this article, we will explore the key areas of learning for Kindergarten and how we prepare our kindergarteners for a smooth transition to primary school at Raffles Kidz Singapore.
Language and Literacy Skills
The development of language and literacy skills is at the core of preschool education in Singapore. During the kindergarten years, children should be well on their way to becoming proficient in English and in some schools, a second language such as Mandarin, Malay, Japanese, French and more. Kindergarteners should start recognizing and reading simple words, phrases, and short sentences. This is typically accomplished through phonics-based approaches that help children decode words.
Basic writing skills are introduced, enabling children to learn letter formation and write their names, while the rudiments of sentence structure and punctuation are gradually introduced. Additionally, active participation in class discussions, sharing ideas, and following simple instructions play a pivotal role in fostering strong communication skills in these young learners, helping them build a strong foundation for future academic success.
Mathematics and Numeracy Skills
Mathematical concepts are usually introduced early in the preschool curriculum. Counting becomes a fundamental skill as they learn to count up to 100 or even beyond, gaining an understanding of number sequencing and the ability to recognize patterns in numbers. Basic concepts of problem sums such as addition and subtraction take centre stage, with hands-on activities and visual aids making these mathematical operations accessible and engaging.
Kindergarteners are also introduced to shapes and measurement. They should be able to identify and describe common shapes while grasping basic concepts like length, height, weight, and capacity, providing them with a well-rounded foundation in mathematics that prepares them for the challenges of primary school education.
Social and Emotional Development
Other than academically, it is equally important for children to develop socially and emotionally, especially during their kindergarten years as they need to adapt to a new environment in primary school. They are encouraged to acquire essential social skills such as learning how to interact harmoniously with their peers, discovering the values of sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts through positive and constructive means.
It is also crucial to place emphasis on emotional management, where children are guided to identify and manage their emotions. By the kindergarten age, they should be able to verbalise and express their needs to adults and peers and be receptive to discipline. This critical skill equips them with the tools to build resilience and effectively cope with the myriad challenges that life may present, ensuring that they are well-prepared not only for academic success but also for building new peer relationships as they embark on their journey to primary school.
Creativity and Motor Skills
The preschool curriculum also places a strong emphasis on nurturing creativity, physical well-being and gross and fine motor skills through creative arts and fitness classes. Arts and crafts activities involving art, music, and dance provide a canvas for their imagination to flourish, fostering creativity and self-expression while developing their fine motor skills. Fitness classes such as outdoor play promote physical fitness, coordination, and a healthy lifestyle.
During the kindergarten years, they should be exploring colour mixing, using a variety of materials to create pictures and models, participating in roleplay and using props for symbolic and imaginative play. Simultaneously, for fitness classes, kindergarteners should be able to confidently jump over low objects, run with coordination, and maintain balance on objects for several seconds.
How Raffles Kidz Do It
At Raffles Kidz Singapore, we are committed to providing a holistic education that prepares children for primary school and beyond. Our inquiry-based/Montessori curriculum caters to the holistic development of the whole child, with an emphasis on academic foundation, critical thinking, knowledge acquisition and problem-solving skills. We also provide an immersive bilingual environment with lessons in English and Chinese, paving the way for children to become effectively proficient in both languages.
Additionally, we offer in-house enrichment programmes such as Creative Arts, Gourmet Chef, and Chinese Speech and Drama to stimulate and nurture creative minds in our children. Our childcare centres are also fully equipped with age-appropriate learning spaces to let them develop their motor skills while learning through meaningful and purposeful play, cultivating them into lifelong learners.
Having been nominated as the Best Preschool for Primary School Readiness, book a school tour and find out how our kindergarten programmes can prepare your child for a smooth transition to primary school!
