Preschool Education in Singapore

In Singapore, preschool education offers various options for parents to consider. Choosing the right preschool is crucial for your child’s holistic development. It’s essential to consider factors such as the school’s curriculum, teaching approach, facilities, and the qualifications and experience of the educators.

Finding a preschool nearby that aligns with your child’s needs and values is paramount for their overall growth and development.

Philosophy and Approach

Montessori Preschool Approach

The Montessori environment offers hands-on learning experiences that actively shape children’s characters. Through experiential learning, children develop essential life skills, such as independence, responsibility, and resilience, setting them up for success in their academic journey and beyond. As a child develops these essential skills at a Montessori preschool, the transition to primary school is facilitated by the solid foundation that Montessori preschools in Singapore provide.

Traditional Preschool Education

In traditional preschool education, teachers direct learning, follow structured curriculums and schedules, and stress teacher-led instructions. This approach fosters discipline and foundational knowledge. It ensures children systematically learn essential skills, preparing them for future education and life.

Learning Environment

Montessori Preschool Learning Environment

The learning environment in a Montessori Preschool fosters peer teaching and collaboration, nurturing teamwork and leadership skills among children in Singapore. It provides a platform for showcasing leadership abilities within a vertical age group setting, encouraging empathy towards younger peers.

Traditional Preschool Learning Environment

In traditional preschools, classrooms are organised with a clear structure. Children are grouped according to age and teachers lead activities. Movement is restricted to maintain order. While structured, this approach may limit children’s freedom of movement compared to more open learning environments.

Curriculum

Montessori Preschool Curriculum

In a Montessori preschool in Singapore, the Montessori curriculum provides a strong foundation for primary school by nurturing essential skills such as independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning. Through self-directed exploration and hands-on activities, children develop a deep understanding of core subjects like language, mathematics, science, and geography. Overall, Montessori education equips children with a solid academic foundation and the confidence to succeed in primary school and beyond.

Traditional Preschool Curriculum

In traditional preschool education, the curriculum focuses on subjects like reading, writing, and numbers. Teachers lead lessons, guiding children through activities to develop literacy and numeracy skills. This approach prioritises building a solid foundation in language and basic mathematics from an early age.

Role of Teachers

Montessori Preschool Teachers

Teachers in Singapore’s Montessori preschools are essential to a child’s development by following the child’s interests while weaving in structured learning opportunities aligned with primary education goals.

Traditional Preschool Teachers

In traditional preschool education, teachers are responsible for guiding activities, sticking to a set curriculum, and assessing children’s development. They give instructions, follow a planned syllabus, and monitor progress to ensure each child receives appropriate support and learning experiences tailored to their needs and abilities.

Assessment and Evaluation

Montessori Preschool Assessment

In a Montessori preschool in Singapore, assessment involves keen observation of each child’s progress and development. Teachers closely watch children at work, noting strengths and areas needing support. Feedback is qualitative, highlighting achievements and suggesting ways to nurture individual growth further, fostering a holistic learning environment.

Traditional Preschool Assessment

Formal assessments and tests measure children’s progress in traditional preschool education. They’re compared to set standards to see how well they’re doing. There’s a focus on numbers to gauge achievement levels accurately.

Parent Involvement

Montessori Preschool Parent Involvement

Parents are encouraged to actively engage in their child’s education at Montessori preschools in Singapore. They collaborate closely with teachers to support learning at home, ensuring a cohesive approach to their child’s development. This partnership fosters a nurturing environment where children thrive academically and socially.

Traditional Preschool Parent Involvement

Parent involvement in traditional preschool education usually includes parent-teacher meetings and occasional gatherings. However, continuous collaboration is often overlooked. This limits parents’ active engagement in their child’s learning journey.

Choosing the Right Option

Child’s Learning Style and Personality

Montessori preschools provide personalised learning and hands-on experiences, catering to each child’s unique style and personality. Traditional preschools follow a more standardised approach. Both settings aim to nurture children’s development; Montessori emphasises individuality, while traditional preschools focus on collective learning. Parents choose based on their child’s needs and preferences.

Parent’s Values and Educational Philosophy

When choosing between Montessori and traditional preschools, parents should consider the educational philosophy that aligns with their values. Montessori schools emphasise child-centred learning, promoting independence and self-discipline. Traditional preschools may prioritise teacher-directed instruction and conformity. Both approaches have their merits, catering to different learning styles and personalities.

Curriculum and Activities

Montessori preschools offer a wide-ranging curriculum covering academic subjects, practical life skills, sensory experiences, and cultural exploration. Traditional preschools often prioritise academic readiness. Both approaches aim to prepare children for future learning and development, each with its unique emphasis on holistic education or educational foundations.

Community and Culture

Montessori preschools create a welcoming atmosphere where kids feel valued and empowered to learn at their own pace. They foster a sense of community and respect. Traditional preschools often have a structured setup but can also provide a nurturing environment for children to thrive and develop social skills.

Enrol in a Montessori School in Singapore

Choosing the right school for your child is crucial. Modern Montessori International preschools in Singapore provide a nurturing environment tailored to your child’s unique needs and values.

Parents can ensure their child receives a holistic education that fosters physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth by enrolling in Modern Montessori. With a mission dedicated to comprehensive education, we strive to support every aspect of your child’s development. Look for and enrol in a Montessori preschool in Singapore near you now!