Leading a Healthy Life with the Help of DNA Genetic Testing

genetic testing for kids

Tests have become a part of the medical field because only with the help of tests, physicians and healthcare professionals diagnose diseases and try to provide the right type of treatments. There is another very important benefit from tests and especially, DNA genetic testing and it is this test can help you lead a healthy life. Let us delve deep into this so you can keep a few points in mind while deciding whether to go for a DNA test.

Benefits of a DNA Genetic test

1. With the help of a test, you can know how your body will respond to various types of foods and exercises. Simply put, it is your gene that determines the way your body responds to the foods you consume and the workouts you do. If you get your DNA tested, you can go for a uniquely customized diet regimen as well as an exercise regimen that suits you. This also means that by choosing a diet regimen or a workout regimen that is perfectly suited to you, you will be able to increase their efficacy by several notches.

Researchers have proved that by getting a mouth swab carried out as soon as you wake up in the morning and before you venture into the task of brushing of your teeth, scan gene variants and more specifically, 45 of them, can be scanned so the response of your body to various types of foods and exercises can be found. You can find out the sensitivity of your body to carbohydrates, saturated fats, salt, gluten and lactose. You can also find out your intolerance risk towards items such as gluten. The test will help you know your needs of vitamins and anti-oxidants and also your caffeine metabolism and alcohol metabolism.

2. If you are a fitness freak, you can find out if you can go for endurance sports such as swimming, running or cycling or choose power sports such as weight-lifting or sprinting. The test will help you know your Vo2 max or the aerobic potential. You may wonder what benefits you will derive by knowing these facts. The answer to this question is that they will let you find out how quickly your body can recover from your workouts.

Fitness experts nowadays insist on recovery of the body after workouts because only if your body fully recovers from the stress of your strenuous workout, you can carry on with your day-to-day work. Not only that, if you allow your body to remain fatigued after a strenuous workout, you will not be able to do your workouts during the next sessions.

Are genetic tests accurate so you can have the diet and workout regimens that are best-suited to you?

Experts opine that the results of a DNA test that is targeted towards the aim of customizing a suitable diet regimen or a workout regimen are fairly accurate. For example, the test will help in knowing the response of the body of a person to saturated fats. For this, the test has to focus on the “fat gene” or the FTO gene, in which there are three types.

Researchers have found that the body of those people who have the AA variant may store body fat more readily when they consume saturated fats. On the contrary, those with the AT type of the fat gene are only moderately sensitive which means their body may not readily store fat when they consume saturated fats. But the folks who have the TT type are the blessed because their body may have a very low sensitivity which means their body may not store fat even when they consume saturated fats.

Similarly, genetic testing can help in finding the response of your body to other types of foods and other types of activities as well. This means you can use the results of a DNA genetic test for designing a suitable fitness regimen as well as a diet regimen so you can lead a healthy life.

How do Children Benefit from Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps to improve physical, cognitive and motor skills in children. It is natural for parents to assume that these are natural developmental stages that all children go through. However, not all children follow the expected growth and development pattern. 

Some children need occupational therapy for children to help them develop a sense of accomplishment, especially when they fall behind their peers. 

Assuming the children will catch up at their own time does not consider that a child’s self-esteem suffers when he cannot perform tasks that other children his age do. Besides the slow developers, other children stand to benefit from occupational therapy Singapore. 

Children with learning difficulties

Teachers and parents often attribute a child’s poor performance in school to inattentiveness and playfulness. While this is true, it is not always the case. Some children experience learning difficulties because of issues beyond their control. 

Occupation therapy Singapore seeks to determine the underlying difficulties that affect a child’s attention, performance, and learning. 

For example, a child may have trouble with reading comprehension. While this may be because a child is not attentive, it may also be because he has visual memory challenges. Some children are not able to store images in short-term memory. 

Additionally, children with visual discrimination have an easier time when learning. This allows them to notice differences and similarities in the objects with which they interact. Unfortunately, some children lack visual discrimination. These children, for example, have a hard time differentiating m and n, p and q, and b and d. 

Naturally, a child’s ability to learn will be affected. Occupational therapy Singapore will introduce activities that will help children improve their visual perceptual skills. 

Children with sensory processing disorders

Children with sensory processing disorder often start as fussy babies. Unfortunately, most parents assume children are different, and rightly so. However, some children behave the way they do because they have sensory processing disorder. 

When children have sensory disorders, they have a hard time responding to stimuli. This means the child will react abnormally to triggers to their senses, such as sound, light, taste, smell, and touch. For example, while most children are affectionate and enjoy hugs, a child with a sensory disorder may resist hugs. 

Occupation therapy for children addresses children with sensory overload or those who under-react to stimulation. For example, some children take too long to register pain because the brain takes too long to identify the stimuli or fails to correctly interpret stimulation so that the child can react as expected. 

Poor mental health and behavioural problems

One of the primary objectives of occupational therapy Singapore is to improve mental health. A child with poor mental health often displays discomfort by throwing a tantrum or withdrawing from social interactions. 

Occupational therapists seek to understand the impact of the environment on a child’s mental health and behaviour. As long as a child feels uncomfortable in school or attempt, his mental health is likely to suffer. Ultimately, if this is not addressed, the child will develop behavioural issues, such as withdrawal from all play, emotional meltdowns and tantrum-throwing. 

There are many more conditions that occupational therapy for children addresses. They include juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, congenital disabilities, and orthopedic injuries. Occupation therapy Singapore attempts to help children build their independence, manage their frustrations, and improve social skills. 

Local vs International Kindergartens in Singapore

The private sector is entirely in charge of the preschool program in Singapore. However, the government, through the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), oversees preschools. To improve accessibility, the government has partnered with some local preschools to make the preschool program affordable.

Singapore has a large expatriate community. This has influenced the demand for international preschools. Some Singaporean parents prefer international preschools for various reasons.

It is best to point out that the international preschool program is not necessarily better than the local preschool. The choice parents make often depends on their needs and what the preschool offers the children.

Language

International kindergartens tend to have children from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The teachers also tend to be native English speakers. Singapore is bilingual. When they get to primary school, all children are expected to study at least one mother tongue.

Parents who expect their preschoolers to have a better grasp of mandarin prefer using the local preschool program. However, for those whose preference is a better use of English in communication, an international preschool is preferred.

Some international preschool programs offer some minority languages like Hindi. However, since the schools are racially diverse, the children do not get much opportunity to practice other languages as English is the main language used in communication.

Again, neither of the two systems is better than the other. It simply comes down to your expectations and preference.

The teaching approaches

Local and international schools use different approaches to learning. Most international kindergartens use inquiry-based learning. They use play and exploration to impart knowledge. For example, the preschool program encourages children to walk in the garden barefooted and get a hands-on experience learning about senses. The children are not only learning, but they are having fun in the process.

Local preschools use six major curriculums, including the play-based program. However, most focus on preparation for primary school. So, rather than focusing on play, most are about academic success.

The competition for primary school slots is the major reason many local preschool programs emphasise academic success. While both local and international kindergartens want to ensure children are primary-school ready, the approaches to achieving this end are different.

Cost

International preschools tend to have a higher price tag than local preschools. So, if the price is an important consideration when looking for a preschool, you will likely get a better deal with a local preschool. However, not all local preschools are affordable. Some, especially those that are subsidised by the government, charge a lower fee.

International preschools tend to justify their high price tag by introducing various activities in their lesson plans. For example, international languages and

Before settling on one school, it is best to find out the added benefits. In some cases, schools that charge more have a more diverse diet plan. So, you are looking at more than cost when deciding where your child should get his preschool education.

Location

Local preschools are found pretty much everywhere. You may even find a few close to your home. These schools are established in various places to encourage more children to join the preschool program.

Most international kindergartens, on the other hand, are located in areas with a large expatriate community. So, if you don’t live or work nearby, you may need to drive a long distance to get your child to school.

Although there are several differences between local and international preschools in Singapore, there are also some similarities. Since most of these schools are privately owned, the competition has influenced the quality of service offered. For example, most try to maintain a small teacher to children ratio for personalised attention. So, it comes down to your preference.

Sensory Processing Therapy for Children with Autism

Sensory processing refers to how we interpret information from our senses, primarily touch, smell, vision, taste, hearing, and movement. Since we use most of these senses simultaneously, sensory processing organizes and interprets the information before a meaningful response is made. Unfortunately, while this process is automatic for most people, it is not for children with autism.

Learn more about sensory processing therapy here.

Children with autism don’t find it easy to process sensory information such as sounds, smells, taste, texture, movement, and brightness. This is why autistic children reject some foods, have an extreme reaction to overhead light and sounds, or reject clothes with a specific texture. 

These reactions interfere with their ability to fit in with normal activities. Unfortunately, this isolates them from the rest of the family since they can’t eat the same things or even participate in similar activities.

Some parents even struggle to get the right school for their children. 

Sensory processing therapy helps children with autism to have an almost normal life by controlling their sensory reactions. 

What is sensory processing therapy?

Sensory processing therapy, a form of occupation therapy, uses various methods to help children with autism overcome sensory challenges. Sensory integration therapy Singapore is mostly play-oriented and includes various equipment, including trampolines, slides, and swings. 

Therapists slowly introduce children with autism to environments that they would naturally react to in a bid to get them more comfortable. Over time, the child will start tolerating sensory-rich environments without having adverse reactions. 

Signs that your child needs Sensory integration therapy

Some parents mistakenly keep their children in environments they feel safe. While this is understandable, it is not the best approach because it keeps them isolated, and they are kept from developing life skills. Instead, sensory integration therapy Singapore is recommended to help children cope even when they come into contact with the sensory overload triggers. 

Some of the signs include;

  • Short attention span 
  • Lack of self-control
  • Overly sensitive to some sounds and sights
  • Rejection of certain foods because of the smell
  • Delays in developing motor skills
  • Emotional imbalances
  • Delays in speech development
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Anxiety when in places with many people

 

What happens during Sensory Processing therapy?

When you approach a sensory integration therapist for help with your autistic child, he or she will first attempt to find out the extent of sensory and performance challenges that your child faces. Children with autism have different reactions, ranging from mild to extreme. 

After verifying the nature of your child’s sensory response, the therapist will recommend various remedies, often a combination of therapies, that are likely to have a positive impact on reducing your child’s responses. 

Some of the common interventions are;

a)    Remedial intervention

This therapy involves the use of motor and sensory activities, such as massage and swinging. 

b)   Sensory diet programs

Since sensory processing is the primary problem, sensory processing therapy seeks to feed all the senses to find a balance. The therapist will come up with a daily menu on which senses will be stimulated. For example, therapists use aromatherapy, a weighted blanket, quiet space, tangible items, and physical activity to check on a child’s sensory response. 

c)    Accommodation and adaptations

This therapy seeks to help a child with autism adapt to a stressful environment in the best way possible. For example, if a child struggles with sound, the therapist may introduce earplugs to diminish noise. Additionally, if your child enjoys his bath, a textured sponge may be recommended to help him get used to different textures. 

d)   Training of caregivers

Since a therapist spends limited time with the child, parents, guardians, and caregivers need tips on helping the child cope when at home. Teachers may also be involved in the training, especially if they spend the whole day in school. 

e)    Environmental modifications

While it is important to help children with autism adapt to their environment, it is equally important that they feel safe and comfortable, especially when they spend most of their time. This means the therapist may recommend changes in décor, furnishings and white noise machines that trigger sensory overload. 

Over time, sensory integration therapy Singapore will help decrease the need for adaptations. This means a child with autism will eventually learn to function optimally when at home and school without feeling overwhelmed. You will no longer feel worked up planning where you can or cannot go with your child because his sensory processing can balance his sensory reactions. 

Everything You Need to Know about Listening Therapy

Music is known to be therapeutic. This is why people listen to it irrespective of their mood. Music is played at parties because it can be celebratory. At the same time, it is played in funerals because it uplifts those in a sombre mood. Listening therapy is an integral part of occupational therapy and is helpful to children experiencing auditory processing challenges. 

The Therapeutic listening program helps to keep children energized, and at the same time, helps to train their bodies to recognize calmness. The likely outcome is children will learn how to get to their happy place. Before going for listening therapy, it is best to know what to expect. 

The listening program requires commitment.

While listening therapy is tailored base on individual needs, it is an intense program. For most people, each session lasts 20-30 minutes. Depending on one’s therapist, two sessions may be recommended daily, seven days a week. Repetition is key in this therapy, so the intense program is designed to ensure it results in the desired change. 

It is not cheap

The listening program involves using specific equipment, such as headphones, a CD player or an MP3 player. If the equipment is to be used by a child, you should anticipate that some of it will break. This is one factor that makes the program expensive. However, some of this equipment is under warranty, so if it gets spoilt within the period under warranty, at least you’ll get a replacement. 

Some therapists have the equipment, but it is best to have your equipment. After all, you want to ensure your child gets listening therapy on demand because, over time, he will be turning to music to calm down.

The headphones are specific for listening therapy, so you cannot just pick any off the shelf. Ask the therapist for recommendations so that you can get the right ones. Regular headphones do not offer the range of frequencies that listening therapy headphones do. Without the right headphones, the listening program will not be effective. 

Be ready for behaviour change.

When a child goes into therapy, the assumption that you will see a positive behaviour change. However, with listening therapy, new behaviour may emerge, but they are not always positive.

The theory behind the unexplained negative behaviour is the child quickly develops skills that he does not understand; neither does he know what to do with them. The outcome is frustration, which children demonstrate in bad behaviour. 

Fortunately, this change will only be for a short time. Before long, the child will be more organized. It is, however, important that you are keen on the changes in your child. Sometimes, the problem is the type of music. 

The listening program is not a one size fits all system. One kind of music may work on one child but disagree with another. Your child may react better when listening to a particular kind of music. Discuss the changes in behaviour with the therapist to determine if a change in music is necessary. 

Listening therapy is often used in combination with other sensory integration therapy to enhance sensory stimulation. Like other therapies, it works on some people and doesn’t for others. This is why the listening program must be intense. It is the only way to tell if it is working or not. 

Where to Get Speech Therapy in Singapore

Most infants begin to babble at the age of six months. Most say their first words when they are 10-15 months old, and by the time they 18 months, they can combine words to form complete sentences. Unfortunately, not all children achieve this milestone within the expected period. When this happens, communication therapy may be necessary.  

Public hospitals

Singapore has various options for parents in need of speech therapy for their children. Since cost may be of concern to some parents, speech and language therapy Singapore are subsidized in some of the public health facilities offering the services.

For you to get subsidized government services, such as communication therapy, you need to have a formal referral letter from a certified doctor referring your child for the service. While a referral letter is considered ideal, some hospitals accept patients without a referral. 

Before going to any public health facility, it is best to determine if speech and language therapy Singapore services are offered and the documents you need. Public hospitals are great if you are looking for more affordable speech therapy services. However, you may need to compromise on service duration since the demand for communication therapy may be high. 

Social Service Agencies

Singapore has various social service agencies that provide communication therapy. Some of these agencies are funded by government and private companies that support social services to the community. 

Some of the agencies serve specific community members, such as seniors, adults with disability, people with mental health issues, children and youth. 

Since some social service agencies provide specific services for a section of the community, it is best to find the right one for you. For example, you may find speech therapy in an agency providing services to people with special needs or those that cater to children’s needs. 

Private hospitals

Today, most private hospitals provide a range of services. However, services in each hospital differ, so you are likely to find private hospitals and clinics offering speech and language therapy Singapore, and others that do not.

It is best to find out if the private clinic you are considering using has a resident speech therapist or if they have an office for the service and when the therapist is available. The advantage of seeking speech therapy services from a private clinic is you may have a longer session than a public hospital. However, you may need to make an appointment early to get a slot, especially if communication therapy is in great demand. 

Early Intervention Centres for Infants and Children

Early intervention is critical if a child doesn’t achieve developmental milestones as expected. Singapore has Early Intervention Programmes for Infants and Children (EIPIC) centres that offer services to address children’s cognitive and developmental challenges. 

EIPIC centres and some of the special schools provide communication therapy services. Some of these centres receive financial support from the Singapore government to provide services at a lower cost to the citizens and residents. 

It is difficult for a parent to determine if a child has delayed speech or if the child is experiencing other cognitive challenges that will require a speech therapist’s support. Instead of taking too long to come to a decision, there is no harm in inquiring about your child’s speech delay. 

If there are no developmental issues, at least you will be content to wait as your child goes through speech and language therapy Singapore. However, if your child has a hearing problem of other cognitive conditions, early treatment and therapy will help your child speak and even catch up with other children his age. 

Why Brain Training is Important for Children with ADHD

brain training is important for children with ADHD

Communities studies in Singapore found that between 1.7% and 16% of children and adolescents have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is a developmental disorder with sustained deficits in attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. Unfortunately, parents and teachers of children with ADHD struggle to help children with ADHD cope in school and at home. Many search for therapies and non-medicated measures to help each child. Read more about brain training available here.

Brain training is personalized

Since children with ADHD have different cognitive impairment levels, academic performance and socialization challenges vary. This is why unique approaches need to be used on children with ADHD when attempting to find ways to help them cope with situations they find stressful. 

One of the first steps trainers take during brain training is to identify cognitive weaknesses. The analyze how hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive a child is before customizing the best brain training routine. 

Brain training games for better attention and working memory

Children with ADHD often struggle to remember activities or information that other children find easy to recall. This can be frustrating because parents and teachers may not appreciate the cognitive differences in children with ADHD. 

This disconnect does not mean such children are not bright enough to memorize certain actions. Instead, repetitive brain training is critical if children with ADHD are to make an action a habit. Children with ADHD perform best when they follow a routine. 

This means their brains function best if things are done the same way and at the same time regularly. Brain training helps these children to appreciate the concept of time, what they are expected to do, with whom, and for how long. 

Over time, children with ADHD develop skills from the brain games they play that they can use in real-life situations. 

Brain training in behaviour therapy

One of the challenges parents of children with ADHD face is erratic and unpredictable behaviour. One minute a child is quiet in his space, and the next, he is hyperactive. This is especially common in children with severe ADHD. Some of the brain training concepts that have proven helpful to children with ADHD include deep breathing to control emotional outbursts. 

Brain training for children with ADHD also helps them overcome the challenges of inattentiveness. These children suffer from poor attention, which ultimately affects their behaviour. Brain training helps to boost focus, and ultimately improve the behaviour of a child with ADHD. 

Brain training for improved academic performance

Brain training will not miraculously improve the academic accomplishments of a child with ADHD. However, acknowledging little improvements through praise and rewards will help your child respond positively to the given tasks. This doesn’t mean he will have an easier time solving math problems, but the process will be less taxing. 

One of the brain training programs includes a high-tech armband, which helps in reading brain signals to help improve concentration and focus. This armband creates harmony between the brain and body interactions to help the child avoid distractions, improve focus, and develop memory skills to help him complete given tasks. 

Brain training is vital for all children, but more so, for those with ADHD. It helps them lead a somewhat normal life where they have greater control of their emotions, actions, and reactions. 

Why Enrolling into a Math Enrichment Class Helps Children Improve their Analytical and Reasoning Skills

enrichment classes help childing improve analytical and reasoning skills

It is accepted the world over that mathematics is a necessity for a child from the time he joins kindergarten to the day he graduates. An enrichment class works on a different paradigm than programs for the higher classes. This is the time in a child’s life when he is developing his skills and learning more to tackle additional skills. Understanding the subject in a smaller group is easier for a child who needs coaching.

How Analytical Skills Come into Play

Flexible enhancement processes that work on logic with the ability to translate a problem through reasoning techniques is encouraged. Geometrical sequences enrich the child’s learning curve. Introducing adding and subtracting with uncomplicated methods empowers a child. Difference with negative and positive numbers also plays a vital role at this stage.

Mental arithmetic from the basics enables children to think and question the knowledge presented before them. By using flashcards in the classroom, teachers pose questions to students. The idea is to get them to think, calculate and answer as quickly as possible.

The Brilliant Mind of a Child

The level of intelligence that a child shows with a flashcard is amazing. To up the ante, children are also encouraged to work out simple calculations with the help of props. Enrichment for students provides a myriad of options for kids based on their levels of learning. Diagnostic tests are conducted prior to the sessions to ensure that kids are grouped in batches suitable to their reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

Getting ahead in life without knowledge of mathematics or science makes the learning curve quite impossible in the 21st century. There is an emphasis on improving the quality in of math related problems based on the level of the child to ensure that he thinks and reasons while he finds the solution to the problem. Learning something by rote is not the format. Technology demands that knowledge of math and calculus is taught in school, children must learn to accept that this demand in education is here to stay.

Learning from Young

The formative years ascertain how one will grasp the subject and take to it later. The lesson plans and classes for preschoolers start from learning numbers, understanding differences in figures, simple addition, and basic calculations. By encouraging children to become builders in mathematics and getting them geared to tackle heavier concepts like algebra, equations and balancing the beam in every facet of the subject, the booster dose works remarkably well.

What is the Right Age to Start Enrichment Classes for Children?

what is the right age to start enrichment classes for children

One can join enrichment classes as early as preschool level. Each group of children is provided with challenges and thought-provoking exercises fit for their standard to determine the requirements of early bloomers. It’s solely based to define the ability criteria of the child and the age factor does not matter. Students are provided the opportunity to explore their talents and skills in the field of mathematics. Hence, establishing a strong grasp on conceptual understanding.

What will your child learn?



In simple terms, though math is assumed to deal with equations, variables, and arithmetic; there is a bigger picture to lay focus on. Creativity, reason, intuition, investigating patterns that deal with space and quantity, logic is also part of math.

Each level of the class is well-structured and goal oriented. There is an overall development and growth that is experienced by every child. Motivating them to do their best along with having fun makes these math enrichment for K1 classes highly effective.

As it aims to master one skill set before moving on to the next, it approaches the subject through a different style which is not seen in the regular curriculum.

Will my child enjoy the enrichment lessons?



Through these classes, math is made fun and engaging. So, these classes can be enjoyed by toddlers as well as they begin to learn the fundamental concepts of counting and number recognition.

Through activities, your child attempts to use different solution strategies to overcome the challenging problem which stimulates the creativity within. Such methods of learning, during a child’s formative years, helps in becoming a long-term habit of reasoning and logic.

These out-of-class exercises help students have a more in-depth understanding of the vast areas of math that is covered by this program.

How will my child benefit from attending early enrichment classes?



Efficiency, persistence, and confidence are the key life skills your child will learn as the child works towards mastery over a particular skill set. When such life skills become a part of our lifestyle at such a tender age, success is not far behind. “Practice makes a man perfect” is the famous saying. Your child will be passionate about the subject through the various activities. Passion is what inspires us to work and achieve the goals we set. Milestones are crossed when passion and hard work go hand in hand.

Hence, it is a great idea to introduce your child to enrichment classes as early as possible as the earlier they join the more they benefit from these classes.

Important Things To Note Before Enrolling Your Preschooler Into Enrichment Classes

things to note before enrolling your preschooler into enrichment classes

There are many classes that you can enroll into these days. You just have to be careful to where you wanted to settle. Keep in mind that every one of them have their own kind of curriculum that you should understand more about. So, take it slow. It is important to know where your child is before looking for enrichment classes for preschoolers and signing up for them!


Where to Start?

The first thing you should do is to ask yourself some questions. These questions should be based upon what you wanted to have, the things you expect or something of that sort. The more specific those queries will be, the better. If you find it hard to work on this, then trying to ask someone that has an experience about this can be a good thing.

Once you know that, then you should proceed to what are the things you wanted to do while you are there. If you wanted to focus on a specific field, then be sure that the institution can give you the best lessons that would affect your learning curve in the process.

What Do I Want my Child to Learn at the Enrichment Class?

We all have goals every single day. These goals can change though depending on the situation but having a solid one is always a good shot for us to improve our success rate in some ways. If you do not have this, then that is where the problem will start to show up.

We make mistakes every time. If you are not making any faults in the process, then that basically means you are not learning something new or you are not sure on what you should do next. Do what you think is totally necessary and see what helps.

How Much Should I Budget for my Preschooler’s Enrichment Classes?

The last part of the process is to understand how much money that you should make to ensure that you can cope up with your finances and your budget. You should be realistic with this. If you cannot do it, then do not go into debt just to cover up an expensive class or curriculum.

These are not the only aspects that needs to be considered. There are still tons of issues that you need to focus on. If you wanted to dig in deeper, then try to take your time and list them down too.

Field Trips & Enrichment Classes Encourage Children to Learn About the Environment

enrichment classes for kids

Science is all about the evolution of mankind. But explaining this fact to elementary school children is complex. As a result, to make science more appealing and interesting to students, field trips and enrichment classes are a great learning exercise. There are multiple places for science education including the science museum, a visit to a science laboratory, a botanical garden or even a farm.

Before you head for the field trip, just make sure the students read up about the place in the class, so that they can relate to what they see during the field trip. Field trips do the job of encouraging students to learn more about science. Read more about recommended enrichment classes for kids and young students here.

Interactive learning

Students on field trips actually see what they are reading about in theory. In a science museum, a student can finally realise how big a Tyrannosaurus rex is rather than what he or she reads in the school text books. Seeing this life like animals will make them understand science better. In addition, since the environment is different, and the experience will create a conducive atmosphere to grasp everything easily.

On field camps

If you are visiting a botanical garden, then the caretakers there will take the students for a tour of the event. They will practically see how sunlight affects plant life. Not only that, there are activities lined up for the children such as looking at the various micro-organisms or worms under the soil. These activities help students understand how plants impact the ecosystem.

Real world experience

Seeing a rabbit running around in a farm or a hen lay eggs is a real world experience. And, neither a text book, nor an audio visual device will be do justice to the real thing. Children will learn to think outside the box beyond the controlled environment of classrooms. More than that, students can get practical knowledge as a result of which they will be able to perform better.

Bonding outside the classroom

Field trips are not always about studies, it is also about new experiences and increasing the bond between the students. Getting together and seeing the wonders of the world does bond people on a different level, and students are no different to that impact. In addition, students meet scientists and other interesting professionals who will contribute to their learning. You never know, which students may strike a chord with an animal in this field trip.

3 Things You Should Look For in a Preschool Curriculum

If you have decided to send your child to a preschool in singapore, make sure that the curriculum is holistic and child friendly.

What you should look for in the curriculum:

1. What is the learning approach?

Any preschool in Singapore whose focus is mainly how well the child performed should be a no-no. A competitive environment at this age can be harmful for the child. Instead the curriculum should be such that it makes the child comfortable and enjoy so much that he/she will naturally perform well. The process of learning which involves investigating and discovering answers and solve problems together with peers and caretakers make the learning process fun and more meaningful.

The process should also encourage a child to discover a creative side. Curiosity is the most at this age when children are still exploring and learning about things. If that curiosity is tapped, a child can do wonders. The curriculum should encourage children to find the answers and teachers help them in the process.

2. Does it aim to take care of the overall development?

The curriculum shouldnt just include learning letters, shapes etc. It should have elements that encourage a physical, social, emotional growth apart from intellectual growth. So group projects that encourage working with others, examples used from real life for children to understand, have material which encourage sensitivity towards others are very important elements that should be in the curriculum. Children can learn through songs that encourage them to dance and certain exercises, the anatomy and counting among other things.

3. Does it help in the development of other skills?

Apart from the overall development a good preschool in Singapore should also have elements in the curriculum that encourage children to develop their motor skills, communication skills etc. From learning the ability to hold a spoon and put the food in the mouth, or to scoop something up with a spoon, to throwing and catching balls, grasping the concept of size and weight, development of motor skills is crucial at this stage. It is equally important to encourage children to get clarity in their thought and enhance their communication skills.

The preschools curriculum helps in your childs development and understanding of the world. Therefore all parents should pay a lot of attention to understand what the curriculum entails. A good preschool would also encourage parents involvement in the learning curve so that what the child learns in school gets carried forward at home, leading to a holistic learning experience for the child.

Child Care Centres in Singapore: All You Need to Know

Being a parent, we want the best for our children. We work hard to provide them with all the best things that we feel are essential for their better growth. However, in doing so, we unintentionally neglect them and focus more on earning money and finding the right services for them. In order to provide the child with the due care that they need and still providing them the services and things that they need for their development, child care centre are a good or the ideal option.

It is widely believed that sending a child to a child care center, day care or a preschool or hiring help takes away the love and care that the child deserves. However, it is not the reality. The child, in fact, gets more love of the parents as well as other people that make them feel loved and important to so many people around them. Moreover, they learn on how to read and write and get the solid foundation that helps them in the later stages of their educational career as well.

Learn how you can find a good childcare centre in Singapore here.

Benefits of Child Care

Some of the best benefits of child care are:

Social Development In a child care center, your child gets a chance to interact with other children of the same age group that helps them develop social and interpersonal skills. Not only do they play together, but learn together as well. The child learns how to share with others, greet others and learn some other traits as well that is not possible to learn at home.

The sense of Independence When your child spends some time in a child care center, they get to learn how to stay independent and do their normal course of work on their own. Of course, they are continuously being watched by the teachers and other staff but the feeling of staying away from the parents really help them generate some self-confidence.

Learning The basic idea of child care centre is to make the children learn from the teachers all the time even during the play session. This enhances their learning skills and they also utilize their creativity in the activities that are performed in a child care center.

Child Care in Singapore: The Costs

Childcare is one of the best options available to you where your child gets tons of benefits other than care and attention. In Singapore, there are following types of child care options available to you.

Preschool or Child Care centre

You can opt for either full-day or a half-day childcare program. Based on your chosen program and the age of your child, the average cost is around SGD 1.5K per month.

Babysitters

You can easily find babysitters or nannies in Singapore. The cost of these differs based on their experience and another factor. However, the starting price is around SGD 1.7K per month, quite higher than a preschool.

Based on the above costs, it is obvious that a preschool or a child care center is the most cost-effective option. Not only is it a cost effective option but there are other benefits as well. If you hire a nanny or a babysitter, the child does not get the opportunity to play with other children and interact with them and that is one of the best aspects of child care center that outshines babysitters or nannies. It is not about the cost but the better growth and development of your child.

The General syllabus for Pre-Nursery

It has been proven sending a child for prenursery classes is one of the most vital aspects for a child to progress towards the higher classes. Brain development of a child is at about 90% developed by the age of five hence the necessity for early learning. Here is a general syllabus that is made available to kids that foster healthy learning and growth based on his ability to grasp the subject.

The Formal Subjects

Children are fed with a daily dose of facts. They are taught simple things like letters of the alphabet, what letter goes with what picture. They learn numerical skills like counting numbers and calculations, from a simple perspective. Based on the pictures positioned in front of them, they identify the words and are encouraged to make sentences with the words.

Motor Skills

Every child needs some time for play to hone his motor skills. Gross motor skills help him catch a ball thrown at him. He also learns how to use his hands with Playdough to create, twist or turn the shape so that he accomplishes what he has set out to make. Simple things like tying shoe laces, fixing a button, holding a pencil or crayon is a necessity so that he is able to grasp objects effectively.

Outdoorsy Stuff

Learning about different birds and animal always interests kids who are used to watching television programs. As they venture outdoors to have a look around, they learn about varieties of flowers, some insects, the elements and changes in weather. At the preschool, children learn to identify and understand the differences between flora, fauna, and the environment.

Writing and Reading Skills

As a rule without a basic knowledge of reading and writing, a child cannot proceed, further ahead in life. The teacher assigned to the class encourages the group to identify what they have learned and put it down on paper. By doing so, the child also learns how to drawn and understand the difference between words, numerals, and diagrams. During this phase, he is encouraged to read aloud an imperative in overall development.

Extra Curricular

Music and movement at the school gym make exercises a fun experience. Not only does the child get to sing along but he also can work out his inner actor and act out any scene chosen for the day. Visit the website https://www.cheriehearts.com.sg/curriculum/playgroup-pre-nursery/OR Apply now OR RSVP now that offers a variety of themes and formal coursework for the child of today.

Tips for Choosing a Child Care Centre in Singapore

Singapore has more than two hundred childcare centres, with some large enough to accommodate a thousand children. Finding and securing a spot in these childcare centres is a nightmare for most parents. Since a working mother has a minimum of twelve weeks maternity leave, she may be forced to look for a childcare centre that can adequately cater for the needs of a three-month-old baby.  

Some parents can afford to spend more time with their children, and so seek childcare services when the children are a little older. Whatever the age of the child, a childcare centre is entrusted with the care of a child in the period the parent is away, and all parents want to make sure their children are in the best care possible: https://www.chilternhouse.com.sg/child-care-centre-in-singapore/

Does the Childcare Centre Have Ideal Facilities for Your Child?

When looking for a childcare centre, it is easier to identify one when you have a list of things your child needs. Children of different age group have different needs. For example, if you are a new mother who is going back to work after twelve weeks, you need a facility that has a clean, safe area for infants to rest, minders who understand and are patient with children, and one that meets your child’s dietary needs. If you have a toddler, you should also seek a centre with adequate facilities that your child will enjoy.

What is Your Budget?

In Singapore, childcare is not cheap. Even though the number of children in childcare centres doubled in the past decade, and the number of centres increased significantly, the cost remained relatively high.

The cost of childcare varies significantly, depending on the childcare centre. Some places charge as little as $300 a month, while others can go as high as $3000 monthly. Having a budget will help you decide where you can afford to take your child. Fortunately, the government of Singapore gives childcare subsidies if you enroll in a childcare centre licensed by Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).

Where is it Located?

The location of the childcare centre matters a lot. The distance you have to cover every time you drop and pick your child has an impact on your expenses and schedule. Is it on your way to work? How quickly can you get to the centre in case of an emergency? These are critical questions you need to answer when looking for a childcare centre. A conveniently located centre is not just great for you, but your child too.

What is the Child to Staff Ratio?

This is critical, especially in the large childcare centres found in densely populated areas. Although the size of the facility matters, it is equally important to look at the number of caregivers against the number of children. The ECDA guidelines recommend a staff-to-child ration of 1:5. This essentially means there should be one caregiver for every five children. Some centres have a lower ratio, or less than five children per caregiver.  

Besides Childcare, What Other Services are Offered?

Childcare services have become quite competitive in Singapore. These facilities package their services differently to attract parents seeking more than childcare. For example, besides ensuring your child is safe when in the facility, some centres provide a curriculum to enhance your child’s linguistic, cognitive, and social development. Education in Singapore is quite competitive, even in children in kindergarten. This has made it necessary for parents to give their children basic training. Childcare centres offering a curriculum help to prepare your child for school.

Finding a childcare facility can be overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. However, when you have a list of what you expect from a childcare centre, it will be easier to narrow down your options.

Why is it Important to Choose a Good Kindergarten for Your Child

 A child is more prone to learning behavior, mannerism and self-awareness at and around the age of 5. This is a phase of a child’s life where he is open to all kinds of teachings and lessons. This becomes a very crucial phase. At this stage, where a kid goes to kindergarten in Singapore and how he is being taught is very important. It shapes his personality. So along with teaching him the basics of academics, getting his to learn and interact is significant.

If you are looking for a good kindergarten school in Singapore, visit Chiltern House Singapore. Check out their website today. In order to choose a good kindergarten for your child, a lot of factors come into play. Like for instance, what is the school teaching the students?

And what methods are they using? Nowadays, parents want their kids to learn more than just alphabets and numbers. They want them to be socially and verbally interactive and also hone confidence. So to facilitate this, schools in this day and age have a very extensive curriculum for the children, even at the kindergarten level. The kids are being taught to not just advance educationally, but also inhabit activities that would eventually groom their personalities like keeping a journal.

For obvious reasons, it is clear that a kindergartener’s journal would not be as comprehensive as that of an adolescents but it is a good practice to help him build the habit of keeping a journal. This will help the child have clarity of thoughts as he grows up. Also, kindergarten curriculum includes activities inspired by visual aids like graphical representations and pictures to enhance the cognitive skills of a child.

A child is able to understand things better and remembers them when he sees them with his own eyes. So a lot of games and activities surrounding visual aids are conducted for the kindergarteners in schools to help develop their brains faster. It is clear that in order to help a child grow, he needs to get the best teachings and lessons at an early age itself. He is bound to imbibe more at a younger age as his brain is more susceptible to understand everything that he is being taught at that age which helps shape his personality. It is because of this reason that it is important to choose a good kindergarten for your child.

Choosing an international school in Singapore

Children are very delicate. And at that, they need care and attention at all times. One way to boost the development rate of your child is by enrolling him in a good international school.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with enrolling your child in a normal school. But if you want your child to grow and develop faster, it would be a good idea to enroll him in an international school.

The curriculum of the various international schools in Singapore is what makes them stands out from the crowd.  Enrolling your child in an international secondary school can be difficult because you know basically nothing about them.

If you are looking for a good IB or international school in Singapore, ISS International School is a good option you should consider. They cater to children from kindergarten through high school age and have holistic programmes with a broad range of learning activities. If you are looking for a global education for your child, do consider ISS International School and view their website here: http://iss.edu.sg

The following article by Sassy Mama is basically a guide to the international schools in Singapore.

Guide to international secondary school in Singapore

We’ve told you about the best preschools in Singapore, and have also done in-depth guides to Singapore’s best bilingual programmes. We’ve told you which schools offer the popular International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. Now we’re taking things to the next level with our comprehensive guide to international secondary schools.

While many families will be drawn to a school that offers the same language and/or curriculum as schools in their home country, Singapore’s multicultural, multi-national atmosphere means a lot of schools offer programmes with a more global context that’s not restricted to a single nationality. Read more here.

You definitely now know a thing or two about of international schools in Singapore. One thing that may be going through your mind is how you going to select the best international school for your child.

The following article by Susannah Jaffer sheds light on some tips that will help you choose a good international school for your child.

International schools in Singapore: Tips on how to choose the right school for your child

Singapore offers a wide choice of international schools, most of which have a multicultural environment with students from a diverse range of backgrounds and countries. Add to this a wide variety of curriculums, from single-country programmes to the International Baccalaureate and International Primary Curriculum, and there’s not much more that a parent could wish for. Read more here

You likely now know some tips that will help you select a good international school for your child. That said, one thing you need to have at the back of your mind is that there are a lot of international schools in Singapore.

The following article by Team expat unveils ten high-quality international schools in Singapore.

 

10 top quality co-ed international schools in Singapore for expat children

From pre-school to secondary school or high school studies, here’s a list of quality international schools to put on your expats’ to-research list! While moving countries is a big deal for expat parents with school-going children, moving schools is another painstaking matter altogether. Read more here 

Final note

You are going to need all the help you can get especially when it comes to enrolling your child in an international secondary or primary school. The fact that there are a lot of international schools in Singapore is going to make it even more difficult for you to choose a good international school for your child. But there are some tips that could help you streamline and ultimately choose an international school for your child without stressing yourself out.

Top Advantages of Learning Mandarin

China is a nation with the highest population in the world. So, there are a large number of people who converse in this language. It has also led to the growth of various opportunities in the recent years. Following are some of the most important advantages of learning Mandarin.

Chinese is not as difficult a language as many people would like to believe

A common reaction that many people have when they speak about the Chinese language is that is it quite tough to learn. But, the good news is that this is absolutely incorrect. While there are languages that are easier to pick up as compared to Chinese, be assured that it is not the toughest language to learn as some people would tell you

For instance, this language does not have any gender or case. Plus, the grammar is quite simple. Thus, as far as the grammar complexity is concerned, Chinese as an extremely easy language to learn It does not have tough constructs such as genders and cases unlike many European languages. The language also uses tenses in a simplistic manner. Unlike many other languages of East Asian countries like Japanese and Korea, it is devoid of horrific grammar. Thus, when people learning other languages concentrate on genders and verb conjugation, you will soon realize that learners of the Chinese language can outpace people learning other languages very quickly.

Learning with the aid of computers has made picking up the language quite easy and simple

It was quite a tedious process to learn Chinese in the past. The reasons for that were endless lists of characters, poorly recorded learning tapes and big dictionaries for knowing Chinese in the professional field. But, fortunately for you, today the ways for learning Chinese are much more improved.

Computer-aided and digital techniques for learning have evolved in the last few years. Thus, today the learners of the language can take the help of excellent dictionary programs and great programs of character-learning programs like Anki and Memrise. Learning techniques aided by media are also highly useful for people to learn Chinese. Thus, all these user-friendly tools help in attaining the proficiency in Chinese easier and faster than before.

Handwritten characters have become less important due to digital communications

Chinese has also become a simpler language to learn due to the method in which character writing in Chinese is happening today. Thanks to the rapid advancements in technology, a host of popular methods for character input are being practiced in China now on computers and handheld devices. In fact, these methods are now the main way through which creation of Chinese texts is happening.

Knowledge of Chinese can open various opportunities for you

You should not simply learn Chinese since it is highly accessible and easy. There are many other benefits. In fact, today, Mandarin Chinese is perhaps the most suitable language to pick up if you are serious about getting a head start in your professional career.

The economy in China is booming

The prime attractiveness of the Chinese language is the country’s booming economy as well as its increasing scope as a global superpower. In the last three decades or so, China has arguably established itself as the biggest global economy from being simply a third world nation. The country has encouraged economic cooperation and foreign investment in the recent years. So, there is a big demand for all those people who can fill in the gap between the rest of the world and the growing China.

However, in order to ensure your young ones master Chinese, it is recommended that you put them in a mandarin class for children from a very young age.

How Can You Make Your Kids Love Learning Chinese?

Do you want your children to learn Mandarin Chinese ? In case, you have made up your mind to get them admitted in a mandarin class for children then they will also become a part of over one billion people in the world who speak it as a primary or a secondary language. Thus, you are all set to take a big leap towards making your litter ones global citizens who may get a yearly head start in the future employment market and will also become smarter.

But though there are several merits of learning the Chinese language, making your kids interested in it can really be quite a struggle. It is specifically true in the beginning of your child’s language journey. The initial adaptation process can be frustrating for the kids as it is not easy for them to realize and appreciate the real benefits of picking up Chinese.

However, you should not feel disappointed since there are various interesting ways that will make sure that your children get interested in learning the language. In fact, you will soon find your kids will look forward to attaining proficiency in this language,

Cooking with your kid

Is your kid interested in practical activities? If that is the case, cooking is an excellent method for learning as well as maintaining their interest in the Chinese language. So, how about planning a session on cooking with your kids soon? However, you need to ensure that you get the instructions and the recipe printed in the Chinese language. Tell the kids to read out the recipe while you are in the process of assembling the dish. You can also teach your child important nouns and verbs while both of you cook together.

Chinese magazines/books

It is a globally-connected society today and many popular books in the category of both non-fiction and fiction have been translated into various other languages. When you get Chinese versions of some of the popular books for your kids, it is a fantastic and innovative way of getting them interested in the Mandarin Chinese language. In fact, you should look out for Chinese versions of some of the best-selling works, which are specifically written for teens and kids and hand them over to the little ones. While they read these books, they will start getting interested in the story plots and would definitely want to pick up more vocabulary in Chinese so that they are able to understand more and read these books even faster.

Travel

It can be a short trip to your nearest Chinatown to savor some delicious and authentic dumplings or a bowl of a Chinese soup to get your kids interested in the Chinese culture. Alternatively, you can also go for a relaxed family holiday to the sea beaches and towns of China. If you travel to a Chinese-speaking place with your children, they will be more curious and it can also trigger their interest to learn Chinese. At various occasions, it is not an easy job to inspire your kids to learn Chinese. It is specifically true when they are being brought up in an English-speaking ambiance ever since they were born. You can tell the kids some days before the trip that they should speak in Chinese to communicate with the local people. Now that means using the language to order their food, querying for directions and finding out the restrooms. When your kids understand that learning the Chinese language is a requirement and not a nice to know skill during the trip, they will definitely get motivated to learn Chinese either complete dedication.

Learning the language does not necessarily have to be memorizing the notes or solving worksheets in their character books. The above-mentioned ideas can really make learning the Chinese language a fun and exciting experience. Finally, your complete support is very crucial to improve the Chinese speaking skill of your child. You should spare some time from your hectic schedule to read with them, travel with them, participate in fun activities, which interest them and cook together while you expose them to the Chinese language.

Is It Better For Your Kid To Learn A New Language As A Child?

 

 

We’ve all heard a typical protest among grown-ups taking in a dialect that goes something like this: “I wish I had begun to take in this language as a kid. Children learn dialects so considerably less demandingly.”

Since this conviction is so common, it must be valid, correct? Turns out it’s in reality off-base.

While youngsters do have certain favorable circumstances while learning a certain language, such as being more proficient at talking without a remote accent, they don’t have it inalienably less demanding. Truth be told, a few examinations really recommend that you might be in an ideal situation learning as a grown-up. All things considered, a few people can wind up learning a new language and growing familiar with it in only three months. It more often than not takes kids until the point that they are 5 or 6 before they learn one language fully.

At A Younger Age, You Learn Differently Not Easily

Youngsters appear to make the task of learning a new language look like a cakewalk. All things considered, they get words, expressions, and language structure apparently without much exertion. This appears to be very much bolstered by science. In an examination directed by Dr. Paul Thompson at UCLA, analysts built up that children utilize a piece of their brains called the “profound engine region” to secure new language interactions. This is a similar cerebrum territory that controls oblivious activities like tying a shoe or marking your name. Thompson and partners inferred that acquiring a new langugae is second nature to kids, in this way persuading it is vain to endeavor language learning after the mind rewires the way it gets new dialects.

Sadly, this misrepresentation misses an imperative proviso: grown-ups are awesome at cognizant learning. As we get more established, our cerebrum turns out to be increasingly gifted at the complex idea, and our ability for scholarly learning develops. Grown-ups may need to consider syntax focuses and take in the principles in a more straightforward manner to learn them well, however, this really helps second language learning as a rule. All things considered, grown-ups are significantly more prone to be endeavoring to go up against another language in the classroom than circling with local speakers. Despite the fact that dialect learning turns into a scholastic attempt in adulthood, it is one we are set up to ace well. However, naturally, it is better if a complex language is learnt at an earlier age for the reasons stated above.

All things considered, notwithstanding when errors are tended to as sensibly in grown-up discourse as in children’s, we tend to put less significance on mistakes made by kids while surveying general familiarity. Kids are not expected to have a capacity to convey at a similar level expected of a local speaker that age. This by and large influences standard of language proficiency for youngsters to lower, particularly in more young kids. A seven-year-old who is “familiar” most likely has considerably less complex sentence structure and vocabulary in a moment dialect than a grown-up with fundamental correspondence level dialect aptitudes and a while of concentrates added to her repertoire.

The measures are just not even.

However, as a child learning a complex language such as chinese would be more preferred as they have more scope and time to pick up on the language as they grow up. exposed to immersion classes extensive course to help young kids learn chinese.

In any setting, kids utilize littler vocabularies and less complex linguistic structure than grown-ups. Grown-up correspondence is considerably more muddled. Grown-ups (and even youngsters) must have the capacity to talk more inside and out about a more extensive scope of points than kids would be required to do. They should likewise have the capacity to modify dialect to the suitable setting, implying that familiar grown-ups must know slang, working environment language, and other particular discourse that would be for the most part unessential to a youngster. While it might appear like youthful kids wind up plainly familiar very quickly, it remembers keeping the distinctions in what “familiar” discourse implies in various settings.

Choosing the right enrichment program for your kid

Why are enrichment classes needed?

Here are the reasons why you should send your child to enrichment classes:

Social interactions are high in these enrichment classes and children tend to learn the most through interactions. Enrichment classes for toddlers ensure that children interact with peers from a variety of background.

Another benefit of enrichment classes is that it helps in the language development of the child. There are playschools that specialise in language development for children. This way the child is exposed to different languages apart from the language that he or she is speaking in. this helps to a great extent in the long run.

It is psychologically proven that children learn the most when they are taught through play and are not under pressure. Seldom can parents arrange for activities at home where the toddler can indulge in song, dance and a messy play. For these reasons enrichment classes are needed.

Another major benefit of these playschools or enrichment classes is that in these classes through the interaction with peers and teachers, the gap in the developmental curve is identified and addressed. This helps the child to have a more holistic growth and progress.

Choosing the right option:

Not all enrichment classes are meant for your child. As a parent you should be able to gauge what is meant for your child and how the enrichment class will benefit your child. Here are some criteria that you should keep in mind before deciding which enrichment class is best suited for your child:

The reason behind sending your child to an enrichment program: you should know why you are sending your child to an enrichment class, whether to make the child proficient in any one activity like mathematics or you want your child to have an overall development.

Do not over schedule: do not over burden the child by tying him or her into a super hectic schedule of enrichment classes for kids .

Well within the budget: enrichment programs don’t come cheap. Hence make sure the one you enrol your child in is well within the budget.

Group activities or individual pursuits: group activities as opposed to private coaching helps the child to interact better in a group.

Making the first beginning: the child has to learn to interact outside his or her family. An enrichment class is the first head-start to that.

Keeping the fun quotient high: always make sure that the enrichment class your child is going to has a high fun quotient and lets your child enjoy the a lot.

The Impact of Preschool Education for Children

Childhood education is a requirement in the overall scheme of things. This is the time when parents get their little ones ready for tests in elementary school. There is structure in preschool and during this time away from home, children learn a lot. Here are some reasons why preschool education influences the life of a child.

Social Outlook

This is the time when children are taught social skills. They also learn to follow instructions from a person of authority aside from their parents or guardians. They learn to listen to stories, learn nursery rhymes, draw and use building blocks as they assemble things together. In doing so, they appreciate that they are in the company of their peers and socialize in their own way. This is a wonderful medium to get the shy ones out of their shells. Making friends may not always be an easy task, but at a place that is structured without rules and regulations, children feel comfortable ‘interacting’ with others aside from their family.

Play and Learn

Activities for toddlers in any preschool are designed with the idea of making the time spent away from home, an interesting experience. Children learn the letters of the alphabet along with the differences between figures and numbers. In doing so, they also learn along the way to formulate sentences and since kids always love to dish out something unique in the kitchen, ingredients and measurements give them a threshold to learn a smattering of mathematics. As they venture into the outdoors, they get to identify the birds in the air, the flora, and other outdoorsy stuff. This provides them with a smart angled lens in biology and some geology.

Fun Activities and Creativity

When you ask a child to draw something, you can expect a sheet filled with multiple colors! This actually works rather well in getting the child involved. Aside from art, children at the Chinese kindergarten in Singapore http://www.chengzhu.edu.sg/ are encouraged to participate in dramatics. This provides them with a way to act out their imaginations and play out the story for the rest of the class. A singalong works well too with children who enjoy this sort of thing. In fact, this is a great medium to encourage children to use their talents and enjoy themselves as they interact with their peers and learn along the way.

In the earlier years, kids did attend preschool, but over the years, the volumes of content in schools have improved considerably.