Check out some recent projects at the school, and how little ones learn from experience!
We love hearing about schools that take a fresh approach to learning, so when we looked at the project-based curriculum at Little Paddington Preschool, we just had to have a little shout about it. The idea here is that kids learn by doing. The highly experiential approach encourages children to notice, explore and discuss concepts, arming them with soft and hard skills to set them up for life. The learning process is organic, as teachers act as facilitators without interfering with the learning that’s taking place naturally.
1. Learning to create and share at the ‘Food Fiesta’
The ‘Food Fiesta’ project transformed the kids into mini chefs and purveyors of good food, while parents enjoyed the spoils! The idea was not just to teach kids about food and cooking, but also to hone their numeracy, language, motor, and social skills as the students sold their culinary wares to their parents on the day. The activity also exposed impressionable young minds to the virtues of giving and caring, by donating the proceeds (more than $1,450) to the Reach Community Services charity.
2. From beginners to artists in one morning: gallery workshop
A recent activity saw the Little Paddington kids visiting Art WeMe Contemporary Gallery, where they enjoyed the rare experience of meeting the gallery’s current artist, Wang Zhi Wu, who flew in especially from Taiwan! As an artist who takes his inspiration from animals, the kids were super keen to learn from him. After Wang gave a quick talk about strokes, wrist work and materials, the children learned how to paint a cow starting with simple outlines, then learned about shading, brightness, and contrast. Parents also got to release their inner artists, and all the works are being displayed in the gallery for two weeks. How often do you get your own exhibit, just from turning up to school?
3. Viva Espana! Appreciating different cultures with the Spanish Carnival
Students here learn about 10-12 different countries every year, and recently it was Spain’s turn! More than 70 parents and 120 students got involved in a monthly educational event, trying out Flamenco dancing, tasting paella, learning to paint like Picasso, hearing cultural stories of Spain, and learning to count in Spanish. Even the youngest kids (as young as 18 months!) got into the spirit by helping to make tasty drinks, salads and wraps, while the older kids (up to seven years) took on the role of the sales force.
4. Experiential learning comes easily with specially designed facilities
Special events are great, but what happens on a normal day here? A quick glance at the facilities tells you this place is one non-stop experience. The outdoor and indoor spaces have been crafted to encourage learning without boundaries, while bringing kids as close to nature as possible. The little people at this preschool get to fill their days with fun activities in the ‘United Nations’ atelier, the science atelier, and the art atelier, while also getting their hands dirty in the sand and water play areas and the herb garden. The petting zoo is a favourite, while the construction corner gets the creative building ideas flowing. Kids who love to burn energy can hit the football field, the cycling track, the basketball field or the mini golf course, and for more chilled out times there’s the sensorial rock garden and the outdoor amphitheatre. Think of all the fun to be had!
Whether it’s a monthly experiential event or a small moment of play in the classroom, these are just a few examples of the active approach Little Paddington Preschool takes to help kids learn by experience. You’re welcome to get in touch with the team to find out more about how your little one can grow their curiosity and creativity in a supportive environment.
HoneyKids readers can take advantage of free registration and a $300 discount on the first month of school fees! Get in touch with Little Paddington Preschool here.
www.littlepaddington.com
4 Jalan Tani, 548542 (near Hougang and Kovan MRT), p. 6280 3007
236 Turf Club Rd, 287987 (near Bukit Timah MRT), p. 9649 5801
This post is sponsored by Little Paddington Preschool.