We’re impressed by the smart use of space, the cosy nooks that are available in every classroom, and a beautiful mural that’s hand-painted by one of its students’ parents!
One of the top items on every parent’s preschool checklist is a positive environment. On top of being conducive for learning and playing, a preschool should also be a happy place where the little ones feel welcomed. This is especially important since preschools are where kids spend most of their time when they’re away from parents.
With that in mind, Little Paddington Preschool set out to spruce up their Sixth Avenue campus, which started welcoming students in December 2023. The result? A nurturing and welcoming learning environment where children thrive.
First impression: A campus that is filled with warm tones
Drop-offs are often tough, but we imagine kids will soon be at ease the moment they enter Little Paddington Sixth Avenue’s premises. Once indoors, the little ones will be greeted by the warm, earthy tones in the main indoor area, where there’s a mirror corner, library nook, sensory walls, and mini doorways into ‘another world’.
The brightening effect of the mirrors, coupled with the soothing ones exuded by the space’s wooden elements, definitely gives the space a welcoming effect. We’re told that this area is popular with with kids during the free time before lessons, when they wave goodbye to their parents; as well as during break times in between lessons.
Fun fact: We’re told that the parents are very involved with the refurbishment of the Sixth Avenue campus. One of the mothers even hand-painted the mural that frames the mini doorways, which is a fave among the kids!
There’s a cosy nook or calm corner in every classroom
As emotional regulation is one of the developmental milestones that occur during the preschool phase, the educators at Little Paddington Sixth Avenue made sure that there’s a safe space for every child to manage their emotions. These little spaces are filled with tools that aid with emotional regulation, including soft furnishings, books, and some sensory toys.
This campus is also big on positive affirmations. Kids get to start their day on a high note as they’re greeted by short motivational quotes, which are strategically placed at the shelf area where they would place their bags before lessons commence.
It has some really cool specialist ateliers
Little Paddington Preschool places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, and its specialist ateliers play a big role in shaping its students’ educational experiences. Each campus features dedicated spaces where kids can actively participate in hands-on learning activities in the fields of science, music, art, and culture.
You’ll find a United Nations Atelier at every Little Paddington Preschool campus. This atelier aims to foster respect for diversity and global citizenship among kids through hands-on activities that explore language, culture, food, arts, and monuments of various countries. At the Sixth Avenue campus, kids get to ‘go around the world’ virtually by scanning QR codes on the atelier’s world map, which will play an introductory videos about different cultures that align with the term’s theme.
Unique to Sixth Avenue is its Mandarin Cultural Experience Room, also fondly referred to as the campus’ own version of Chinatown. Mandarin lessons come alive in this space, where a mini supermarket and Chinese restaurant are set up for kids to learn the language through play.
This atelier is central to Little Paddington Preschool’s Mandarin Immersion Programme. Instead of focusing solely on literacy skills to develop a child’s Mandarin language proficiency, the preschool immerses them in its culture and values to further strengthen their grasp of the language.
Kids have ample outdoor space to learn and play too
Outdoor play is important for a child’s development, and it’s recommended that kids spend at least an hour a day outdoors for their wellbeing. One of Little Paddington Sixth Avenue’s ateliers – the Outdoor Art Atelier – is actually located outdoors to facilitate arts and craft as well as messy play.
But that’s not all, the campus also has space for sand and water play, which are usually the highlight of the week for the kids. On top of these, the kids have access to a vibrant outdoor play area, complete with slides, climbers, play huts, and lots of mini toy vehicles to zoom around on.
Keen to visit? Drop by during the campus’ upcoming Open House!
Little Paddington’s Sixth Avenue campus will be having its Open House on 24 August 2024, and you and your family are invited to visit. The teachers will be there to take you on a tour of its refurbished campus; plus, there’ll be outdoor and sensory activities for your kids to join. There’s also an arts and crafts corner, and the kids will be able to bring home their masterpiece.
Bonus: You get to enjoy up to $1,200 savings on school fees if you enrol your child during the Open House!
Need a preschool that’s closer to your neighbourhood? Little Paddington Preschool has seven other campuses around Singapore. Find your nearest Little Paddington Preschool on the website and register for its Open House today!
This post is in partnership with Little Paddington Preschool.