 |
| Image source unknown |
In 3 months' time, my little Gemini Grrl will no longer be a Toddler, but will technically become a Preschooler. It seemed like only yesterday that I saw the positive sign on my testkit; heard her precious little heartbeat; found out I was having a girl; held her in my arms for the very first time after feeling her grow inside me for 9 months. And pretty soon she's going to be starting "school"? When did that happen?? Ok, so I'm not completely shocked, because I have been planning it carefully ever since she was born (because I am a natural planner - some people might even say I may over plan things, but hey, this is how I am and it makes me happy, so please shut up).
To make the whole transition easier on her (and me!), I have this whole preparation process all planned out, and hopefully it will work out as well as I hope it would.
STEP 1: PLAYDATES
 |
| Gemini Grrl (left) with her good buddy (right) at the Jurong Birdpark for a playdate :) |
Ever since my daughter was almost a year old, we started bringing her on playdates to introduce her to new friends and just socialise with other children her age. We would go to each other's houses, sometimes let the little ones roam around various kiddy indoor playgrounds together, visit various places of interests, have fun splashing about at pools and water-play areas, or just meet up for lunch and have the little ones sit side by side in their high-chairs to munch on their snacks together. It's lovely to see them gradually learning how to socialise and play with one another, and the older they get, the more the children enjoy each other's company and even start to request to meet up with their friends by name! :)
STEP 2: PARENT ACCOMPANIED PLAYGROUP
Shortly after turning 2 years old, I signed us up for a parent accompanied playgroup at an international school near our house, which we still attend once a week. It is open for toddlers aged 15 months - 3 years old, but once you're already in the programme, they are flexible enough to let your child continue for a few more months until they turn 3.5 years old (and then they are no longer eligible for the playgroup). It's a fun little class where there are lots of interesting activity stations set up in a classroom, and parents are encouraged to take part with their children as well. There is also outdoor play time for the kids to stretch their legs while getting some fresh air and sunshine. Then it's back up for snack time as a group, more free play and to end it off, circle time with some upbeat songs (dancing and singing), stories and bubble-blowing. It's great fun and the children are introduced to the concept of a classroom, a having a teacher, other classmates, as well as a class schedule to follow.
STEP 3: DROP-OFF ENRICHMENT CLASS
I'm still trying to find a weekly drop-off class where she can attend for an hour or so to have a little fun while learning something (Dance, Drama, Singing, Gym, etc), and at the same time, get used to me not being around for a short while. However, a lot of such enrichment classes offered here are usually for 4 year olds and up, or the ones in her age range are quite far away from where we live and the commute gives me a headache just thinking about it. So the search continues.
 |
| Gemini Grrl playing in the sandpit at her weekly playgroup |
Shortly after turning 2 years old, I signed us up for a parent accompanied playgroup at an international school near our house, which we still attend once a week. It is open for toddlers aged 15 months - 3 years old, but once you're already in the programme, they are flexible enough to let your child continue for a few more months until they turn 3.5 years old (and then they are no longer eligible for the playgroup). It's a fun little class where there are lots of interesting activity stations set up in a classroom, and parents are encouraged to take part with their children as well. There is also outdoor play time for the kids to stretch their legs while getting some fresh air and sunshine. Then it's back up for snack time as a group, more free play and to end it off, circle time with some upbeat songs (dancing and singing), stories and bubble-blowing. It's great fun and the children are introduced to the concept of a classroom, a having a teacher, other classmates, as well as a class schedule to follow.
STEP 3: DROP-OFF ENRICHMENT CLASS
 |
| Gemini Grrl painting a colourful little masterpiece |
I'm still trying to find a weekly drop-off class where she can attend for an hour or so to have a little fun while learning something (Dance, Drama, Singing, Gym, etc), and at the same time, get used to me not being around for a short while. However, a lot of such enrichment classes offered here are usually for 4 year olds and up, or the ones in her age range are quite far away from where we live and the commute gives me a headache just thinking about it. So the search continues.
STEP 4: DAILY DROP-OFF PLAYGROUP
 |
| Gemini Grrl (right) painting with water on a dry deck, alongside her playgroup classmate (left). |
Luckily for me, a new learning centre has just opened up literally at my apartment complex. So I peeked in on their classes and noticed that they also offer an integrated daily drop-off playgroup for toddlers and preschoolers (18 months - 4 years old). Since we are pretty happy with our current weekly parent accompanied playgroup, she'll only be starting this daily drop-off programme next year at the start of their intake for the new term, once she turns 3.5 years old.
STEP 5: KINDERGARTEN
 |
| Gemini Grrl paiting with marbles |
When she is 4 years old, she will attend Kindergarten at this wonderful little preschool I discovered, not too far away from where we live (it's a very short drive, but no direct buses unfortunately). They have a half-day programme and a full-day programme, but we most likely will sign her up for the full-day programme, as I will be going back to work again fulltime, but the hours are flexible and I can pick her up any time I'm done. I love the preschool I have chosen for her, because they have such wonderful facilities, including an Art Studio (for Arts & Craft activities), Dance Studio (for Dance, Movement and also Drama lessons), Multimedia Room (to play educational computer games), Library (for story time and quiet reading), Mini Kitchen (for cooking lessons), as well as swimming lessons.
STEP 6: PRIMARY SCHOOL (GRADE SCHOOL)
 |
| Gemini Grrl's scribble-art (1 yr old) |
The year that my daughter turns 7 years old, by law we are required to send her to a Primary School (Grade School). Now, as she is a Citizen (because my husband is a Citizen), she is also required to only join a local school, but not an international school (which is a shame, because I went to international school since Preschool. But oh well, I have faith in the local school system as well). The great thing about our neighbourhood is that there is a Primary School right next door (I can sometimes hear the faint murmurs of their school assembly, right from my living room), so the location is super convenient, plus it is dirt cheap. Seriously, astoundingly cheap, as compared to an international school, which you probably would have to sell your kidneys for.
***
As much as I would love to homeschool her (and have even done my research and connected with the local homeschooling community), living in the world's most expensive city means that it is only feasible for both parents to be working. Also, the particular preschool which I have selected is on the higher end of the price range, but for the facilities and activities provided, I feel that it is just the price we have to pay for a quality preschool. Some people argue that young children don't really need to go to preschool, plus they are only required by law to get formal education starting from the year they turn 7.
But personally, I don't want her very first day at school to be at a proper academic establishment such as Primary School (Grade School), where there are school bells blaring, teachers glaring, textbooks to lug, and homework to be completed. I feel that there are already certain expectations of the students, especially in Singapura's competitive education system. You'd be surprised how many preschools here already start enforcing a rather regimental approach to learning, assign homework and even have pop quizzes in school.
This may be favoured by some parents, and that is entirely their prerogative, but personally I am definitely into a more play-based approach when it comes to preschool, and like the Montesorri method as well as the Reggio Emilia approach. I may go as far as to say that I do not believe in homework given to Primary School students (but that is another topic for another day).
Well, that is my own little plan for my daughter's preparation to enter Preschool (and eventually Primary School). Ok, it may be far from perfect in some people's eyes, but to me, that's the best route I can think of to make the whole transition as painless and stress-free as possible. Currently, we are still at Step 2, whilst looking around for a suitable place for Step 3, and will only be starting Step 4 at the beginning of next year (2016).
What do think about my plan? Do you have your own little plan sorted out for your little one? Do share your thoughts with me or feel free to ask me any question in the comments section! :)
