Contrary to the olden times, fun activities, such as playing, are now widely acknowledged as a critical element in early childhood education.

In Singapore’s academic landscape, play is seamlessly woven into the nursery and kindergarten curriculum, emphasising its importance in fostering child development.

Explore the advantages of play in nursery and kindergarten education and learn how private preschools and childcare schools in Singapore encourage children’s learning journey through fun activities.

The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Education

Cognitive Development

Play is critical for the cognitive growth of young children in nursery and kindergarten. It allows them to practise problem-solving, improve critical thinking abilities, and boost creativity. Building blocks, puzzles, and role-playing activities all contribute to helping children think strategically and consider various solutions.

Social and Emotional Growth

Engaging in play is necessary for children to cultivate vital social and emotional abilities in nursery and kindergarten environments. Children learn valuable lessons in effective communication, sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution by playing with their peers. These competencies are vital for their success in future academic settings and their personal lives.

Physical Development

Engaging in play is also essential for physical growth. Activities such as running, climbing, and playing with balls contribute to motor skills, coordination, and general physical well-being enhancement. At a private preschool in Singapore, organised play sessions are specifically crafted to encourage children to participate in exercises supporting their physical development.

Types of Play in Nursery and Kindergarten

Free Play

Free play is unstructured and child-directed, allowing children to use their imagination and creativity without specific guidelines. In nursery-agesettings in Singapore, children are given the freedom to choose their activities, fostering independence and decision-making skills.

Guided Play

Guided play involves adults facilitating activities with a specific educational goal in mind. In kindergarten age groups in Singapore, teachers design play activities that align with the curriculum objectives. For example, a teacher might set up a grocery store scenario to teach children about numbers and money.

Structured Play

Structured play is characterised by its formal and organised nature, typically entailing specific rules and objectives. This form of play is frequently observed in private preschool settings, where activities are carefully designed to address specific developmental goals. Examples of structured play include board games, sports, and group activities emphasising teamwork and adherence to instructions.

Benefits of Play-Based Learning

Enhancing Academic Skills

Play-based learning in preschool and kindergarten settings is instrumental in fostering the development of fundamental academic skills among young children. Through play, children can grasp basic mathematical principles, language proficiency, and critical thinking skills. An example is when children engage in activities such as counting blocks or measuring sand in a sandbox, which effectively introduces mathematical concepts enjoyably and interactively.

Fostering Creativity and Imagination

Play encourages creativity and imagination, which are essential for problem-solving and innovation. In a childcare school, children are often engaged in arts and crafts, storytelling, and imaginative play that stimulate their creative thinking and allow them to express themselves freely.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

When children engage in play, they experience success and overcome challenges, which builds their confidence and self-esteem. In nursery age groups in Singapore, positive reinforcement during play activities helps children develop a sense of accomplishment and belief in their abilities.

Supporting Play at Home

Creating a Play-Friendly Environment

Parents can support their children’s play-based learning by creating a play-friendly environment at home. This approach involves providing a variety of toys and materials that encourage different types of play, such as building blocks, art supplies, and outdoor play equipment.

Encouraging Unstructured Play

Allowing children time for unstructured play is necessary. Parents should encourage their children to explore and play freely without strict guidelines. This type of play helps children develop autonomy and creativity.

Participating in Play Activities

Parents can also engage in play activities with their children. This approach not only strengthens the parent-child bond but also allows parents to observe and understand their children’s interests and developmental needs. Participating in play can be as simple as reading a story together, building a puzzle, or playing a game of catch.

Conclusion

Play is an essential component of nursery and kindergarten education in Singapore, influencing children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. Recognising the various forms of play and their advantages enables parents and educators to provide improved assistance for children’s learning and development. In a culture that places great importance on academic achievement, incorporating play into private preschools and childcare schools in Singapore guarantees a comprehensive approach that fosters the overall development of the child.

Visit Odyssey – The Global Preschool and allow us to nurture your child’s potential.