A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

JAN - mAR 2018

www.pcf.org.sg

opening

PRESIDENT’SCHALLENGE

APPRECIATIONNIGHT

of Sparkle Care@ Yew Tee

back to

Tips to get yourkids started

school

INSIDE

CONTENTSJanuary - March 2018

ONLINEEXCLUSIVE

For more news and photos ofour preschools, visit us at

WWW.PCF.ORG.SG

SparkleLink is a quarterly publication of the PAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, located at Blk 57B New Upper Changi Road, #01-1402, PCF Building, Singapore 463057All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the Editorial Team. The views

and opinions expressed or implied in SparkleLink are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Editorial Team.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

VICTOR BAY

SENIOR DIRECTOR CORPORATE SERVICES

CHOO AH CHOON

A D V I S O R S

E D I T O R I A L T E A MSamuel Ng, Elsie Lim, Jansy Chew, Ng Lay Hua, Delphine Teo, Alicia Lim, Penny Quek, Alice Chan, Karen Lee, Rachel Lim, Lim Wei Ni,

Annie Sim, Lee Wan Ting, Jacqueline Wong, Christine Tan, Pamela Wong, Tan Kerng Ngee, Calvin Fong and Juraimi Bin Jamal

FEATURES

President’s Challenge Appreciation Nightp5

p4 ECDA Innovation Award 2017

HAPPENINGS

p6Induction ‘‘Boot’’ Camp,

Celebrating RSN50 @ VIVO,

Official Opening of Sparkle Care @ Yew Tee and more!

FAMILY & LIFESTYLE

p13 Preparing your child forPreschool and Primary School

p15 CNY Craft Idea

CEO’S MESSAGE

Mr Victor Bay

Chief Executive Officer

PAP Community Foundation (PCF)

Preparing your child forPreschool and Primary School

A very happy new year to everyone! I hope everyone had an enjoyable time with your loved ones during the year end festive season.

There were many new developments in the preschool landscape in the later half of 2017. I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that PCF is prepared and ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We ended 2017 on a high. You can read more about the various programmes and activities conducted across PCF in this issue of Sparklelink.

The annual Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) Awards serve as a recognition to outstanding educators and educarers. We were heartened to see our staff among the winners announced at the ECDA Early Childhood Conference in October.

In November, PCF Sparkletots was very privileged to have one of our preschools, the only preschool in Singapore, to be invited to the President’s Challenge Appreciation Night. The teachers and children had supported the President’s Challenge through fundraising and participating in one of its public awareness activities. In the same month, our second PCF Sparkle Care senior care centre was officially opened in Yew Tee by Minister Lawrence Wong. Part of the programme for this centre include inter-generational bonding opportunities, where pre-schoolers from nearby PCF Sparkletots preschools will visit the seniors to interact with them.

As the school year opens, we know that many parents will be preparing their children for their first day in a preschool or primary school. We have included some tips on how to make the transition a fun and meaningful one for both parent and child.

I wish all of you every success in your endeavours in the year ahead!

Speech Choir is a programme that has been implemented in our childcare preschool since 2016. Speech Choir is about reciting a poem, story or verse as a group, with elements of choreography. The teachers and I constantly seek ways to provide quality and holistic programmes at our preschool. Using the Innovation grant funded by Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), we attended a customised training class from a local music training company where we learned how to teach Speech Choir to the children. We will hold Speech Choir meetings each term and discuss the effectiveness of the programme and the areas for improvement. We also discuss and determine the poems, stories or rhymes that each class will learn the following semester. We are mindful and determined that our children should be confident learners. The activities carried out in the Speech Choir programme must encompass the PCF Sparkletots curriculum’s 6 learning areas of Aesthetics & Creative Expression; Discovery of the World; Social & Emotional Development; Language & Literacy; Numeracy and Motor Skills Development.

Through Speech Choir, we see good improvement in the children as they gained confidence in expressing themselves. Children learn to count beats and tempo and to synchronise with speech and movements. Learning poems such as ‘Bear Hunt’ provide opportunities for the children to explore different sensorial textures such as mud, tall grass and water. Our teachers and children also discuss values of perseverance and taking risks when making decisions when they learned poems like, ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost.

We are very happy that our preschool received a distinction award in the ECDA Early Childhood Innovation Award 2017. Most importantly, we are very happy to see the positive impact of Speech Choir. We can see that the children absolutely enjoyed the programme as they get to perform together with their friends.

ECDA EARLY CHILDHOOD INNOVATION AWARD 2017

Written by Noorhayati ZahariPCF Sparkletots @ Nanyang Blk 922

Our children proudly showcasing their talent during our SpeechChoir Presentation to parents.

Musical instruments are used at times to make a Speech Choir

performance more lively.

p4

Speech Choir is a programme that has been implemented in our childcare preschool since 2016. Speech Choir is about reciting a poem, story or verse as a group, with elements of choreography. The teachers and I constantly seek ways to provide quality and holistic programmes at our preschool. Using the Innovation grant funded by Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), we attended a customised training class from a local music training company where we learned how to teach Speech Choir to the children. We will hold Speech Choir meetings each term and discuss the effectiveness of the programme and the areas for improvement. We also discuss and determine the poems, stories or rhymes that each class will learn the following semester. We are mindful and determined that our children should be confident learners. The activities carried out in the Speech Choir programme must encompass the PCF Sparkletots curriculum’s 6 learning areas of Aesthetics & Creative Expression; Discovery of the World; Social & Emotional Development; Language & Literacy; Numeracy and Motor Skills Development.

Through Speech Choir, we see good improvement in the children as they gained confidence in expressing themselves. Children learn to count beats and tempo and to synchronise with speech and movements. Learning poems such as ‘Bear Hunt’ provide opportunities for the children to explore different sensorial textures such as mud, tall grass and water. Our teachers and children also discuss values of perseverance and taking risks when making decisions when they learned poems like, ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost.

We are very happy that our preschool received a distinction award in the ECDA Early Childhood Innovation Award 2017. Most importantly, we are very happy to see the positive impact of Speech Choir. We can see that the children absolutely enjoyed the programme as they get to perform together with their friends.

ECDA EARLY CHILDHOOD INNOVATION AWARD 2017

Written by Noorhayati ZahariPCF Sparkletots @ Nanyang Blk 922

Our children proudly showcasing their talent during our SpeechChoir Presentation to parents.

Musical instruments are used at times to make a Speech Choir

performance more lively.

President’s Challengeappreciation night

PCF Sparkletots @ Eunos Blk 629 was invited to attend the Presidentʼs Challenge Appreciation Night hosted by President Halimah Yacob at the Istana on 23rd November 2017.

The preschool was involved in raising funds for the Presidentʼs Challenge, a major partner of ECDAʼs Start Small Dream Big initiative, through its Food Fiesta event when has been held since 2016. In 2017, the teachers and children from the preschool helped to facilitate a Presidentʼs Challenge booth activity on blind awareness during the Early Childhood Development Agency

(ECDA) Early Childhood Conference at Suntec City.

Ms Ain, the Centre Principal, and two students, Nur Edrysha and Sheris Chong, were invited on stage during the Appreciation Night. The children shared their experiences and what they learnt through participating in the Food Fiesta and blind awareness booth activities. Ms Ain shared the challenges that the preschool faced in mobilising the younger children to participate in the activities and the importance of cultivating the spirit of caring and compassion in young children.

PCF Sparkletots @ Eunos Blk 629 was very privileged to be the only preschool in Singapore to be invited to the Appreciation Night to present its experience to a live audience which included

the President. The story was featured in Berita Minggu on 26th November 2017.

Written by Ms Hurul-Aʼin Binte Mohd YusoffCentre Principal, PCF Sparkletots @ Eunos Blk 629

Centre Principal Ms Ain with student Nur Edrysha and Sheris Chong sharing their experiences on stage.

Post-event photo session with President Halimah Yacob

PCF Sparkletots children taking centre stage at the ceremony

p5

YearEnd LunchThe Annual PCF and PAP year end lunch

organised by the Social Recreation Club took place on 28th November 2017 at Ban Heng @ Harbourfront Centre. Staff were dressed up to the theme “Let’s go Retro!”

Retro songs and games played during the event brought back sweet childhood memories of bygone years.

A live song performance by Ms Goh Wei Ling, currently on an Early Childhood Education (ECE) internship programme with PCF was one of the many highlights of the event.

Ms Goh Wei Ling (first from right)with PCF colleagues at the event

Participants of the staff retreat at Bangkok

staff RetreatA 3D2N overseas staff retreat for PCF (HQ) and PAP was organised by our Social Recreation Club from 14th – 16th October 2017 to promote staff bonding and well-being. It was heartening to see family

members of our staff joining the trip.

Through this retreat, the participants developed a deeper understanding of their individual and group identity through spending time with colleagues and family members in a way that is fun and fulfilling, enjoying the comaraderie and companionship through activities such as, shopping, massages and of course, the

street food in this culinary wonderland.

p6

YearEnd LunchThe Annual PCF and PAP year end lunch

organised by the Social Recreation Club took place on 28th November 2017 at Ban Heng @ Harbourfront Centre. Staff were dressed up to the theme “Let’s go Retro!”

Retro songs and games played during the event brought back sweet childhood memories of bygone years.

A live song performance by Ms Goh Wei Ling, currently on an Early Childhood Education (ECE) internship programme with PCF was one of the many highlights of the event.

Ms Goh Wei Ling (first from right)with PCF colleagues at the event

Participants of the staff retreat at Bangkok

staff RetreatA 3D2N overseas staff retreat for PCF (HQ) and PAP was organised by our Social Recreation Club from 14th – 16th October 2017 to promote staff bonding and well-being. It was heartening to see family

members of our staff joining the trip.

Through this retreat, the participants developed a deeper understanding of their individual and group identity through spending time with colleagues and family members in a way that is fun and fulfilling, enjoying the comaraderie and companionship through activities such as, shopping, massages and of course, the

street food in this culinary wonderland.

induction“boot”camp

The 1-day Induction “Boot Camp” was first launched on 26th July 2017 to warmly welcome new members into our PCF family. It provides a great opportunity for staff to understand our organisation and work culture. Prior to this, induction was de-centralised at preschool level.

The day’s programme started with our CEO, Mr Victor Bay giving a welcome speech followed by team activities and lunch. In the afternoon, Head of Department (HODs) shared an overall view of the rules and responsibilities of each division.

The session ended off with a mass dance to the song titled “Try Everything”. We hope everyone in PCF will live up to the song to demonstrate creativity and innovation in their daily work.

New PCF staff attendedthe PCF “Boot” Camp

PCF CEO Mr Victor Bayaddressing new staff

Senior Director Tan Lee Jeegave briefing on preschool development

Senior Director Choo Ah Choonintroduced the corporate services of PCF

p7

Minister Lawrence Wong joining an elderlyin a painting activity

Group photo of Minister Lawrence Wong,MP for marsiling-Yew Tee Alex yam,sparkle care elderly and pcf children

Sparkle Care @ Yew Tee [located at Block 625 Choa Chu Kang Street 62 Singapore 680625] is now officially opened! This is PCF’s second Senior Care Centre; the first being Sparkle Care @ Changi Simei. Sparkle Care @ Yew Tee first began operations on 15 Feb 2017. It now caters to 98 elderly clients who are receiving Dementia Day Care; Maintenance Day Care; Rehabilitation Care and Nursing Care. The Official Opening was held on Saturday 25 Nov 2017 with PCF Council Chairman Minister Lawrence Wong as the Guest-of-Honour. Minister Lawrence Wong noted that though Sparkle Care @ Yew Tee was in operation for only nine months, it is already providing the much needed service in the Choa Chu Kang area. It has also received numerous compliments from the client’s families.

Minister Wong complimented PCF for building on the experience in the last two years to establish PCF’s own community rehabilitation capability in Sparkle Care @ Yew Tee. It now has its own dedicated group of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. He said that PCF’s Senior Care Service will build on its capability to expand on services, like providing caregiver training to clients’ families and running Cognitive Stimulation Therapy programmes to help clients improve on their cognitive capability. Minister Wong said that PCF will build on the experience and strength of the first two Sparkle Care Centres to grow our presence in the community. He announced the plan to open three more such centres in the next 1-2 years. He added that PCF would like to do more; but this would take time to build on capability.

Opening ofsparkle care@ yew tee

“We hope that PCF, just as it is synonymous with quality preschool now, will also be known as a provider that provides quality senior care services for Singaporeans.”

- Mr Lawrence WongMinister for National Development

PCF Sparkletots Preschoolerscelebrate RSN50 @ VIVO

Some 245 students, parents and staff from eight PCF Sparkletots preschools from the Central District were invited to participate in the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Golden Jubilee celebration on 9 and l0 November. They were given an exclusive tour of a frigate, the RSS Intrepid, viewed various exhibits and the sophisticated military technology employed on board the warship.

The students also performed dances and skits based on RSN50 story books, such as “Indy Indy Indy”, “Papa Goes To Sea”, “A Sailor Went To Sea” and more to commemorate 50 years of the RSN's commitment as a strong and ready maritime force for our maritime nation, Singapore.

An exclusive RSN50 Children story book was presented to each child as a momento and a token of appreciation for their performances.

It was an exhilarating experience for both the children and parents!

Written by Krisnaveni PKPCF Sparkletots @ Braddell Heights Blk 307

Little PCF Sparkletots Preschool

sailor wannabes! A salute to the NAVY

A grateful smile to the navy

for protecting Singapore

R S N 5 0R S N 5 0p8

PCF Sparkletots Preschoolerscelebrate RSN50 @ VIVO

Some 245 students, parents and staff from eight PCF Sparkletots preschools from the Central District were invited to participate in the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Golden Jubilee celebration on 9 and l0 November. They were given an exclusive tour of a frigate, the RSS Intrepid, viewed various exhibits and the sophisticated military technology employed on board the warship.

The students also performed dances and skits based on RSN50 story books, such as “Indy Indy Indy”, “Papa Goes To Sea”, “A Sailor Went To Sea” and more to commemorate 50 years of the RSN's commitment as a strong and ready maritime force for our maritime nation, Singapore.

An exclusive RSN50 Children story book was presented to each child as a momento and a token of appreciation for their performances.

It was an exhilarating experience for both the children and parents!

Written by Krisnaveni PKPCF Sparkletots @ Braddell Heights Blk 307

Little PCF Sparkletots Preschool

sailor wannabes! A salute to the NAVY

A grateful smile to the navy

for protecting Singapore

R S N 5 0R S N 5 0p9

Written by Siti Nurwahidah Binte AmanPCF Sparkletots @ Tampines West Blk 890A

COMMUNITYENGAGEMENT

Our children also learned the importance of recycling from the National Environment Agency (NEA) officers. The children proudly used their “self-made” recycled paper to create a replica of the Merlion. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) contributed educational books and colourful posters that promote fire safety. Each child was proud to don on a fireman’s helmet and aspiring to be little firefighters.

To commemorate Singapore's birthday, we invited SPF, SCDF and NEA to our 'National Day and Appreciation Day' Party on 7 August 2017. Minister Masagos Zulkifli graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour and the teachers led all our children in showing their appreciation to the unsung heroes of these organisations by presenting tokens of appreciation to each of them.

These community engagement efforts allow us to tap on a wealth of knowledge and resources from subject matter experts to provide a more enriching learning experience for our children.

Community engagement is essential to develop social awareness. It also contributes to a holistic learning environment for young children.

At PCF Sparkletots @ Tampines West Blk 890A, learning extends beyond the classroom in many forms. For example, our children learned about “Safety” and how to handle dangerous situations from our ever vigilant men in blue from the Singapore Police Force. Our children interacted meaningfully with the policemen, took photographs and received Police Peak caps as momentos.

Presenting the Token of Appreciation to Captain Abraham John from Singapore

Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

Minister Masagos kickstarts theevent which is part of our Start Small

Dream Big 2017 Project

Nursery 1 children performing

“Reach Out for the Sky”

p10

Written by Siti Nurwahidah Binte AmanPCF Sparkletots @ Tampines West Blk 890A

COMMUNITYENGAGEMENT

Our children also learned the importance of recycling from the National Environment Agency (NEA) officers. The children proudly used their “self-made” recycled paper to create a replica of the Merlion. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) contributed educational books and colourful posters that promote fire safety. Each child was proud to don on a fireman’s helmet and aspiring to be little firefighters.

To commemorate Singapore's birthday, we invited SPF, SCDF and NEA to our 'National Day and Appreciation Day' Party on 7 August 2017. Minister Masagos Zulkifli graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour and the teachers led all our children in showing their appreciation to the unsung heroes of these organisations by presenting tokens of appreciation to each of them.

These community engagement efforts allow us to tap on a wealth of knowledge and resources from subject matter experts to provide a more enriching learning experience for our children.

Community engagement is essential to develop social awareness. It also contributes to a holistic learning environment for young children.

At PCF Sparkletots @ Tampines West Blk 890A, learning extends beyond the classroom in many forms. For example, our children learned about “Safety” and how to handle dangerous situations from our ever vigilant men in blue from the Singapore Police Force. Our children interacted meaningfully with the policemen, took photographs and received Police Peak caps as momentos.

Presenting the Token of Appreciation to Captain Abraham John from Singapore

Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

Minister Masagos kickstarts theevent which is part of our Start Small

Dream Big 2017 Project

Nursery 1 children performing

“Reach Out for the Sky”

At PCF Sparkletots @ Kebun Baru Blk 180, technology is integrated into the curriculum to advocate holistic learning for children. Tech-toys provide many opportunities to engage children in purposeful play and quality learning.

For example, the Bee-Bots are used to facilitate learning activities like sequencing, estimation, problem solving and language related tasks. Much fun was injected into the revision of high frequency words. Excitement builds up during a typical Mother Tongue lesson when the teacher brings Bee-Bot into the learning centre to encourage reading.

Tech toys foster inventive thinking. Stories come alive when children programme the toys to perform speci�c roles and tasks, as those by the characters in the stories. This fosters cognitive and social development through technology.

Written by

Kalamathy D/O Miniandi,

PCF Sparkletots @ Kebun Baru Blk 180

Most children are intrinsically motivated by technology-enabled toys, which di�er from other regular learning resources. For example, our little engineers can use circuit stickers, copper tapes and LED stickers to create circuits to “light-up” their crafts.

The integration of technology in pre-school education plays a part in equipping our children’s future-readiness. Tech toys can support learning in many areas, contributing towards the holistic development in children and the building of a Smart Nation in the long run.

Technology Integrated Curriculum

Children completed their ‘light-up’ their crafts.

crafts that can be ‘light-up’ using various materials

children playing with tech toys

children creating their very own circuits

On 11 October 2017, PCF Sparkletots leaders from the North West, South East and South West Districts came together for a workshop and sharing session to learn about the Five Love Languages as part of their ongoing professional development journey.

The guest speaker, Mr Tan Yew Ping, General Manager of HDB Hougang Branch, shared his experience in exercising The Five Love Languages. According to Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages series of books, love can be expressed and received through words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, quality time and receiving gifts. However, each individual has a primary love language that should first be identified before it can be applied effectively, with the other four love languages complementing as ‘icing on the cake’.

oveanguages5L

As leaders, the participants learned that they need to be exemplary in this aspect, but a lack of clarity or confidence often deters them from practicing it. During the workshop, opportunities were provided for the participants to practice identifying and applying the different love languages amongst themselves to equip them with both the knowledge and skills to practise them confidently at their preschools. This will help to foster and instil greater cohesion and loyalty among their teachers and staff.

Contributed by Ms Rachel LimExecutive Principal (NW5), PCF HQ

how tocommunicate

actionsto take

actionsto avoid

Expressing your love in

sincere words and sharing the reason

behind why you love them

Words ofaffirmation

Encourage, affirm, appreciate,

empathize. Listen actively.

Send an unexpected note, text, or card.

Encourage genuinely and often.

Non-constructive criticism, not

recognizing or appreciating

effort.

It means a lot when someone

goes out oftheir way to do something for someone else

acts ofservice

Use action phrases like “I’ll help...”

They want to know you are with them.

Go out of yourway to help

alleviate theirdaily workload.

Making the requests of others a higher

priority, lacking follow through on task big and small

Hugs, pats on the back,

holding hands and just

being neareach other

Physicaltouch

Non-verbal – use body language

and touch to emphasize love.

Hugs, pats on the back, and just be near

Physical neglect, receiving

affection coldly.

Spending time together while beingpresent andgiving your

full undivided attention.

Quality Time

Uninterrupted and focused conversations.

One-on-one timeis critical.

Create special moments

together, have lunch together

Distractions when spending time together.

Gifts and gestures show

that you areknown, lovedand cared for.

ReceivingGifts

Thoughtfulness -make your colleagues

a priority, speak purposefully.

Give thoughtful gifts and gestures. Small

things matter in a big way. Express gratitude when receiving a gift.

Forgetting special occasions,

unenthusiasticgift receiving.

On 11 October 2017, PCF Sparkletots leaders from the North West, South East and South West Districts came together for a workshop and sharing session to learn about the Five Love Languages as part of their ongoing professional development journey.

The guest speaker, Mr Tan Yew Ping, General Manager of HDB Hougang Branch, shared his experience in exercising The Five Love Languages. According to Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages series of books, love can be expressed and received through words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, quality time and receiving gifts. However, each individual has a primary love language that should first be identified before it can be applied effectively, with the other four love languages complementing as ‘icing on the cake’.

oveanguages5L

As leaders, the participants learned that they need to be exemplary in this aspect, but a lack of clarity or confidence often deters them from practicing it. During the workshop, opportunities were provided for the participants to practice identifying and applying the different love languages amongst themselves to equip them with both the knowledge and skills to practise them confidently at their preschools. This will help to foster and instil greater cohesion and loyalty among their teachers and staff.

Contributed by Ms Rachel LimExecutive Principal (NW5), PCF HQ

how tocommunicate

actionsto take

actionsto avoid

Expressing your love in

sincere words and sharing the reason

behind why you love them

Words ofaffirmation

Encourage, affirm, appreciate,

empathize. Listen actively.

Send an unexpected note, text, or card.

Encourage genuinely and often.

Non-constructive criticism, not

recognizing or appreciating

effort.

It means a lot when someone

goes out oftheir way to do something for someone else

acts ofservice

Use action phrases like “I’ll help...”

They want to know you are with them.

Go out of yourway to help

alleviate theirdaily workload.

Making the requests of others a higher

priority, lacking follow through on task big and small

Hugs, pats on the back,

holding hands and just

being neareach other

Physicaltouch

Non-verbal – use body language

and touch to emphasize love.

Hugs, pats on the back, and just be near

Physical neglect, receiving

affection coldly.

Spending time together while beingpresent andgiving your

full undivided attention.

Quality Time

Uninterrupted and focused conversations.

One-on-one timeis critical.

Create special moments

together, have lunch together

Distractions when spending time together.

Gifts and gestures show

that you areknown, lovedand cared for.

ReceivingGifts

Thoughtfulness -make your colleagues

a priority, speak purposefully.

Give thoughtful gifts and gestures. Small

things matter in a big way. Express gratitude when receiving a gift.

Forgetting special occasions,

unenthusiasticgift receiving.

Adopt an open and positive mindset in giving your child, the school and yourself a chance to thrive in the transition.

Contributors: Rachel Foo Yuanling | Elizabeth Yeo Geok Khim | Adeline Tan Geok BeePCF HQ, Quality Assurance Coach Team

Attending the orientation organised by the school is an important first step to familiarise your child with the school environment. Taking some pictures of the school premises will facilitate further discussion at home.

Familiariseyour child withthe school

One of the greatest challenges of early childhood is the transition to primary school. Research has confirmed that a positive experience during this transition will initiate children into a virtuous cycle of learning, which will determine their future success in the realms of social, emotional and educational outcomes.

The transition is an exciting journey for both parents and children. Children enter into opportunities for new learning with expectation and trepidation, which will require parental support and encouragement to ensure positive outcomes.

While the transition seems challenging, the following tips can help to smoothen its process:

preparing Your Childfor primary School

Establishing safety parameters with clear ‘dos and don’ts’ will enhance feelings of security in children. Discuss safety procedures such as, the dangers of leaving the school compound unaccompanied by an adult, road safety issues; and educating your child on what to do when faced with uncomfortable encounters, are some examples as starters.

Dealingwith Parents’

Anxieties

Research informs us that parents’ anxieties can be transmitted to their children even without their communicating them. Parents should be mindful to conceal their anxiety in their speech and action during this period. Conversely, projecting positivity can be infectious, e.g., ‘I like your new teacher’ or ‘your new classroom is spacious and well-ventilated’ or ‘your classmates seem so friendly’.

✓

Establisha routine

Create a time-table to schedule time for work, play and other activities; time to go to bed and time for waking up. Once children get into the habit of doing these routines, they become second nature

to them.

Discussparameters for safety

Read some books on what to expect at Primary School. A good example is “Colin Cool Goes To School” from the Healthy Hub website. Some suggested activities in the book include encouraging your child to enjoy reading, positive ways to make new friends, allaying fears of buying food/things during recess, and encouraging parents to share your own experience transiting to primary school, which will encourage your child to look forward to the experience.

Talkabout

what toexpect

p13

Contributed by Christine Soo(Manager & ECDA Fellow, Professional & Education Development Division)

As many of our children start to attend preschool at a very young age, it has become extremely important to make it a positive experience. Often, there is excitement, coupled with some degree of anxiety. Parents play a crucial role in ensuring a successful transition of their children to a preschool. This in turn has great benefits:

• It gives children a positive head-start to life-long learning• It helps children to be emotionally and physically attuned to preschool

Here are some tips to pave the way for your child’s preschool readiness:

Importantly, parents should trust that their children are adaptable, and believe that the teachers are capable and eager to partner you to give your child a head-start to preschool.

Adjust your child’s schedule

Adjust your child's sleep schedule weeks before attending preschool.

Teach your child self-help skills. Pack and organise the school bag together with him at night. Talk about taking care of

personal belongings.

Self-help skills Have a hearty breakfast together. Talk about school enthusiastically. Let him know when you have to leave and that you will be back to fetch him. Leave immediately after saying

goodbye, even if the child cries.

First Day at Preschool

Mental PreparationRead a book about going to school to give your child an idea of what school is all about. Describe to him the arrival health check, routines in school, playing with friends, teachers who will take care of him, settling in

and when you will be fetching him home.

Have your child cross out the days on a calendar to count down to the first day of school.

Plan thetransition togetherwith your child Find out the procedures for

arrival, departure and activities that your child will experience

throughout the day.

Attend the preschoolorientation

Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals for Chinese. It symbolises the arrival of spring, a season of newness, hope and life. It is also

known as the Spring Festival 春节 (chun jie). The tradition of the ‘Reunion Dinner’ is practised and emphasised on the eve of Chinese New Year, where family members near and far, will make it a point to travel home for an annual gathering over a sumptuous meal.

The Chinese like the word ‘fu’ (福), meaning ‘blessings’. It symbolises ‘good luck, fortune and wealth’, which is used to decorate the house to create the desired atmosphere on this auspicious occasion. When the word is deliberately pasted upside down, the act of which is called ‘福倒’ (fu dao), but the resultant effect reads ‘福. 到’ (fu dao), which means ‘the arrival of good luck’, the ultimate wish of the season.

- Materials needed -

Art & Craft• 12 short pieces of yarn

(2 colours; red and yellow or orange)

6 slightly longer pieces of yarn,same colours as the previous

2 long pieces of yarn, colours as previous

2 ‘U’ shaped red paper

1 hard card board (15cm x 15 cm)

2 red paper (15cm x 15cm)

Masking tape

Glue

Yellow paint / gold marker

MATERIALS NEEDEDFOR cny ART & CRAFT

福福

福

Children with

completed aRtpieces

Written by Ms Chew & children ofPCF Sparkletots @ Nanyang Blk 825

p14

Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals for Chinese. It symbolises the arrival of spring, a season of newness, hope and life. It is also

known as the Spring Festival 春节 (chun jie). The tradition of the ‘Reunion Dinner’ is practised and emphasised on the eve of Chinese New Year, where family members near and far, will make it a point to travel home for an annual gathering over a sumptuous meal.

The Chinese like the word ‘fu’ (福), meaning ‘blessings’. It symbolises ‘good luck, fortune and wealth’, which is used to decorate the house to create the desired atmosphere on this auspicious occasion. When the word is deliberately pasted upside down, the act of which is called ‘福倒’ (fu dao), but the resultant effect reads ‘福. 到’ (fu dao), which means ‘the arrival of good luck’, the ultimate wish of the season.

- Materials needed -

Art & Craft• 12 short pieces of yarn

(2 colours; red and yellow or orange)

6 slightly longer pieces of yarn,same colours as the previous

2 long pieces of yarn, colours as previous

2 ‘U’ shaped red paper

1 hard card board (15cm x 15 cm)

2 red paper (15cm x 15cm)

Masking tape

Glue

Yellow paint / gold marker

MATERIALS NEEDEDFOR cny ART & CRAFT

福福

福

Children with

completed aRtpieces

Written by Ms Chew & children ofPCF Sparkletots @ Nanyang Blk 825

Introduce the word/s to children, followed by them writing it using paint or gold ink.

For younger children, adults can write the words, and children just need to write over it with ink. Leave to dry if you are using paint.

*you may want to write on both red paper if you are not hanging this against the wall. This way you will get to see the word on both sides.

Variations: you can write any word you like for this art work, or even combine 4 of them to make greetings such as 花开富贵.

STEP 1 :

STEP 2 :Apply some glue at the edges of

the 4 sides of the cardboard.

Use the short pieces of yarn by first folding them into loops before pasting them onto the card board. Make 3

loops on each side.

Secure the pieces of yarn firmly with some tape.

Put the longer pieces of yarn together and secure them with some red paper and glue.

Paste the ‘U’ shaped paper on 2 opposing corners of the card board. Secure them with tape.

STEP 3 :

Put the longer pieces of yarn together and secure them with some red paper and glue.

Paste the ‘U’ shaped paper on 2 opposing corners of the card board. Secure them

with tape.

STEP 4 :

Child writing out`fu’ (福) calligraphy

Child decorat

ing

her own ARTP

IECE

Child having final touchesto their aRtpieces

Introduce the word/s to children, followed by them writing it using paint or gold ink.

For younger children, adults can write the words, and children just need to write over it with ink. Leave to dry if you are using paint.

*you may want to write on both red paper if you are not hanging this against the wall. This way you will get to see the word on both sides.

Variations: you can write any word you like for this art work, or even combine 4 of them to make greetings such as 花开富贵.

STEP 1 :

STEP 2 :Apply some glue at the edges of

the 4 sides of the cardboard.

Use the short pieces of yarn by first folding them into loops before pasting them onto the card board. Make 3

loops on each side.

Secure the pieces of yarn firmly with some tape.

Put the longer pieces of yarn together and secure them with some red paper and glue.

Paste the ‘U’ shaped paper on 2 opposing corners of the card board. Secure them with tape.

STEP 3 :

Put the longer pieces of yarn together and secure them with some red paper and glue.

Paste the ‘U’ shaped paper on 2 opposing corners of the card board. Secure them

with tape.

STEP 4 :

Child writing out`fu’ (福) calligraphy

Child decorat

ing

her own ARTP

IECE

Child having final touchesto their aRtpieces

$

WALK-IN INTERVIEWMonday - Friday from 10am to 4pm Except Public Holidays & eve of Public Holidays

Blk 57B New Upper Changi Road #01-1402, Singapore 463057 Email your resume to hr.recruit@pcf.org.sg Call us at 6244 4600

Do you desire to nurture the young?If you are a professional who’s passionate about inspiring and moulding

the young, JOIN US! Be part of the team that finds fulfilment in nurturing

young children and walking beside them, helping them grow and learn!

Positions Available• Centre Principal

• Preschool Teacher

• Infant Educarer

• Cook & CleanerSuccessful applicants will enjoy a competitive salary and Course Sponsorships are available!

Terms and conditions apply$200 cOOK &

cLEANER

$500 PRINCIPAL

aSSISTANT TEACHER$300

preschool TEACHER & INFANT EDUCARER$400