Latest news with #Kinderland
CNA
16-06-2025
- CNA
Safeguarding children against the risks of a digital world
In today's tech-saturated world, it's essential to equip children with digital literacy – while also finding a healthy balance between screen use and hands-on activities. When used purposefully, technology can help children build familiarity with the digital tools they will encounter throughout their education and beyond. This is where preschools like Kinderland make a difference. At Kinderland, screens are used solely for learning – not for entertainment or to pass time. Foundational coding concepts are first introduced in nursery through screen-free tools like Code-a-Pillar, Bee-Bot and Dash Robot, helping children develop communication, creativity and critical thinking, along with sequencing, pattern recognition and logical reasoning skills. Screen-based tools such as iPads and the Scratch Junior app are introduced only in the final term of K2. With Scratch Junior's simple drag-and-drop interface, children create interactive stories, gaining experience in storytelling, problem-solving and project design – all in a safe, age-appropriate digital environment. Kinderland's Literacy through IT (LIT) programme also provides a safe and structured way for children from nursery to K2 to learn how to use computers. After learning the basic rules of responsible use, children spend about 20 minutes each lesson on activities like word building, decoding, reading and creative writing. 'Digital safety is a key part of our curriculum,' said Dr Carol Loy, senior director of curriculum and professional development at Kinderland. 'When introducing computer usage, our educators guide children to understand what safe and appropriate use looks like. These early conversations help children develop a healthy sense of digital responsibility in an age-appropriate way.' This thoughtful approach to digital education is something parents have noticed and appreciated. 'Whether it's reading and writing, learning computer basics or building problem-solving skills through coding tasks, these programmes lay a strong foundation for primary school,' said Mdm Evalyn Tan, whose five-year-old child attends Kinderland Preschool @ Marine Parade. 'My child always comes home eager to share what he has learned – it's clear he enjoys and remembers what he is taught.' HANDS-ON LEARNING REMAINS A PRIORITY To avoid over-dependence on screens, Kinderland ensures that screen-free activities remain central to daily learning. Beyond classroom lessons, children are encouraged to read, explore arts and crafts, play musical instruments and take part in collaborative games. If a child appears overly reliant on screens – such as using a tablet upon arrival or requesting one from their parents immediately after dismissal – Kinderland's centre leaders and educators work closely with parents to provide guidance on encouraging more balanced learning and play at home. 'By setting clear boundaries around screen time and providing meaningful, engaging learning opportunities, we nurture children's innate curiosity and support strong cognitive, emotional and social growth,' said Dr Loy. WHY BALANCE MATTERS: THE HIDDEN COSTS OF EXCESSIVE SCREEN TIME Research from National University of Singapore shows that excessive screen use at an early age can alter brain activity, impacting functions like impulse control and task management. 'Relying on screens to soothe or entertain children may impede their ability to develop self-regulation skills. Children who are frequently given screens to manage emotions may struggle to cope with frustration and have more tantrums,' Dr Loy explained. 'Too much screen time can also reduce opportunities for meaningful conversations and social interaction, which are important for language development and understanding social cues.' There are physical drawbacks, too. Prolonged exposure to screens is closely linked with early-onset myopia, which can lead to severe vision problems later in life. It also reduces physical activity, increasing the risk of childhood obesity and related health issues. The Ministry of Health recommends no screen time for children under 18 months, except for interactive video calls. For children aged 18 months to six years, screen time should be kept to under an hour per day, excluding schoolwork. SUPPORTIVE HOME HABITS MATTER Mdm Tan shared that she has seen positive results after implementing screen-free strategies recommended by her son's teacher. 'We've stopped using screens before school and it really helps him start the day with a clear, focused mind. In the evenings, keeping screens off has made bedtime easier, too – he now winds down with hands-on play and calming activities.' She also found that certain screen-free activities hold her son's attention for long stretches. 'Building LEGO sets – especially those with step-by-step guides – keeps our son engaged for a long time. It helps him develop focus, problem-solving skills and a sense of accomplishment. It also sparks his creativity as he comes up with interesting characters and imaginative stories,' Mdm Tan shared. It's also important for parents and caregivers to model a healthy relationship with screens, especially as children often emulate adult behaviour. Dr Loy recommends establishing tech-free zones at home. 'Designate times or spaces – like during meals, family time or bedtime – where screens are off-limits,' she advised. 'This encourages face-to-face interaction and helps children appreciate the value of personal connections without digital distractions.' 'Research shows that the human brain develops most rapidly in the first five years of life, making this a crucial window for shaping lifelong learning,' said Dr Loy. 'Given the brain's heightened plasticity in these early years, it is essential to provide enriching, responsive and safe environments that encourage exploration and meaningful interactions.' At Kinderland, a strong foundation in hands-on learning, guided use of educational technology and close collaboration with families ensures that children develop essential digital skills – while still enjoying the benefits of screen-free play.
Straits Times
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Coding, KinderFit, musical play: How preschool's diverse curriculum is nurturing confident, creative children
BRANDED CONTENT Coding, KinderFit, musical play: How preschool's diverse curriculum is nurturing confident, creative children At Kinderland Academy and Preschool, children learn Stem concepts as early as nursery through screen-free robotics, while also building life skills through a mix of interactive programmes Whenever Mr Eldric Chew sends his two sons to preschool, it is like a trip down memory lane. The 37-year-old also attended Kinderland at Marine Parade when he was a child, and still remembers the building, where his brother, cousin and himself, learnt and played together. In fact, when he enrolled his older son, Enzo, now 6, back in 2020 in infant care, he recognised a teacher who had been with Kinderland since he was a preschooler there. He recalls the preschool's strong music focus and bilingual approach – a constant for the 47-year preschool, even as the curriculum evolves with the times. One new offering is coding, which surprised the father-of-two. His younger son, Eizen, four, also attends Kinderland. 'Interestingly enough, because I'm in the robotics industry, I was amazed that my kids would actually get to know what I'm doing,' says Mr Chew who is a global head of business development for a robotics software management company. 'After learning about a cleaning robot in school, Enzo actually explained to me how it works instead of me explaining it to him.' Former Kinderland student and dad, Mr Eldric Chew (left) sends both his sons to his alma mater. At Kinderland, children begin weekly coding classes as early as nursery. They first explore screen-free coding using toys such as blocks, Legos and a robot mouse that teach basic logic and sequencing. By kindergarten 2 (K2), they progress to independently creating interactive stories using simple drag-and-drop code blocks on a tablet, capped at just 30 minutes per session. Dr Carol Loy, senior director of curriculum and professional development at Kinderland International Education, shares: 'We introduced screen-free coding in 2019 to help young children prepare for a tech-driven future. They learn to break down tasks into simple steps, give commands to move a toy from one point to another, and work together to solve problems. 'She adds: 'Through this, we've observed enhanced problem-solving abilities, improved teamwork and communication skills, and increased confidence in tackling new challenges.' Growing character and confidence At Kinderland, screen time is used purposefully, never passively. Apart from coding with tablets in K2, the preschool's Literacy through IT programme introduces screens only when needed – and always in age-appropriate ways. For instance, children begin using computers from K1 to conduct simple topic research while under educators' supervision, says Dr Loy. 'Before learning to operate the computers, our children are guided by educators,' she explains. 'These early conversations help them develop a healthy sense of digital responsibility.' From hands-on coding toys to tablet-based story programming, students explore both screen-free and digital ways to learn logic, sequencing, and creativity. PHOTO: KINDERLAND This head start is something Mr Chew appreciates. Spending much of his own time in front of screens – whether for work or managing his smart home – he is glad his sons use technology as a tool, not just for entertainment. Fellow parent, Ms Samantha Tan, 39, shares this sentiment. Her son Matthew, in K1 at Kinderland's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) branch, has taken to screen-free coding with enthusiasm. At home, he even uses Lego bricks to 'code' instructions – assigning actions to each colour and involving the whole family in the fun. 'The coding programme at Kinderland teaches them to work together and solve problems,' says Ms Tan, an assistant sales director. 'They learn to verbalise their thoughts, communicate with their teachers and peers, and collaborate to find the best solution.' She observes that Matthew has also picked up something less tangible but just as valuable: Resilience. Ms Tan recalls him telling her: 'Mummy, you must never give up when it's hard. You must try again. It's okay to make mistakes. Sometimes the mouse (coding toy) can go left or right and you get it wrong. But it's okay. You can try again.' Nurturing the whole child Coding aside, the focus at Kinderland goes beyond just tech-readiness. The preschool's curriculum is designed to nurture children across multiple domains – cognitive, physical, emotional and social. Shares Dr Loy: 'A child's brain develops most rapidly between birth and age five. By taking a holistic approach to education, which includes music, literacy, fitness, Stream (Science, Technology, Reading and writing, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), and character development, various areas of the brain are actively engaged, boosting cognitive functions such as problem-solving, language skills, and emotional regulation.' Building on this approach is KinderFit (see sidebar for more information), a programme that supports children's overall well-being through fun activities that get them moving and teach healthy habits. Music – a core element of a Kinderland education – is also woven into the curriculum. Dr Loy shares that melodies engage children, keep them motivated and help them stay focused during activities. Through Kinderland's music programme, children explore rhythm, melody, and self-expression. PHOTO: KINDERLAND 'Backed by research, our music-infused curriculum was introduced to enhance brain development, support language acquisition, and foster emotional expression,' she notes. 'Music also helps develop fine and gross motor skills, cultivates creativity, and improves social interaction, making it a powerful learning tool across all domains of development.' At Kinderland, formal music lessons are conducted once a week for children from pre-nursery 2 (PN2) to K2, which includes keyboard lessons and specific instruments such as the pianica that builds breath control and finger coordination, as well as the electone which improves hand-eye coordination and recognising patterns. Mum Diana Tan values how Kinderland's music-infused curriculum complements the piano lessons that her children attend privately. One of them has since graduated from Kinderland, while the other is at Kinderland's Hougang branch. Six-year-old Kinderland student Asher (second from right) made his public performance debut at a community event in 2024. PHOTO: KINDERLAND Says the 41-year-old: 'It's important to balance academia with music. This really helps with language as well because they sing songs; and it helps with reading when they pick up the words. There's also teamwork in the way music is taught at Kinderland.' The human resources professional recalls with pride how her son Asher, 6, played in an ensemble at a community National Day dinner last August – his first-ever public performance. 'He wasn't the least bit nervous playing the tone bells alongside his K1 and K2 classmates. The confident and communicative children could even interact with the emcee. 'The children trained very hard, and were very enthusiastic to perform,' she adds. They were well-coordinated and sang loudly and confidently. Everything was well prepared thanks to the school and the teachers who were really encouraging.' Fit, fun and full of moves In addition to fitness and motor skill activities, some Kinderland schools also offer enrichment programmes like K-pop dance and rhythmic gymnastics. PHOTO: KINDERLAND Twice a week, children from PN2 to K2 participate in the KinderFit programme. This instills the importance of physical fitness, motor skill development, improved cardio wellness and healthy eating and nutrition habits, says Dr Carol Loy. She is the senior director of curriculum and professional development at Kinderland International Education. To make fitness more fun, some Kinderland preschools offer enrichment programmes such as K-Pop dance classes and a rhythmic gymnastics class organised by a Japanese physical education enrichment school. Adds Dr Loy: 'We believe that a strong foundation in both gross and fine motor skills contributes not only to physical health, but also leads to better learning outcomes, coordination, and self-confidence in and outside the classroom.' These benefits are evident to parent Eugenia Goh, 33, who has noticed positive changes in her sons Kieran, 5, and Lucian, 3. They both attend Kinderland's Ministry of Manpower branch. She observes they are more agile, with better coordination, and KinderFit has also instilled in them a healthy understanding about body parts, especially in her older son. To keep up with how well her sons are hitting their developmental milestones, the statistician refers to a checklist that Kinderland shares with parents every quarter. Kinderland also has an in-house nutritionist who curates menus that offer balanced, nutritious meals aligned with the Health Promotion Board's Healthy Meals in Preschools Programme (HMPP) guidelines and the preschool's healthy eating lessons. This further reinforces what the children learn during their KinderFit lessons. Learn more about how your child can get a head-start at Kinderland . Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
