JAN - mAR 2018 www.pcf.org.sg

A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

opening of Sparkle Care @ Yew Tee

INSIDE PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE APPRECIATION back to NIGHT school Tips to get your kids started January - March 2018 CONTENTS

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

For more news and photos of our preschools, visit us at WWW.PCF.ORG.SG

FEATURES FAMILY & LIFESTYLE ECDA Innovation Award 2017 Preparing your child for p4 p13 Preschool and Primary School President’s Challenge p5 Appreciation Night p15 CNY Craft Idea HAPPENINGS Induction ‘‘Boot’’ Camp, p6 Celebrating RSN50 @ VIVO, Official Opening of Sparkle Care @ Yew Tee and more!

ADVISORS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SENIOR DIRECTOR CORPORATE SERVICES VICTOR BAY CHOO AH CHOON

EDITORIAL TEAM Samuel 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

SparkleLink is a quarterly publication of the PAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, located at Blk 57B New Upper Changi Road, #01-1402, PCF Building, Singapore 463057 All 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. CEO’S MESSAGE

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.

Preparing your child for In November, PCF Sparkletots was very privileged Preschool and Primary School 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!

Mr Victor Bay Chief Executive Officer PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Our children proudly showcasing their talent during our Speech Choir Presentation to parents.

ECDA EARLY CHILDHOOD INNOVATION AWARD 2017 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.

Written by Noorhayati Zahari PCF Sparkletots @ Nanyang Blk 922

Musical instruments are used at times to make a Speech Choir performance more lively.

p4 President’s Challenge

Our children proudly showcasing appreciation night their talent during our Speech Written by Ms Hurul-Aʼin Binte Mohd Yusoff Choir Presentation to parents. Centre Principal, PCF Sparkletots @ Eunos Blk 629

PCF Sparkletots @ Eunos Blk 629 was invited to attend the Presidentʼs Challenge Appreciation ECDA EARLY CHILDHOOD 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 INNOVATION AWARD 2017 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 Speech Choir is a programme that has been implemented in our childcare preschool since 2016. Challenge booth activity on blind awareness during the Early Childhood Development Agency Speech Choir is about reciting a poem, story or verse as a group, with elements of choreography. (ECDA) Early Childhood Conference at Suntec City.

The teachers and I constantly seek ways to provide quality and holistic programmes at our Ms Ain, the Centre Principal, and two students, Nur Edrysha and Sheris Chong, were invited on preschool. Using the Innovation grant funded by Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), stage during the Appreciation Night. The children shared their experiences and what they learnt we attended a customised training class from a local music training company where we learned through participating in the Food Fiesta and blind awareness booth activities. Ms Ain shared the how to teach Speech Choir to the children. We will hold Speech Choir meetings each term and challenges that the preschool faced in mobilising the younger children to participate in the discuss the effectiveness of the programme and the areas for improvement. We also discuss and activities and the importance of cultivating the spirit of caring and compassion in young children. 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 PCF Sparkletots @ Eunos Blk 629 was very privileged to be the only preschool in Singapore to in the Speech Choir programme must encompass the PCF Sparkletots curriculum’s 6 learning be invited to the Appreciation Night to present its experience to a live audience which included areas of Aesthetics & Creative Expression; Discovery of the World; Social & Emotional the President. The story was featured in Berita Minggu on 26th November 2017. 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. Centre Principal Ms Ain with student Nur Edrysha and Sheris Chong sharing their experiences on stage. Written by Noorhayati Zahari PCF Sparkletots @ Nanyang Blk 922

PCF Sparkletots children taking centre stage at the ceremony

Musical instruments are used at times to make a Speech Choir performance more lively.

Post-event photo session with President Halimah Yacob p5 staff Retreat A 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 Participants of the staff retreat at Bangkok street food in this culinary wonderland.

The Annual PCF and PAP year end lunch organised by the Social Recreation Club Year took place on 28th November 2017 at Ban Heng @ Harbourfront Centre. Staff were dressed up to the theme “Let’s go End Retro!” Lunch

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 p6 staff Retreat New PCF staff attended PCF CEO Mr Victor Bay A 3D2N overseas staff retreat for PCF (HQ) the PCF “Boot” Camp addressing new staff and PAP was organised by our Social Recreation Club from 14th – 16th October 2017 to promote staff bonding and The 1-day Induction “Boot Camp” was first launched on well-being. It was heartening to see family 26th July 2017 to warmly welcome new members into members of our staff joining the trip. our PCF family. It provides a great opportunity for staff to understand our organisation and work culture. Prior Through this retreat, the participants to this, induction was de-centralised at preschool level. developed a deeper understanding of their induction individual and group identity through The day’s programme started with our CEO, Mr Victor spending time with colleagues and family Bay giving a welcome speech followed by team activities members in a way that is fun and fulfilling, and lunch. In the afternoon, Head of Department enjoying the comaraderie and “boot” (HODs) shared an overall view of the rules and companionship through activities such as, responsibilities of each division. shopping, massages and of course, the Participants of the staff retreat at Bangkok street food in this culinary wonderland. The session ended off with a mass dance to the song titled “Try Everything”. We hope everyone in PCF will live camp up to the song to demonstrate creativity and innovation in their daily work.

The Annual PCF and PAP year end lunch organised by the Social Recreation Club Year took place on 28th November 2017 at Ban Heng @ Harbourfront Centre. Staff were dressed up to the theme “Let’s go End Retro!” Lunch

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) Senior Director Tan Lee Jee Senior Director Choo Ah Choon with PCF colleagues at the event gave briefing on preschool development introduced the corporate services of PCF p7 Opening of PCF Sparkletots Preschoolers sparkle care celebrate RSN50 @ VIVO @ yew tee

“We hope that PCF, just as it is synonymous with quality preschool now, will also be Sparkle Care @ Yew Tee [located at Block 625 known as a provider that provides quality Choa Chu Kang Street 62 Singapore 680625] is senior care services for Singaporeans.” now officially opened! This is PCF’s second Senior Care Centre; the first being Sparkle Care @ Changi Little PCF Sparkletots Preschool sailor wannabes! A salute to the NAVY - Mr Lawrence Wong Simei. Minister for National Development Sparkle Care @ Yew Tee first began operations on 15 Feb 2017. It now caters to 98 elderly clients who Some 245 students, parents and staff from eight PCF Sparkletots preschools from the Central are receiving Dementia Day Care; Maintenance Day District were invited to participate in the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Golden Jubilee Care; Rehabilitation Care and Nursing Care. 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 Official Opening was held on Saturday 25 Nov the warship. 2017 with PCF Council Chairman Minister Lawrence Wong as the Guest-of-Honour. Minister The students also performed dances and skits based on RSN50 story books, such as “Indy Indy Lawrence Wong noted that though Sparkle Care @ Indy”, “Papa Goes To Sea”, “A Sailor Went To Sea” and more to commemorate 50 years of the Yew Tee was in operation for only nine months, it is RSN's commitment as a strong and ready maritime force for our maritime nation, Singapore. already providing the much needed service in the Choa Chu Kang area. It has also received numerous An exclusive RSN50 Children story book was presented to each child as a momento and a compliments from the client’s families. token of appreciation for their performances.

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

Minister Wong complimented PCF for building on the experience in the last two years to establish A grateful smile to the navy Group photo of Minister Lawrence Wong, PCF’s own community rehabilitation capability in for protecting Singapore MP for marsiling-Yew Tee Alex yam, Sparkle Care @ Yew Tee. It now has its own Written by Krisnaveni PK sparkle care elderly and pcf children dedicated group of Physiotherapists and PCF Sparkletots @ Occupational Therapists. He said that PCF’s Senior Braddell Heights Blk 307 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 RSN50RSN50 build on capability.

Minister Lawrence Wong joining an elderly in a painting activity p8 PCF Sparkletots Preschoolers celebrate RSN50 @ VIVO

Little PCF Sparkletots Preschool sailor wannabes! A salute to the NAVY

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!

A grateful smile to the navy for protecting Singapore Written by Krisnaveni PK PCF Sparkletots @ Braddell Heights Blk 307

RSN50RSN50 p9 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. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Written by Siti Nurwahidah Binte Aman PCF Sparkletots @ Tampines West Blk 890A

Minister Masagos kickstarts the event which is part of our Start Small Dream Big 2017 Project

Nursery 1 children performing “Reach Out for the Sky” Presenting the Token of Appreciation to Captain Abraham John from Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

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. p10 Community engagement is essential to develop social awareness. It also contributes to a At PCF Sparkletots @ Kebun Baru Blk 180, technology is integrated into the holistic learning environment for young children. curriculum to advocate holistic learning for children. Tech-toys provide many opportunities to engage children in purposeful play and quality learning. 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 For example, the Bee-Bots are used to facilitate learning activities like situations from our ever vigilant men in blue from the Singapore Police Force. Our children sequencing, estimation, problem solving and language related tasks. Much fun interacted meaningfully with the policemen, took photographs and received Police Peak was injected into the revision of high frequency words. Excitement builds up caps as momentos. 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 COMMUNITY characters in the stories. This fosters cognitive and social development through ENGAGEMENT technology. Written by Siti Nurwahidah Binte Aman PCF Sparkletots @ Tampines West Blk 890A Technology Integrated

Minister Masagos kickstarts the Curriculum event which is part of our Start Small Dream Big 2017 Project Most children are intrinsically motivated by technology-enabled toys, which dier 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. Nursery 1 children performing “Reach Out for the Sky” Presenting the Token of Appreciation to Captain Abraham John from Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) crafts that can be ‘light-up’ using various materials 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 Children completed their ‘light-up’ their crafts. fireman’s helmet and aspiring to be little firefighters.

To commemorate Singapore's birthday, we invited SPF, SCDF and NEA to our 'National Day children playing with tech toys 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. Written by Kalamathy D/O Miniandi, These community engagement efforts allow us to tap on a wealth of knowledge and children creating their very PCF Sparkletots @ Kebun Baru Blk 180 resources from subject matter experts to provide a more enriching learning experience for own circuits our children. On 11 October 2017, PCF Sparkletots leaders from the North West, South East and ove South West Districts came together for a workshop and sharing session to learn about the Five Love Languages as part of their anguages ongoing professional development journey. LContributed by Ms Rachel Lim The guest speaker, Mr Tan Yew Ping, General 5 Executive Principal (NW5), PCF HQ 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’.

Words of acts of Physical Quality Time Receiving affirmation service touch Spending Gifts Expressing It means a lot Hugs, pats time together your love in when someone on the back, while being Gifts and sincere words and goes out of holding hands present and gestures show sharing the reason their way to do and just giving your that you are behind why you something for being near full undivided known, loved love them someone else each other attention. and cared for.

Encourage, affirm, Use action phrases Uninterrupted and Thoughtfulness - how to Non-verbal – use appreciate, like “I’ll help...” body language focused conversations. make your colleagues communicate empathize. Listen They want to know and touch to One-on-one time a priority, speak actively. you are with them. emphasize love. is critical. purposefully.

Give thoughtful gifts Send an unexpected Go out of your Create special Hugs, pats on and gestures. Small actions note, text, or card. way to help moments the back, and to take Encourage alleviate their together, have things matter in a big just be near genuinely and often. daily workload. lunch together way. Express gratitude when receiving a gift.

Non-constructive Making the requests Forgetting special actions criticism, not of others a higher Distractions Physical neglect, occasions, to avoid recognizing or priority, lacking when spending receiving unenthusiastic appreciating follow through on affection coldly. time together. effort. task big and small gift receiving.

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. On 11 October 2017, PCF Sparkletots One of the greatest challenges of early childhood leaders from the North West, South East and is the transition to primary school. Research has preparing confirmed that a positive experience during this South West Districts came together for a ove transition will initiate children into a virtuous cycle workshop and sharing session to learn about of learning, which will determine their future the Five Love Languages as part of their success in the realms of social, emotional and anguages ongoing professional development journey. Your Child educational outcomes. LContributed by Ms Rachel Lim The guest speaker, Mr Tan Yew Ping, General The transition is an exciting journey for both parents 5 Executive Principal (NW5), PCF HQ Manager of HDB Hougang Branch, shared his for primary and children. Children enter into opportunities for experience in exercising The Five Love Languages. new learning with expectation and trepidation, According to Gary Chapman, author of The Five which will require parental support and encouragement to ensure positive outcomes. Love Languages series of books, love can be School expressed and received through words of While the transition seems challenging, the affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, quality following tips can help to smoothen its process: 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 Familiarise Read some books on what to expect at Primary ‘icing on the cake’. School. A good example is “Colin Cool Goes To School” your child with from the Healthy Hub website. Some suggested the school activities in the book include encouraging your child to Attending the orientation organised by the school enjoy reading, positive ways to make new friends, Talk is an important first step to familiarise your child allaying fears of buying food/things during recess, and Words of acts of Physical about Quality Time Receiving with the school environment. Taking some pictures encouraging parents to share your own experience affirmation service touch what to Spending Gifts transiting to primary school, which will encourage your Expressing It means a lot Hugs, pats time together of the school premises will facilitate further your love in when someone on the back, while being Gifts and discussion at home. child to look forward to the experience. expect sincere words and goes out of holding hands present and gestures show sharing the reason their way to do and just giving your that you are behind why you something for being near full undivided known, loved love them someone else each other attention. and cared for. 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 Dealing Encourage, affirm, Use action phrases Uninterrupted and Thoughtfulness - how to Non-verbal – use appreciate, like “I’ll help...” body language focused conversations. make your colleagues and action during this period. Conversely, projecting positivity can be infectious, e.g., ‘I like your communicate with Parents’ empathize. Listen They want to know and touch to One-on-one time a priority, speak new teacher’ or ‘your new classroom is spacious and well-ventilated’ or ‘your classmates seem actively. you are with them. emphasize love. is critical. purposefully. Anxieties so friendly’.

Give thoughtful gifts Send an unexpected Go out of your Create special Hugs, pats on and gestures. Small actions note, text, or card. way to help moments the back, and to take Encourage alleviate their together, have things matter in a big just be near genuinely and often. daily workload. lunch together way. Express gratitude when receiving a gift. Discuss Create a time-table to parameters for safety schedule time for work, play Non-constructive Making the requests ✓ Forgetting special and other activities; time to go actions criticism, not of others a higher Distractions Physical neglect, occasions, to avoid recognizing or priority, lacking when spending Establishing safety parameters with clear ‘dos and don’ts’ will enhance to bed and time for waking receiving unenthusiastic appreciating follow through on affection coldly. time together. feelings of security in children. Discuss safety procedures such as, the up. Once children get into the effort. task big and small gift receiving. dangers of leaving the school compound unaccompanied by an adult, habit of doing these routines, road safety issues; and educating your child on what to do when faced Establish they become second nature with uncomfortable encounters, are some examples as starters. a routine to them.

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 Adopt an open and positive mindset in giving your child, the school and yourself a chance to identifying and applying the different love languages amongst themselves to equip them with both the knowledge thrive in the transition. and skills to practise them confidently at their preschools. This will help to foster and instil greater cohesion and Contributors: Rachel Foo Yuanling | Elizabeth Yeo Geok Khim | Adeline Tan Geok Bee loyalty among their teachers and staff. PCF HQ, Quality Assurance Coach Team p13 Contributed by Christine Soo Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals for Chinese. It (Manager & ECDA Fellow, Professional & Education Development Division) 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’ As many of our children start to attend preschool at a very young age, it is practised and emphasised on the eve of Chinese New Year, where family has become extremely important to make it a positive experience. Often, members near and far, will make it a point to travel home for an annual gathering there is excitement, coupled with some degree of anxiety. Parents play over a sumptuous meal. a crucial role in ensuring a successful transition of their children to a preschool. This in turn has great benefits: 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 • It gives children a positive head-start to life-long learning upside down, the act of which is called ‘ ’ (fu dao), but the resultant effect • It helps children to be emotionally and physically attuned to preschool 福倒 reads ‘福. 到’ (fu dao), which means ‘the arrival of good luck’, the ultimate wish of the season.

Here are some tips to pave the way for your child’s preschool readiness: Written by Ms Chew & children of

PCF Sparkletots @ Nanyang Blk 825

Mental Preparation 福

Attend the preschool Read a book about going to school to give Plan the 福 orientation your child an idea of what school is all about. transition together Art & Craft Find out the procedures for Describe to him the arrival health check, with your child - Materials needed - routines in school, playing with friends, arrival, departure and activities Have your child cross out the Children with teachers who will take care of him, settling in that your child will experience days on a calendar to count completed aRtpieces • 12 short pieces of yarn and when you will be fetching him home. throughout the day. down to the first day of school. (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 福 2 ‘U’ shaped red paper First Day at Preschool Self-help skills MATERIALS NEEDED Adjust your child’s Have a hearty breakfast together. 1 hard card board (15cm x 15 cm) FOR cny ART & CRAFT schedule Talk about school enthusiastically. Let Teach your child self-help skills. him know when you have to leave Pack and organise the school Adjust your child's sleep 2 red paper (15cm x 15cm) and that you will be back to fetch him. bag together with him at night. schedule weeks before Leave immediately after saying Talk about taking care of attending preschool. Masking tape goodbye, even if the child cries. personal belongings. Glue

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

Written by Ms Chew & children of PCF Sparkletots @ Nanyang Blk 825

福 Art & Craft 福 - Materials needed - Children with completed aRtpieces • 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 福 2 ‘U’ shaped red paper MATERIALS NEEDED 1 hard card board (15cm x 15 cm) FOR cny ART & CRAFT

2 red paper (15cm x 15cm)

Masking tape

Glue

Yellow paint / gold marker STEP 1 :

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.

Child writing out `fu’ ( 福)calligraphy 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.

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 Child decorating of the card board. Secure them with tape. her own ARTPIECE

Child having final touches to their aRtpieces STEP 4 : 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 1 :

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.

Child writing out `fu’ ( 福)calligraphy 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. Do you desire to nurture the young? STEP 3 : If you are a professional who’s passionate about inspiring and moulding Positions Available Put the longer pieces of yarn together and secure the young, Be part of the team that finds fulfilment in nurturing them with some red paper and glue. JOIN US! • Centre Principal young children and walking beside them, helping them grow and learn! • Preschool Teacher Paste the ‘U’ shaped paper on 2 opposing corners Child decorating of the card board. Secure them with tape. • Infant Educarer her own ARTPIECE Successful applicants will enjoy a competitive salary and Course Sponsorships are available! • Cook & Cleaner WALK-IN INTERVIEW Monday - 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 [email protected] Call us at 6244 4600

aSSISTANT Child having final touches $300 TEACHER $ to their aRtpieces STEP 4 : preschool TEACHER Put the longer pieces of yarn together and secure them $400 & INFANT EDUCARER with some red paper and glue.

Paste the ‘U’ shaped paper on 2 opposing PRINCIPAL corners of the card board. Secure them $500 with tape. cOOK & $200 cLEANER Terms and conditions apply