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The Morning Routine That Ends the Battle
If your mornings involve nagging, negotiating and a sprint to the car, the problem is usually the system rather than the child. How to redesign the school run so it runs itself.
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Articles for parents
Practical writing on play, development and choosing a school — from the people who spend all day with preschoolers.
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Sport
Outdoor Play in Singapore's Heat: How to Keep It Safe and Still Do It
It is hot, it is humid, and staying indoors all day is the easy answer. Here is how to keep young children outside safely, what to watch for, and why it is wor…
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Health & routines
What Makes a Good Preschool Lunch in Singapore
A preschooler's lunch has a job to do: get them through an afternoon of running, thinking and negotiating. What that actually looks like, what to skip, and how…
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Play
Why Music Belongs in Every Preschool Day
Singing is not a break between the real learning. For a child under six, music is language practice, maths practice, memory training and emotional regulation,…
Learning
Raising a Bilingual Child When Mandarin Is Not Spoken at Home
You cannot teach what you do not speak, but you can do something better. How families with no Mandarin at home still raise children who are comfortable, confid…
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Behaviour & feelings
Tantrums in Public: A Calm Plan for Parents
Everyone is watching, your child is on the floor of the supermarket, and none of the advice you have read is available to you. A plan you can actually follow i…
Life at Shaws
How to Get the Most From a Parent-Teacher Meeting
Fifteen minutes, once or twice a year, with the person who spends more waking hours with your child than almost anyone. Here is how to use them properly.
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Primary school
The Skills That Matter More Than Reading Before Primary One
Ask a Primary One teacher which children settle fastest and they rarely mention reading. Here is what they do mention, and how to build it in the year before s…
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Starting school
Five Questions to Ask on a Preschool Tour
Every preschool looks good on a tour. These five questions cut past the brochure, plus the things to watch for while nobody is talking to you.
Sport
Ball Skills Before Six: Why Throwing and Catching Matter More Than You Think
Throwing, catching and kicking are not just about sport. They build the eyes, the timing and the confidence a child brings into a classroom, and the window for…
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Health & routines
How Much Sleep Does a Preschooler Really Need?
Sleep affects behaviour, language, immunity and learning more than almost anything else you can control. How much your child needs, why bedtime keeps sliding l…
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Play
How Many Toys Does a Preschooler Actually Need?
Fewer than you have, and probably fewer than you think. What happens to play when a room is too full, and a simple way to fix it without a single argument.
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Learning
Should Preschoolers Use AI? A Calm Guide for Singapore Parents
AI toys, AI tutors and AI story apps are everywhere this year. Here is what a child under six actually needs from an adult, what AI cannot give them, and the f…
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Behaviour & feelings
Separation Anxiety at Preschool: What Helps and What Makes It Worse
The child who cries at the gate is not a child with a problem. A practical guide to morning goodbyes, including the two things well-meaning parents do that mak…
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Health & routines
Screen Time for Preschoolers: What the Guidelines Actually Say
Singapore now has clear national guidance on screens for young children. Here is what it says, what the research behind it is really about, and how to make it…
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Learning
Does My Preschooler Need Enrichment Classes? A Singapore Parent’s Guide
Four in ten Singapore preschoolers now attend tuition or enrichment. Here is what 37 years of play-based teaching and the research say about whether yours shou…
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Play
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Play-Based Learning Paradise at Home
Rainy days can often feel like a battleground between boredom and screen time. But what if you could transform those indoor hours into a magical playground for…
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Primary school
The Benefits of Preschool
Choosing the right preschool for your child is a big decision that can often feel overwhelming. At Shaw’s Preschool, we’re here to help make that choice easier! In…
Starting school
Choosing the Best Preschool in Singapore for Your Child!
Finding the right preschool for your child is a significant decision. With numerous options available in Singapore, the process can feel overwhelming. At Shaw…
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Learning
Spark a Lifelong Love of Learning: Why Reading Aloud to our Little Ones Matters at Shaws Preschool
Reading aloud to your little one isn’t just a fun bedtime activity – it’s a powerful tool that sets the stage for future learning and success. At Shaw’s Preschool…
Health & routines
Stress Free Potty Training: A Guide for Preschool Parents
At Shaws Preschool, we understand that navigating the potty training journey can be a source of stress for Mums and Dads, and children too! Our advice is to relax…
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Sport
The Science of Smiles: How Sports Make Our Shaws Stars Shine
Shaws Preschool: Nurturing Happy, Healthy Pre-schoolers Through Play-Based Learning (and Sport)! At Shaws Preschool, playtime goes beyond giggles and fun (although…
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Learning
Shaws Preschools Little Entrepreneurs: Empowering Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs Today
At Shaws Preschool, we believe it’s never too early to start instilling essential skills that will shape the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Our unique program…
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Learning
3 Year Old Parenting Questions Answered
Hooray! Your little one is now a big three! As the parent of an energetic (and chatty) bundle of fun, you are likely to have a whole new set of three-year-old…
Behaviour & feelings
2-Year-Old Parenting Questions Answered
Congratulations, your child has officially entered toddlerhood! We are certain that you’ll have many questions related to parenting your two-year-old. As your child…
Learning
The Best Ways to Develop Communication Skills in Preschoolers
Would you like to help your preschool-aged child develop better communication skills? How do you encourage them to speak, write and convey their thoughts and…
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Health & routines
How to Choose Healthy Food for Your Preschoolers
Wondering how to introduce good eating habits to your little one? Concerned about making healthy eating the norm for your preschooler? We know that mealtimes can be…
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Starting school
When Should You Apply for Preschool?
?At what age should a child in Singapore start preschool? Is 18 months too young for preschool? Is preschool necessary? What about kids who are 4 years of age or…
Life at Shaws
Shaws Preschool Review – What Parents Think [Video]
Want to know how parents would review Shaws Preschool? Watch this video to hear what our parents have to say! Want your child to grow up confident, resilient and…
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Starting school
How To Choose The Best Preschool In Singapore [INFOGRAPHIC]
Want to choose the best preschool in Singapore? Here is a comprehensive infographic and checklist to help parents like you!
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Life at Shaws
Why I Chose To Be A Preschool Teacher
Curious to know what it’s like to be a preschool teacher in Singapore? What’s involved in being an early childhood educator? Could a career in preschool teaching be…
Play
Benefits of a Play-Based Preschool
As a parent, you’ve probably heard the adage: “Children learn best through play.” Research on play-based learning has shown that play promotes the development of…
Primary school
What are the foundations of success?
Confidence, Creativity, Grit & Resilience have been found to be closely linked to lifelong success. Also known as 21st Century competencies, children don’t just…
Play
The Serious Business of PLAY
There is plenty of research that shows us that children learn best through PLAY! What is play? How do children learn through play? Serina Teo, Curriculum Specialist…
Primary school
Preparing our K2 children for Primary School
What key skills & experiences do our preschoolers need to smoothly transition into big school? How do we ensure they are ready even in the midst of Covid-19? Our…
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Starting school
What’s the best way to drop my Child off on their first few days of school?
Your child is starting preschool, and the first few days might be tearful as your child gets used to their new school without you. Depending on the school you…
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Starting school
Countdown to the First Day at Preschool
Woohoo!!! Your child is starting preschool. You’ve found a great preschool, and now the countdown starts to your child’s first day. Here are some things parents do…
Learning
Learning Math = Play + Play
Do you recall when we learnt Math as kids. We were told that the more we practice the better we will do in exams. In Singapore, we are all familiar with the “ten…
Learning
“One more book, please”.
Why we should read to our children. It is important to build a love for reading from young. That is why when parents ask what they can do at home, we always say…
Behaviour & feelings
Raising Independent Children – Preparing our children for LIFE
As parents, we want to prepare our children not just for school, but for life. And this includes being independent, with self help skills. Children are born with a…
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Health & routines
When should I potty train my child?
Did you know that the average age for children to go to the toilet by themselves is 27 months. So Mums and Dads, there is no rush! There is no magic moment to start…
Health & routines
How will my child be safe at school?
In our webinar held in June, Kit M Mak, Group Principal of Shaws Preschool, shared what Shaws Preschool does to keep the children safe when they are at school…
Play
The What and Why of PLAY
“What did you do at school today?”, I ask my child. “PLAY!” If you feel that all your child does in school is play, that’s actually a good thing! When it comes to…
Life at Shaws
Learning though PLAY at Shaws Preschool
Everyday is an adventure at Shaws! Just look at the smiling faces coming to school every morning to know this is an environment where learning is fun, questions are…
Life at Shaws
Cooking up a Storm at Shaws Preschool
We love cooking at Shaws Preschool! Serina Teo, Curriculum Specialist at Shaws Preschool shares why, and some easy recipes you can try at home with your kids! Food…
Behaviour & feelings
Building Grit and Resilience in our Children in Challenging Times
“Grit and resilience is best learned and nurtured when children go through challenging situations. Covid-19 is a challenging time. Don’t shy your child away from…
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Health & routines
7 ways to prepare your child to wear masks at Preschool
With schools in Singapore starting back again in June, children over the age of 2 are required to wear masks. One of the core values we hold strong at Shaws is…
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Life at Shaws
Have a sneak peak into our campuses!
Due to COVID 19, we are sorry we cant do physical tours of our Shaws Preschools at the moment. However you are very welcome to take a peek inside Shaws Preschool…
Sport
Free online activities and resources for Preschoolers
Aside from our Home Based Learning packs, here are some free activities and resources for preschoolers, as we all stay at home and do our part to end this pandemic…
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Sport
Home Based Learning includes SPORT!
Sport in young children provides many benefits including building confidence, teaching problems solving, instilling leadership skills, teaching teamwork, building…
Life at Shaws
Home Based Learning at Shaws Preschool
In challenging times, connections are important for everyone, including our Shaws Preschool children. At Shaws Preschool, two important things have not changed……
Life at Shaws
Celebrations and connections continue through circuit breaker
While the children are at home during the circuit breaker, it is important that we maintain connections and continue to celebrate important events and milestones…
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Primary school
How can I prepare my child (and myself) for Primary One?
It is almost time for your child to leave preschool and embark on their ‘big school’ journey!! Let’s assume your child has attended a preschool that has prepared…
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Play
Learning through PLAY in a world of TECHONOLOGY
For over 30 years, we at Shaws Preschool have believed in learning through PLAY. This means going back to…
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Health & routines
I will not brush my teeth!
Sometimes children just do not want to take part in routine activities, like brushing their hair, getting dressed, having a bath or BRUSHING their teeth! Why would…
Behaviour & feelings
The importance of Values
At Shaws Preschool, we want to provide the children who come to us with everything possible to face the world once they leave Shaws Preschool. How do we accomplish…
Play
Come outdoors and play!
5 Reasons why outdoor play is important for children Playing outdoors offers unlimited possibilities for children to explore and develop. Sadly, children today…
Sport
10 reasons why playing sport is important for children
Playing sport is a very important part of the Shaws curriculum. Here are 10 reasons why we play…
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Health & routines
Why is water confidence important for young children?
The Shaws Preschool curriculum places a strong emphasis on building confident children. This includes confidence in the water with our Shaws Water Confidence…
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Health & routines
6 tips for stress-free potty training
Toilet training can often be a source of stress for Mums and Dads, and children too! Our advise is… relax, everyone eventually learns to use the toilet. The average…
Learning
5 signs that my child is ready for potty training
There is no specific age to toilet train a child. Instead, look out for signs that your child is ready to give it a go. Now remember, no two children are alike. So…
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Learning
Nurturing confident speakers
Shaws Preschool prides itself in nurturing confident children. One of the areas of confidence our children are strong in is the ability to stand up and speak…
Health & routines
My child won’t eat! What do I do?
Some parents are amazed when we tell them how much their child eats at school. “Are you sure?” they ask. “My child barely eats at home!” Here are 5 tips we have for…
Behaviour & feelings
“No! No! No!” – How do I deal with my child through the “no’ phase?
A common question we get is – How do I deal with my child through the “no” phase, which typically is when they are around 2 years old. Here’s what we do at school…
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Play
Dough play is great for children. How about making your own!
Dough play is a great activity to build fine motor skills to prepare children’s little muscles for writing in later years. At Shaws Preschool, there is dough play…
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Starting school
Is your child preschool-ready?
There is no checklist to complete, and not all children develop at the same pace. So how do we know? It is also important to note that preschool is different from…
Starting school
Tips to prepare your child for preschool
Pick a preschool you trust You are leaving your precious child under the care of a team of preschool teachers – be sure you trust them! Talk to your child about…
Starting school
Is my child ready for preschool?
Is my child is ready for preschool? As parents, we are excited to give our children as many experiences as we can. One milestone experience is going to preschool!…
Starting school
Preparing your child for the first day of preschool
Starting preschool is a huge milestone for both children and parents. Here are some handy tips for preparing your child for their first day… Pick a preschool you…
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Behaviour & feelings
“I can do it!” – Raising an independent child
Children have a natural drive to be independent. As they grow, they want to do more tasks for themselves, and take responsibility for themselves whenever they can…
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Health & routines
Help my picky eater eat!
Help, my child is a picky eater! How can I encourage my child to be more adventurous and try different foods? Why does my child eat at preschool and not at home?…
Learning
Play based curriculum – Will my child be able to write?
“I believe in learning through play! But… will my child learn to write?” “Will my child be able to write?” This is a frequent question during our school tour for…
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Play
Let your child play with mud!
Mud – dirt and water… two basic ingredients that can conjure up the most terrific feelings and make learning fun. What is it about this magnificent substance that…
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