What your child will learn in English, Math & early Science — and the preschools that prepare them for a smooth transition.
At a glance (for busy parents)
- What P1 really expects from your child
- What’s taught in English, Math & early Science
- The “hidden lessons” (focus, independence, confidence)
- Singapore preschools that nurture P1 readiness
- A special SG60 sponsorship to offset 3 months of preschool fees worth over $7,500
Entering Primary 1 (P1) is one of the biggest milestones in your child’s early learning journey. It’s an exciting transition — but also one that can feel overwhelming for parents and children alike. Moving from the nurturing, play-based environment of preschool to the more structured world of formal schooling requires a big adjustment.
If you’ve ever wondered what your child will actually learn in Primary 1, and how to help them feel confident and ready from day one, this guide is for you.
The Big Step: What Primary School Really Means for Your Preschooler
Primary 1 isn’t just about new subjects — it’s about learning a whole new rhythm of life. Children are suddenly expected to:
- Sit through 30–40 minute lessons
- Follow multi-step instructions
- Manage their own materials, time and homework
- Learn in larger class settings (often 30–35 students)
Good to know: With strong focus, communication and problem-solving skills, the transition is smoother — and more enjoyable.
Inside the P1 Curriculum: What Your Child Will Learn
The MOE-designed Primary 1 curriculum nurtures confident, independent learners. Here’s what to expect:
📝 English: From Storytime to Structured Expression
- Reading comprehension: Short passages, key ideas, “why/ how” questions
- Grammar & punctuation: Tenses, singular/plural, accurate punctuation
- Vocabulary: Everyday themes (family, emotions, school life)
- Composition: 4–6 sentence stories or picture compositions (beginning–middle–end)
- Oral communication: Show-and-tell, discussions, reading aloud
💡Teacher tip: By Term 2, many schools expect children to independently write short paragraphs and answer comprehension questions.
🔢 Mathematics: Building Number Sense, Not Just Counting
- Numbers to 100 & place value (tens and ones)
- Addition & subtraction within 100 using number bonds, regrouping, mental strategies (“make 10 first”)
- Patterns & sequencing to develop logical reasoning
- Measurement & money: Length (cm/m), Singapore coins and notes
- Shapes & geometry: 2D/3D shapes, symmetry, spatial awareness
- Word problems: Simple real-world scenarios that mix literacy and math
💡Parent tip: Encourage your child to “think aloud” and explain steps — this strengthens reasoning and model-drawing later.
🔬 Early Science: Sparking Curiosity & Critical Thinking
(Science formally starts in P3, but many schools introduce pre-Science ideas in P1.)
- Living vs non-living
- Materials & their properties: wood, plastic, glass, metal
- Five senses: observing the world carefully
- Simple experiments: predict → test (e.g., float/sink)
- Environmental awareness: recycling, water-saving, caring for living things
💡Mindset tip: Focus on curiosity over memorisation. Asking “why?” and “how?” builds the habits needed for upper primary Science.
Beyond academics, Primary 1 also teaches essential life skills such as managing a timetable and personal belongings, completing tasks independently, listening actively in large groups and handling mistakes with resilience and self-confidence. These “hidden lessons” often define how smoothly a child adjusts to school life — and how much they enjoy learning.
Preschools in Singapore That Nurture P1 Readiness
Little Skool-House
Why parents love it:
- Literacy-led curriculum with strong communication and confidence
- “Primary School Formation Programme” building language mastery and expression
- Teachers trained to help children convey complex ideas confidently
Mulberry Learning
Why parents love it:
- Combines Habits of Mind™, Reggio Emilia, and Multiple Intelligences
- Encourages persistence, curiosity, and problem-solving
- Full S.T.E.A.M. enrichment for early critical thinking
EtonHouse
Why parents love it:
- Inquiry-based learning
- Gradual skill progression to meet P1 expectations
- Emphasis on independence, collaboration, exploration
MindChamps
Why parents love it:
- Comprehensive prep across English, Math, and Chinese
- Confidence-building through performing arts and reading/writing programmes
- Curriculum designed by experts to mirror early P1 expectations
Now that you have a clearer picture of what to expect in Primary 1 and how to prepare your child for a smooth transition, the next question is:
How can we nurture and empower our child to build a strong foundation right from Playgroup (PG)?
Laying this foundation takes time — meaningful growth doesn’t happen overnight. Each preschool has its own philosophy and approach to early education. Among the leading options, MindChamps Preschool stands out for its strong emphasis on Primary 1 readiness, offering a well-balanced blend of structure and joy. Its robust bilingual curriculum nurtures confidence, communication, and public-speaking skills — essential traits for lifelong learning.
Every MindChamps K2 child takes part in the signature “Here I Come, P1!” programme in the final two terms — a hands-on experience that mirrors real Primary 1 routines and expectations. MindChamps is also the only preschool where teachers, regardless of previous qualification or experience, undergo up to 200 hours of compulsory training and accreditation. This ensures that your child’s mind is nurtured by superbly qualified and dedicated teachers.
Parent Reviews:
“Both of our children have been here from PG to K2… the teachers helped to build up their confidence. We’re happy to see them move on to Primary School as confident individuals.” — Mr & Mrs Lim, Parents of Abrielle and Dayen Lim
“MindChamps JTC is a second home to Nathan… by end of K2, he is able to write in sentences, read an entire book independently & speak articulately.” — Connie Wong, Parent of Nathan (K2, 2017)
3 months preschool fees sponsored by Supermom
To celebrate SG60, Supermom is partnering with award-winning preschools to offer families over $7,500 in savings — supporting parents and children for a confident start to Primary 1.
Enrol your child now at participating preschools to enjoy the following perks:
- Save up to $626/month on school fees for the first year
- Priority placement from PG to K1 — skip the waitlist!
Valid for the first 8 enrolments each month only.
How to Support P1 Readiness at Home (Quick Wins)
- Read daily (10–15 mins): discuss characters, “why” and “how”
- Math chats: count coins, compare prices, measure with a ruler
- Independence: pack schoolbag together, set a simple timetable
- Build confidence: praise effort and strategies (“You tried two ways!”)
- Social practice: playdates for turn-taking, listening, and speaking up
Final thoughts
P1 is indeed a big step, but with the right habits, support, and a preschool that nurtures readiness and builds a foundation, your child can start primary school calm, curious, and confident.
