In Singapore’s competitive educational landscape, play-based learning has emerged as a powerful approach to early childhood education. This method fosters creativity, critical thinking, and social skills while making learning enjoyable for young children. Here’s a curated list of 10 preschools in Singapore that excel in offering play-based learning programs, providing an ideal environment for your child’s early development.
1. Shaws Preschool
Shaws Preschool stands out as a leader in play-based education with over 35 years of experience. Their unique ShawsPlay curriculum seamlessly blends academics with essential life skills, creating an environment where children learn through exploration and fun activities. The school’s approach focuses on developing confident, resilient individuals who are well-prepared for future challenges.
Shaws’ learning spaces include butterfly and herb gardens, messy play areas, mud kitchens, and splash zones, all designed to stimulate curiosity and hands-on learning. The curriculum incorporates elements such as Sensory Play, Water Play, Code Play, S.T.E.A.M, and outdoor learning, providing a well-rounded educational experience for children aged 18 months to 6 years.
Locations: Multiple locations across Singapore
2. Adventure Tree Preschool
Adventure Tree Preschool offers a dynamic play-based curriculum designed to foster curiosity and learning in natural settings. The school’s expansive outdoor areas, including playgrounds with swings and trampolines, sensory and edible gardens, provide ample opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Adventure Tree’s philosophy integrates outdoor experiences into daily lessons, offering regular nature walks, scavenger hunts, and outdoor art sessions. This approach not only contributes to children’s holistic development but also helps them form a deep connection with nature. The school’s play-based learning program aims to instill a lifelong love of learning while strengthening every child’s self-esteem and personal integrity.
Locations: Katong campus: 4 Crescent Road; Bukit Timah campus: 38 Tham Soong Avenue; Holland campus: 9 Grove Drive
3. Mulberry Learning
Mulberry Learning is renowned for its holistic preschool curriculum that blends play-based learning with innovative educational frameworks. As the first and only preschool network in Singapore certified for the Habits of Mind™ framework, Mulberry Learning offers a unique approach to early childhood education.
The school’s Reggio-inspired learning spaces, such as the Discovery Cove™, Art Atelier™, and Imaginary Playscape™, are meticulously designed to inspire curiosity and creativity. These thoughtfully crafted environments encourage self-expression, foster essential life skills, and promote holistic growth in a fun, immersive setting.
Locations: Multiple locations across Singapore
4. KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse
KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse is known for its holistic approach to early childhood education, emphasizing play and inquiry-based learning. The school creates a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to be creative, curious, and collaborative.
KiddiWinkie’s curriculum is designed to prepare children for future learning experiences while fostering a love for discovery. Through carefully curated play activities, children develop essential skills in a caring and stimulating environment.
Locations: Multiple locations across Singapore
5. Little Footprints Preschool
Little Footprints Preschool focuses on developing independence and problem-solving skills through play-based learning. The curriculum encourages children to explore and think deeply, fostering critical thinking from an early age.
The school’s approach to play-based learning is designed to nurture confident, capable learners who are well-prepared for future academic challenges. Little Footprints provides a supportive environment where children can learn through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions.
Locations: Various locations across Singapore
6. Alphabet Playhouse
Alphabet Playhouse stands out for its extensive outdoor spaces and focus on physical activities within its play-based curriculum. The school’s Ready, Set, Grow! outdoor program incorporates sports, cycling, skating, and soccer, along with sand and water play.
This unique approach to play-based learning helps children develop fundamental skills such as teamwork and resilience through various sports and outdoor activities. Alphabet Playhouse’s curriculum ensures a balance between physical development and academic learning, creating well-rounded educational experiences.
Locations: 16 Dublin Road and 440A Upper East Coast Road, Singapore
7. Kinderland
Kinderland offers a distinctive music-infused curriculum within its play-based learning approach. The school’s K.I.N.D.E.R multi-disciplinary lands provide boundless opportunities for children to engage their five senses and expand their knowledge horizons.
Through this unique approach, Kinderland creates a rich, stimulating environment where children learn through play, music, and hands-on experiences. The curriculum is designed to develop not only academic skills but also creativity and emotional intelligence.
Locations: Multiple locations including Yio Chu Kang, Marine Parade, and Pandan Valley
8. Star Learners Child Care
Star Learners Child Care boasts 20 years of experience in early childhood education, offering a unique literature-based curriculum within a play-based framework. Their approach immerses children in rich and exciting worlds, opening up numerous opportunities to tackle concepts across multiple learning areas.
The school’s activity-based approach, integrated with their literature focus, helps children develop essential skills such as problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, and communication. Star Learners is committed to nurturing a generation of young children with strength of character, confidence, and creativity.
Locations: 43 locations across Singapore
9. XCL American Academy
XCL American Academy recognizes that children in early developmental stages learn best through exploration and play. Their play-based curriculum is designed to provide students with everything they need to encourage learning in ways that make them happiest.
The school’s approach focuses on creating an environment where children can discover and grow at their own pace, fostering a genuine love for learning from an early age. XCL American Academy’s play-based program aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared for future academic challenges.
Locations: Contact school for specific locations
10. Nexus International School
Nexus International School embraces play-based learning as a means to give children opportunities to explore, observe, hypothesize, question, and discuss to clarify their understanding. The school’s approach aims to cultivate confident children by encouraging learners to initiate activities even at a young age.
Nexus provides dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces for early learners, with furniture and resources created specifically for them to help develop their independence. The school’s play-based curriculum is designed to foster agency in children, allowing them to understand that they can influence their learning environment while concurrently developing key skills.
Locations: Contact school for specific location
Conclusion
These top 10 preschools in Singapore offer exceptional play-based learning programs, each with its unique approach and strengths. By choosing a play-based preschool, you’re giving your child the opportunity to develop crucial skills while fostering a love for learning that will serve them well throughout their educational journey. Remember, the best school for your child is one that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s individual needs, so take the time to visit these schools and see which environment feels right for your little one.
