If you’re looking for a preschool in Singapore, you’ve probably come across a long list of teaching styles: Reggio Emilia, Montessori, play-based, inquiry-based, alongside practical considerations like fees, location, enrichment add-ons and even holiday programmes.
It’s a lot to take in, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed.
Here’s the reassuring part: most preschool approaches are working towards the same goal: helping children grow into curious, confident learners. The difference lies in how they get there.
Let’s walk through the main preschool teaching styles and what they really mean for your child’s day-to-day.
As you read on, you may start to notice what resonates with your child and your family. Many parents eventually gravitate toward a child-led, exploratory approach, which is why schools like E-Bridge Pre-School, including the upcoming Bartley Beacon and Tampines GreenEmerald centres (opening February 2026), often make it onto parents’ shortlists.
1. Reggio Emilia: “Every child is full of potential”
The Reggio Emilia approach begins with a powerful belief: children are capable, intelligent and naturally motivated to learn. Educators observe children closely, listen to their ideas, and design learning experiences around their interests.
Classrooms feel warm and intentional, featuring natural materials, cosy reading corners, creative art spaces, and open-ended resources that invite exploration.
What it looks like:
A child wonders, “Where does rain come from?” Instead of offering a quick explanation, educators invite the children to explore the idea through storytelling, water experiments, drawings and conversations. Projects grow organically over days or even weeks. The curriculum follows the child’s curiosity.
Good for children who:
- Are imaginative or observant
- Enjoy long-term projects
- Thrive when given choices
- Express themselves through art, stories or pretend play
How E-Bridge Pre-School brings this to life (and why it works so well)
E-Bridge adopts a Reggio Emilia–inspired, guided inquiry-based approach. In practice, this means learning starts from child’s curiosity. Educators observe, listen and guide, shaping experiences around each child’s interests and stage of development.
As part of the EtonHouse International Education Group, E-Bridge educators have access to ongoing training and professional support. Parents often see this reflected in classrooms where teachers are attentive, lessons are well-paced, and children are supported as they learn.
What this means for your child: the best of both worlds
- Freedom to explore, question, and create, drawn from Reggio Emilia–inspired practice
- Clear structure, routines and developmental milestones, aligned with Singapore’s early childhood frameworks
Parents appreciate that E-Bridge meets children where they are. Curiosity and independence are encouraged, while strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, communication, and social-emotional skills are built progressively – all within a fee structure that many families find supportive and accessible.
From what E-Bridge parents share, learning is thoughtfully paced and age-appropriate – never rushed, yet grounded in clear learning goals and strong foundations. Children develop confidence, social awareness, and responsibility, while building the skills needed to collaborate, express ideas, and prepare for primary school.
2. Montessori: “Teach me to do it myself”
Montessori education places a strong emphasis on independence and self-directed learning. Children are encouraged to choose activities they’re interested in, learn at their own pace, and practise skills until they feel confident, all in a calm and well-prepared classroom environment.
What it looks like:
Sorting beads, pouring water, buttoning frames, or arranging objects by sizes – activities that develop focus, coordination, and self-help skills.
Good for children who:
- Prefer quiet concentration
- Like working independently
- Like repetition
- Thrive in predictable routines
What to consider:
Some children may find the environment too quiet or structured, especially those who enjoy imaginative play or frequent social interaction.
3. Play-Based Learning: “Learning through fun”
Play is how young children naturally make sense of the world, which is why many preschools in Singapore adopt play-based learning.
It’s important to note that this isn’t simply “free play all day” – activities are carefully planned and guided to support language, early maths, motor skills, social development and problem-solving skills.
What it looks like:
Pretend-play supermarkets, block building, messy art, water trays, puzzles, simple cooking activities – often filled with joyful noise, collaboration, and creativity.
Good for children who:
- Are energetic, expressive or curious
- Learn best through movement and hands-on exploration
- Enjoy group or collaborative play
- Thrive in social environments
Why parents value it:
Through play, children develop confidence, communication, creativity, and resilience, often without even realising they’re learning.
4. Inquiry-Based Learning: “Let’s find out together!”
Popular in MOE kindergartens and some Singapore preschools, inquiry-based learning begins with children’s questions and interests, which guides what they will explore and learn next.
If the class loves insects, teachers turn it into an exploration: observing bugs, reading stories, making habitats, measuring sizes, drawing diagrams, weaving literacy and numeracy into meaningful experiences.
For example, if children are fascinated by insects, educators may encourage them to observe bugs, read related stories, create simple habitats, and record what they see, while naturally building language and numeracy skills along the way through new vocabulary, counting and simple drawings.
Good for children who:
- Ask endless “why” questions
- Enjoy experiments, building or problem-solving
- Learn best through hands-on experience
- Are naturally curious
What parents appreciate:
Children develop the ability to think critically, ask questions, and analyse information, not just memorise facts.
So… which teaching style is the best?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Every child learns differently, and the most effective preschool approach is one that supports your child’s unique personality, interests, and pace of development.
When choosing a preschool, consider:
- Your child’s natural inclinations and interests
- How they prefer to play and learn
- Whether they thrive with structure or flexibility
- What helps them feel safe, motivated, and confident
Most importantly, think about whether the preschool supports your child’s learning needs. Does it give them the space to explore, play, and grow in ways that suit them? Many schools, including E-Bridge Pre-School, offer school visits or “Get-to-Know” sessions. These allow parents to observe how children learn and play in the classroom, and better understand how the school can support their child’s learning and development before making a decision.
Why our parents choose E-Bridge Pre-School
Here’s why many parents choose E-Bridge after visiting a few schools:
1. A balanced, child-led approach
Different preschools take different approaches: some focus closely on a single philosophy, while others adopt a more blended style.
E-Bridge takes a balanced approach by combining Reggio Emilia-inspired practice, guided inquiry, and play-based learning to support children as they explore, ask questions, and learn at a pace that feels right for them – all within a structured and supportive environment.
2. Built for Singapore’s context
E-Bridge’s approach aligns closely with the early childhood curriculum in Singapore, ensuring learning is both relevant and meaningful for local children.
What also sets E-Bridge apart is its authenticity. As part of the EtonHouse International Education Group, it draws on decades of global early childhood expertise and strong Reggio Emilia foundations.
3. Educators trained in the best of Reggio Emilia approach
Parents often cite the quality of the educators as a key factor in their decision to choose E-Bridge. They undergo rigorous, ongoing training led by industry experts, ranging from overseas programmes in Reggio Emilia, Italy, to hands-on guidance by visiting Reggio Children experts flown into Singapore.
4. Beautiful, thoughtfully designed learning environments within your neighbourhood
With new centres opening at Bartley Beacon and Tampines GreenEmerald in February 2026, families can expect spacious, light-filled spaces perfect for exploration, creativity, and purposeful play.
5. Quality education that supports Singapore families
As one of the five exclusive Anchor Operator (AOP preschools) appointed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), E-Bridge offers high-quality education at more accessible fees starting from as low as $3/month with additional government subsidies for eligible families.
At E-Bridge, families can provide their children with well-designed early childhood programmes that nurture curiosity, independence, and a love of learning – all without the stress of overwhelming costs.
For future residents of Bartley Beacon and Tampines GreenEmerald, E-Bridge will be opening two brand-new preschools within the estate in February 2026.
Register your interest today to discover how your child can begin their learning journey in a warm, inspiring environment at a quality preschool just a short walk from home.
Quick Comparison: Popular Preschool Teaching Approaches
| What It Focuses On | Ideal For | |
| Reggio Emilia | Child-led inquiry, environment as “third teacher,” collaborative learning | Curious explorers who thrive in hands-on, open-ended experiences |
| Montessori | Independence, structured materials, self-paced tasks | Children who enjoy order, routine, and focused solo work |
| Play-Based | Social-emotional development through guided play | Younger learners needing freedom to explore |
| Academic-Led | Early literacy & numeracy, teacher instruction | Families prioritising early academics |
