Playgroup

Pre-Nursery / Playgroup Programme in Singapore

For children aged 18 months to 2 years old. Dedicated 1 to 6 teacher-to-child ratio. Flexible full-day or half-day childcare options.

Starshine Montessori in Singapore prides itself on a quality preschool programme that promotes personalised and progressive learning experiences for every child in our care. Our specialised curriculum for the Playgroup caters to children between the ages of 18 months to 2 years old and is constructed around an assortment of hands-on experiences that are designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration.

Understanding that children at this tender age are still discovering the world using their five senses, our curriculum employs a range of age-appropriate materials that are not only attractive to our young learners but also serve as valuable tools in enhancing their learning journey.

Our experienced and attentive educators are not just teachers; they are keen observers and facilitators who take an active role in guiding the children to select the right materials that will further boost their development and learning. At Starshine Montessori, we firmly believe in cultivating an intimate and immersive learning environment that can harness the unique interests and abilities of each child.

Playgroup at Starshine Montessori in Singapore
Children Indoor and Outdoor Learning and Playing at Starshine Montessori

What are the Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in a Montessori Playgroup Programme in Singapore?

Enrolling your child in a Montessori Playgroup Programme in Singapore offers several compelling advantages that contribute to early childhood development in holistic ways. Understanding these benefits will enable you to make informed decisions about your child's early education and care.

Individual-focus Learning

Montessori education is premised on respect for a child’s natural psychological development. This approach allows children to learn at their own pace, explore their own interests and develop their unique strengths, as lessons are often designed around individual children's needs.

Pragmatic, Hands-on Learning

Montessori schools follow a practical, experiential approach to learning rather than rote memorisation. Lessons often revolve around real-life tasks, encouraging children to interact with their environment, improving their motor skills, hand-eye coordination and cognitive development.

Social and Emotional Growth

Young children in a Montessori setting are given opportunities to work collaboratively, developing their problem-solving skills, cooperation, and empathy. Moreover, being in a mixed-age classroom promotes leadership attributes as older children become role models for their younger peers.

Fosters Independence

Montessori education centers around developing a child's sense of independence. Children in Montessori playgroup programmes learn to do things for themselves, from tidying up after play to learning how to button a shirt. This self-reliance builds confidence and self-esteem.

Carefully Prepared Environment

Every object in a Montessori classroom has a specific purpose and is presented in an aesthetically pleasing way. This organised environment teaches children orderliness and respect for their surroundings.

Trained Montessori Teachers

Montessori educators are specially trained in child development and the Montessori method. This means they understand the needs of your child at each stage of their development, providing personalised guidance and support.

Long-Term Benefits

Research has shown that Montessori students tend to have better social skills and cognitive performance than their peers and exhibit a love for learning that goes beyond the years spent in a Montessori classroom.

What is the ratio of teachers to children in a classroom setting?

Understanding the teacher-to-child ratio in a classroom setting is a significant factor when considering an early learning centre for your child. This ratio signifies the attention each child can potentially receive and greatly impacts the quality of care and teaching provided.

In a Montessori environment, maintaining an optimal teacher-to-child ratio is a cornerstone principle. It ensures individualised attention, uninterrupted learning, and direct, meaningful teacher-child interactions. At Starshine Montessori, we are proud to maintain a teacher-to-child ratio of 1:6. This strategic ratio aligns with our commitment to providing innovative and holistic early childhood education. With fewer children per teacher, it becomes easier to foster an environment where each child's unique potential can be nurtured. This enables us to effectively implement our robust bilingual immersion program and inquiry-based learning method in enriched environments. The 1:6 ratio ensures that each child receives individualised attention, making learning not just a group experience but a personal journey for every child under our care.

Here’s why a favourable teacher-to-child ratio is advantageous:

Teacher guiding the children at Starshine Montessori

Personalised Guidance

A lower ratio means the teachers can provide more personalised guidance and attention to each child. They can understand each child's unique learning style, strengths, and areas for improvement, fostering an environment conducive to individual growth.

Better Observation

Montessori teachers perform a role as observers, gauging each child's progress, behaviour, and interaction with peers and the environment. A lower teacher-to-child ratio enables them to carry out this vital role more effectively.

High-Quality Interactions

A smaller number of children per teacher allows for quality interactions. Each child has more opportunities to engage in thoughtful conversations and ask questions, promoting their communication skills and critical thinking.

Safe Environment

From a safety perspective, fewer children per teacher means your child is adequately supervised at all times, essential in the early years when children are more prone to accidents.

Stronger Relationships

When there are fewer children in the group, teachers can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with each child. Such connections can significantly enhance a child's sense of belonging, positively influencing their emotional development and wellbeing.

Children in Playgroup enjoying different lessons at Starshine Montessori

What does our Montessori Playgroup Curriculum Entail?

Our Montessori Playgroup Curriculum in Singapore provides an enriching and comprehensive educational experience that caters to both the developmental needs and the natural curiosity of young children.

Here’s an overview of what our programme entails:

Sensorial Exploration

Sensorial Exploration

At this stage of development, children learn about the world predominantly through their senses. Our curriculum includes various sensorial activities designed to stimulate and develop their five senses. Things like sorting shapes, identifying sounds, or exploring textures help refine their sensory perceptions and cognitive abilities.

Practical Life Skills

Practical Life Skills

Practical life exercises form an integral part of a Montessori education. These exercises are everyday tasks that teach children to care for themselves and their environment. Activities like spooning beans from one pot to another, buttoning their dresses, or watering plants instill independence and help develop fine motor skills.

Bilingual Language Development

Bilingual Language Development

Immersing children in interactive storytelling, singing songs, engaging in rhymes or participating in object-matching activates in both English and Mandarin stimulates their bilingual vocabulary, listening skills, and communication abilities. As they advance, they are exposed to fundamental pre-reading and pre-writing activities in both languages.

Early Math Concepts

Early Math Concepts

Through playful and hands-on activities, children are introduced to fundamental math concepts. Simple counting games, size and quantity comparisons, and recognising basic shapes lay the groundwork for mathematical understanding.

Emotional and Social Development

Emotional and Social Development

The children are encouraged to work both independently and in groups, which foster emotional growth and social skills. Through interaction with peers and teachers, they learn to express their feelings, take turns, share, and resolve conflicts.

Cultural Awareness

Cultural Awareness

Elements of cultural understanding are interwoven throughout the curriculum. Children are introduced to different cultures through stories, songs, festivals, and food. This exposure fosters respect and appreciation for diversity.

Creative Expression

Creative Expression

Art, music, dance, and dramatic play are made available for children to express their creativity. These activities not only enhance their fine motor skills but also foster imagination and self-expression.

Sustainability

Nature Appreciation and Sustainability

Recognising the importance of our natural environment, our curriculum also exposes children to the principles of sustainability and the wonders of nature. Through activities such as gardening, nature walks, and recycling projects, children are taught to appreciate and care for the environment.

What developmental milestones can my child achieve at the end of the Playgroup programme at Starshine Montessori?

At Starshine Montessori, our Playgroup programme is designed to promote comprehensive growth and development. By the end of this phase, here are several developmental milestones you can expect your child to achieve:

Children enjoying learning something new everyday at Starshine Montessori
Cognitive Development

Cognitive Development

Your child will have a better understanding of cause and effect, simple problem-solving, and can follow simple instructions. They may also display a grasp of early math concepts, numeracy skills, and an active interest in exploring the world around them.

Language Skills

Language Skills

With our emphasis on language development, expect your child to form simple sentences, expand their vocabulary, and enhance their listening and communication skills.

Social and Emotional Skills

Social and Emotional Skills

They will learn essential social skills like sharing, turn-taking, and empathy. Emotionally, they will exhibit more self-awareness, and be able to express their feelings more accurately.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Your child’s motor skills will develop significantly through various activities and hands-on learning. They’ll gain more control over their movements, showing increased coordination and dexterity.

Child Independence

Independence

A sense of independence and self-confidence is a key outcome of the Montessori curriculum. Expect to see your toddler accomplish tasks with less adult assistance, like cleaning up, dressing themselves, or eating independently.

Creativity and Imagination

Creativity and Imagination

We encourage activities that promote creativity such as role play, storytelling, and arts and crafts. Your child will begin to express themselves creatively, and their imaginative play will become more complex and detailed.

Child joy over her success building Lego

Transitioning into Nursery 1: What Can Parents Expect?

As your child transitions to Nursery 1, these newly acquired skills will serve as a robust foundation. At the Nursery 1 level, the focus will slightly shift towards more structured, yet hands-on academic learning, emphasizing language, math, science, and culture. Children are gradually introduced to early reading, writing, and mathematical concepts, preparing them for primary education.

At Starshine Montessori, we ensure this transition is smooth, respectful of the child's pace, and a continuation of their learning journey. We understand that each child is unique, and our well-trained educators are there to guide and support your child every step of the way.

In essence, Starshine Montessori's programme doesn't just prepare your child with essential developmental skills but also fosters a lifelong love for learning, creativity, problem-solving, and social aptitude.

Explore our Nursery 1 programme

Frequently Asked Question

About our Playgroup Programme

In Singapore, the Playgroup programmes typically cater to young children between the ages of 18 months to 2 years old. These early childhood education programmes offer a nurturing environment where little ones can explore, learn, and develop essential skills. They are designed to ease the transition into Nursery and higher-level preschool education. Activities in these programmes often include play-based learning, storytime, arts and crafts, and basic introduction to numbers and letters, all aimed at fostering social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

At Starshine Montessori, our Playgroup classes offer a balanced blend of fun and education, ensuring your child gets the best start in their learning journey.🌟

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions about our programmes!

While Playgroup programmes are not mandatory in Singapore, they offer valuable benefits that many parents find crucial for their child’s early development. These programmes serve as a transitional phase that helps ease young children into a structured learning environment, paving the way for a smoother transition to Nursery and Kindergarten.

Key Benefits of Playgroup:

1️⃣ Social Skills: Children learn to interact with peers, share, and make friends, which are essential skills for life.

2️⃣ Emotional Development: They become more independent and learn how to manage their emotions better.

3️⃣ Cognitive Growth: Through various activities, children’s cognitive abilities like problem-solving, attention, and memory are enhanced.

4️⃣ Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Activities that require movement and coordination help in physical development.

5️⃣ Language Skills: Exposure to a rich language environment at an early age can improve vocabulary and communication skills.

6️⃣ Preparation for Future Learning: These programmes lay the groundwork for more advanced, structured learning in later years.

7️⃣ Routine and Structure: Children start to understand the concept of a routine, which will help them adapt to formal schooling more easily.

8️⃣ Parental Respite: These programmes also offer parents a few hours to themselves, which is often an overlooked but important benefit.

9️⃣ Cultural and Community Awareness: Children are exposed to various cultural and community concepts, which help in developing a balanced worldview.

At Starshine Montessori, we believe in giving your child the best possible start. Our Playgroup classes offer a Montessori-based curriculum that focuses on holistic child development, making it a rich and rewarding experience for your young one.

So, while Playgroup are not a compulsory part of the Singapore education system, the advantages they offer can be significant for both parents and children.

Our Playgroup Programme at Starshine Montessori is more than just childcare; it’s an early education experience tailored to foster holistic development in your little ones. Designed for children aged 18 months to 2 years, our curriculum aims to create a joyful and enriching environment that facilitates cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth.

Key Highlights:

1️⃣ Inquiry-Based Learning: Children are naturally curious, and we tap into that by employing an inquiry-based learning method. Through guided exploration and hands-on activities, children learn to ask questions and seek solutions, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2️⃣ Bilingual Immersion: We offer a robust bilingual immersion program in English and Mandarin to develop strong language skills early on. The program is designed not only to teach children the basics of language but also to expose them to different cultures, broadening their worldviews.

3️⃣ Outdoor and Indoor Learning Experiences: Our facility is equipped with both outdoor and indoor learning areas. The balance of both environments provides children with the opportunity to explore, appreciate nature, and learn through tactile experiences.

4️⃣ Physical Activity: Regular physical activities are integrated into our daily routines to help develop motor skills and instill a lifelong love for an active lifestyle. These activities also serve as a foundation for learning teamwork and social interaction.

5️⃣ Arts and Music: Creative expression is encouraged through arts and crafts, as well as music and movement sessions. These activities aid in improving concentration, enhancing creativity, and boosting emotional intelligence.

6️⃣ Safety First: Your child’s safety is our top most priority. Our premises are carefully designed to be child-friendly, and our staff are trained to adhere to the highest safety protocols, giving you peace of mind while you are away.

7️⃣ Nutritious Meals: We provide balanced and nutritious meals that cater to the specific dietary needs of each child. A well-fed child is a happy and focused learner!

8️⃣ Regular Parental Updates: Transparency is important to us. We regularly communicate with parents through daily reports, parent-teacher meetings, and our dedicated mobile app that allows you to track your child’s progress in real time.

Choosing the right playgroup is crucial for your child’s early development, and we believe our programme offers the comprehensive, thoughtful, and loving environment that every child deserves. Come join the Starshine Montessori family and watch your child shine!🌟

Thank you for your interest in our Playgroup Programme at Starshine Montessori! We’re committed to delivering a unique and innovative early childhood education experience for your little one. Our programme features:

🌿 A balanced blend of outdoor and indoor activities, to foster a love for the environment while stimulating both mental and physical growth.

🗺️ A robust bilingual immersion program that opens the doors to a multicultural world.

🕵️‍♂️ Inquiry-based learning that ignites curiosity and empowers children to become independent thinkers.

We understand that investing in your child’s education is a significant decision. That’s why we aim to provide unmatched value that goes beyond just the basic teaching and takes into account the all-rounded development of each child.

For details on the fees and to better understand how our unique approach can specifically benefit your child, we invite you to:

1️⃣ Email Us: Send your queries to [email protected], and our team will get back to you with a comprehensive fee structure.

2️⃣ Call Us: Speak directly with one of our knowledgeable staff at +65 8684 4131 who can provide you personalized information based on your child’s needs.

3️⃣ Visit Us: The best way to understand the Starshine Montessori difference is to experience it. Schedule a tour to visit our facility, and get a true sense of what we offer.

We look forward to engaging with you and discussing how we can help lay the foundation for your child’s lifelong learning journey!

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