In Singapore’s bilingual society, speaking English is considered the norm in most families and schools today. While many parents recognise the importance of creating a conducive environment to encourage bilingualism, they may be at a loss on how to get started.
As a result, many young children struggle to grasp the basics of Mandarin and may become discouraged early on in their learning journey. If you’re looking for an effective programme to cultivate your child’s interest in Mandarin and to nurture them in this area, here are our top choices of Chinese preschools and kindergartens in Singapore!
1. Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Preschool
Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Preschool is a bilingual pre-school that offers a strong Chinese Language and Culture programme. Its holistic education incorporates practical life skills and strong character development for children aged three to six years old.
Beyond adopting the curriculum framework set by the Ministry of Education, this award-winning preschool lets your child experience Chinese as a living language through Applied Life Skills and Holistic Character Development using Chinese materials, while nurturing eco-habits and respect for Nature through Living Garden projects.
For more information, visit Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Preschool.
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2. Mulberry Learning Chinese Preschool @ Fusionopolis
Established in 2006, Mulberry Learning is an award-winning Reggio-inspired Preschool with 18 locations across Singapore. Its new Chinese Preschool at Fusionopolis allows children to explore the enriching realm of Chinese immersion education.
Compared to its Bilingual Preschool’s equal mix of English and Mandarin, the Chinese Preschool emphasizes Chinese (~80%) in early years, facilitating the exposure of over 3000 Chinese words, 35 poems, and 90 idioms to children by primary school transition.
Crafted by experts with over 30 years of early childhood experience, children learn and interact in Chinese through play and teacher-led activities. Weekly activities include learning traditional Chinese poetry, calligraphy, Chinese idioms, festivals and traditions, as well as moral values through the Confucian principles of “Di Zi Gui” (弟子規). Children will also benefit from special programmes like the International Friendship Programme designed to foster connections and cultural understanding between students in Beijing and Shenzhen partner schools.
As the Chinese preschool programme is also integrated with Mulberry Learning’s award-winning curriculum model, parents can be rest assured that signature programmes like Reggio-inspired Project Inquiry™, Habits of Mind™ and Literacy Fun™ are still included as part of the holistic learning that nurtures the Future Ready Child.
📍 1 Fusionopolis Walk, #01-14/15/16, North Tower, Solaris, Singapore 138628
☎️ 6653 8082
📧 enquiry@mulberrylearning.com
🌐 mulberrylearning.com
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3. Chengzhu Mandarin Kindergarten
Chengzhu Mandarin Kindergarten prepares children to cope with the Chinese curriculum in primary school without compromising the joys of early childhood!
With a holistic approach to learning, this established preschool also understands that the biggest concern for parents of young children is if their Mandarin will be good enough by Primary 1. Hence, from the start of N1 to their K2 graduation, students are primed for success.
Teachers build strong relationships with both children and parents, who are seen as integral to their child’s positive educational development.
A comprehensive curriculum encourages students to investigate, experiment, observe and apply knowledge through learning centres, as well as through group and individual activities. Students enjoy discovering the world around them, simultaneously exploring their talents and strengths.
A systematic literacy scheme develops both Chinese reading and writing skills, while students study Maths, PE, and English in K1 and K2. Special events take learning outside the classroom, ensuring that language is relevant and experiences relatable. Focus on the arts, with specialist educators of Speech and Drama, Music and Movement, and Chinese Cultural Arts, further helps to develop strong language skills, creativity, self-expression and confidence.
Success and wonderment help make Chengzhu Mandarin Kindergarten dramatically different!
📍 35 Rochester Drive, #03-01 Rochester Mall, Singapore 138639
☎️ 6737 5348
📧 enquiries@chengzhu.edu.sg
🌐 chengzhu.edu.sg
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Are you looking for a holistic bilingual Chinese-English preschool programme that develops your child’s Mandarin skills and deepens their understanding of the Chinese culture?
At ELFA, we place great emphasis on the acquisition of Chinese oral language and reading. We strive to nurture our children’s interest and build a strong foundation in Mandarin with early immersion in the Chinese language and culture.
ELFA’s integrated thematic approach emphasises Chinese language acquisition and is designed by a panel of advisors from China and Singapore, in line with guidelines provided by Singapore’s Ministry of Education. At the end of kindergarten 2, our students undertake the HSK-YCT assessment to benchmark their standards for P1 Chinese. All our students who sat for the assessment in 2019 passed with flying colours, with 45% of the cohort scoring full marks.
At ELFA, we have a Chinese-inspired art programme designed to build positive learning dispositions in children. The programme inculcates calm and composure, and help sustain their liking and appreciation for art through eastern and western art teaching methods. Our higher-order-thinking maths programme adopts a bilingual teaching format to bring alive mathematical concepts for in-depth understanding and sharpens thinking skills.
In 2020, ELFA celebrates operating Chinese preschools in Singapore for two decades. With a network of more than 30 preschool centres in Singapore and China, we are the most awarded Singapore preschool brand in China, attaining excellence in curriculum quality and school management. ELFA’s award-winning bilingual programme is suitable for children between the ages of 2 months and six years.
📍 2 locations islandwide – Pandan Valley & Serangoon
☎️ 6881 8818
📧 enquiry@elfa.edu.sg
🌐 elfapreschools.com
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Note: All details are correct as of the time of publishing. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, no guarantee is given nor responsibility is taken for errors or omissions in the compilation. Readers are advised to check with the respective centres for the most updated details.
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