Having good moral values helps one to make good judgement and proper decisions. The values that we have play a part in motivating our intentions and help us stand grounded in the eyes of judgement. Teaching children the importance of having good values can help them to build character and to cope in times of distress or tough situations.

Taking baby steps such as teaching children to say “no” when they need to or to express their thoughts and feelings can be a starting point in teaching them self-respect and honesty, where they learn to respect the boundaries of others and that of their own.

Even simple acts such as encouraging them to share with others or to help someone pick something off the ground, can be learning points for them to be compassionate, kind, and selflessly help those around them, and subsequently, in the community.

At Little Footprints Preschool, character-building plays a key part of the curriculum where children learn important life values through everyday lessons and activities. On top of this, there are also opportunities to participate in yearly community projects for children to demonstrate what they have learnt.

One example of this is the Start Small, Dream Big (SSDB) initiative where each centre plans its own community outreach projects with the children, along with their families.

Different Ways of Showing Care and Concern to Others

SSDB was initiated by the Early Childhood Developmental Agency in 2015 to celebrate SG50 and the president’s 15th anniversary. Its aim is to build an early childhood community that inculcates good values in the children and encourages them to give back to society.

Since the launch, SSDB has now become a yearly project done in collaboration with the preschool community in Singapore, including Little Footprints Preschool.

Here are some highlights of the SSDB activities embarked on this year by the preschoolers and teachers at Little Footprints Preschool, along with their families.
 

Little Footprints Preschool: Start Small, Dream Big Highlights in 2022

Thank You, Delivery Heroes!

Have you ever thought about how our deliverymen work extra hard during this pandemic, delivering food or your online shopping straight to the comfort and safety of your homes?

Children at Little Footprints Preschool at Sengkang 201 decided to make thank you cards, attached with a pack of masks to give to the hardworking staff who deliver our meals on time every day.

Parents assisted the children with this, ensuring that safety measures were adhered to, as they gave these ‘thank you packs’ to those they see outside, or even directly to the delivery personnel bringing food to their homes.

Through this, the children learnt how such a simple act of kindness that may seem insignificant could put a big smile on someone’s face. They also discovered the value of showing appreciation to those who help us in one way or another every day, and reaffirming their contribution to the community.

Care for the Elderly

Children at Little Footprints Preschool at Bedok Reservoir embarked on a journey to demonstrate the value of caring and sharing with others, as well as to work effectively in a team.

Parents were encouraged to bring food items suitable for donation such as canned food, instant noodles, or cereals. On the other hand, the children designed beautiful art pieces to trade for the goods, which were then donated to the Lion Homes for the Elders.

In trading and selling their art pieces, the children learnt about entrepreneurship, which helps them understand the value of everyday items.

Happiness in Sustainable Living

Last but not least, the little gardeners over at Little Footprints Preschool at Bukit Purmei practised their mindset of self-sustainability and gratitude, by appreciating what they have even amidst the pandemic. Arrangements were made by their teachers to have the children grow and care for their very own vegetable plant, such as sweet potatoes and ladies’ fingers.

Some of the children got to take their plants home with them, where their parents assisted them in caring for the plants to ensure that they grow well.

But what made the children really excited throughout the whole journey was to savour the delicious fruits (or vegetables!) of their labour – after carefully removing the edible parts of the plants and handing them over to the school’s cook. Yum!

Hands On Learning of How the World Works

Indeed, through this year’s SSDB activities, children at Little Footprints Preschool picked up an assortment of skills and enjoyed opportunities to give back to the community while learning, an encounter that they might not be able to experience during their regular lessons in the classrooms.

From being a mini entrepreneur to offering a helping hand for the less fortunate, and even learning to be more self-sustainable by planting their own vegetables, the children were able to broaden their minds, getting a taste of real-world experiences.

Interested to learn how your child stands to benefit from a preschool curriculum that focuses on character building through experiential learning?

Locate a Little Footprints Preschool centre near you and book a school tour to find out more!

Follow Little Footprints Preschool on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on the latest happenings across all centres.

* * * * *

Like what you see here? Get parenting tips and stories straight to your inbox! Join our mailing list here.

Want to be heard 👂 and seen 👀 by over 100,000 parents in Singapore? We can help! Leave your contact here and we’ll be in touch.