There are many enrichment programmes offered to toddlers and preschoolers in Singapore. Mainly, these programmes can be broken down into four categories: academy, musics, arts or crafts and sports.
There is a term “kiasu” which is used to describe parents in Singapore. The terms literally means “aftraid to lose”. Because of kiasu, many parents enroll their toddlers or preschoolers in to learn abacus, reading classes, music class, dance class and many more.
Research has added fuel to this phenomenon. Some researches suggest preschoolers learn better at the age of 3.
As a parent of three children age 6, 4, and 2, I am also a kiasu parent. I have enrolled my eldest kid in the abacus class and playing class (which suppose to enhance his creativity), i have also intended to send him to some reading class as I worry about his reading ability and vocabulary (we speak mostly Chinese or Teochew at home, that is why I worry about his English and want him to expand his vocabulary through the reading classes).
I believed the abacus lesson is beneficial. My observation can tell that his mental calculation is good and is able to solve problem given by the teachers himself in a quick pace. Of course, he may have inherits good genes from me who has won several prizes (LOL) in many Mathematics competition such as Mathematics Olympiad. Anywhere, he enjoys the class and progresses well and we will continue to support him for the rest of this year.
I once want to enroll him for swimming lesson. I believe swimming is a life skill which he should pick up either now or later. I have postponed this to next year.
A trend I have noticed that there are more and more enrichment centres that offers robotics programmes. These centres usually give children some lego-like toys and children are able to learn some simple coding that can help to control the toys. It is fun for many children that I have observed. Given the prevailance of digital technology, i believe it is good for children to learn some coding skills.
You may refer to Enrichment Classes for various enrichment courses offered to preschoolers and toddlers in Singapore.
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