Typically, community activities are associated with volunteering activities for adults. However, parents can start fostering the sense of community care in young children – as early as ages two-and-a-half to three. Introducing children to different communities helps in strengthening their sense of belonging as they learn about duties, responsibilities and ownership, ultimately leading to the cultivation of social awareness. Fortunately, most young children, including those in the early childhood age group, are enthusiastic about learning about their surroundings.
As a leading all-through international school in Singapore, GIIS not only imparts academic knowledge to students but also instills universal values of compassion and kindness, right from the early ages. In our preschool programme – Global Montessori Plus (GMP) – children are nurtured to appreciate and care for the community.
Through positive interactions and active engagement in various activities with peers and educators, we nurture the development of exemplary character that will serve them well in the future. Teaching preschoolers about community care is important for several reasons:
Social development: Introducing the concept of community care helps preschoolers understand their role within the larger social fabric, fostering a sense of belonging and connection with others.
Empathy building: Learning about community care encourages empathy among preschool students as they start to recognise and understand the needs of others. It lays the foundation for compassion for the broader community.
Also read: Fostering Language Development at GIIS: From Nursery to K2
Value system: Early exposure to community care instills values such as kindness, cooperation, and responsibility. These values guide them to make positive choices and treat others with respect.
Citizenship skills: Teaching preschoolers about community care introduces them to the concept of being responsible citizens. It lays the groundwork for understanding civic duties, cooperation, and the importance of contributing positively to the community.
Problem-solving skills: Engaging in activities related to community care encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. Preschoolers learn to identify issues, think creatively, and work collaboratively to find solutions, helping to build important cognitive skills.
Sense of purpose: Understanding that their actions can positively impact the community gives preschoolers a sense of purpose. It helps them realise that even at a young age, they can contribute to making the world a better place.
Communication skills: Activities centered around community care provide opportunities for preschoolers to communicate and collaborate with others. This enhances their verbal and non-verbal communication skills, laying the groundwork for effective interaction in various social settings.
GIIS’ award-winning preschool programme, GMP, is a Montessori-Plus curriculum led by trained, dedicated and caring teachers. Grounded in five robust pillars – ‘Excelerate’ programme, multi-faceted learning, iPlay programme, iCare programme, Future-Ready programme – the pedagogy lays a strong foundation from a young age.
This meticulously crafted approach is crucial for honing students' cognitive, motor and expressive abilities while nurturing their sense of social responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and environmental consciousness.
Under the iCare programme, GIIS preschool students, ages 2-5 to 5 years, learn not just about the importance of community mindedness but also about the environment. From getting opportunities to know more about their community through role plays to age-appropriate gardening projects within the school premises to engaging in cultural exchange events, students get a host of opportunities.
Recycling and upcycling (green) activities are conducted regularly as part of the Multiple Intelligence Naturalist activities. Moreover, the Living Value Education Programme (LVEP) promotes value-based learning. Celebrations such as Racial Harmony Day and Hari Raya, apart from celebrations of the beauty of other cultures in various ways, is a regular feature of our preschool programme.
To conclude, teaching preschoolers about community care promotes social, emotional, and cognitive skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
If you are keen to know more about the preschool programme at GIIS, please don’t hesitate to contact our admissions team.
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Ms Rajiv has been an Early Childhood educator and practitioner for the past 15 years at GIIS. She heads the Global Montessori Plus (GMP) Programme, supporting kindergarten students in their learning and holistic development to maximise the potential of every student. She has been instrumental in implementing developmentally age-appropriate curriculum that provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning. She is well-respected due to her rich experience in the field and passion for working with preschoolers, helping establish a good rapport with the parent community.