By Juliana Geetha
Racial Harmony Day is celebrated annually on 21st July to teach students the importance of racial and religious harmony in Singapore’s multicultural and multi-ethnic society. By embracing and celebrating cultural differences, children can learn about friends from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and foster values of empathy, respect, and inclusion.
At Little Seeds Preschool (TSA-Bukit Panjang), we are dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every child matters. Our education philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is unique, and it is through embracing this uniqueness that we cultivate a passion for learning and excellence.
We view the environment as the third teacher, carefully designing our spaces to reflect and support diverse learning experiences. By integrating diversity into our daily activities and curriculum, we encourage children to explore, question, and understand the world around them, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Here are 5 ways we celebrate diversity in LSP (TSA-Bukit Panjang).
- Celebrate differences
Our preschool community is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, with each child bringing their own unique background, culture, and experiences to the classroom. By embracing these differences, we create a rich and inclusive learning environment where every child feels accepted and appreciated for who they are.
One way we celebrate differences at Little Seeds Preschool is through celebrations such as Racial Harmony Day. Our children are encouraged to wear traditional clothing from various cultures, share stories about their heritage, and participate in multicultural art and music projects.
Additionally, we incorporate lessons and activities throughout the year that highlight different cultures, languages, and traditions. This includes reading books from diverse authors, as well as cooking and tasting foods from around the world such as pizza, dumplings, popiah, roti prata, and nasi lemak! Through these engaging and interactive experiences, children learn about the rich diversity that makes up our world, fostering a deep sense of respect and unity.
- Foster empathy and understanding
Exposure to diversity from a young age develops empathy and understanding in our little learners. Through interactions with peers from various backgrounds, children learn to appreciate different perspectives, respect individual differences, and cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion.
Through storytelling and role playing, we encourage our children to step into the shoes of others which helps them to understand that others may have different thoughts and feelings than they do. These early experiences lay the foundation for building a more inclusive and harmonious society.
- Create Inclusive Spaces
Our curriculum, interactions and spaces are also designed to promote inclusion and acceptance, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment.
For example, we have created a sensory-friendly classroom area thoughtfully designed with adequate lighting, various textures, and quiet corners to accommodate children with different sensory needs. It allows children to take breaks and engage with sensory activities that help them feel calm and focused.
- Positive role modelling
Positive role modelling and guidance can teach children to appreciate differences, listen to others with an open heart, and treat everyone with kindness and respect.
For example, when one of our teachers noticed a child feeling left out during playtime, she gently intervened. She showed the rest of the children how to invite their peer to join the game and emphasised the importance of including everyone by demonstrating how to ask questions and listen to each other’s ideas.
This act of kindness not only made the child feel valued and included but also left a lasting impact on the entire class. The children began to mirror this positive behaviour, frequently inviting others to join their activities and ensuring that everyone felt part of the group. This highlights the powerful influence of role modelling in teaching respect and fostering an inclusive and caring community at the centre.
5. Empower Every Child
Lastly, we believe that every child is unique and our teachers are dedicated to empower each child to explore their interests, develop their skills, and reach their full potential. We ensure that every child feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in a supportive and nurturing environment.
For example, a nursery child who joined our preschool a year ago was initially shy and hesitant to participate in group activities. He often struggled to socialise and express himself verbally as he had a language delay. Recognising his unique needs, our dedicated teachers worked closely with his family, creating a tailored plan that included intervention and individualised attention.
This included activities that allowed him to communicate and express himself through non-verbal means, such as art, music, and play. The inclusive and supportive environment at our centre encouraged his peers to be patient and understanding, fostering a sense of empathy and cooperation among the children.
Over time, he began to gain confidence. He started participating more actively in class, during lessons and playtime. His progress was celebrated by both teachers and classmates, further boosting his self-esteem. Now, he has made significant strides in his development and has formed friendships with his peers.
His journey is a testament to how a supportive and inclusive environment, combined with individualised attention and encouragement, can help a child overcome challenges and reach their potential.
Embracing diversity in our preschool community is not just a philosophy but a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child can flourish. Because at LSP, we believe that every child matters.
Thank you, parents, for entrusting us with the care and education of your little ones!
To find out more about our preschools, visit https://littleseeds.edu.sg/.
Juliana Geetha is the Principal of Little Seeds Preschool (TSA-Bukit Panjang)
