By Ang Ai Leng
Many of us who have been through the Singapore Education system will know that Total Defence is celebrated on 15 February. But what is Total Defence and how can we teach preschoolers about the importance of Total Defence?
As a small nation with limited resources, every sector of society has a part to play to ensure Singapore’s security. In Total Defence, our people are organised to defend the country against all forms of attack, both military and non-military. Total Defence comprises 6 pillars: Military, Civil, Economic, Social, Digital and Psychological Defence.
At Little Seeds Preschool (Kiddy Ark), we cultivate an inclusive environment through an engaged and collaborative community to foster a sense of belonging. We aim to create a space where families actively participate in the educational journey.
In our recent children’s inquiry topic on Total Defence in Singapore, we were privileged to collaborate with various community partners, each bringing expertise in their fields. These partners included the Association of Early Childhood and Training Services (ASSETS), Singapore Armed Forces Reservist Association (SAFRA), Singapore Armed Forces Veteran League (SAFVL), Singapore Discovery Centre, and The Home Team, among others.
Together with these partners, we conducted various community activities which included Racial Harmony celebrations on 19 Jul, a visit by the Home Team on 30 Jul, and National Day celebrations on 8 Aug.
1. Social Defence: Learning the values of kindness and respect
Reflecting on Social Defence in Singapore, which is living in harmony and looking out for one another, K2 teacher Ms Brenda Tawao said, “Throughout our exploration, the children learned the importance of kindness, respect, and cooperation. It was heart-warming to witness their genuine responses, particularly during our Racial Harmony Day celebrations. The children embraced the concept of respecting others, regardless of race, demonstrating a deep understanding of inclusivity.”
Brenda added that parental involvement was crucial in reinforcing these values at home. The take-home learning kit, which included activities from the Singapore Kindness Movement, provided families with opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions and actions. Brenda shared that she was particularly amazed by one child who took the initiative to distribute food to neighbours, demonstrating an incredible act of charity!
Another K2 student, Chloe Chin, had the opportunity to participate in her church’s Community Fridge Programme at Christ Methodist Church (CMC), Marine Terrace, on 27 July 2024.
The Community Fridge Programme, a collaboration with the Marine Terrace Residents’ Committee, supports about 200 low-income families living in rental blocks in the area. Every Saturday, volunteers provide the residents with free groceries, including fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, bread, eggs, and other daily necessities.
Chloe spent an afternoon assisting with the distribution of rice and canned food. She greeted every resident with a big smile and was warmly welcomed by the community. She found the session both fun and meaningful, enjoying the opportunity to help and interact with the residents.
Through this experience, Chloe gained a deeper understanding of Social Defence. She learned the importance of showing care and concern for the less fortunate and the value of volunteering. Even small efforts like this contribute to building a strong, secure, and cohesive Singapore. When we are united, we are better equipped to face any crisis.
Brenda said: “This journey has shown me that even at a young age, children have the capacity to grasp and embody the values of Social Defence. Their actions and understanding reflect the foundation of a caring and cohesive society. As their teacher, I am proud of their growth and encouraged by their progress. I look forward to continuing this important journey of learning together.”
2. Civil Defence: Visit from Home Team
To learn more about Civil Defence, which is the ability to spot signs of threats and respond effectively, we had a special visit from the amazing Community Policing Officers from the Neighbourhood Police Centre!
The officers came to Kiddy Ark to share with our little ones about important topics like bullying, theft, talking to strangers, misuse of 999, and road safety. One of the highlights of the visit was when the officers demonstrated the loud sirens and flashing lights on the police vehicle. The children were thrilled and clapped with excitement as they heard the siren up close. They couldn’t stop talking about how “cool” it was to sit in the driver’s seat and pretended to be officers on duty!
The officers also engaged the children in role-playing scenarios to help them understand how to handle different situations, such as asking for help from a trusted adult or saying ‘no’ to strangers. The interactive session made the lessons both fun and memorable.
Quan Laoshi, one of the teachers, shared, “It was incredible to see how engaged our children were. The officers made the learning experience so hands-on and relatable. I think this visit not only taught them about safety but also showed them that police officers are friendly and here to protect us.
3. Military Defence: Building an army tank with Dad
K2 student Camellia Nguyen was curious about why Singapore has Army tanks, Navy ships, and fighter jets when we are not at war. To extend her knowledge of Military Defence, she embarked on a home project with her dad to build an army tank with the Singapore flag!
Camellia said: “Working on this project made me wish I could be part of the Army force, protecting Singapore from any threats on land and keeping our country safe.
She added that working with her dad was a fun and joyful experience that brought them closer together and strengthened their bond. She also learned valuable life lessons.
“My dad helped me develop resilience by encouraging me to be patient, learn from my mistakes, and keep improving. He inspired me to be creative and determined by teaching me to apply ideas confidently without self-doubt,” Camellia said.
These school, home and community activities enhances the educational experiences of both preschool teachers and children. It fosters a dynamic and supportive learning environment, promotes social and civic responsibility, and deepens cultural awareness and appreciation. By leveraging community strengths and resources, schools can offer a holistic and meaningful education that equips children for future success.
To find out more about our preschools, visit https://littleseeds.edu.sg/.
Ang Ai Leng is the principal of Little Seeds Preschool (Kiddy Ark)
