by Marissa Abigail Iskandar
A Heartwarming Experience of Parent-Teacher Collaboration
When I first heard about the opportunity for parents to be directly involved in classroom teaching, I was both surprised and excited. It felt like a fresh, innovative idea—one I had never experienced before.
The chance to contribute to a lesson alongside the teachers was not only a privilege, but also a meaningful way to connect with my child’s learning journey. It was especially encouraging to know that another parent, Ms Tan Sin Yi, would be joining the session as well. Together, we helped the children explore weather patterns through a fun, hands-on activity—creating a weather mobile.
This wasn’t the first time my husband and I had taken part in activities at Little Seeds Preschool. Previously, we joined a “Share a Talent or Read a Book” session where we read stories and discussed important topics like body boundaries—helping children recognise the signs of inappropriate behaviour—and bullying. We wanted the children to know that it’s okay to speak up, to notice when something doesn’t feel right, and to seek help from a trusted adult. It was a meaningful experience for us as parents.
Our Role in a Child’s Learning Journey
We help them become more aware of their surroundings and develop empathy for others. I believe that as parents, our role goes beyond academic support. We are here to guide and nurture our children socially, emotionally, and spiritually. When children learn to recognise when someone needs help, they also learn how to act or seek assistance. This is a vital step toward raising compassionate individuals who will contribute positively to society.
One of the things I appreciate most about Little Seeds Preschool is its Christian foundation. The emphasis on loving others unconditionally—as God loves us—resonates deeply with our family values. Children learn best by example, and the teachers and staff at Little Seeds truly embody these values. They model kindness, empathy, and care, showing our children what it means to serve from the heart. My children see this in action every day, and it has helped them grow into more thoughtful and caring individuals.
Interestingly, while we seek to impart knowledge to our children, we are also learning from them—their curiosity, sincerity, and ability to see the world without judgement. Their open hearts and minds remind us how ready they are to learn from their educators and surroundings.
Reflections from the Classroom
Children speak from the heart, and that honesty initially made me a little nervous. But having my own children by my side gave me courage. They were genuinely excited about the topic, which helped me feel more confident.
I felt incredibly proud seeing all the children participate so enthusiastically. Their eagerness to learn amazed me—I found myself learning from them, too. Their warmth and love were deeply touching, and the entire experience left my heart full. It was so meaningful that I would love to return and contribute again.
One insight I gained was that even when it seems like children aren’t paying attention, they often are. The way they answered questions showed me they absorb more than we realise. It reminded me never to underestimate them.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
As an educator at the Centre for Healthcare Simulation at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, currently teaching part-time due to family commitments, I am accustomed to teaching adults—specifically Standardised Patients (SPs). In that environment, I deliver lessons in a structured, systematic way. Transitioning to teaching young children, however, was a completely different experience.
Children have shorter attention spans and require more visual and interactive learning. What captivates adults may not hold a child’s interest for long. At first, I wasn’t sure how to adapt my teaching style to this new audience.
Thankfully, I received valuable advice from my daughter, Acelynn Gabriella Winardhi (Gaby), who graduated from Little Seeds Preschool last year. She suggested including a weather chart to grab the children’s attention, and she even offered to help create it. She also encouraged me to have a short Q&A and to give out stickers as rewards for participation—small gestures that made a big difference. Her input was spot on, and her involvement made me even more aware of how perceptive and capable children can be.
This experience was a powerful reminder that parenting is not a one-way street. Our children can teach us so much—about patience, creativity, and the importance of meeting others where they are.
A Grateful Heart
I’m deeply grateful to the teachers and principal of Little Seeds Preschool for creating such an inclusive and nurturing environment. Their openness to parent–teacher collaboration is commendable, and it has brought immense value to our family. Through this experience, we have not only strengthened our bond with our children, but also grown alongside them.
These moments remind us that learning is a shared journey. When parents, teachers, and children come together, something truly beautiful happens. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate and contribute to the vibrant learning community at Little Seeds Preschool.
Marissa Abigail Iskandar is a parent of K1 child attending Little Seeds Preschool (TSA – Bukit Batok East)
