by Belle Lim
An Unexpected Invitation
When Teacher May first wrote to invite me to Little Seeds Preschool (Praiseland), I was both surprised and delighted. She had learnt that I was once a primary school teacher and wondered if I could share my experiences of starting Primary 1 with the children in her K2 class. Her invitation was warm and heartfelt, and I felt immediately that this was something meaningful I could offer.
My purpose was simple: to share with the K2 children what Primary 1 would look and feel like, and to help ease any anxieties they might carry as they prepare for this milestone. I prepared a short presentation with photographs of typical primary school facilities and explained some of the routines and structures they could expect — classrooms, canteen queues, and the responsibility of packing their bags the day before.
Stepping into Their World
When I arrived, the class was already waiting eagerly in front of their P1 Board display. It was beautifully put together, full of pictures and words capturing their learning about primary school readiness. I even spotted a photo of the children practising pledge-taking!
Teacher May and her lively K2 class
The moment I stepped in, they waved enthusiastically and greeted me with cheerful shouts of “Hi, Ms Belle!” Their openness and warmth were unmistakable. They were excited for primary school, but beneath the excitement lay honest concerns.
Their Hopes & Worries
Giving a presentation about structures and routines to expect in Primary 1
At the end of the sharing session, the children settled into a circle, and I asked, “What is one concern or thanksgiving you want to bring to God today?” Their responses revealed the tender realities of their hearts:
- “I am concerned about bullying.”
I encouraged the class to always seek help from a trusted adult.—No child should ever feel alone.
- “I am concerned people will laugh at my crooked teeth because they have not grown out properly.”
To the whole class, I said, “Make sure you are not one of those who laugh unkindly at others.”
To the boy, I added, “There may always be people who speak unkindly, but do not worry overly much about what they say. God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
- “I am concerned about the P6 test.”
I reassured him, “Just do your best and be the best version of you.”
Their questions were practical, curious, occasionally anxious, but always sincere. “What happens if I forget my book?” “Will there be Robotics classes?” “What desserts are sold in primary school?” The room was full of curiosity.
Why Questions Matter
Question & Answer time!
Their questions reminded me of something important: while adults may sometimes grow tired of answering repeated queries, questions are actually very precious. They nurture several key executive functions that are essential for future learning and life — something Ellen Galinsky highlights in Mind in the Making, a book that informs how we intentionally support children’s development at Little Seeds Preschool.
- Perspective Taking – cultivating empathy and helping children consider how others feel.
- Effective Communication – strengthening their ability to express themselves.
- Making Connections – linking ideas, experiences, and concepts meaningfully.
More than that, questions are often a child’s way of reaching out to us, their trusted adults. “What if I forget my wallet?” “What if I bring my wallet, but there is no money inside?” On the surface, these sound repetitive.
Underneath, the child may be saying, “I am worried about the big world out there. I need reassurance from you.”
Sometimes, children ask again not because they did not pay attention, but because they need to hear the same comforting answer one more time. This visit reminded me to slow down, pause, and ask myself: What is this child really trying to tell me?
Letting Them Grow
As I closed in prayer for the K2 class of LSP (Praiseland), I was reminded that there comes a time when we must gently let go and allow our little ones to step into the wider world. Our role as parents, teachers and leaders is to strengthen their roots with love so they can weather whatever ‘storms’ they encounter, whether it is unkind laughter about crooked teeth or the formidable PSLE. Questions provide us with the precious opportunity to connect with them and prepare them for these moments.
A prayer for their Primary 1 transition
While my role at APS often places me in conversations about strategy, structures, and systems, I have always believed that the heart of our work is best understood on the ground. It’s in the classrooms, the play spaces, and the quiet (and sometimes noisy!) in-between moments where children ask questions, relate to one another, explore, and ultimately, grow.
And it is in these moments that we strengthen the roots of our children’s God-given identity — gently, faithfully — one child at a time.
Belle Lim is the Executive Assistant of the CE Office at Anglican Preschool Services. Previously, she was a primary school teacher for more than 10 years.
