Inspired by their joyful experiences and memories in the neighbourhood, these murals were designed as part of a community project organised by the Bukit Batok Zone 7 Residents\u2019 Network. The purpose of this project was to enliven the walkways of the Bukit Batok zone and brighten residents\u2019 daily routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So how did our children get involved in this unique project?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exploring community through design<\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/OLJ-2-768x1024.jpg\")
6-year-old Isha using wooden blocks and coloured sticks to showcase a mega bay classroom with plenty of tables and chairs for children of all ages\u202f<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe journey began with a group of inquisitive children embarking on an inquiry-based project to explore the concept of community. Discontent with having two separate bays in the school which separated them from their friends and siblings, they reimagined a space that was both larger and more fun. Our children started brainstorming ideas for their dream school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They envisioned colourful slides bringing them into the classrooms, camping tents for sleeping, a swimming pool, and even a miniature ball pit. With their teachers’ guidance, they sketched out ideas, combining elements from their imaginations into a cohesive design called the Mega Bay.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/OLJ-1-978x1024.jpg\")
A part of the Mega Bay layout sketched by the K2 children<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs part of their exploration of community, the children also learned about spatial planning and basic map-making. They created a map of their local area, marking important locations such as supermarkets, parks and HDB flats. This exercise enhanced their understanding of their surroundings and fostered a sense of community awareness.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/OLJ-3-1024x768.jpg\")
The K2 children studying pictures of their neighbourhood and creating 3D models of structures they see.\u202f<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n A unique community project<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The children\u2019s enthusiasm for their community project bore fruit when an opportunity came from Mr. Koh Soon Sng, a parent of LSP (Sonshine) and a member of the Bukit Batok Residents\u2019 Network. Recognising the children\u2019s creativity and dedication, he invited them to participate in a wall mural project centered on the theme of community. This initiative involved the children drawing pictures depicting their neighbourhood, focusing on themes like buildings, nature, and people.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/OLJ-6-1024x682.jpg\")
Drawings of nature and the neighbourhood as depicted by the children.\u202f <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSoon Sng said, \u201cThe main goal was to decorate the vacant walls around the estate and involve the community in this initiative. We wanted the students to be proud of contributing to the beautiful murals of the neighbourhood when they see their creations admired by the public.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Creating the wall mural was an extensive process spanning seven days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Artists Germain Goh and Pearlyn Yap meticulously selected various elements from the children’s drawings, combining them into a larger, collective artwork to ensure the essence of the children\u2019s illustrations was fully captured. This collaborative piece was then adapted into a design for a wall mural which would be a lasting testament to the children\u2019s creativity and vision.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/OLJ-7-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/OLJ-9-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nLeft: Artist Germain guiding LSP (Sonshine) alumni Richelle as she paints circles on a playground slide\u202f
Right: Artist Pearlyn and the Bukit Batok community cat who came by to visit the artists during one of the painting sessions\u202f <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOnce the mural was ready for final touches, the children were invited to participate in a painting session, adding their personal flair to the project. This hands-on involvement instilled a sense of pride and ownership, providing a memorable experience of contributing to a public art piece.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Germain shared, \u201cWe enjoyed spending time with the children who helped with the painting. We were also very encouraged by residents who passed by while we were doing up the murals. They appreciated the community coming together to make these bright and cheery murals in their neighborhood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The grand unveiling<\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/OLJ-5-1024x682.jpg\")
Minister Murali Pillai addressing the guests during the launch of the murals on 25 May 2024.\u202f<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe mural was officially launched on 25th May in a heartwarming ceremony attended by Minister Murali Pillai and the young artists from Little Seeds Preschool and PCF SparkleTots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event celebrated community spirit, creativity, and the power of collective effort. Minister Murali praised the children and organisers for their vision and initiative, highlighting the importance of nurturing young minds through community projects.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of our LSP (Sonshine) alumni, Raylon Lee, said, \u201cI drew my house because it reminds me of going home to my mummy and daddy and watching TV. I\u2019m so happy to come back to my kindergarten to see my teachers and friends today.\u201d\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The journey began with a group of inquisitive children embarking on an inquiry-based project to explore the concept of community. Discontent with having two separate bays in the school which separated them from their friends and siblings, they reimagined a space that was both larger and more fun. Our children started brainstorming ideas for their dream school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They envisioned colourful slides bringing them into the classrooms, camping tents for sleeping, a swimming pool, and even a miniature ball pit. With their teachers’ guidance, they sketched out ideas, combining elements from their imaginations into a cohesive design called the Mega Bay.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of their exploration of community, the children also learned about spatial planning and basic map-making. They created a map of their local area, marking important locations such as supermarkets, parks and HDB flats. This exercise enhanced their understanding of their surroundings and fostered a sense of community awareness.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n The children\u2019s enthusiasm for their community project bore fruit when an opportunity came from Mr. Koh Soon Sng, a parent of LSP (Sonshine) and a member of the Bukit Batok Residents\u2019 Network. Recognising the children\u2019s creativity and dedication, he invited them to participate in a wall mural project centered on the theme of community. This initiative involved the children drawing pictures depicting their neighbourhood, focusing on themes like buildings, nature, and people.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Soon Sng said, \u201cThe main goal was to decorate the vacant walls around the estate and involve the community in this initiative. We wanted the students to be proud of contributing to the beautiful murals of the neighbourhood when they see their creations admired by the public.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Creating the wall mural was an extensive process spanning seven days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Artists Germain Goh and Pearlyn Yap meticulously selected various elements from the children’s drawings, combining them into a larger, collective artwork to ensure the essence of the children\u2019s illustrations was fully captured. This collaborative piece was then adapted into a design for a wall mural which would be a lasting testament to the children\u2019s creativity and vision.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the mural was ready for final touches, the children were invited to participate in a painting session, adding their personal flair to the project. This hands-on involvement instilled a sense of pride and ownership, providing a memorable experience of contributing to a public art piece.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Germain shared, \u201cWe enjoyed spending time with the children who helped with the painting. We were also very encouraged by residents who passed by while we were doing up the murals. They appreciated the community coming together to make these bright and cheery murals in their neighborhood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mural was officially launched on 25th May in a heartwarming ceremony attended by Minister Murali Pillai and the young artists from Little Seeds Preschool and PCF SparkleTots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The event celebrated community spirit, creativity, and the power of collective effort. Minister Murali praised the children and organisers for their vision and initiative, highlighting the importance of nurturing young minds through community projects.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of our LSP (Sonshine) alumni, Raylon Lee, said, \u201cI drew my house because it reminds me of going home to my mummy and daddy and watching TV. I\u2019m so happy to come back to my kindergarten to see my teachers and friends today.\u201d\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n A unique community project<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n
Right: Artist Pearlyn and the Bukit Batok community cat who came by to visit the artists during one of the painting sessions\u202f <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe grand unveiling<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/OLJ-11-e1721638967455-1024x645.jpg\")