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Showing posts from June, 2024

The Vital Role of Play at Sheffield KidsWorld

At Sheffield KidsWorld, we understand that play is not just an activity but a vital part of learning and development for young children. It serves as the foundation for healthy emotional, physical, and cognitive growth, as highlighted by Sun Xueling’s insights on the subject.   Developing Skills Through Play   Play is often dismissed as mere fun, but for preschoolers, it is a critical aspect of their growth and development. Sun Xueling, in a recent discourse on child development, emphasizes that play is not a luxury but a fundamental need. From building social bonds to enhancing cognitive skills, the role of play is multifaceted. Play allows children to express their creativity, solve problems, and manage stress, all within the safety of imaginative contexts. This engagement is not just about entertainment; it’s about preparing them for real-world challenges. The simple act of playing can influence a child’s emotional and physical well-being, encouraging them to think independ...

The Dangers of Excessive Smartphone Usage for Children

  Diplopia, commonly referred to as double vision, occurs when a person sees two images of a single object. This condition can be monocular, affecting just one eye, or binocular, involving both eyes. Binocular diplopia disappears when one eye is closed, indicating issues like eye misalignment or neurological problems. The Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) has observed a significant rise in cases, aligning with global trends, which raises concerns about the underlying causes and preventive measures. A primary factor contributing to the increase in diplopia cases is the prolonged use of mobile phones and other small screens. This excessive screen time requires intense focus, which strains the eyes. For instance, Madam Jeviene Sim experienced frequent double vision episodes, escalating in frequency and duration, correlated with her extensive smartphone use for watching videos, often spanning entire weekends. This case underscores the potential vision hazards associated with prolong...

A Journey Through Kampong Glam’s Heritage

  Exploring heritage with our little adventurers in Kampong Glam! Guided by a licensed member from the Singapore Tourism Promotion Board (STPB) and the National Heritage Board, our preschool children embarked on an enriching journey through historical sites. They visited the majestic Sultan Mosque, explored the Royal Graveyard, and wandered around the old Istana Kampong Glam. Their adventure was enhanced by exploring archaeological finds linked to Sang Nila Utama and the ancient Malay kings. The day was filled with immersive learning about Malay traditions such as “Wayang Kulit” (shadow puppetry), “Batik” (fabric dyeing), and “Jamu” (herbal medicine), along with a demonstration of the Malay martial art “Silat”. The children also had the delightful experience of tasting traditional Malay kueh, adding a flavourful end to their cultural exploration. Heritage tours like the one to Kampong Glam play a crucial role in preschool education by opening doors to vibrant cultures and histori...

Enhancing Grip Strength in Preschoolers: A Vital Skill for Early Development

In today’s digital age, the frequent use of smartphones and tablets from an early age has led to a noticeable decrease in physical activities among young children, including those activities that develop grip strength. For preschoolers, strong grip strength is essential not only for daily tasks such as holding pencils and manipulating small objects but also for overall motor development and coordination. Encouraging activities that enhance grip strength can contribute significantly to a child’s early physical health and can be seamlessly integrated into their daily routine. Preschool educators and parents can incorporate simple yet effective exercises into children’s daily activities to improve their grip strength. Engaging children in play that involves squeezing soft balls, playing with playdough, or using tongs to pick up objects can be fun and beneficial. These activities are not only enjoyable but also enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, making them ideal for pres...

Raya Radiance: Celebrating Hari Raya in Our Preschool in 2024

Pictures of Our Raya Celebration at Sheffield Kidsworld  Benefits of Celebrating Festivals at Preschool Cultural Awareness and Inclusion Celebrating festivals like Hari Raya in preschool introduces young children to the rich tapestry of cultures that make up their community. This early exposure fosters an understanding and appreciation of cultural differences, helping children develop a sense of global citizenship from a young age. It also provides an opportunity for children from the celebrated culture to feel seen and valued, enhancing their self-esteem and connection to their heritage Educational Opportunities Festivals are a colourful and engaging way to learn outside the traditional academic curriculum. Activities centered around Hari Raya, such as story-telling about its significance, creating ketupat-inspired crafts, or even sampling traditional foods, can provide hands-on learning experiences. These activities help children develop fine motor skills, understand historical c...