Gross motor skills are essential for a child’s physical and emotional development, helping them move confidently, maintain balance, and build strength. These skills, such as walking, jumping, and climbing, play a key role in a child’s independence and coordination.
In Singapore, where academic readiness is often emphasised from an early age, it’s important not to overlook physical development as part of a child’s overall growth.
That’s why even at My First Skool, activities that support gross motor skills are a natural part of daily learning, helping children build strength, balance, and confidence as they grow.
In this article, we’ll explore ten engaging activities to help children develop their gross motor skills.
Gross motor skills refer to the large muscle movements we make with our bodies. Gross motor skills examples include:
These skills are essential for a child’s physical development, helping them gain strength, coordination, and balance.
Building strong gross motor skills supports mobility, balance, and overall health, and also lays the foundation for fine motor control and other critical abilities.
These skills enable children to manage classroom routines, participate confidently in school activities, and maintain a healthy balance between learning and active play — all crucial for thriving in Singapore’s fast-paced educational environment.
Age Range: 0–6 months
Tummy time is a simple but effective way to help infants strengthen their neck, back, and shoulder muscles.
By placing your baby on their stomach while awake, you encourage them to lift their head and eventually push up with their arms, building crucial muscles needed for later movements like crawling and walking.
As a natural progression from tummy time, belly crawling helps infants further develop their gross motor skills.
Benefits:
Age Range: 6–12 months
As your baby begins to crawl, encourage them to race towards a toy or a sibling.
This fun activity not only motivates movement but also strengthens muscles, improves coordination, and promotes spatial awareness.
Benefits:
Age Range: 9–18 months
Rolling a ball back and forth with your child encourages hand-eye coordination and promotes physical activity. It’s a simple game, but it supports muscle control and spatial awareness as children move toward the ball and push it back.
Benefits:
Age Range: 2–5 years
Jumping on a mini trampoline is a super fun way for children to build leg strength, improve balance, and have fun! It’s a great way to enhance physical confidence and coordination.
Benefits:
Age Range: 2–5 years
Create a simple obstacle course at home using cushions, tunnels, and furniture to get kids moving and promote physical activity. Encourage your child to crawl, jump, climb, and balance their way through the course. This activity promotes coordination, problem-solving, and muscle strength.
Benefits:
Age Range: 1–5 years
Dancing is a fun way for children to develop their large muscles, improve coordination, flexibility, and rhythm. Play some music and encourage your child to move their body to the beat. This activity also helps them learn to express themselves physically and emotionally.
Benefits:
Age Range: 1–3 years
Encourage your child to walk on a variety of surfaces like grass, sand, or soft rugs. This helps develop balance, strengthens the feet and leg muscles, and improves spatial awareness.
Benefits:
Age Range: 2–5 years
Introduce simple throwing and catching games with soft balls or beanbags. These games help children develop hand-eye coordination and improve motor planning as they learn to time their movements.
Benefits:
Age Range: 2–5 years
Climbing activities, whether on playground equipment or safe indoor structures, are fantastic for managing body weight, building strength, balance, and spatial awareness. These activities help children develop confidence as they explore their physical limits.
Benefits:
How My First Skool Incorporates It: My First Skool provides safe, supervised climbing opportunities in their outdoor play areas, where children can enjoy physical challenges while building confidence.
Age Range: 3–5 years
Balance beams help children learn to stand and balance effectively, improving their stability and coordination. Children can start by balancing on a low beam and progress to more challenging ones as they improve.
Benefits:
While home activities are a great way to support gross motor development, consistent opportunities to move, play, and build strength in a preschool setting help reinforce these skills even more.
That’s why at My First Skool, physical play is a natural part of our daily environment, giving children the space to grow confidently and steadily.
Gross motor skills are crucial for a child’s overall development. Activities like running, jumping, and climbing build strength, coordination, and confidence, while also fostering problem-solving and emotional regulation. Gross Motor Activities are monitored and conducted by teachers to ensure safety as well.
Physical activities at My First Skool support more than just physical growth. As children develop their gross motor skills, they also enhance cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and social skills. These activities help children understand spatial relationships, build creativity, and learn how to make decisions and solve problems.
Mastering gross motor skills like walking and jumping boosts a child’s confidence. With each milestone, children feel more capable and independent. Whether playing with friends or exploring new tasks on their own, these skills empower children to take on challenges with confidence and assurance.
At My First Skool, we understand that every step of your child’s development is significant.
As your child embarks on their journey of growth and exploration, developing strong gross motor skills is fundamental to their overall development.
Gross motor skills lay the foundation for a child’s ability to engage with the world around them, fostering emotional regulation, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Through incorporating gross motor skill activities into our preschool curriculum, we provide a holistic learning experience that empowers children to explore, take on new challenges, and grow with confidence.
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationship-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents.
Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
For many young children in Singapore, Show and Tell is one of their first experiences speaking in front of a group. Beyond being a fun classroom tradition, it plays a key role in nurturing communication, emotional expression, and confidence — and even contributes to a child’s English language development.
Show and Tell is a significant component of early education, contributing to a child’s English language score and essential skills.
As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child embrace this experience with excitement instead of fear. At My First Skool, experiences like Show and Tell are naturally part of daily learning, supporting children as they build confidence and communication skills over time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple 6-step journey to help your child prepare for their first Show and Tell, from picking the right topic to shining confidently on stage.
Show and Tell is a cherished classroom tradition that goes beyond simply showing off a favourite toy. It’s a dynamic activity designed to help children develop essential skills that will serve them for years to come.
At its core, Show and Tell is a chance for children to bring something from home, like a treasured book, a special toy, or even a meaningful memory, and explain its significance to their classmates.
In many Singaporean preschools, Show and Tell is an opportunity for children to practice public speaking in a safe, supportive environment, helping them gain confidence in themselves and their ability to communicate.
Show and Tell is more than just a fun classroom activity; it is an opportunity to create interesting presentations that capture the audience’s attention.
Here are some key benefits your child will gain through this valuable experience:
Show and Tell encourages children to use a wider range of vocabulary, practice their articulation, and form coherent sentences. By explaining their thoughts and ideas clearly, they also develop listening skills, which help them become better communicators overall.
Presenting in front of peers helps children overcome their fears of public speaking and boosts their self-esteem. The more they practice, the more confident they become, not just in the classroom, but in social interactions, group work, and later in life.
Through Show and Tell, children learn to articulate their feelings, thoughts, and personal experiences. This encourages them to reflect on their emotions and express themselves openly, fostering emotional intelligence.
To effectively communicate in front of an audience, children must organise their thoughts logically. Show and Tell enhances critical thinking and helps them structure their ideas in a clear, engaging manner.
Show and Tell isn’t just about speaking; it’s also about listening. When children watch their peers present, they learn to be attentive, respectful, and patient. Active listening helps them develop empathy and fosters a culture of respect, both of which are invaluable life skills.
📝 Quick Takeaway: Show and Tell nurtures language, confidence, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and listening skills — all at once!
While Show and Tell is a wonderful learning experience, it can come with its fair share of challenges. Clear instructions from teachers can help overcome these challenges by guiding parents and students on how to effectively prepare their presentations.
As a parent, understanding these hurdles will help you better support your child through the process and ensure a positive experience:
📝 Quick Takeaway:
Show and Tell challenges like stage fright and disorganised thoughts can be overcome with support, boosting confidence and authenticity!
Preparing your child for Show and Tell doesn’t have to be stressful. Providing relevant information can help in preparation, making your child feel confident and excited about presenting.
Here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable preparation process:
The best Show and Tell topics are those that your child is passionate about or feels a strong connection to. Choosing an item that holds personal significance will make your child feel more comfortable and confident, such as:
Props are a great way to help your child feel at ease while speaking. Bringing an object from home, such as a favourite stuffed animal, a special drawing, or a photo from a recent holiday, can give them something familiar to focus on, easing any nervousness.
While it’s important to let your child express themselves authentically, gentle guidance can help them feel more prepared. Ask open-ended questions at home to get them thinking about their topic and its significance. For example:
📝 Quick Takeaway:
Choose a familiar topic, use comforting props, and practice with gentle guidance to help your child shine during Show and Tell!
While Show and Tell is a fun activity, it also serves as an early introduction to essential presentation skills.
Teaching your child some basic techniques can help them present with confidence and clarity. Here are a few simple skills to focus on:
Encourage your child to stand tall, with their feet still and together, which helps project confidence. Maintaining eye contact with their audience (rather than focusing solely on the item) will help them engage with their peers and feel more connected.
These small but impactful body language tips will boost their confidence and make their presentation more compelling!
A common challenge for young children is speaking clearly and loudly enough for everyone to hear. Encourage your child to speak slowly, project their voice, and articulate their words.
Practising at home in front of a mirror or with family members can help them get used to speaking loudly and confidently.
Engaging with other students can make the presentation more interactive. This helps build a connection with the audience and makes the presentation feel more interactive. It also boosts your child’s comfort level with public speaking.
📝 Quick Takeaway:
Teach good posture, clear speaking, and audience engagement to help your child present confidently and effectively during Show and Tell!
The big day has arrived! Your child is ready to step into the spotlight and share their story with the class during the Show and Tell session. But how can you ensure the day goes smoothly, and how can you celebrate your child’s achievement afterwards?
On the day of their presentation, encourage your child to stay calm and excited. It’s completely normal for nerves to kick in, but remind them that everyone is there to listen and support.
Teachers typically guide the children through their presentations in a structured way, which means your child won’t be alone in the spotlight. They will have time to introduce their topic and share their thoughts with their classmates.
Your child might feel nervous just before going up, but the more they practice, the easier it will become. Give them a reassuring hug and a few encouraging words before they go up to present. Let them know that you believe in them and that it’s okay to take their time.
After the presentation, take time to celebrate your child’s effort, no matter how they performed.
Praise their bravery for speaking in front of the class, their effort in preparing, and their ability to communicate clearly. If they made it through their first Show and Tell, that’s a huge achievement!
📝 Quick Takeaway:
Celebrate your child’s Show and Tell success by praising their bravery, preparation, and communication skills—every effort is a big win!
While Show and Tell is an important milestone, it’s just one of many opportunities to help your child grow into a confident communicator. Public speaking and self-expression are lifelong skills that can be further developed through everyday activities and encouragement.
At My First Skool, we believe in providing continuous opportunities for your child to express themselves and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Here are a few ways to nurture your child’s communication skills both at home and through our enriching programs:
By incorporating these practices into your child’s routine, and with the support of My First Skool’s nurturing environment, you’ll help them develop a strong foundation for expressing themselves with clarity and confidence — skills that will serve them well in Show and Tell and beyond.
At My First Skool, we believe that every child has a story worth sharing.
Show and Tell is a special opportunity for your child to develop crucial life skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.
With the right support, practice, and encouragement, your child will not only succeed in Show and Tell but also grow in confidence, communication, and emotional expression.
We strive to create an environment where your child feels confident to express themselves, connect with others, and thrive in a supportive community. By nurturing these skills through our preschool curriculum, we help your child grow into a strong communicator, ready to take on new challenges with confidence.
Because when children feel supported, they don’t just participate — they soar.
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationship-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents.
Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
In today’s fast-paced world, nurturing a child’s cognitive development from an early age is more crucial than ever. Engaging young minds through play fosters creativity and problem-solving skills and lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
Singapore’s educational landscape emphasises holistic development, recognising that cognitive growth is intertwined with emotional and social well-being.
At My First Skool, cognitive games are naturally part of how we support early learning, recognising how important they are for developing young minds.
In this article, we’ll explore a selection of clever cognitive games, also known as brain games, that align with Singapore’s educational values, suitable for children under 10.
Play is not merely a pastime for children; it’s a vital component of their cognitive development.
Engaging in play stimulates various areas of the brain, enhancing skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Activities like puzzles, matching games, and imaginative scenarios encourage children to think critically and adapt to new situations.
Research underscores the significance of play in early childhood. For instance, sensory play—activities that engage the senses—can refine cognitive thinking by helping children understand their environment and make comparisons.
Singapore’s educational framework places a strong emphasis on holistic development, recognising that cognitive growth is intertwined with emotional and social well-being.
The Ministry of Education’s Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework advocates for a balanced approach, integrating play-based learning to nurture curiosity and critical thinking in young children.
By incorporating cognitive games into early education, we align with these national objectives, preparing children in their classes to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Engaging children in cognitive games is a delightful way to enhance their mental agility, problem-solving abilities, and overall brain development.
Here are some top picks suitable for children under 10, each designed to stimulate different aspects of cognitive growth:
Logic puzzles like Sudoku, Chess, and pattern recognition games are excellent for developing children’s strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Examples: Sudoku, pattern-recognition games, and classic board games like Chess.
Benefits:
Age Group: Suitable for ages 6-10.
Memory matching games, including card matches and memory apps, are great for boosting kids’ short-term memory and visual recognition skills. These games also promote focus and attention to detail while offering a fun challenge for younger players.
Examples: Classic card matching games, digital memory apps, and “Kim’s Game,” where children memorise a set of items and recall them after a brief period.
Benefits:
Age Group: Ideal for ages 4-7.
Math-based brain teasers engage children in fun puzzles and riddles that strengthen their numerical skills. These games challenge kids to think critically, improve problem-solving abilities, and foster a love for math through exciting, interactive challenges.
Examples: Simple arithmetic puzzles, number riddles, and games like “Everything Leads Back to 4,” which challenge kids to use quick mental calculations and pattern recognition.
Benefits:
Age Group: Best for ages 5-9.
Word games, such as crosswords and word searches, help children expand their vocabulary and improve their spelling skills. These activities stimulate creative thinking and enhance verbal communication, making them a valuable tool for cognitive development.
Examples: Word searches, simple crosswords, and storytelling prompts.
Benefits:
Age Group: Suitable for ages 6-10.
Creative storytelling activities, like story cubes and role-playing, encourage children to use their imagination and develop narrative skills. These fun exercises help improve verbal communication and boost creativity by allowing kids to create and share their own stories.
Examples: Story cubes, picture-based storytelling prompts, and role-playing scenarios.
Benefits:
Age Group: Great for ages 5-8.
Building block activities encourage children to explore shapes, balance, and design. These hands-on games promote creativity, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills, allowing children to build and experiment while strengthening their cognitive abilities.
Examples: LEGO sets, building towers, and pattern blocks.
Benefits:
Age Group: Suitable for ages 4-8.
Logic-based board games are fantastic for developing strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. By engaging in games that require deduction and planning, children can enhance their logical reasoning and critical thinking in a fun, interactive way.
Examples: “Rush Hour,” “Mastermind,” and “Blokus.”
Benefits:
Age Group: Ideal for ages 6-10.
Tangram puzzles involve arranging geometric shapes to form specific patterns and designs. These puzzles help improve spatial reasoning and shape recognition, offering children a fun and engaging way to develop problem-solving abilities and a deeper understanding of symmetry and geometry.
Examples: Tangram sets and apps that feature shape puzzles.
Benefits:
Age Group: Best for ages 5-8.
Science experiment kits provide children with hands-on opportunities to explore basic scientific principles through fun, interactive activities.
Examples: DIY science kits for kids, such as volcanoes, crystal-growing kits, and simple chemical reactions.
Benefits:
Age Group: Suitable for ages 6-10.
Mystery-solving games, such as “Clue Junior” and escape room puzzles for kids, challenge children to use deduction and teamwork to solve complex problems. These games boost critical thinking, enhance analytical skills, and promote collaborative problem-solving, making them both educational and exciting.
Examples: “Clue Junior”, mystery-themed apps, and escape room puzzles for kids.
Benefits:
Age Group: Ideal for ages 6-10.
While home activities lay a strong foundation, regular exposure to cognitive games in a preschool setting helps children deepen these essential skills. That’s why at My First Skool, playful learning is woven into daily routines to nurture well-rounded growth.
Integrating cognitive games into a child’s daily routine in preschool settings can be both seamless and enjoyable. These activities not only enhance cognitive development but also foster a love for learning.
Preschools can incorporate cognitive games into their curriculum through structured play. Activities like puzzles, matching games, and storytelling sessions can be both educational and entertaining.
A teacher plays a crucial role in facilitating these structured play-based learning activities, ensuring they are engaging and effective for young learners.
Group games encourage social interaction and collaborative problem-solving. Activities like building blocks or group storytelling not only develop cognitive skills but also enhance communication and teamwork.
One engaging activity involves a game where participants must catch each other’s mistakes by counting off numbers without following a designated order. If two players say a number at the same time, they must restart, emphasising the importance of communication and attention within the group’s dynamic.
Educators can observe children’s responses to various games and adjust activities to suit individual learning needs, ensuring that each child benefits optimally from the cognitive exercises. It is their job to continuously assess and adapt these activities to maximise learning outcomes.
At My First Skool, nurturing young minds goes beyond traditional teaching—it’s woven into every moment of the day.
By thoughtfully integrating cognitive games into our daily routines, My First Skool lays the groundwork for essential skills like critical thinking, creativity, and resilience.
We recognise that every child is wonderfully unique, bringing their strengths, interests, and ways of learning to the classroom.
Our holistic approach to early childhood education through our preschool curriculum ensures that cognitive development is not an add-on, but a natural and joyful part of each child’s journey.
Through warm, supportive relationships and thoughtfully designed learning experiences, our educators create environments where children feel confident to explore, express themselves, and grow in all aspects—cognitively, socially, and emotionally.
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationship-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents.
Find a preschool near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
From squishing dough to splashing water, children are naturally drawn to play that engages their senses.
But did you know that these seemingly simple activities are powerful learning tools? Known as sensory play, this hands-on approach isn’t just fun—it’s essential for early development.
At My First Skool, sensory play is part of our everyday approach because we know how important it is for a child’s early development.
In this guide, we’ll explore what sensory play is, why it’s so important for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, and how you can easily incorporate it at home. Whether you’re a first-time parent or looking to refresh your play routine, you’ll find plenty of practical tips and inspiring ideas to support your child’s growth, one sensory experience at a time.
Sensory play refers to any activity that stimulates a child’s senses—touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing, balance, and movement.
Sensory experiences, such as tummy time, bath time, and food play, engage children through visual elements, tactile interactions, and exploring different textures and smells.
But sensory play isn’t just about mess or fun (though it often includes both). It lays the foundation for critical skills like problem-solving, emotional regulation, early literacy and numeracy.
Sensory play is more than just a fun way to pass time—it’s a vital part of early development, engaging the five senses. Here’s how it supports children in meaningful ways:
In short, sensory play nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and emotions—all while encouraging joyful discovery.
One of the best things about sensory play is that it can begin from the very start of life, allowing your child to start exploring different textures, sensations, and tastes, and evolve as your child grows.
It is crucial to ensure safety by avoiding choking hazards. Items used in sensory bins should be appropriate for the child’s age, and supervision is necessary to prevent accidents when smaller objects are involved.
Here’s a general guide to when and how to introduce it safely:
At this stage, sensory experiences for your baby are simple and gentle. Think soft fabrics to touch, lullabies to hear, and high-contrast visuals to track with their eyes. Water play during bath time or tummy time on textured mats is also excellent.
Tips:
Toddlers are natural explorers. They love to squish, pour, shake, and taste everything. Sensory bins, edible finger paint, and soft doughs are perfect for this curious stage.
Household items like cups, balls, wooden spoons, and pots can also be used to create engaging and educational sensory play activities.
Tips:
At this age, children can begin more intentional play. You can introduce more structured activities like beading, building obstacle courses, or creating sensory bottles.
They also start to connect sensory experiences to emotions, memory, and storytelling. Sensory play also fosters social skills by encouraging interaction with peers and enhancing communication and problem-solving abilities.
Tips:
True sensory play engages more than just touch—it taps into a full spectrum of sensory input, including the vestibular systems. Understanding these categories helps you provide a richer, more balanced range of experiences for your child.
Tactile play helps children develop fine motor skills, body awareness, and strengthens small muscle groups through engaging and playful experiences. This is the most common type of sensory play and involves texture, pressure, and temperature.
From shaking homemade maracas to listening to different types of music, auditory play helps children distinguish sounds and patterns. Engaging in these activities also enhances children’s language skills by providing opportunities to communicate their experiences and emotions more descriptively.
This involves activities that stimulate the eyes, such as watching bubbles float, sorting coloured objects, or looking at light and shadow patterns. Visual play supports spatial awareness and visual tracking.
The vestibular system helps children understand where their body is in space. Activities like swinging, spinning, or rocking help develop balance, coordination, and core strength.
Proprioception is about sensing pressure and movement through the muscles and joints. This sensory play is crucial for childhood development as it helps build nerve connections within the brain’s pathways.
Engaging a child’s sense of smell can be as simple as smelling herbs, spices, or scented playdough. It supports memory, emotion, and early scientific exploration.
Taste-based play should always be age-appropriate and safe. Activities might include edible painting, baking, or taste-testing fruits. This encourages openness to new experiences and language development through food-related vocabulary.
One container is all you need for sensory play; it doesn’t require fancy tools or a dedicated space. Some of the most enriching activities can be done right at home, using everyday items. Here are 15 ideas, grouped by sensory type, to help you get started.
While sensory play offers countless benefits, a few thoughtful guidelines can help keep the experience positive and enriching for both you and your child.
While sensory play at home builds a strong foundation, it’s just one important piece of the puzzle. Consistent, well-planned experiences in a nurturing preschool setting help ensure that this critical aspect of development isn’t overlooked.
During the preschool years, children’s brains are highly receptive to new experiences, and sensory play offers an ideal platform to engage their curiosity and promote cognitive, emotional, and physical growth.
Here are some of the ways sensory play is vital in preschool:
By incorporating sensory-rich experiences into the preschool curriculum, educators can create an enriching environment where children grow holistically.
At My First Skool, we recognise the importance of sensory play and integrate it into daily activities, ensuring that each child’s developmental needs are met in a fun and engaging way.
Sensory play is more than a moment of fun—it’s a foundation for lifelong learning.
At My First Skool, sensory-rich learning is thoughtfully woven into every part of our preschool curriculum.
Our educators create safe, stimulating environments where your child can explore with confidence, engaging all their senses as they learn through play.
Looking to give your child a strong start? Explore how My First Skool nurtures every child’s potential through meaningful, hands-on learning, providing both enjoyment and cognitive benefits.
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationship-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents.
Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
As parents and caregivers, we all want our little ones to learn while having fun. Preschool is the perfect time to lay the foundation for essential skills, from science exploration to creative arts.
Integrating these activities into a child’s daily routine can significantly enhance their early childhood education by fostering engagement, social skills, and cognitive development. At My First Skool, we see fun and educational activities as key to sparking curiosity, building confidence, and encouraging real-world learning.
Here are 20 exciting and educational activities that will help preschoolers grow and thrive in various developmental areas!
Image Credits: Glittery Volcano by KiwiCo
Encourage your preschooler’s interest in science with a simple and exciting baking soda volcano experiment.
All you need is baking soda, vinegar, and food colouring. When mixed, the baking soda creates a fizzing reaction with vinegar that looks like a mini volcanic eruption! This interactive activity is perfect for keeping children engaged in learning, promoting group participation, and enhancing their social skills and fine motor development.
How-To:
Take a walk in the park or your backyard and collect natural items like leaves, twigs, rocks, and flowers. Teach your child to observe and identify different elements of nature, from textures to colours and shapes.
How-To:
Help your child plant seeds in a small pot or a garden bed. As the plant grows, talk about how plants need sunlight, water, and soil to thrive. It’s a wonderful way to teach patience and the basics of life cycles, while also sparking a child’s interest in nature and science.
How-To:
Introduce your preschooler to magnets by testing which objects around the house are magnetic and which are not. Let them experiment by sticking magnets to the fridge, using magnetic wands, or creating simple magnet crafts.
This activity helps children learn about magnetic properties in a fun and interactive way.
How-To:
Use a flashlight or the sun to create shadows. Teach your preschooler how shadows change throughout the day and encourage them to make shadow shapes with their hands or different objects.
How-To:
Read your child’s favourite books and bring the characters to life with hand puppets. This helps improve listening skills and vocabulary while keeping children engaged in imaginative play through storytime and puppet shows.
How-To:
Have your child practice writing the alphabet with crayons or markers on a piece of paper. You can use alphabet tracing worksheets or create your own for a more personalised learning experience.
How-To:
Create cards with simple words and corresponding pictures. Ask your child to match the words with the correct image. This game helps children learn word recognition and vocabulary, strengthening early literacy skills.
How-To:
Hide letters around the house or outside and have your preschooler find them. Ask them to identify the letter and say a word that starts with it. This helps reinforce letter recognition in a fun, active way, keeping children engaged in active learning.
How-To:
Play a rhyming game where you say a word, and your preschooler has to come up with a word that rhymes with it. This helps children learn phonemic awareness and builds early language skills.
How-To:
Set up an obstacle course with cushions, chairs, and soft toys for your preschooler to climb over, crawl under, and jump across. This involves physical activities that help maintain high energy levels, enhancing coordination and gross motor skills in a playful and engaging way.
How-To:
Playdough is a fantastic tool for developing fine motor skills. Encourage your child to roll, flatten, and mould playdough into different shapes and figures. This improves hand strength and dexterity, and encourages creative expression.
How-To:
Practice throwing, catching, and rolling a ball as a form of physical play that enhances hand-eye coordination.
Try different types of balls—soft, bouncy, or even beach balls—and encourage your preschooler to aim and catch. This activity is excellent for hand-eye coordination.
How-To:
Give your child a sheet of stickers and let them place them on a page in creative ways. Peeling off stickers helps children learn fine motor control and promotes concentration.
How-To:
Play some lively music and have a dance party! Playing music and dancing is a fun physical activity that enhances balance, coordination, and rhythm. Encourage your preschooler to move their body in different ways—jumping, twisting, or spinning.
How-To:
Finger painting is a fun and tactile way to express creativity, providing a rich sensory experience. Provide a variety of colours and let your child explore abstract art with their hands. You can create themed prints like animals, nature, or simple shapes.
How-To:
Gather some old magazines, fabric scraps, buttons, and coloured paper, and let your child create their own collage. This is a great way to encourage exploration of different textures and materials in their art-making.
How-To:
Make homemade instruments like tambourines or maracas from everyday items, such as bottles and beans.
This fun activity not only teaches rhythm but also allows you to play music together, enhancing your child’s engagement and skill development. Then, have a mini concert, teaching your child about different sounds and rhythms.
How-To:
Use coloured paper or foam shapes and encourage your preschooler to sort them by colour, shape, or size. This activity helps children learn organisational skills by recognising patterns and categorising items.
How-To:
Go on a nature walk and collect leaves, flowers, or tree bark. Use these objects to make prints by pressing them on paper with paint or ink. This combines nature exploration with artistic creativity.
How-To:
These 20 fun and educational activities are more than just ways to keep your preschooler engaged—they’re powerful tools to support your child’s development across physical, cognitive, and creative domains.
At My First Skool, we believe that meaningful learning happens through purposeful play.
An added bonus of these activities is that they enrich children’s learning experiences by allowing them to share their discoveries and stories, fostering personal storytelling and deeper engagement.
Our preschool curriculum is thoughtfully designed to nurture curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning—just like the activities you’ve explored here. Whether it’s discovering science through a simple volcano experiment or expressing creativity with finger paints, every moment can be a learning opportunity.
Looking to give your child a strong start? Discover how My First Skool can support your preschooler’s growth in a joyful, safe, and enriching environment.
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationship-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents.
Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
Singapore weekends are made for family fun—but what happens when the weather doesn’t cooperate, or you just want to escape the heat? Indoor activities to the rescue!
Whether you’re looking to burn off some energy, spark creativity, or simply enjoy quality time together, there’s no shortage of exciting indoor activity options for kids! My First Skool champions outdoor play—but when it’s too hot or rainy, we believe indoor fun can be just as enriching.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 16 kid-friendly indoor activities perfect for weekends in 2025. Rain or shine, these destinations promise engaging experiences for children of all ages.
Image Credits: Airzone
Bounce and float through a netted sky playground in a mall atrium.
Ever wondered what it’s like to walk on air? Airzone is the world’s first indoor suspended net playground, located in a shopping mall atrium.
Kids can climb, bounce, and crawl through multi-level net mazes, ball pits, and giant slides suspended above ground. It offers fun indoor activities for kids, making it an ideal spot for family enjoyment during rainy days in Singapore.
An exciting indoor playground for toddlers to tweens.
Designed for children aged 6 months to 12 years, The Polliwogs offers themed indoor playgrounds with wave slides, ball pits, tunnels, and obstacle courses. Each centre also features a toddler zone and party rooms.
Image Credits: Kiztopia
Edutainment zones where learning meets high-energy fun.
An edutainment hub that blends play and learning with over 18 themed zones, including obstacle courses, AR play zones, and roleplay corners.
Kiztopia offers numerous opportunities for children to play pretend, encouraging imaginative play in a safe and interactive environment. Kiztopia is suitable for toddlers and older kids, making it ideal for families with multiple age groups.
Image Credits: Shangri-La
Luxury play meets creativity in this hotel-based indoor wonderland.
A luxury indoor playground within the Shangri-La Hotel, Buds offers curated experiences in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Features include a music studio, baking room, art space, and a sensory play area that promotes imaginative play among children in a creative environment, alongside a large play structure.
Aviation-themed adventure play in the heart of Changi Airport.
Located within Changi Airport, this aviation-themed indoor playground features distinct themed zones that blend play with the excitement of travel. Children can climb, slide, and explore multi-level play structures featuring aircraft-inspired design elements.
Step into a digital dreamscape of art, light, and interactivity.
This interactive digital art exhibition by teamLab combines art, science, and technology in a constantly evolving playground of lights and movement.
Kids can draw sea creatures and watch them come to life or interact with motion-sensitive installations. Future World at ArtScience Museum offers a fantastic indoor activity for kids, promoting creativity and social interaction.
Image Credits: Little Bear’s House by Little Steps Asia
Montessori-inspired imaginative play for little explorers.
Designed for children aged 6 and under, this cosy indoor play space encourages imaginative play through pretend kitchen setups, costumes, building blocks, and ride-on toys.
Little Bear’s House also offers high-quality toys made from natural materials, designed to engage children while promoting skills like problem-solving and fine motor development. A calm, Montessori-inspired environment makes it great for younger kids.
Hands-on art, nature, and storytelling in a creative haven.
A creative, open-ended space that promotes hands-on play and art exploration. Each exhibition cycle offers different interactive themes like nature, construction, or storytelling.
Playeum also hosts storytelling sessions, similar to those organised by regional libraries like the National Library Board of Singapore, providing a family-friendly environment for parents and engaging activities for children. Best suited for children aged 1–12.
Singapore’s ultimate indoor playground for tweens and teens.
Older kids and tweens (ages 10+) can enjoy adrenaline-pumping challenges like Singapore’s longest indoor slide, a ninja warrior course, a thrilling obstacle course, and a 15m rock climbing wall. Great for adventurous families!
Quiet, creative play with beautifully curated wooden toys.
Located in Clarke Quay Central, this curated indoor play space is packed with quality wooden toys and playsets. Zones are separated by age, from toddlers to preschoolers, promoting creative, quiet play. The Joy of Toys offers all the indoor activities for kids, ensuring a safe, fun, and creative environment.
Image Credits: Jumptopia by Kiztopia
Inflatable fun for active toddlers and preschoolers.
Perfect for little ones who love inflatables, Jumptopia offers a series of themed bouncy castles, ball pits, and obstacle zones. Great for toddlers and preschoolers who want to get moving indoors.
Indoor nature play and fun trails above the airport crowd.
While partially sheltered, many attractions like the Foggy Bowls, Discovery Slides, and Mirror Maze are fully indoor or weather-resistant, making it a fun destination rain or shine.
Canopy Park at Jewel Changi offers activities for the whole family, ensuring everyone can participate and have fun together.
Image Credits: Smaland by IKEA
A whimsical forest-themed play area inside IKEA.
A complimentary indoor play area within IKEA, designed as a mini Scandinavian forest where kids can have fun while parents shop.
Located conveniently near City Square Mall, it offers a unique experience for families. Småland at IKEA is perfect for tiny tots, ensuring they are entertained and giving parents a much-needed break.
Art comes alive through hands-on installations for kids.
A dedicated children’s space within the National Gallery, offering a creative indoor playground with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that make fine art accessible and engaging.
The National Library Board also organises various activities at the National Gallery’s Keppel Centre for Art Education, enhancing community engagement and educational opportunities.
Interactive science play that sparks imagination and learning.
A hands-on, science-based play environment where kids can role-play as astronauts, chefs, and scientists while learning through interactive exhibits.
Image Credits: The Artground
An interactive art space offering indoor fun with rotating installations, sensory play, and creative workshops designed for young children. The Artground also features a blue block play area, fostering imaginative play as part of its creative environment.
Price: Free entry, donations encouraged
From bouncing in netted playgrounds to creating art in interactive museums, these indoor activities across Singapore offer more than just fun—they inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child.
At My First Skool, we believe learning happens everywhere—whether it’s in the classroom, at home, or during a weekend family adventure.
Our holistic preschool curriculum is designed to nurture your child’s love for discovery and play, much like the experiences found in these exciting venues. So go ahead—make memories, explore together, and watch your little one grow through every experience, both indoors and out.
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationship-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents.
Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
Singapore offers a plethora of fun things and engaging educational activities that are perfect for young children. Whether you’re looking to stimulate their minds, encourage physical activity, or simply spend quality family time, the Lion City has something special for every family.
Here are eighteen delightful weekend activities to consider:
Introduce your little ones to the wonders of nature at the Children’s Biodiversity Garden, where they can learn about local plants and wildlife in an interactive setting. This space is designed to ignite curiosity and a love for the environment from an early age.
Age Recommendation: Suitable for toddlers (1-3 years) and preschoolers (3-6 years). Infants (0-12 months) can enjoy the peaceful surroundings in a stroller.
Address: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily
Let your child step into the shoes of a doctor, chef, or pilot at KidZania Singapore, an interactive city where kids can role-play various careers in a safe and fun environment. This activity encourages creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Age Recommendation: Best suited for preschoolers (3-6 years) and older children (7+ years).
Address: 31 Beach View, Sentosa, Singapore 098008
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Check website for updates)
The Artground provides an enriching play experience where children can explore different art installations and engage in hands-on activities that nurture their creativity. In addition to The Artground, there are various indoor playgrounds in Singapore that offer creative and active play options for children.
Age Recommendation: Ideal for toddlers (1-3 years) and preschoolers (3-6 years), with soft play areas for younger ones.
Address: 90 Goodman Road, Block J, Singapore 439053
Opening Hours: 9.15 AM – 6 PM (Closed on selected public holidays)
Singapore’s first garden dedicated to children, this outdoor adventure hub allows young ones to play, learn, and interact with nature. From water play zones to sandpits and treehouses, there is plenty to keep them entertained.
Age Recommendation: Perfect for toddlers (1-3 years) and preschoolers (3-6 years). Infants can enjoy sensory experiences in peaceful green spaces.
Address: 481 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259769
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Ignite your child’s curiosity for science with interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and engaging workshops at the Science Centre. It’s an ideal place for little explorers who love to tinker and discover how the world works.
Age Recommendation: Suitable for preschoolers (3-6 years) and older children (7+ years), though toddlers (1-3 years) can enjoy simple exhibits and sensory activities.
Address: 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Many libraries in Singapore offer storytelling sessions and activity corners for young readers. These sessions help develop a love for reading while fostering creativity and language skills.
Age Recommendation: Best for infants (0-12 months) through preschoolers (3-6 years), with specific sessions designed for different age groups.
Popular Locations:
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily (Varies by branch)
This sprawling park boasts the largest number of slides in any public park in Singapore! With different play zones suited for toddlers and older children, it’s a great spot for outdoor fun and physical development. Admiralty Park Playground is especially popular during school holidays, offering a great opportunity for families to enjoy outdoor fun together.
Age Recommendation: Suitable for toddlers (1-3 years) and preschoolers (3-6 years). The park’s varied slides and climbing structures cater to different age groups.
Address: 31 Riverside Road, Singapore 730000
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
Designed to inspire children to think, create, and experiment, Playeum is a hands-on play space that fosters creativity and problem-solving through interactive exhibits and activities.
Age Recommendation: Ideal for toddlers (1-3 years) and preschoolers (3-6 years). It’s a wonderful space for parents and children to engage in activities together.
Address: 47 Malan Road, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 109444
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
A visit to Hay Dairies gives children the chance to see goats up close and learn about dairy farming. They can even try fresh goat’s milk!
Age Recommendation: Suitable for toddlers (1-3 years) and preschoolers (3-6 years). Older children (7+ years) may also enjoy learning about the farming process.
Address: 3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, Singapore 718859
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
T-Play is a transport-themed indoor playground that offers an engaging and safe environment for children to climb, slide, and explore.
Age Recommendation: Ideal for toddlers (1-3 years) and preschoolers (3-6 years), with designated play zones for different age groups.
Address: 2 Bukit Batok West Ave 7, Singapore 659003
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
Inspired by the beloved character Pororo, this indoor theme park is packed with slides, obstacle courses, and interactive play zones for young children.
Age Recommendation: Best suited for toddlers (1-3 years) and preschoolers (3-6 years).
Address: Marina Square, 6 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039594
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
For an action-packed day that the entire family will love, head to Universal Studios Singapore, located within Resorts World Sentosa. This world-class theme park boasts 24 exhilarating rides, shows, and attractions spread across seven uniquely themed zones. Whether your kids are thrill-seekers or prefer gentler adventures, there’s something for everyone.
Age Recommendation: Suitable for preschoolers (3-6 years) and older children (7+ years). Some rides have height restrictions, so check ahead.
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands offers a fascinating blend of art, science, and technology through its immersive exhibits. Kids can experience digital installations, light projections, and hands-on activities that stimulate curiosity and creativity. The Future World exhibit, created in collaboration with teamLab, is a must-see, featuring interactive digital art that responds to movement and touch.
Age Recommendation: Suitable for preschoolers (3-6 years) and older children (7+ years), with interactive elements that engage different age groups.
Address: 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Gardens by the Bay offers a perfect mix of nature and innovation, featuring lush greenery and breathtaking attractions. Kids will love exploring the Cloud Forest, home to a massive indoor waterfall, and the Flower Dome, showcasing plants from around the world. The Far East Organization Children’s Garden provides water play areas and obstacle courses for active fun. For an extra magical experience, visit the Supertree Grove in the evening to catch the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show.
Age Recommendation: Ideal for toddlers (1-3 years), preschoolers (3-6 years), and older children (7+ years). Infants can also enjoy the serene environment of a stroller.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM (Outdoor Gardens), 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Conservatories)
Step into the lush landscapes of Rainforest Wild Asia, a captivating zone where kids can explore diverse habitats and encounter fascinating wildlife. From the Forest Floor to the Rock Cascade, children can engage with interactive elements that teach them about biodiversity and conservation in a fun and immersive way. This experience blends adventure with education, making it perfect for young explorers.
Age Recommendation: Best for preschoolers (3-6 years) and older children (7+ years), though toddlers (1-3 years) will also enjoy the sensory experiences.
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Let your child’s curiosity take flight at Bird Paradise, Singapore’s premier bird park featuring over 3,500 birds across eight stunning aviaries. Kids can marvel at vibrant parrots, watch penguins waddle in the Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove, and even witness majestic birds of prey in action. This adventure is both fun and educational, offering unique opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation.
Age Recommendation: Suitable for toddlers (1-3 years), preschoolers (3-6 years), and older children (7+ years).
Address: 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
A trip to Singapore Zoo is a must for young animal lovers! Known for its open-concept enclosures, the zoo allows kids to see animals in naturalistic habitats, from playful orangutans swinging overhead to majestic white tigers lounging by the water.
Age Recommendation: Suitable for toddlers (1-3 years), preschoolers (3-6 years), and older children (7+ years). Infants (0-12 months) can also enjoy the stroller-friendly pathways and scenic views.
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM daily
For a dazzling dose of live entertainment, head to Marina Bay Sands Theatre, where world-class musicals, concerts, and theatrical performances come to life. From beloved family-friendly shows like Disney’s The Lion King and WICKED The Musical to interactive kids’ performances, there’s always something exciting for young audiences.
Age Recommendation: Best for preschoolers (3-6 years) and older children (7+ years), depending on the show. Some performances may have age restrictions, so check in advance.
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Opening Hours: Varies by showtime—check the official website for details.
As you explore these exciting activities with your child, you’ll witness firsthand how play fosters creativity, curiosity, and essential life skills. At My First Skool, we believe in harnessing the power of play to create meaningful learning experiences that set the foundation for lifelong success.
Our award-winning kindergarten curriculum blends structured education with hands-on discovery, helping children develop confidence, social skills, and a love for learning—all in a nurturing and engaging environment.
Give your child the best start in life. Visit My First Skool today to learn more and enroll in a Singaporean kindergarten that truly understands how children grow through play!
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationship-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents.
Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
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Kids love engaging in open-ended art activities because of the joy and spontaneity they experience during these creative pursuits.
These activities are particularly beneficial for preschool-aged children as they nurture creativity, enhance fine motor skills, and encourage self-expression.
Unlike structured projects, open-ended art allows preschoolers to explore materials freely without predetermined outcomes, fostering independence and confidence.
Open-ended art activities are versatile and imaginative approaches where children are given the freedom to use materials they choose without being restricted to a specific final product.
Instead of following step-by-step instructions to create a set design, children experiment with colours, textures, and shapes in ways that make sense to them.
This approach allows for deeper cognitive and emotional engagement, fostering problem-solving skills, decision-making, and personal expression.
These activities are not about achieving a perfect outcome but rather about enjoying the creative process and discovering new possibilities.
By encouraging open-ended exploration, children develop essential skills such as hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and the ability to think critically and imaginatively. Additionally, these activities help build confidence as children learn that there are no right or wrong ways to create art.
Each of these activities offers a range of developmental benefits for preschoolers:
Here are ten enriching open-ended art activities that you can enjoy with your preschooler in 2025:
(Age: 2–5 years | Difficulty: Easy)
Transform traditional chalk art by introducing water. Soak sidewalk chalk in water and provide black construction paper as a canvas. The wet chalk produces vibrant, smooth strokes, offering a new sensory experience and a study in contrasts. This activity encourages experimentation with colour blending and texture.
Step-by-Step:
Why It’s Beneficial: Enhances sensory experience and colour exploration.
(Age: 3–6 years | Difficulty: Medium)
Gather an assortment of materials, such as magazine cutouts, tissue paper, fabric scraps, and natural elements like leaves or feathers. Provide your child with glue and a sturdy base, like cardboard or thick paper. Encourage them to arrange and layer the materials as they wish, resulting in a unique collage that reflects their creativity.
Step-by-Step:
Why It’s Beneficial: Develops creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving.
(Age: 2–5 years | Difficulty: Easy)
Playdough offers endless possibilities for imaginative creation. Supply various colours of playdough along with tools like rolling pins, cookie cutters, and plastic knives. Children can sculpt anything from animals to abstract forms, enhancing their fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
Step-by-Step:
Why It’s Beneficial: Enhances fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
(Age: 3–6 years | Difficulty: Medium)
Take a nature walk with your child to collect items such as leaves, flowers, sticks, and stones. Back at home, provide a large sheet of paper and some glue. Encourage your child to use natural materials to create artwork, fostering a connection with the environment and an appreciation for natural textures and shapes.
Step-by-Step:
Why It’s Beneficial: Encourages outdoor exploration and appreciation of nature.
(Age: 3–6 years | Difficulty: Medium-High)
Collect recyclable materials like cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, paper rolls, and other household items. With glue, tape, and child-safe scissors at hand, invite your child to construct models or sculptures from these “junk” materials. This activity promotes problem-solving and innovative thinking while emphasising the value of recycling.
Step-by-Step:
Why It’s Beneficial: Fosters creativity, problem-solving, and awareness of sustainability.
(Age: 2–4 years | Difficulty: Easy)
Secure a sheet of clear contact paper, sticky side up, to a table or wall. Provide various materials such as coloured tissue paper, yarn, and sequins. Children can press these items onto the sticky surface to create a collage. This activity is particularly suitable for younger preschoolers as it eliminates the need for glue and allows for easy repositioning.
Step-by-Step:
Why It’s Beneficial: It’s great for toddlers as it removes the need for glue and improves fine motor control.
(Age: 2–5 years | Difficulty: Easy)
Move beyond brushes by offering items like sponges, cotton balls, feathers, or even vegetables like broccoli as painting tools. Dip these items into paint and press them onto paper to create different textures and patterns. This exploration enhances sensory experiences and broadens understanding of artistic techniques.
Step-by-Step:
Why It’s Beneficial: Enhances sensory exploration and creative thinking.
(Age: 3–6 years | Difficulty: Medium)
Draw simple, incomplete shapes or lines on a piece of paper and invite your child to complete the picture. For instance, a squiggly line might become part of a dragon, or a circle could turn into a sun. This activity stimulates imagination and encourages storytelling through art.
Step-by-Step:
Why It’s Beneficial: Boosts creativity, storytelling, and cognitive thinking.
(Age: 3–6 years | Difficulty: Medium)
Colour uncooked pasta by shaking it in a bag with a few drops of food colouring and a splash of vinegar, then let it dry. Provide the colourful pasta along with string for your child to thread and create necklaces or bracelets. This enhances fine motor skills and allows for pattern recognition practice.
Step-by-Step:
Why It’s Beneficial: Develops fine motor skills and pattern recognition.
(Age: 2–4 years | Difficulty: Easy)
Utilise art supplies designed for toddlers that offer sensory experiences without the mess. Activities like using easy-grip crayons or washable markers can make the art-making process both fun and stress-free for parents and children alike.
Step-by-Step:
Why It’s Beneficial: Supports early creativity and motor skill development.
Art teachers play a crucial role in nurturing creativity and self-expression in young children.
Here are some practical tips to help you create a stimulating and supportive art environment:
By implementing these tips, art teachers can create a vibrant and nurturing environment that encourages young children to explore their creativity and develop essential skills through open-ended art activities.
At My First Skool, we believe in fostering a child’s creativity through hands-on, open-ended learning experiences. These activities are beneficial for preschool-aged children as they encourage creativity, fine motor skill development, and self-expression.
Our art-based activities are designed to encourage exploration, self-expression, and confidence in young learners. By providing a nurturing and stimulating environment, we help children build essential developmental skills while celebrating their unique artistic expressions.
Our carefully curated preschool curriculum integrates creative play with early education principles, ensuring that every child thrives in a supportive and inspiring space.
Whether at home or in a preschool setting, open-ended art activities play a vital role in a child’s early years. By embracing creativity, children develop important cognitive and social skills that lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationship-based curriculum – one that emphasizes forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents.
Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
At six months, your baby is growing more curious and interactive, reaching exciting developmental milestones. They are beginning to recognise familiar faces, experiment with sounds, and explore their surroundings through touch and movement. Many are also mastering sitting up and showing early signs of crawling.
Engaging in age-appropriate activities not only supports their cognitive, motor, and social development but also strengthens your bond as a parent. Age-appropriate toys play a crucial role in providing safe and stimulating environments for young children, ensuring they can engage in healthy play and exploration.
Thankfully, Singapore offers a wealth of baby-friendly experiences designed to nurture your little one’s growth while keeping playtime fun and meaningful!
Introducing your baby to art exploration classes can enhance sensory development, fine motor skills, and creativity. In Singapore, several establishments offer art programs tailored for young children. Here is one notable option:
Engaging your baby in these art classes can lay the foundation for lifelong creativity and artistic appreciation. Additionally, art exploration can contribute to early literacy skills through storytelling and visual learning. It’s advisable to contact the providers directly for current information on class schedules, age suitability, and availability.
Engaging your baby in structured gym sessions can enhance their motor skills, coordination, and social development. Several establishments offer specialised programs for infants and toddlers:
These gyms serve as a main play space designed for babies and toddlers, featuring age-appropriate toys and activities to foster exploration and skill development.
Participating in these sessions provides a supportive environment for your child’s physical exploration and development. Contact the providers directly for current class schedules and availability.
Engaging your 6-month-old in music and movement classes can significantly enhance their cognitive and motor development while strengthening your parent-child bond. In Singapore, several programmes cater to this age group:
These music and movement sessions are often part of baby playgroups, which provide opportunities for social interaction and development.
Participating in these classes introduces your baby to rhythmic sounds and gentle movements, fostering auditory and motor skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Introducing your 6-month-old to water through infant swimming classes can enhance physical coordination, build muscle strength, and increase water familiarity, all while providing a fun bonding experience. In Singapore, several swim schools offer programmes tailored for infants:
Participating in these programs can help your baby develop essential water safety skills and foster a lifelong love for swimming. These swimming lessons are part of a broader range of toddler classes available in Singapore, offering various enjoyable and beneficial activities for young children.
Engaging in yoga baby classes offers a harmonious blend of gentle movements and bonding time, benefiting both infants and parents. These sessions can enhance your baby’s flexibility, aid digestion, and promote relaxation while also supporting postpartum recovery for mothers. Baby yoga classes often incorporate tummy time to strengthen muscles and aid in physical development. In Singapore, several establishments provide tailored baby yoga classes. Here are three notable options:
Participating in these classes can provide a nurturing environment for both you and your baby, fostering physical well-being and strengthening your bond. It’s advisable to contact the providers directly for the most current information on class schedules and availability.
Taking your 6-month-old on nature walks in Singapore’s parks offers numerous benefits, including sensory stimulation from diverse sights and sounds, soothing effects of gentle movement, and opportunities for parent-child bonding. These parks are within walking distance and easily accessible for families with strollers. Here are three pram-friendly parks ideal for strolls with your baby:
Before embarking on your walk, ensure your baby is comfortably secured in a stroller, apply sunscreen, and bring along essentials like water and snacks. These nature walks not only promote your baby’s development but also offer a refreshing outdoor experience for you both.
Introducing your baby or toddler to museums and exhibitions in Singapore can be both fun and educational. Many museums offer interactive exhibits and play areas tailored for young children, complete with baby-friendly facilities like nursing rooms and changing areas. Here are some notable options:
These cultural outings provide rich sensory experiences, fostering early appreciation for art and history in a child-friendly environment.
At My First Skool, we understand the importance of early childhood development and the role that engaging activities play in nurturing young minds.
Our infant care curriculum is designed to provide a stimulating and nurturing environment where babies can explore, learn, and grow under the guidance of our dedicated educators.
By incorporating a variety of sensory, motor, and cognitive activities into our curriculum, we ensure that each child receives a holistic foundation for lifelong learning.
Discover how My First Skool can be a part of your child’s developmental journey by visiting our website.
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationships-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents.
Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
Have you noticed the joy children experience when they are playing?
The advantages of play for preschoolers are numerous – these enjoyable moments, including active play, aid in their cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development. Active play helps build strength, enhance coordination, and prevent obesity. Educational specialists recognise the impact of play on healthy growth. Children’s play is essential for learning and development, fostering skills like communication, social interaction, and problem-solving. Consequently, playtimes are intentionally integrated into childcare programmes as part of their early childhood support.
Play is a natural and essential part of childhood, allowing children to express themselves, explore their creativity, and develop their imagination. It is a way for children to learn about the world around them, develop their problem-solving skills, and build their confidence and self-esteem. Play can take many forms, including physical play, creative play, dramatic play, and fantasy play. Each type of play offers unique benefits and opportunities for growth, making it an integral part of a child’s daily routine.
Does your toddler often choose to play alone, showing little interest in how a child plays with others or sharing their toys? Solitary play is a critical developmental stage in early childhood. At this phase, children are still learning about their environment and have yet to develop the social awareness necessary for cooperative play.
Solitary play allows children to explore their interests at their own pace, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-sufficiency. It also serves as an opportunity for them to process the world around them without external influences. While some children engage in solo play for only a few minutes before seeking comfort or interaction from a caregiver, others may be content playing alone for longer stretches. Over time, as their cognitive abilities, physical skills, and confidence grow, children gradually expand their engagement in more social forms of play.
Examples:
Have you ever taken your child to a playdate, only to notice that they play beside another child rather than with them? This is a classic example of parallel play, a developmental stage in which toddlers and young children play independently yet remain observant of one another.
Though it may seem as though they are playing in isolation, they are actually absorbing essential social cues. Watching how others use toys, express emotions, and interact with their surroundings helps children build foundational social skills. This stage often serves as a bridge between solitary play and more interactive play, preparing children for future collaborative experiences.
Examples:
Constructive play is when children manipulate objects to build, create, or construct something new. In addition to constructive play, children also engage in symbolic play, where they use one object to represent another, fostering creativity and cognitive skills. Whether they are stacking blocks into a tower, crafting a spaceship out of cardboard boxes, or moulding clay into fun shapes, they are developing crucial cognitive and motor skills.
This type of play not only enhances problem-solving abilities and hand-eye coordination but also introduces children to the concept of cause and effect. In a group setting, constructive play encourages teamwork, communication, and the exchange of ideas. Many childcare centres and educational environments prioritise constructive play by providing open-ended toys like building blocks, puzzles, and art supplies, which allow children to engage in both structured and unstructured creative activities.
Examples:
Also known as imaginative or role-playing, pretend play allows children to step into different roles and scenarios. Whether they’re pretending to be a chef whipping up a gourmet meal, a doctor treating a patient, or a superhero saving the day, they are actively expanding their creativity, linguistic abilities, and emotional intelligence.
Through role-playing, children practice communication, problem-solving, and perspective-taking. It also offers parents and caregivers a glimpse into their child’s thoughts, interests, and understanding of the world. This type of play fosters storytelling skills, enhances empathy, and supports social and emotional development.
Examples:
Singing a self-invented song, painting an abstract masterpiece, or weaving a make-believe story about an enchanted forest—these are all forms of creative play. This type of play allows children to express themselves freely, exploring different mediums and ideas without constraints.
Creative play nurtures self-expression, boosts confidence, and strengthens fine motor skills. It encourages children to think outside the box, try new things, and develop resilience when their creative efforts don’t go as planned. Providing materials like crayons, musical instruments, and craft supplies can inspire children to engage in endless imaginative endeavours.
Examples:
Sensory play is an integral part of early development, especially for younger children, helping them refine their five senses while building neural connections in the brain. Activities such as playing with sand, finger painting, or exploring different textures and scents stimulate sensory experiences that enhance fine motor skills and cognitive growth.
This type of play also introduces children to scientific concepts like cause and effect. For instance, they may observe how water changes the texture of sand or how mixing colours creates new shades. Sensory play supports language development as children describe what they feel, see, and hear, making it a crucial component of early learning.
Examples:
From clapping hands and jumping in place to running, skipping, and climbing, physical play, also known as active play, is essential for developing strength, coordination, and gross motor skills. As children grow, their physical play evolves to include more structured activities like riding a bike, swimming, or playing team sports.
Physical play not only promotes overall health and fitness but also teaches children balance, agility, and spatial awareness. In social settings, it introduces elements of teamwork, cooperation, and friendly competition. Encouraging outdoor play and active games helps children develop a lifelong appreciation for movement and exercise.
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As children grow older, they begin to engage in competitive play, where games have set rules and involve winning and losing. Whether it’s a football match, a dance competition, or a simple board game, competitive play helps children understand structure, fairness, and sportsmanship.
While young children may initially struggle with losing, this type of play offers valuable lessons in resilience, emotional regulation, and perseverance. It also promotes goal-setting, strategy development, and teamwork. Encouraging a positive attitude toward competition helps children embrace challenges and handle setbacks gracefully.
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Every child develops at their own pace, and play is an evolving process that mirrors their growth. Whether your toddler prefers solitary activities or is eager to jump into group play, each stage of play contributes to their development in unique ways. By providing opportunities for various types of play, parents and caregivers can nurture well-rounded skills that support emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Embrace the different play styles, encourage exploration, and most importantly—enjoy the journey alongside your child!
At My First Skool, we believe every child deserves a strong start. As one of Singapore’s most trusted providers of infant care, childcare, preschool, and kindergarten, we offer a nurturing environment where little ones can grow, learn, and thrive. With experienced educators and a proven curriculum, we’re here to support your child’s journey—every step of the way. Registration only takes 5 minutes.
At My First Skool, we believe play is the foundation of early childhood education. Through play, children make sense of the world around them, develop critical thinking skills, express their emotions, and build social connections. Different types of play help nurture the whole child — cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically.
Exploratory play encourages children to use their senses — touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste — to discover and understand their environment. Activities like playing with sand, water, or textured materials help sharpen sensory awareness, fine motor skills, and cognitive development.
In imaginative play, children role-play different scenarios — like pretending to be a doctor, chef, or superhero. This kind of play boosts creativity, language development, empathy, and emotional regulation as children explore different perspectives and express their thoughts and feelings.
Physical play includes active movement such as running, jumping, climbing, and dancing. It strengthens gross motor skills, improves coordination and balance, and promotes healthy physical development. It also helps children build confidence and resilience through active exploration.
Social play happens when children interact and collaborate with others. It teaches essential life skills like sharing, negotiation, empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Through social play, children learn how to form friendships and develop a sense of belonging.
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