Koh Le En Elisabeth, five, of Mulberry Learning @ Kallang wishes Singapore a happy 55th birthday with cake and balloons.
PHOTO: MULBERRY LEARNING @ KALLANG
Using paints and colour pencils, children at Mulberry Learning @ Kallang showcased their creativity with meaningful, heartfelt drawings to depict their birthday wishes for the nation.
While five-year-old Koh Le En Elisabeth has drawn balloons, a birthday cake and a patriotic Singapore flag, all surrounded by a big heart, her classmate Wang Xusen, also five, has depicted Singaporeans of different races together with the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer and an MRT train. Coincidentally, his ambition when he grows up is to be a train driver.
Wang Xusen, five, not only drew a Singapore flag, but also the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer and an MRT train.
PHOTO: MULBERRY LEARNING @ KALLANG
The budding creativity shown by these children has been carefully nurtured by their award-winning preschool at Water Sports Centre, part of the Singapore Sports Hub.
With its established Habits of Mind™ framework, the chain of 11 centres, which started in 2006, encourages its students to think intelligently and independently. Besides formal teaching of Habits of Mind™, there are also posters put up all over Mulberry Learning’s 11 centres to spark curiosity and prompt the kids to never stop wondering and asking questions.
A Habits of Mind™ corner helps nurture an environment of asking questions and problem solving.
PHOTO: MULBERRY LEARNING @ KALLANG
This holistic framework has been adopted by Singapore’s Ministry of Education under its Gifted Education Programme, top primary and secondary schools, as well as many leading educational institutions around the world.
As an example of how the Habits of Mind™ programme is used to stimulate young minds, the children were recently on their regular walk outdoors when they saw five fighter jets streaking across the sky. This led to them remembering and talking about National Day Parades in the past and a discussion about how this year’s celebrations will be different.
Instead of teachers deciding on what to teach, children initiate subjects which interest them, such as the upcoming National Day. At the same time, they pick up skills such as communication, intelligent thinking and problem solving.
Though they may be young, these mask-wearing children, who returned to school in June, are acutely aware of the current Covid-19 climate. With the good habits instilled in school, they will grow up with the competency to handle any challenges life may throw at them.
Colourful banners made by preschoolers Koh Le En Elisabeth and Wang Xusen, both five, of Mulberry Learning @ Kallang to celebrate National Day.
PHOTO: MULBERRY LEARNING @ KALLANG
After seeing the fighter planes, and to tie in with National Day, they coloured and made banners with the Merlion and orchid to celebrate the theme of this year’s celebrations: “Together A Stronger Singapore”. And that’s a birthday wish not just from the little ones, but from all Singaporeans too.
For more information about Mulberry Learning, please email principal.kln@mulberrylearning.com.
