Raising Confident, Curious and Happy Learners: Singapore American School’s Early Learning Centre

SAS’ Early Learning Centre has made a name for itself as the Happiest Place on Campus! We delve into the school’s success at nurturing unique, capable, and curious learners using its Reggio-inspired philosophy, solid teacher-student relationships and student-led approach. 

As parents, we’re always on a quest to discover the ideal preschool for our kids. After all, it’s their first big step into the world of education, setting the stage for our kids’ future academic endeavours. Amidst the myriad preschool options in Singapore, the task of selecting the perfect one can be overwhelming. Enter the Singapore American School’s Early Learning Centre, affectionately known as the “Happiest Place on Campus.” Here, they adopt the Reggio-inspired philosophy, igniting curiosity within a student-led learning environment. Here’s a peek into how this philosophy translates into the daily experiences of preschoolers at SAS.

Nurturing capable, curious and competent learners

One of the key principles of the Reggio-inspired philosophy is the Image of the Child. Within this framework, children at SAS are encouraged to engage in hands-on learning experiences, where they are free to ask questions, explore, and experiment. Recognising each child as an agent of their own learning, SAS emphasises the importance of fostering curiosity and independence, which ultimately leads to positive contributions within their community.

Moreover, SAS firmly believes that learning should never be confined to a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, the school celebrates the diverse talents of its students by embracing the concept of the “100 languages of learning.” Different activities are introduced into everyday lessons, where children get to discover their unique voices and talents, fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.

An environment built for exploration

Recognising the pivotal role of the learning environment in nurturing inspiration, SAS meticulously designs its classrooms to promote curiosity, creativity, and exploration. Following the principles of the Reggio-inspired philosophy, these classrooms serve as the “Third Teacher,” featuring abundant natural light, open-ended materials, and showcases of children’s work. These intentional design elements aim to ignite inquiry and stimulate learning.

Student-led classes

Alongside its thoughtfully designed learning environments, SAS adopts a student-led approach within its classrooms. Here, teachers serve as supportive guides, attentively observing and listening to children’s interests and inquiries. With the aim of empowering children to explore their own ideas, hypotheses, and theories, educators skillfully pose thought-provoking questions that guide students toward discoveries. This interactive process encourages curiosity and fosters a deep sense of exploration and learning.

Fostering meaningful relationships

In the SAS Early Learning Centre, everyday activities and interactions are purposefully designed to cultivate the child’s capacity to form meaningful and enduring relationships with their peers, teachers, and beyond. Through collaborative play and shared experiences, children learn the importance of cooperation, empathy, and communication in building strong bonds with their classmates and teachers. 

Still curious about what makes SAS’ Early Learning Center the happiest place on campus? Reach out to their friendly parent ambassadors via email at [email protected] to learn more!

Singapore American School, 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547, Tel: (+65) 6363 3403, www.sas.edu.sg