From primary school up till JC or poly, studying in SG is pretty much a one-track route for most of us. But come university, and the world is a giant oyster with endless possibilities. Now, you’ll have to make the big decision of what course you want to major in, and decide whether it’s best to pursue said degree in Singapore or to study abroad.

After all, uni’s also the best time to step out of your comfort zone, before plunging into the workforce. If you’re considering pursuing a degree overseas but have no idea where to begin, here are study abroad fairs in 2026 to check out. These’ll give you some much-needed guidance on potential unis of interest, plus help cut you slack on tedious paperwork.

Are there entry fees for study abroad fairs in Singapore?

Most study abroad fairs in Singapore are free to enter, and walk-ins are typically allowed. However, to save time on registration once you’re there, it’s advisable to pre-register online.

What to bring to a study abroad fair?

Whether you’re planning on applying for a university on the spot, or are just there to look-see, we recommend bringing along your passport, academic transcripts, and English language test results. These will come in handy during your consultation sessions, and will help quicken your application process in the event you decide to apply.

– Upcoming fair dates –

1. TheRightU Dream Big Overseas University Fair

Image credit: TheRightU via Facebook

TheRightU’s upcoming Dream Big Overseas Uni Fair on 21st March 2026 is probably the biggest on this list, with over 150 participating unis across Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, the US, Switzerland, and China.

Some top-ranked schools to anticipate include the University of Edinburgh, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Auckland, and Trinity College Dublin. Attendees who decide to apply on through TheRightU will also get the majority of their uni application fees waived.

Date: 21st March 2026
Time: 1pm-7pm
Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Summit 1

Register for the Dream Big Overseas Uni Fair on TheRightU website.

2. IDP New Zealand Mini Fair 2026

Image credit: @idpsg via Instagram

While many students would eye Australia as a dream destination for their university life, you can also give the neighbouring New Zealand a shot. IDP will be hosting a New Zealand Mini Fair on 27th March 2026 to share education opportunities in the land of the Kiwi.

Prospective students for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses can meet representatives from universities like the Auckland University of Technology and Victoria University of Wellington.

Date: 27th March 2026
Time: 3pm – 6pm
Venue: IDP Education Office, One Raffles Place, #05-07, Singapore 048616

Register for the New Zealand Mini Fair on the IDP website.

3. OverseasEducation.Sg World University Expo

Image credit: OverseasEducation.Sg via Google Maps 

If you’ve already got your eyes set on studying in Australia or the UK, check out OverseasEducation.Sg’s World University Expo, happening on 29th March 2026.

Australian universities to check out at the study abroad fair include UNSW, the Australian National University, and the University of Western Australia. Meanwhile, students aiming for the UK can find representatives at the fair from schools like Durham University, University of Bristol and Newcastle University.

Aside from having 1-on-1 consultations with uni experts, visitors will also be entitled to free scholarship assessments.

P.S. Consultations here extend to those with A-level, O-level, N-level and IB certs, as well as postgraduate students looking to pursue their masters abroad.

Date: 29th March 2026
Time: 12pm-6.30pm
Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Level 3 Concourse

Register for the World University Expo on the OverseasEducation.Sg website.

4. IDP Study Abroad Education Fair

Image credit: @idpsg via Instagram

Come 11th & 12th April 2026, IDP is hosting another study abroad fair, this time with uni booths from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada and the UK. Some top universities to look out for include the University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales (UNSW), King’s College London, and Trinity College Dublin.

Besides finding out more about these potential schools, attendees will also get to speak to IDP counsellors for 1-on-1 advice on any pressing questions they might have, including entry requirements, visa applications, and student accommodation costs. If you want more info on what to expect when pursuing a degree overseas, there’ll also be free seminars to attend, where you’ll get more in-depth info on what it’s like to study abroad.

There are also tempting perks for those who apply on the spot, including waived application fees, IELTS support and even FairPrice vouchers.

Day 1
Date: 11th April 2026
Time: 12pm-6pm
Venue: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre

Day 2
Date: 12th April 2026
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Venue: IDP Singapore Office, One Raffles Place, #05-07, Singapore 048616

Register for the IDP Study Abroad Education Fair on the IDP website.

– Register online for fair updates –

5. Jack Study Abroad Global University Expo

Image credit: Study Abroad 

If you missed Jack Study Abroad’s most recent fair in January, fret not – the agency hosts events roughly 3-4 times a year, with their next one expected to take place sometime in April.

Their fairs typically host over 50 universities from countries like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and US. The 1-on-1 consultations here cover everything from queries about entry requirements and visa procedures, to student accommodations abroad. Consultations are also available in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay, so language barriers won’t be an issue here!

Register on Jack Study Abroad’s website for updates on the next fair.

6. AUG Go! Study Abroad Expo

Image credit: AUG Singapore 

Another study abroad fair you can look forward to is the AUG Go! Study Abroad Expo. While actual dates haven’t been announced yet, their 3rd fair of the year is usually held in April or May.

Learn about the many study pathways to start your university life in countries like Australia, Canada and the UK. And don’t miss out on their seminars too – previous editions have had talks explaining specific courses like medicine or veterinary science, as well as general sessions about switching your major or crafting your career path.

Stay posted on event updates on the AUG website.

Find your dream uni at study abroad fairs in 2026

You know what they say – your uni days are some of the best times of your life, and the school you enroll into can make or break the experience. Whether you’re set on applying for an overseas uni, or still have cold feet about moving abroad alone, these uni fairs will help manage your expectations on studying overseas.

For more reads on student life:

• University hall essentials
• Free study spots
• Part-time jobs in Singapore

Cover image adapted from: @idpsg via Instagram, Study Abroad
Last updated by Andrea Chandra Putri on 13th March 2026.

The post 6 Study Abroad Fairs To Check Out In 2026, With Free Seminars & Waived Application Fees appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

If you’re a parent reading this, congratulations on hitting a milestone in your child-raising journey: the PSLE year. Just when you thought you could lend some sagely wisdom to your offspring from your own PSLE experience back in the day, MOE has gone ahead to change up the whole system as we know it. AL? SBB? What does it all mean?

We break down the differences for you, and shed light on why these changes had to be made. It may be a bit troublesome to grasp at first, but it was implemented with lots of benefits in mind, from less stressed kids to more fulfilled potential. No complaints there!

PSLE dates in 2026

Image credit: Writers At Work

First, let’s lay out the PSLE dates in 2026 so you can mark them down on your calendar. It’s good to map out your child’s revision – and tuition, if you deem necessary – gameplan early on so both of you aren’t left scrambling in the later months of the year. Q3 will come faster than you think!

Refer to the full PSLE timetable for foundational subject examination dates and timings.

Why was the PSLE scoring system changed?

You and I probably remember PSLE scores as that 3-digit figure, where mid- to high-200 aggregates would induce a dramatic gasp. This was known as the T-score (Transformed Score) system, which measured students’ performance relative to the rest of the cohort. In other words, your score depended partly on how well everyone else did, not just your own marks.

Image credit: Study Smart

Each examinable subject – that is, English, Maths, Science, and Mother Tongue – was converted into a T-score using a statistical formula, and the 4 subject scores were added up to form the final PSLE aggregate. Because scores were calculated relative to cohort performance, factors like a particularly difficult paper or many students scoring similarly could affect how T-scores were distributed.

In a system designed to rank students so precisely, even small differences in marks could lead to noticeable shifts in T-scores and rankings. This meant minor gaps in exam marks could influence not just the final score on a student’s result slip, but also the range of secondary schools they were eligible to enrol into. If a large number of students get funneled into a certain T-score bracket, competition for applicable secondary school openings becomes intense.

What is the new PSLE scoring system?

Image credit: BlueTree Education

As of 2021, the new PSLE scoring system became as such:

1. For each examinable subject, you would get an Achievement Level tagged to your exam marks, ranging from AL1 to AL8.
2. Each Achievement Level is tied to a range of marks, called mark bands:

• AL1: 90-100
• AL2: 85-89
• AL3: 80-84
• AL4: 75-79
• AL5: 65-74
• AL6: 45-64
• AL7: 20-44
• AL8: Below 20

3. Your final PSLE score will be the sum of your AL scores for all 4 subjects, with 4 being the best and 32 being the lowest. So, you wanna aim for the lowest possible score.

Comparing the previous PSLE scoring system and how things work now, the T-score system graded students on a curve. But with the banded grades in the new AL system, if you score within a certain mark range, you will get that specific grade and final score regardless of how others perform.

What is Full Subject-Based Banding aka Full SBB?

We went down memory lane talking about the old PSLE scoring system, now let’s talk about streaming. And no, not the video streaming kind. It was essentially the way our generation got sorted into Express, Normal Academic, and Normal Technical streams when advancing to secondary school.

Image credit: St. Gabriel’s Primary School

As of 2024, all secondary schools in Singapore shifted to a programme called Full Subject Based-Banding (Full SBB) or just SBB for short. Students now get to take subjects at different levels, in mixed-form classes. The subjects are classified into:

• G3: The highest level, similar to former Express
• G2: Middle level, similar to former Normal Acad
• G1: Foundational level, similar to former Normal Tech

To illustrate with an example, a student who is gifted in language and humanities might take English and History at G3, Science at G2, and Maths at G1 ‘cause they catch no ball with algebraic formulae and Pythagoras’ theorem.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The benefit is clear: students get to mix subject levels based on their strengths, rather than being locked into one rigid stream for all subjects.

In the case of our example, taking Maths and Science at a level that is too advanced for their capabilities means added stress and less support to help them grasp the foundations of their weaker subjects. But if we were to chuck this student into a Normal Acad or Normal Tech stream like back in the old system, they miss out on the opportunity to hone their language and humanities prowess.

How secondary school posting works with the new PSLE scoring system

Image credit: Lee Hsien Loong via Facebook

Now that you’re familiar with the changes in the PSLE scoring system as well as SBB rather than traditional streaming, let’s talk about how secondary school posting works. PSLE scores place students into Posting Groups for Sec 1 admission. These groups roughly correspond to the subject levels they start with. For instance:

• Posting Group 3: Mostly G3 subjects
• Posting Group 2: Mostly G2 subjects
• Posting Group 1: Mostly G1 subjects

There’s flexibility in this new system in that students can take certain subjects at a higher level if they perform well in that subject.

As compared to traditional streaming, where you are pretty much stuck in your stream for the whole course of your sec school studies save for the extremely exceptional cases, SBB offers a lot more room for shifting and adapting based on every student’s developing proficiency levels.

Benefits of the new PSLE scoring system & SBB

Now you know how it all works. Before you fuss about having to learn the ins and outs of a whole new system, this certainly isn’t a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

The old T-score system used calculations which produced over 200 possible aggregate scores, thus differentiating students super precisely. Meanwhile, the new system uses Achievement Levels, which can produce only 29 possible variations. With more students sharing the same scores, more schools will have similar cut-off points, which gives students a wider range of choices to enrol in.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Precision aside, the new system also scores students based on their individual performance rather than their results relative to their peers in the same academic year. And with the broader scoring bands, the pressure is reduced on students having to compete among themselves for the tiniest of score differences.

As with SBB, students can now be banded according to both their strengths so they can flourish further, as well as the subjects in which they require more care and support so they aren’t left behind to flounder on their own. It’s very much about flexibility and recognising every students’ unique learning needs. Not gonna lie, it kind of makes me wish we had SBB back in our generation!

Find out more about the new PSLE scoring system

Cover image adapted from: Writers At Work, Lee Hsien Loong via Facebook

The post All You Need To Know About The New PSLE Scoring System & SBB, Including 2026 Dates appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Ask any Singaporean millennial whether they have had tuition growing up, and you’ll likely hear more than your fair share of “ya, of course la”. A recent government survey showed that Singaporean households spent $1.8 billion on private tuition, and that figure is only projected to grow year on year.

For many of my peers, tuition centres became a second home. Our after-school and weekend hours were spent toiling over past-year papers, all in the hopes of acing our upcoming exams – or, in other words, avoiding the guilt of wasting our parents’ hard-earned money on these extra classes.

But while tuition is a well-intentioned rite of passage many Singaporeans go through, most of us leave the after-school enrichment grind with more sian stories than happy memories. The long hours spent in dull classrooms and the constant pressure to perform often overshadow any potential benefits.

Yet, tuition isn’t inherently bad. It’s just that, looking back, there are a lot of things I wish my parents had done differently when it came to supporting my education. Here’s my story, in the hopes that my experience can offer a different perspective on how we might approach childhood education in Singapore.

My tuition origin story

Image credit: Canva Pro

For many parents, tuition is seen as a necessary investment in their children’s future, and my family was no exception.

I spent most of my primary school years at 4 different tuition centres, receiving help for every subject on my timetable. Honestly, I take responsibility for this excess – my obsession with PC games left me with little interest in schoolwork, much to my mum’s dismay. My grades kept dipping, and external remedial classes were my mum’s solution.  

I had a seemingly eternal loop of lessons after school was over. English sessions on weekdays, Chinese lessons on Saturdays, Maths and Science tutoring back-to-back on Sundays. It felt as though whenever I wasn’t studying, I was somehow wasting time.

My weekend routine

Weekends were like a mini prison sentence. The centre I was schooled at for Maths and Science had dull classrooms, with their understimulating grey walls and uncomfortable desks. The ambience was coupled with a tutor who – while extremely knowledgeable – didn’t make the learning material any more exciting.

Image credit: Canva Pro

I remember feeling so disengaged that I’d make a racket to pass the 4 hours I was stuck there, until one day, it got so bad that my tutor slammed the table in frustration and walked out of the class. That was a wake-up call for me – I knew then that I wasn’t learning, I was just enduring.

My language classes felt just as pointless. All we did were past year papers, and I often resorted to copying answers from the internet. Looking back, I feel guilty for taking the easy way out, but I was just a kid, stuck in a grind I didn’t understand.

Frankly, I wish my parents had realised I didn’t need more tuition; I needed my education to be more structured and enjoyable. Mundane classes in a dull setting weren’t the solution. What would’ve helped more was connecting with the material in a way that sparked my curiosity.

Was tuition even necessary?

After being stuck in this regime for 3 years, my mother pulled the plug on classes because she saw no significant improvement in my grades. By then, I felt jaded about learning and lacked any real motivation to engage with my studies.

It took private classes with my uncle and a lot of self-reflection to make me realise that I needed to do better in school – not only for my parents, but for myself.

How tuition affected my relationship with my parents

Image credit: Canva Pro

My parents thought they were doing what was best for me because they grew up poor and wanted me to have a better shot at life. I knew this even then, but it still caused some strain.

Honestly, I didn’t mind tuition at first, but what I wished for was more encouragement from them or at least some recognition of the effort I was putting in, despite my complaints. At that age, I disliked how no one acknowledged that it was tough for a 9-year-old to sit through 4 hours of tuition with no breaks every weekend.

This lack of time amplified my social anxiety as well, because I didn’t have any free time to go out and just be a kid. I wanted hobbies, to socialise with my friends, and to even bond more with my family, but tuition meant I had little time for anything else.

Today, my biggest wish is that my parents had taken a step back and asked themselves: Is this excessive? Clearly, all that time and money weren’t translating into better results, nor did the quality of education I received help remedy what I lacked.

Introducing after-school care by MindChamps MindSpace

If I had to go to tuition centres, I just wish my parents had considered that the environment plays a crucial role. Also, to give me a schedule that had some room to breathe – I needed to buck up, sure, but I also needed time to be a kid.

Image credit: MindChamps’ MindSpace

Enter MindChamps’ MindSpace, a complete after-school and enrichment curriculum designed for children aged 7 to 12. This is not just student care, it is a school-after-school curriculum that has integrated research-backed, proprietary learning techniques and programmes into its classes. Its methods have enabled its students to achieve up to 6 grade improvements in the PSLE for English, Maths, Science and Chinese.*

There, students receive everything they need to excel in school and in life. This includes daily homework and spelling guidance that aligns with MOE syllabi, as well as Champion Mindset coaching and subject enrichment integrated into their timetables. A nutritious lunch and snacks, individually packed, are also provided.

Image credit: MindChamps’ MindSpace

Learning is made more engaging and fun, helping students build confidence as they connect concepts across subjects with ease. MindChamps’ MindSpace’s Optimal Flow Method teaches your child not just what to learn, but more importantly, how to learn, empowering them to actively understand all the subjects taught at school. The difference is evident: in the 2024 Parents’ Survey, 99% rated their children’s educational development as Excellent or Good.**

Behind this success is a team of educators who undergo up to 200 hours of professional training and accreditation in-house, regardless of their prior experience or qualifications.

Image credit: MindChamps’ MindSpace

Classes are also designed to be after school instead of in the evenings, giving students precious time to bond with their friends and family. Tuition is conducted at 29 centres islandwide, so there’s always a MindChamps’ MindSpace location within reach. And if weekdays don’t fit your schedule, you can still choose from a range of weekend subject programmes to ensure your child gets the support they need.

At the end of the day, the key to academic success isn’t about endless hours of tuition for the sake of it – it’s about finding the right balance between learning, personal growth, and leisure time.

If I had the chance, I would’ve benefited more from an environment like MindChamps’ MindSpace, where education goes beyond memorisation. If I ever have kids, I know what I’ll choose – not more classes for the sake of it, but smarter learning that nurtures both their academic and personal development.

Sign up to visit a MindChamps’ MindSpace centre

This post was brought to you by MindChamps’ MindSpace.
Cover image adapted from: Canva Pro.

*The results have been verified by Forvis Mazars LLP (fka Mazars LLP) in Singapore to supporting records provided by the Company, based on specified procedures in accordance with the Singapore Standard on Related Services SSRS 4400 Engagements to Perform Agreed-upon Procedures Regarding Financial Information.
**Of 605 parents who responded to the survey.

The post I Grew Up Spending My Weekends in Tuition Centres – Here’s What I Wish My Parents Did Differently appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

If you’re a working parent, you would likely have worried, or are still concerned, about what your child gets up to after school, before you are done with your workday. This is where after-school or student care centres come in. According to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), these centres “provide care and supervision to school-going children in the Primary to lower Secondary levels outside school hours.”

Run by commercial companies or Social Service Agencies, these student care centres minimally provide meals to the children, and supervision for their homework. Then, it’s at their discretion to design the rest of the programme in a way that’s enriching for the students during their time at the centre.

With more than 400 student care centres in Singapore, it can be hard to decide which you should pick. To help you out, we spoke to 8 parents of Primary school-going children who decided, or are deciding, to put them in after-school care centres to find out what the after-school care centre must-haves were that informed their choice.

*All names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. The photos in this article are for illustrative purposes only.

1. MOE-accredited & experienced teachers

Image credit: MSF

In an ideal world, I would love to be a stay-home mum (SHM) and personally supervise my children when they get home from school. The next best thing, and what I’ve been most grateful for, is a student care centre, which I started my first child in when he began Primary One. I found it such a blessing that when my second son graduated from kindergarten, I also signed him up with the same provider.

It’s been so helpful to have MOE-experienced teachers who can guide them with their school work and revision in my place, so that I can spend quality time with my kids in the evenings. Even if they didn’t manage to complete their work at the centre, or if I want to do some final rounds of revision with them before they go to bed, I find that there’s only a little bit that needs to be done.

Plus, I feel so much at ease knowing that these teachers, who are definitely more updated with the curriculum than I am, are giving them relevant guidance rather than what I remember from decades ago.

– Dorothy, 43, sons aged 7 and 10

2. Varied & dynamic timetable with room for fun

Image credit: Changemakers by Seed Campus

Life for a child shouldn’t be boring, but it’s just not possible for me or my wife to be at home every weekday afternoon. Even if we work from home (WFH), we have to get work done. We don’t want to outsource her care to the helper too, as we’ve seen many kids who end up watching TV or playing video games without proper supervision. So when we came across a student care centre offering a dynamic, structured after-school programme, we decided to give it a go.

Not only does she complete her homework under the watchful eyes of MOE-accredited teachers, but there are also programmes that are designed to equip the kids with extra-curricular skills that will stand them in good stead now and in the future. For example, she attends both communication and problem-solving classes every week, as well as time to read, play with her friends, and even practise typing – I like that there’s variety in the daily timetable, and that she’s not simply sitting at a desk staring at her schoolwork or a screen for the entire afternoon.

– Tim, 39, daughter aged 8

3. One-stop shop with useful enrichment classes

Image credit: Changemakers by Seed Campus 

I wish someone had told me about after-school care and all that it offers earlier. It would have saved me so much hassle with my elder child when she first started primary school. Back in the day, I would be ferrying her from one enrichment class to the other after school, which was so tiring for her and me, and I could barely get any work done in the afternoons.

When I found out that if you pick the right student care centre, it comes with enrichment programmes built into the curriculum, conducted on-site, it was like my prayers had been answered, and I’m not being dramatic about it. There’s Communication Arts, subject-specific enrichment that builds on skills, so it’s not your average tuition session, even sports classes, coding, public speaking, and so many more.

My advice to other working parents? Check out the enrichment programmes provided by the student care centre, and take your pick from there. It’s truly a one-stop shop that frees up so much other time that you can spend with your kids doing other stuff.

– James, 45, children aged 9 and 12

4. Flexi pick-ups within 10 minutes from home

My son just started primary school this year, and I decided to put him in a student care centre so that I know for sure he’s being well looked after, with transport, meals, supervision, and enrichment all covered. But the most important factor for me was the centre’s flexibility and convenience, both of which I prize above all else.

I’m self-employed, so my days and hours are OTOT (own time, own target). So there are some days when I finish early and want to pick my son up earlier, and other days when I arrive much later. Even if I can’t make it to pick him up on time, the centre is less than a 10-minute walk from my place, so I can easily arrange for my helper or husband to pop over. And that’s after the flexi pick-up time that stretches till later in the evening.

I opted for him to go to after-school care 5 days a week, but some of his friends only go for a few days because they have other commitments – I think that freedom to choose is very important in today’s world.

– Claris, 30, son aged 7

5. Includes socio-emotional & life skills coaching

Image credit: Changemakers by Seed Campus 

As I gear up to send my kids to primary school, one of the key factors that I’m looking at when considering if I should sign them up for after-school care if the provider is only academic-focused. Yes, academics are important, but I also personally feel that there are lots of soft skills that we need to build in our kids. So I’m looking for a student care centre that looks at more than academic achievements.

I hope that my kids will grow up to be resilient design thinkers with empathy and self-awareness, who know how to read a room and communicate appropriately in any situation. Being book smart is not the be-all and end-all, so ultimately, my idea of a perfect after-school care centre would have holistic character development built into its programmes.

– Zara, 33, children aged 4 and 6

6. Regular feedback & communication with teachers

Image credit: Changemakers by Seed Campus 

My wife and I believe that, as much as we trust our daughter’s teachers with her education and growth, we have to do our part as parents to complement it at home. To that end, we are deeply appreciative whenever we have updates from school regarding her progress. When we put her in a student care centre, one of our top-line priorities was knowing that the teachers at the centre would send us regular updates.

In lieu of our being there with our daughter, it’s important to us that we know whether she’s flourishing or facing any difficulties. Since she spends so many hours each day at the after-school care centre, a pathway for communication with her teachers, the centre, and staff is something we value. It’s great that she’s grown to be an independent pre-teen thanks to the programmes at her after-school care centre, and we’re not doing this to keep tabs on her, but more so that we can nip any problem in the bud if there’s one.

– Lucas, 49, daughter aged 12

7. Small group sizes for a more nurturing environment

Image credit: Changemakers by Seed Campus 

My eldest is an introverted character who prefers being a wallflower in school, since class sizes are generally on the larger side. When I wanted to sign her up for an after-school care programme, I specifically wanted one which had more intimate, small group ratios where she might be able to find her feet, and slowly build her confidence levels. I thought that might be more conducive to a nurturing environment which was less top-down and instructional.

I’ve had friends whose kids attended after-school programmes with large batches of students, which might work for more boisterous children, but I didn’t think that would be beneficial to my child. I also felt that there was less dedicated attention to each student, and my daughter could easily get overlooked again.

There was a noticeable difference after my daughter started at her student care centre – I believe it’s a combination of the small group sizes, a great teacher, and the centre’s curriculum, which emphasised socio-emotional development as much as it did academics. It wasn’t long before I saw my child speak up more, and with greater confidence in herself, amongst other character developments. And she loves going to the student care centre; she even wants to go daily during the holidays!

I didn’t need to be convinced that my other kids would join their cheche there when they started primary school as well.

– Crystal, 37, children aged 6, 8 and 10

8. Holiday enrichment electives for an actual break from studying

Image credit: NTUC First Campus Outdoor School 

Holiday programmes were a tiebreaker when I was weighing my after-school care options ahead of my son entering Primary One. Every centre can wax lyrical about how they provide holistic programmes during the school term, and throw in enrichment activities to break up the monotony for the kids, but I felt that all that aside, I wanted a centre which had a good provision of holiday programmes that the students could opt for.

I don’t mind that I have to pay extra for these programmes – I prefer that the centre organises them, and has vendors come in to conduct them, or there’s transport provided to send the kids out on excursions or to external camps. This way, I am assured that my son is engaged during the holidays and has fun, and I don’t have to make arrangements for him to attend other holiday activities during the term breaks.

– Ben, 34, son aged 7

Changemakers by Seed Campus: an all-in-one after-school programme

Image credit: Changemakers by Seed Campus

NTUC First Campus has been a leader in early childhood education and services since 1977. Changemakers by Seed Campus, part of the NTUC First Campus family of brands, provides after-school care services designed to support the holistic development of primary school students.

Changemakers by SEED Campus nurtures essential life skills like communication, critical thinking, independence and emotional intelligence in students who attend after-school care there, while encouraging exploration and curiosity.

As a one-stop student care provider, Changemakers offer a well-rounded blend of academic and enrichment programmes aligned with the Ministry of Education (MOE) curriculum, providing support to and engaging students during their after-school hours.

With flexible 3- or 5-day after school care options, Changemakers by SEED Campus centres their teaching approach around the EXRAE framework – Experience, Reflect, Assimilate, and Experiment, guided by research-backed pedagogies, and led by a team of experienced educators. In fact, kids will even get the opportunity to interact with industry experts who bring their field to life through hands-on workshops and sharing sessions. This helps young learners broaden their understanding of everyday topics and the world around them.

Apart from structured enrichment that helps students establish a solid foundation in their school subjects, they also offer holiday programmes that take the learning into real-world contexts, to shape them into future-ready learners.

Student care centres in Singapore

Parenting is a tough gig, so finding a reliable student care centre which you can trust with your children in the hours before you get home from work is a boon. Yes, signing your kids up for after-school care is an additional cost, but the peace of mind and reassurance that you get from quality care at a private after-school centre is priceless.

Find out more about Changemakers by SEED Campus

This post was brought to you by Changemakers by Seed Campus.
Cover image adapted from: MSF, NTUC First Campus

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Earlier this year, the Singapore government issued a set of guidelines on screen time for kids under the age of 12 – cue uproars from caregivers, parents, and young’uns.

We’ve heard it all: excessive screen use for kids has been linked to developmental delays and reduced attention spans, and impacts their communication and social skills. But take a step back from the witch hunt, and have a think before rubbing it in about the screen time guilt.

Screens are an integral part of our reality – instead of banning them entirely for a generation who will eventually spend their lives on all sorts of devices for both work and play, they can be used intentionally, with a framework in place. We ask Singaporean parents for their favourite apps for kids that they’d recommend, so you know these are chop, stamp, guaranteed legit.

*All names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.

1. Duolingo

Image credit: Duolingo

We don’t speak Mandarin at home – in fact, I’m only learning Mandarin now as an adult. Growing up in Malaysia, I only learnt Malay and English in school, and spoke dialect at home. Not only has Duolingo been a great help to me in my attempt to learn Mandarin, but it has created another way through which my son and I can bond, since we’re both on this Duolingo journey together.

I can test him on the words he has learnt through the app, and we are engaged in a friendly competition to see how many points we’ve scored through the week. Best of all, the app is free, and you’re only given limited lives at any time, so he’s extra motivated to make sure each one counts.

I’d recommend this for kids from the ages of 4 or 5, since you have the option to choose the level of difficulty in your language course.

– Jack, 46, sons aged 4 and 12

Get Duolingo.

2. Lingokids

Image credit: Lingokids

Too many apps restrict free usage to just 1 or 2 games if you don’t pay a fee, but Lingokids gives you access to a number of free activities each day. It covers topics including English, math, science, reading, art, music, and even engineering and technology through activities, games, and videos.

Image credit: Lingokids

Because we’re on the free version of the app, my daughter is told – in a nice way – that it’s time to put down the phone, since her chosen character is sleeping for the day. Activities are unlocked in a linear fashion, guiding kids’ progress through the thematic chapter. Each activity can only be done once, too, helping to limit screen time.

– Matilda, 40, daughter aged 3

Get Lingokids.

3. Scrabble GO

Image credit: Scrabble GO

I have fond memories of playing Scrabble with my family when I was young – I felt that it was very helpful for my grasp of the English language and spelling. I don’t have as much spare time as I’d like to play it with my kids in person, so having a digital version of the game, which is called Scrabble GO, makes it so much more accessible. A perk of playing on the app is how every word is auto-checked against the Collins UK dictionary, so I can rest assured that we’re all spelling the words as we should.

Plus, the scores are all automatically tabulated for you, and if I’m away from home, I can play the game with my kids virtually too. This game is more suited to older kids, I’d say.

– Jon, 50, children aged 11 and 14

Get Scrabble GO.

4. ScratchJr

Image credit: ScratchJR

I think curated screen use is better than zero screen time, and one app that I allow my children to use for a short while every day is ScratchJr, which introduces programming language to young kids. After all, coding and programming is an essential language for the next generation.

My older kids, especially, have lots of fun creating their own animated stories on ScratchJr – I find that not only are they learning how to program, albeit graphically, they’re also exercising their creativity. What’s more – their stories keep my little ones entertained too!

– Nat, 39, children aged 4, 7 and 9

Get ScratchJr.

5. Stop Motion Studio

Image credit: Beanbag Animation Studio

My boys have so many toys that it’s unbelievable. As my older one started growing out of them, I thought they could perhaps find another way to give the toys a new lease on life, before I gave them away. I put on Corpse Bride and Wallace & Gromit one school holiday, which helped to get the ball rolling on this whole stop motion enterprise.

Now, they’re creating short films, using Stop Motion Studio with their Lego and Gundam toys, that my husband and I watch. It’s great fun for the kids, and a new topic at the dinner table where we ask them about how they’ve developed their storylines and characters.

– Lin, 52, sons aged 8 and 12

Get Stop Motion Studio.

6. Qustodio

Image adapted from: Qustodio

The internet is a dangerous place these days. My daughter isn’t really old enough for me to really sit her down and explain the dangers of the World Wide Web, so in the meantime, apps like Qustodio can help keep her internet experience a safe one.

With the free version of the app, I can turn on web filtering and set a limit on her screen time each day – all of which are quite sufficient for now. I might consider purchasing the paid subscription as she grows older, since the app can alert me to flagged web activities, as well as set timers on specific apps that she might be using.

– Ryan, 35, daughter aged 6

Get Qustodio.

7.Kaspersky Safe Kids with GPS

Image credit: Kaspersky

I’m now using a paid version of Kaspersky Safe Kids with GPS because I have 3 kids of various ages to monitor, though I can control multiple devices and child profiles even with the free, basic version. This comes with web filtering and a safe search function for YouTube, and I am able to block apps by category, and limit screen time – this is pretty good for general use, though the paid app goes one step further.

Now, I can set specific time limits for screen use, and check my kids’ search histories. I’m also alerted should they try to access suspicious content; I can track their whereabouts too.

Do note that this app works much better on Android than iOS – the functions are very limited on the latter.

– Char, 37, children aged 4, 6, and 8

Get Kaspersky Safe Kids with GPS.

8. Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame

Image credit: Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame

I hate to admit this, but Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame didn’t only help my daughter to calm down – it helped me too as I accompanied her through the app. There are only 5 activities on the app, which is quite limited, but its interface forces you to slow down and remember to breathe, as you calm down and think about ways to solve problems you may encounter.

Yes, the problems are more relevant to a 3-year-old, but the process is highly relevant to us adults too. In fact, I’ve been reminded by my daughter to, “Put your hands on your tummy and breathe slowly, daddy!” so I’d say she has learnt something useful from this app indeed.

– Mike, 30, daughter aged 3

Get Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame.

9. Khan Academy Kids

Image credit: Khan Academy Kids

I want my son’s screen use to be meaningful, so when I came across Khan Academy Kids and its library of books, I thought it was pretty good. Not only do they carry fiction stories, there are non-fiction texts as well. I can even put on a story for him to listen to when I’m driving, since the app scrolls through the pages automatically.

Other than stories, there are age-specific activities for letters, numbers and more. Of course, it isn’t as good as pen and paper activities, but this is a fun and educational tool to have when I’m in a pinch.

– Steph, 29, son aged 4

Get Khan Academy Kids.

Tips on guiding your children to navigate the digital world safely

It’s never too early to start teaching your little ones how to use technology and navigate the digital sphere responsibly. Talk openly about the digital world, and encourage your child to tell you about what they have seen and done – whether it’s positive or negative, be it on YouTube, or gaming and social media apps, and so on. This encourages openness about their interactions online, so they feel safe telling you about it at all times.

Image credit: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels

It’s recommended that limits are set on screen use and content. As with all rules, they need to be consistent, with consequences to face if they’re broken. Start with stricter controls over their usage at a younger age, but there should be a gradual shift towards more independence as your child matures.

Other than just enforcing these rules, it would also be very helpful for parents to also model habits that you would like your children to follow, including taking regular breaks from screens. Setting aside screen-free times, such as putting your devices away during mealtimes, and having offline fun with your children, also encourages them to have good screen use habits.

These are but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to guiding your child in their digital journey, but start small, and know that every little step counts.

Raising children in the digital age

Image credit: Digital for Life

The Digital for Life movement was launched in 2021 to make digital technologies and opportunities accessible to all. This national initiative encompasses programmes that enhance digital inclusion – helping Singaporeans of all ages to enrich lives through digital technology, navigate the online space safely and responsibly, and making sure everyone is future-ready.

Get curated resources on the Digital for Life portal to support you as you guide your children towards safely using the internet, regardless of their age. These include guides on protecting them from online risks, teaching them how to use technology in a healthy and balanced way – much like having a healthy diet, knowing how to handle potential harms such as cyberbullying, online grooming, and other important tools that they will need to navigate the digital sphere.

Parents recommend their favourite apps for kids

There’s only so much we can do to protect our children, and cutting them off from the digital world that is a great big part of their future might only open more doors to trouble down the line. While we cannot control them for life, what we can do is to set up a solid foundation of responsible digital use, so that they can navigate the tricky waters on their own in time to come.

Find out more about Digital for Life’s parent resources

This post was brought to you by Digital for Life.
Cover image adapted from: Duolingo, Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame, Scrabble GO

The post Singapore Parents Share Their Favourite Apps For Kids, From Parental Controls To Educational Games appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Scoring university scholarships is like getting a free upgrade to first class. You get your tuition paid for free and enjoy plenty of bonuses along the way, too – like laptop upgrades, internship opportunities, and even free vacations. But getting one is easier said than done.

You’ll have to fill out the paperwork, showcase a stellar track record and impress them with your interview skills. You’d also have to do plenty of research to find one that suits your needs before you even begin. If you’re thinking of trying for one but don’t know where to start, we’ve done the legwork for you. Here are some university scholarships for you to consider.

What types of university scholarships are available & what are the eligibility requirements?

What do university scholarships typically cover?

Generally, university scholarships cover full or part of the tuition fees. It may also include living expenses for on-campus accommodation, books required for the course, and sometimes even travel costs. Each scholarship’s coverage varies depending on terms and conditions, so it’s best to read them thoroughly before taking them on.

Another thing to consider is whether the scholarship comes with any strings attached, like a penalty for cutting short your degree or having to work for a specific period of time with the sponsoring company after graduation.

1. NUS Global Merit Scholarship

Eligibility criteria: Singapore citizens with strong leadership qualities, a good CCA record, and outstanding qualifications from A Levels, poly diploma, or IB.

Image credit: @nus_singapore via Instagram

Perks:

• Full coverage of tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant subsidy)
• S$6,000 annual living allowance
• S$2,000 one-time computer allowance upon enrolment
• S$4,700 annual accommodation allowance if scholar is staying in an NUS Hall of Residence; or S$4,950 for Ridge View Residential College; or S$5,150 if scholar is staying in University Town, PGP Residence, or NUSC Cinnamon Wing; or S$6,500 for NUSC West Wing
• S$7,500 Student Exchange Programme/NUS Overseas Colleges allowance per semester for non-Asian countries and Japan, and S$5,000 per semester for other Asian countries
• Guaranteed an offer of a 1-semester Student Exchange Programme (SEP) with one of NUS’ overseas partner universities

Application/T&C:

• Referee’s appraisal is needed for applicants
• Recipients of the scholarship (scholars) may not concurrently hold any other scholarship, fellowship, bursary, grant, award or allowance without prior approval from the University.
• The scholarship will be monitored and renewed every semester provided the scholar maintains a Cumulative Average Point (CAP) of at least 4.0 (or equivalent) and good conduct.

Discipline of Study:
All full time undergraduate degrees at NUS, although the scholarship is not available for students in Dentistry, Medicine and Music.

Bond: None

Deadline for application: 19th March 2025

Find out more about NUS undergraduate scholarships.

2. Nanyang Global Scholarship

Eligibility criteria: Full-time undergraduate degree programme at NTU, outstanding academic achievements, excellent co-curricular records, and strong leadership qualities.

Perks:

• Full coverage of subsidised tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant subsidy).
• Living allowance of S$6,500 per academic year.
• Accommodation allowance of up to S$2,000 per academic year for scholarship holders who reside in NTU hostels
• Travel grant of S$8,000 for an overseas programme (one-off).
• Computer allowance of S$2,000 (one-off).

Application/T&C:

• Referee’s appraisal is needed for applicants
• Personal essay
• Scholarship holder is required to maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 over 5.0. Academic performance will be reviewed every semester.
• Scholarship holder is required to take on the role of student ambassador, or any other similar role, representing the university to give publicity talks, to receive guests, etc, as and when called upon to do so.

Bond: None

Deadline for application: Dependent on your respective educational qualification, the deadline for the admission application and scholarship application is the same.

Find out more about the Nanyang Global Scholarship.

3. Changi Airport Undergraduate Scholarship

Eligibility criteria: Excellent A Levels results, outstanding CCA records, and strong leadership qualities.

Perks:

• All tuition and compulsory fees
• Monthly maintenance allowance
• Pre‐Studies allowances, including settling‐in and computer allowance (one‐off)
• Hostel fees (local)
• Opportunities for sponsorship of student exchange or summer programmes
• Postgraduate sponsorship upon approval by management
• Internships with the diverse business areas with Changi Airport Group

Discipline of Study:
All disciplines of study, excluding medicine and dentistry

Bond: 3 years if you’re studying in a local university, 5 years if you’re studying abroad.

Deadline for application: 11th March 2025

Find out more about the Changi Airport Group scholarships.

4. Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship

Eligibility criteria: Singapore citizens that have demonstrated strong leadership qualities and academic achievements.

Image credit: Teo Chee Hean via Facebook

Perks:

• Tuition fees and other approved charges
• Maintenance and other allowances
• Return airfare (if applicable)
• Sponsorship of PSC development programmes, approved student exchange programmes, summer programmes and CCAs
• Sponsorship of Master’s degree (if requirements are met)

Application/T&C:
Apply via the PSC website

Discipline of Study:
Courses approved by the agency and this depends on which PSC scholarship you choose (PSC Engineering, Foreign Service, Legal Service, Public Finance and Teaching Service Scholarships)

Bond:

• For undergraduate study in English-speaking countries: 6 years
• For undergraduate study in non-English speaking countries (e.g.Germany, China): 5 years
• For undergraduate study in Singapore: 4 years

Deadline for application: 15th March 2025

Find out more about PSC scholarships.

5. Singapore Airlines Open Scholarship

Eligibility criteria: Strong academic performance and leadership qualities.

Image adapted from: @singaporeair via Instagram

Perks:

• Tuition and other compulsory fees
• Maintenance allowance
• One-off pre-studies allowance,
• Air passage at beginning and end of course,
• Annual trip to any point on Singapore Airlines’ global network.
• Reimbursement of university application and entrance test fees.
• Vacation attachment to a Singapore Airlines’ office

Application/T&C:
Apply via BrightSparks

Discipline of Study:
All courses are considered except Architecture, Biomedical, Biotechnology, Dentistry, Law, Medicine, and Pharmacy

Tenable for top overseas universities

Bond: 6 years

Deadline for application: 28th February 2025

Find out more about the Singapore Airlines scholarships.

6. Healthcare Merit Scholarship (HMS)

Eligibility criteria: Strong academic results, CCA records, leadership qualities, and people skills. You must have a passion for serving in the public healthcare sector.

Perks:

• Tuition fees and compulsory charges
• Monthly maintenance allowance
• Sponsorship for approved developmental activities, such as Student Exchange Programmes, Professional seminars and conferences during course of study
• One-Off Distinction Award for Academic Excellence (for those who graduated with at least 2nd Upper Honours degree)

Application/T&C:
Only applicable for MOHH-approved universities in Australia, Ireland, Singapore, UK and USA. Potential recipients will need to undergo additional rounds of interviews.

Discipline of Study

• Diagnostic Radiography
• Dietetics
• Medical Social Work
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Orthoptics
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Podiatry
• Radiation Therapy
• Respiratory Therapy
• Prosthetics & Orthotics
• Speech Therapy

Bond: 4 years for local universites, 6 years for overseas universities

Deadline for application: 21st March 2025

Find out more about the Healthcare Merit Scholarship.

7. JTC Undergraduate Scholarship

Eligibility criteria: Excellent academic results, CCA records, strong leadership qualities, and a passion to contribute to Singapore’s industrial landscape.

Perks:

• Maintenance allowance
• Tuition, examination and other related fees
• Opportunity for sponsorship for approved student exchange programmes
• Internships within JTC
• Airfare (for overseas students only)

Discipline of Study:

• Engineering
• Real Estate
• Facilities Management
• Architecture
• Urban Planning
• Economics
• Accountancy
• Courses that are relevant to different areas of work in JTC (excludes Law, Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy)

Bond: 2 years for local universities, 5 years for overseas universities

Deadline for application: 2-3 weeks after the release of A Level results

Find out more about JTC scholarships.

8. Enterprise Singapore Global Executive Scholarship

Eligibility criteria: Singapore citizens with excellent academic results, good CCA track record, and a keen sense for global business.

Image adapted from: @enterprisesg via Instagram

Perks:

• Full tuition and compulsory fees
• Monthly maintenance allowance
• Pre-studies allowance
• Medical or health insurance
• Internship opportunities
• Sponsorship for student exchange programme

Application/T&C:

Only applicable to NUS, NTU, SIT, SMU, SUTD

Discipline of Study:
All local undergraduate courses in approved universities that are deemed suitable for a career at SPRING and/or SMES. Excludes Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Architecture, Music, Real Estate, Facility Management, Industrial Design, Art, Design & Media, Education & Sports Science and a non-exhaustive list of equivalent courses

Bond: 2 years

Deadline for application: Mid March

Find out more about the Enterprise Singapore Global Executive Scholarship.

9. ST Engineering Local Scholarships

Eligibility criteria: Singapore citizens graduating from A Level, IB, or polytechnics.

Perks:

• Full tuition fees and other approved charges
• Allowance for living expenses and hostels
• Attachment/internship opportunities in ST Engineering companies
• Possibility of sponsorship for exchange programme and Master’s degree

Application/T&C:

Only applicable to NUS, NTU, SIT, SMU, SUTD, SUSS

Discipline of Study:

• Engineering courses
• Double Degree programme with one degree in Engineering
• Other courses that are relevant to the businesses of ST Engineering such as Computer Science, Information Systems Management, Naval Architecture

Bond: 3 to 4 years, depending on the duration and value of the award

Deadline for application: 19th March 2025

Find out more about ST Engineering scholarships.

10. GIC Scholarship Programme

Eligibility criteria: Pre-tertiary students of all nationalities with good academic results, CCA records, and involvement in community service.

Image credit: GIC

Perks:

• Full tuition and compulsory fees
• Monthly living allowance
• One-time pre-studies allowance for return economy fare

Application/T&C:

• Applicable to both local and overseas universities
• Have to intern with GIC during your second year of study

Discipline of Study:
All courses except Medicine and Dentistry.

Bond: 3 to 5 years depending on university location

Deadline for Application: TBC

Find out more about the GIC Scholarship Programme.

Finding the right university scholarship for you

It’s the middle of the uni app season right now, and while you’re filling in the paperwork for the various universities, it might be worthwhile to try for a scholarship too. Who knows, you might just impress someone enough to score a subsidy for your uni education!

More university guides:

• NUS vs NTU vs SMU
• University applications tips
• Free software for uni students

Originally published on 2nd March 2018. Last updated by Aditi Kashyap on 14th March 2025.

The post 10 Best University Scholarships In Singapore For Prospective Students in 2025 appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

There is no doubt that every parent wants what’s best for their kids, especially when it comes to education and development. What better way to nurture skills and knowledge than making learning fun with educational toys? We have found and sorted out educational toys for kids of different ages for your precious kiddos to enjoy.

At different ages, kids have different developmental needs. For toddlers and young children, the focus would be on their physical development like motor skills or speech development. As they grow older and transit into their teenage years, the focus shifts to cultivating values, building character and growing interest in STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math.

P.S. Look out for deals on Amazon Singapore. Just for TSL readers, you can get $10 off when you spend a minimum of $60. It is valid from 8th-13th October 2024 only.

– Toddlers aged 1 to 3 –

1. Baby Sensory Montessori toy by TOHIBEE

Explore colours & sensory experiences

Image adapted from: Toys Central

At the toddler stage of development, kids are still figuring out their simple motor skills like how to grab things. To help them get a better grasp, literally, TOHIBEE’s Baby Sensory Montessori toy will come in handy with its multicoloured strings of different textures, grip shapes, and sounds when pulled. This helps kids learn simple causes and effects, fine-tune their motor skills, and allow them to explore colours and sensory experiences.

Price: $68.40

Get the TOHIBEE Baby Sensory Montessori Toy from Toys Central.

2. Wooden Animal Stackers by Le Toy Van

Cute stackable animals for motor skills

Image credit: @letoyvantoys via Instagram

Other than being oh-so-cute, Le Toy Van’s Animal Stackers are useful in developing finger dexterity in children as your child works towards getting all the little animals stacked on top of each other without them toppling over.

Plus, depending on what kinds of wildlife your little munchkin likes, you can choose from various stacker sets based on habitats like the ocean or forest.

Price: $28.13

Get the Le Toy Van Animal Stackers from Amazon.

3. Colour Fun Fish Bowl from The Learning Journey

Learn colours with fishes

Image credit: Baby Corner Home Daycare via Facebook

The Colour Fun Fish Bowl not only teaches little ones colours but also puts their colour recognition skills to the test with it’s 2 modes – “Let’s learn colour” which lets the toddler know what colour fish has been put in and “Quiz mode” where the colour will be called out and your child has to put in the correct one. Other than learning the names of colours, it builds tactile skills and hand-eye coordination.

Price: $42.01

Get The Learning Journey’s Colour Fun Fish Bowl from Amazon.

4. Smart Counting Cookies by Learning Resources

Learn to count with cookies

Image adapted from: Learning Resources

While these irresistible-looking chocolate chip cookies are not meant for eating, they are a treat for your toddler’s brain. The Smart Counting Cookies set comes with a cookie jar and 11 cookies. This toy will come in handy when you want to teach little ones simple numbers and counting as the back of the cookies are numbered from 1 to 11, giving your child a visual aid.

Price: $32.73

Get the Learning Resources Smart Counting Cookies from Amazon.

– Kindergarteners aged 4 to 6 –

5. Magnetic Geometry Blocks toy by Mideer

Get creative with colourful magnets

Image adapted from: Mideer

Let your child’s imagination flow with Mideer’s Magnetic Geometry Block set that comes with a built-in mini whiteboard and a selection of 250 magnetic pieces of various shapes, colours, and sizes. For timed gameplay, instructions and example sheets are provided with the blocks to see how long it takes your kiddo to complete the design.

Price: $60

Get the Mideer Magnetic Geometry Block toy set from Shopee.

6. Colour Wonder Magic Brush by Crayola

Mess-free painting for kids

Image adapted from: Macy’s via Pinterest

Tired parents, rejoice, as we’ve got your back with the Colour Wonder Magic Brush which will leave you with minimal cleaning while your child paints away. This watercolour set is unique in the way that the colour only shows up on the special paper provided and will not stain clothing or your beauitful walls. Your little Picassos can select the colours using the brush that will light up the colour selected and go ham with their artistic expressions.

Price: $42.12

Get Crayola’s Colour Wonder Magic Brush at Amazon.

7. Logical Road Builder by BONITOTO

Build comprehensive abilities

Image adapted from: Toy Time

With 120 different ways to arrange the Logical Road Builder by BONITOTO, your child will be entertained for hours having fun figuring out the route to get the car from one end to the other. The template with the different starting points and difficulty levels allows you to keep track of your kiddo’s progress as they level up.

This toy will challenge your kid’s patience, and resilience, and help improve their problem-solving skills.

Price: $13.75

Get the BONITOTO Logical Road Builder from Amazon.

8. Money Activity Set by Learning Essentials

Learn how to use & count money

Image adapted from: Amazon.sg

The next stepping stone for every kindergartener is primary school where recess times means that they have to buy their food and pay for it. To make this a less nerve-wracking experience for you and your child, get them started with the Money Activity set. Provided in the set are toy notes, coins, a piggybank, and flashcards. The flashcards are puzzles indicating the cost of items for purchase and their matching piece has the correct value illustrated in the form of notes and coins.

Price: $37.88

Get the Learning Resources Money Activity set from Amazon.

– Lower primary schoolers aged 7 to 9 –

9. STEM adventure box set by TOYTAG

DIY gaming console & colorful robots

Image adapted from: TOYTAG

Develop your primary schooler’s interest in science and technology by getting them the STEM Adventure Box set from TOYTAG. Your youngster will get to build their very own game console with the instructions given and learn basic coding in MicroPython.

Choose from 9 different sets, each with robots that teach different science concepts:

• Artemis – LED technology, Electronic circuits
• Bob – Ohm’s law and resistance, Light
• Buttons – Sound synthesis, Microchips
• Capacitron – Oscillators, Capacitors and capacitance
• Hertz – Sound waves, Sound synthesis
• Marv – Integrated circuits, Electronic circuits
• Mr. Bee – Electromagnetic fields, Motion
• Resistron – Integrated Circuits, Variable Resistors
• Robby – LED technology, Vibration sensors

Price: $64.90

Get the TOYTAG STEM Adventure Box from the TOYTAG website.

10. Monopoly Super Electronic Banking Board Game by Hasbro

Modernised Monopoly

Image adapted from: Amazon

The Monopoly Super Electric Banking Card Game by Hasbro is an upgraded version of the classic Monopoly board game most of us grew up with. The main difference is that instead of the paper money we are familiar with, it uses a card system to make payments.

Allowing kids to handle their own card in-game teaches them responsibility and decision-making skills as they decide how to spend their game money wisely. Monopoly also involves a lot of strategic thinking as the kids figure out how they can win the game.

Price: $42.65

Get the Hasbro Electronic Banking MONOPOLY from Amazon.

11. Word game by Bananagrams

Form as many words as possible

Image credit: @karlaitzegunter, @bananagramsinc via Instagram

Similar to a game of Scrabble, the goal of Word game by Bananagrams is to form words and build crossword grids. Although the game can be played solo, you can turn up the intensity by getting the whole family involved to compete for the most number of words. This educational toy helps kids with their language skills by challenging them to use their vocab and spell out words.

Their range of word themes includes the ocean and Halloween. Plus, they all come in a cute banana-shaped pouch.

Price: $23.26

Get the Bananagram Word Game from Amazon.

12. Classic Jenga by Hasbro

A game of strategy & patience

Image credit: @morayo_busuyi via Instagram

I’m sure we’ve all played Jenga at least once in our lives. As many of you know, the goal is to slowly remove blocks one by one without getting the tower to fall. All the slow and steady movements needed and thinking required when choosing a block to remove are effective ways of teaching children patience and analytical skills. Plus, you can never go wrong with a classic.

Price: $23.51

Get the Hasbro Classic Jenga from Amazon.

– Upper primary schoolers aged 10 to 12 –

13. Balance Transport Ball

Teamwork makes the dream work

Slow and ready wins the race.
Image adapted from: Shoppee

Looks can be deceiving regarding how difficult the Balance Transport Ball game is. The objective is to balance the board on the index fingers of all group members while keeping the ball on the board from falling and getting to the end point where there is a bucket to deposit the ball. Through this process, it teaches important skills like teamwork and communication. And you can easily pull this out during your kid’s next birthday party for all their friends to play.

Price: From $35.25

Get the Balance Transport Ball game from Shopee.

14. Live Aqua Dragons by aqua Dragons

Easy to care for “pets”

Image credit: aqua Dragons

Getting a pet is every kid’s dream. For parents who hope to fulfill their child’s wishes but not jump right into getting a dog or cat, Live Aqua Dragons is the perfect compromise. These little sea creatures that hatch within 48 hours of being placed in water teach kids about responsibility as they have to be fed every 2-3 days and their water has to be aerated with the dropper.

To make it extra cool, the tank lights up too.

Price: $49.76

Get the Live Aqua Dragons from Amazon.

15. Ultimate Volcano Kit by National Geographic

DIY volcano that erupts

Image adapted from: Amazon.sg

Get your children involved in hands-on learning as they build, design, and erupt their own volcano with the Ultimate Volcano Kit by National Geographic. This fun scientific experience will likely nurture children’s interest in science and geography.

Plus, the kit comes with real volcanic rocks and allows kids to experiment with baking soda and vinegar, teaching them the basics of chemical reactions in a fun, engaging way. There’s also a guidebook with cool facts about volcanoes for those really into volcanoes.

Price: $27.10

Get the National Geographic Ultimate Volcano kit from Amazon.

16.  Magnetic Chess set by Chess Armory

Learn to be critical thinkers with a classic game of chess

Image adapted from: Amazon.sg

As the name suggests, the Magnetic Chess set is a magnetic chess board with magnetic chess pieces that secure it onto the board, allowing for gameplay without the worry of missing pieces or accidentally knocking them down. The board’s foldable frame means that you can keep all the pieces at the back too when you’re not battling it out.

Otherwise, this chess set is played like any other regular game of chess which teaches children how to think critically, strategise, think from other people’s perspectives, and fair play.

Price: $19.08

Get the Chess Armory Magnetic Chess set from Amazon.

– Teenagers aged 13 & up –

17. Decrypto 5th anniversary by Le Scorpion Masque

Describe the secret code

Image adapted from: TOYTAG

Decrypto puts one’s vocab skills to the test as teens try to give clues to their teammates. The word clues have to be precise enough for their teammates yet still vague enough to make sure their opponents don’t get the message.

Other than teamwork and communication skills, Decryto can develop critical thinking, strategic thinking, and language skills.

Price: $32

Get the Le Scorpion Masque Decrypto from TOYTAG.

18. 3D printing pen set by 3Doodler

Upgrade art from 2D drawings to 3D figures

Image adapted from: @3Doodler via Instagram

What better way to make art more exciting than to transform it into 3D form? The 3D Printing Pen works by heating and extruding a plastic filament that quickly cools, solidifying it into a stable structure. Teens can express their creativity by designing their own little projects or following stencils to build structures.

Price: $79.99

Get the 3Doodler 3D Printing Pen set from 3Doodler from Amazon.

19. Pagoda by True Genius

Brain teaser that puts your skills to the test

If you think that solving a Rubix cube is no kick, try the Pagoda puzzle by True Genius. Similar to a Rubix cube, the goal is to turn the sections of the Pagoda and shift the coloured balls until they are arranged into columns of the same colour.

This encourages spatial reasoning, logical thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Price: $23.11

Get the True Genius Pagoda puzzle from Amazon.

20. The Clearly Impossible Puzzle by CM Originals

Focus and persevere to solve this puzzle

Image adapted from: Amazon.sg

Unsurprisingly, every piece from The Clearly Impossible Puzzle is clear. As if that doesn’t make it challenging enough, there’s no way to well the front of the pieces from the back of them and there are some false-corner pieces to throw your teenager off.

On the plus side, it’ll teach your child critical thinking, problem-solving skills, patience, and immense focus.

Price: $24.04

Get the CM Originals Clearly Impossible Puzzle from Amazon.

Educational toys for children that are also fun

From building creativity with a 3D printing pen to learning about science through volcano kits, these toys make learning feel like play. So, whether you’re looking to inspire a young scientist, artist, or engineer, these educational toys are a great place to start. Plus, with so many exciting options, your kiddo will be entertained while gaining valuable knowledge that goes beyond the classroom.

For places to bring your kids to:

• Kid-friendly activities
• Free water playgrounds
• Hotels with kid’s clubs

Cover image adapted from: @3doodler via Instagram, Amazon.sg, aqua Dragons

The post 20 Educational Toys To Unlock Your Child’s Fullest Potential, Sorted According To Kids’ Ages appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

If you’re en route to university, I’m sure your seniors have mentioned the excitement that is campus life. Summer break is when hostel applications become a big hoo-ha, and if you’re feeling the confusion like I once did, here’s a NUS hall guide, from how to apply to what to pack for your move-in day.

The types of university halls at NUS

Image credit: UTown Residence via Facebook

There are 4 types of hostels for NUS students to choose from: Halls of Residence, Residential Colleges, Houses, and Student Residences.

What should I know before applying for university hall?

Image credit: NUS

Visit the hostels before applying for them. You’ll be living there for some time, so you should make sure you like the environment. Hostels usually organise open houses before the application window to take incoming freshmen on tours of the accommodations and facilities.

The tours are guided by current residents, so it’s the best time to ask them just about anything. If you’re still unsure about staying on campus, ask them for advice and get them to share their personal experiences. If you want to join specific CCAs, it’s also good to ask about the commitment levels and training schedules.

What can I expect from the different university halls?

Halls of residence

Image credit: NUS OSA

NUS is home to 6 halls of residence. The most popular option among undergraduates, halls are best known for being community-driven and offering a vibrant range of CCAs, including sports, culture clubs, and committees.

Sadly, getting in as a freshman doesn’t guarantee a stay for the entirety of your university life, so chionging for CCAs is often essential for earning points to secure a spot for the following year. Each hall has different ways to collect points, but to be safe, we’d advise taking up at least 3-4 CCAs, preferably one with a leadership position.

Image credit: NUS OSA

The layout of the rooms is similar across all halls: a single bed, table, wardrobe, and shelves. Fair warning, though, hall rooms are not air-conditioned. There are different blocks for each hall, and genders are sorted according to levels. For double rooms, strictly same-gender roommates are allowed. Don’t worry, though, communal toilets are available on every level.

Halls are also typically the more “happening” areas on campus. Be prepared for a super active social life. Block events, late-night study-turn-HTHT sessions, and spontaneous supper jios are the norm when living in hall. Many students consider these experiences to be the highlight of their university life.

Residential colleges

Ridge View Residential College.
Image credit: NUS OSA 

If you’re more of an introvert and just not cut out for too much of the rah-rah lifestyle, you may want to consider residential colleges (RCs). RCs require fewer commitments since you’re guaranteed a 2-year stay upon acceptance. They also focus more on community engagements and interest groups.

RCs are unique because residents must participate in academic pursuits according to each hostel’s theme. So, instead of earning points for hall, you’re expected to clear 5 modules in RCs. They are part of the University Town College Programme and can be used to replace general education modules, a university-level requirement. Yay to less workload!

But that doesn’t mean it’s any less fun. Although CCAs are not a requirement, RCs offer a bunch of activities for you to take part in. There are interest groups ranging from arts and sports to clubs and societies that welcome all residents to join.

Image screenshotted from: Ridge View Residential College via Youtube

RC rooms are pricier than halls as they are newer and have better facilities. All the rooms are single occupancy, with Ridge View Residential College (RVRC) being the only RC with double rooms. You can choose between an air-conditioned room or not – the former operates on a pay-as-you-use scheme. Like most campus accommodations, toilets are also communal on every level.

However, some of the RCs offer 6-bedroom apartments with 6 single rooms, a shared bathroom, and a common living area.

Houses

Image credit: NUS OSA

NUS houses are the way to go if academics are your number 1 priority and you’re planning to mug through your university years. The 3 houses offer a stress-free and non-competitive stay, as residents are not required to join CCAs or any study programmes.

The houses offer their own interest groups and community practices, so students have the option to take time off studying and spend time with peers. Priding themselves on a supportive community, freshmen can look forward to initiatives like the peer mentorship programme in Pioneer House or the coaching and mentoring scheme at Lighthouse.

Senior retention happens when you want to continue your stay the following year. It differs for each house, but the baseline is to participate and be involved during your 1-year stay here. The application process requires recommendations from 2 to 3 residents to vouch that you’re a valued community member.

Helix House single room.
Image credit: NUS OSA

The rooms here are simple and minimally decorated. They are all single rooms with the option of air conditioning. Once again, communal toilets and kitchenettes are located along the common corridors.

Student residences

Prince George’s Park Residences. 
Image credit: NUS OSA

The 2 student residences on the NUS campus are reserved for undergraduates onwards from year 2; first-year students are not eligible to apply for a stay. Application processes tend to be competitive, with the bulk of residents being varsity, scholarship holders, and exchange students. So, do go for it if you have impressive co-curricular or academic records.

Hostel activities are optional, with a focus on community-building activities such as wellness sessions and group exercises. Generally, these accommodations offer more privacy and flexibility of schedules.

PGP’s type A room.
Image credit: NUS OSA

There are 3 types of single rooms for Prince George’s Park Residence (PGP): Type A is an air-conditioned space with a private bathroom, while Type B is non-air-conditioned and equipped with a sink. Finally, Type C is a standard single room with air-conditioning options.

The layout of the 4-bedroom and studio apartments in UTown Residence is similar to typical Singapore flats, with a common living area, kitchen space, and bathroom. These rooms are ideal for graduate students or married couples taking their master’s or PhD.

Compulsory meal plans

All residents staying in halls and RCs are subject to compulsory meal plans. The subscription offers 6 days’ worth of breakfast and dinner with halal, non-halal, and vegetarian options across different cuisines.

*Rates are accurate as of AY24/25 Semester 1.

Left: Raffles Hall breakfast, Right: CAPT dinner.
Image adapted from: Kelly Lai, Melden Koh

The meal plans in RCs are more expensive as the food is of a wider variety and better quality. Meals in the hall are usually limited to 1 or 2 options, while RC’s dining hall serves different cuisines across Western, Chinese, and Malay. We broke it down, and each meal averages around $3-$5. This saves you a ton of money compared to eating out, so there’s really not much to complain about.

There are tons of mixed reviews about the taste of the food. Many of my male friends compared it to the meals they had during their National Service, but to each their own. From personal experience, the hall food was alright. It was on the saltier side, but nothing bad or crazy.

How & when do I apply to stay on the NUS campus?

Students can apply for a hostel stay via the UHMS student portal with their student ID. Only full-time students registered with NUS are eligible. International students who hold ICA or MOM-approved passes during their hostel stay are also eligible for a spot. 

The registration dates differ each year, but applications for Semester 1 are usually due in March for undergraduates. However, applying to hall as an undergraduate may be trickier since slots are mainly open for freshmen. Having NUS co-curricular activity (CCA) records and achievements may aid your chances of getting accepted.

First-year students can start applying to halls and houses from June to July. Freshmen have higher chances of getting a stay, but each hostel has its own culture or specific criteria they look out for. For instance, some halls prioritise those who play sports or have a dance background.

Residential Colleges (RCs) are only open to freshmen and have an earlier application period from March to April. You must apply for the Joint Residential College Admission System, and you can state your preferred RC, where you’ll then be required to write an essay before being shortlisted for an interview.

Semester 2 applications are a shorter process in November, and are open to all undergraduates.

What university camps should I join?

Now, there are so many different camp names floating around that you might need help to wrap your head around which ones to join. I’ve been there, and it gets overwhelming, especially if you’re a freshman. For hostels, the 2 main types are the engagement camps and orientation camps.

Engagement camps

Image credit: @nus_singapore via Instagram

Engagement camps are more for halls and are held during the application period in early June. They last 2-3 days and are meant for freshies to have a glimpse of hall life. You get to experience different cultures and mingle with seniors, which can be helpful if you’re still unsure or torn between the different halls.

Some halls’ engagement camp dates may clash, so attend your first choice. Each hall’s Instagram page usually provides regular updates about its sign-up links, which typically open around mid-May.

Orientation camps

Image credit: @rhfiversstreet via Instagram

Orientation camps happen after you are accepted into the hostels. They are meant to help freshmen move into their new homes, so join them if you can! Usually held a week before the semester starts, these camps are the best way to familiarise yourself with the hall facilities and meet fellow residential mates or seniors from the same course.

Rag & Flag

One of the most popular events in NUS is Rag & Flag. The annual event, an important aspect of the freshmen orientation program, is a charity project that encourages the student community to help the less privileged. Flag is one of the largest university fundraisers in Singapore, and Rag – which stands for Receiving and Giving –  encompasses live performances to thank everyone for their fundraising efforts.

Every faculty and hall has its Rag & Flag run by undergraduate student committees. Freshmen can either join Flag or any of the 3 categories in Rag: dance, costumes, and floats. Be aware that the programme requires high-commitment, with dance practices or costumes and prop-making sessions spanning 2-3 months throughout the summer.

Sign-ups start around early June. Joining Rag & Flag is one way of interacting with seniors or already residents, and having them vouch for you during the selection process helps increase your chances of securing a stay at one of the NUS halls.

Making friends in hall

Image credit: NUS OSA

Don’t fret about making friends when you’re on campus. The shared spaces and close proximity to fellow students will make it easy for you to form new friendships. Even if you’re not the most outgoing, a simple chit-chat with your neighbours or floor mates can lead to lasting connections.

The other way to increase interactions is to participate in activities or join clubs that spark your interest. Events such as night cycling and inter-block games are held during the first semester and offer great bonding sessions to find like-minded friends.

We also recommend going for block events. The block committees organise regular themed nights with fun activities and free food. Who’s saying no to that?

What should I pack to move in university hall?

Raffles Hall double room.
Image credit: Kelly Lai

Instead of lugging all your suitcases with you, just pack the bare essentials on move-in day and save the fairy lights and posters for another trip; you have the whole semester to move in anyway.

Most importantly, make sure you have cleaning supplies on hand. The rooms are usually quite dusty and will require a thorough deep clean, so bring pails, disinfectant wipes, and rags. Having a mop or handheld cordless vacuum is also a lifesaver.

For toiletries, store all your bathing essentials in a shower basket. The communal toilets have cabinets, so you can chope a spot for your basket so you won’t have to carry it in and out of your room. Bring a pair of slippers you won’t mind getting wet so you can wear them into the shower.

Building a capsule wardrobe is a game changer when staying in a hall. Play around with basic pieces so you won’t have to bring your entire wardrobe from home with you. I’d recommend at least a week’s worth of clothes to save yourself a laundry trip.

Speaking of laundry, the washing machines have a “pay when you need” system, priced from $1 per cycle. Have a basket to chug all your dirty clothes in one place and also detergent, duh. Optionally, you can also bring a drying rack, but most hostels have dryers to save you the hassle of hanging your wet laundry.

Other miscellaneous items that are good to have are:

• A mini trash can
• Containers to dabao food
• A diffuser to keep your room smelling fresh
• Insect repellent

Lastly, most halls and RCs are not air-conditioned, so you may want to get a desk fan or portable aircon – just be sure to declare it. You can find them for cheap on Carousell.

Is staying in a university hall at NUS worth it?

Image credit: @nuspresident via Instagram

If you’re still deciding on whether staying on campus is for you, here are some pros and cons you may want to consider.

Pros of staying in university hall

1. Staying on campus saves on travelling time – especially sweet if you have classes in the early mornings. It also makes sense to opt for hall if your house is far from NUS. You’ll be able to get to class in 15 minutes or less, which means you get more much-needed rest.
2. Staying on campus opens up a world of social opportunities. You’ll be able to build friendships and create unforgettable memories before stepping into the professional world after graduation.
3. You get to save up on your meals. The meal plans are rather filling, and you can even dabao breakfast for lunch sometimes if you’re really trying to get the most bang for your buck. For houses and student residences, the PGP canteen also offers meals ranging from $4 to $5.
4. Staying with others improves connections, especially with seniors in the same courses. They’re the ones to turn to for academic help or general matters, such as planning for internship or overseas exchange.  

Cons of staying in university hall

1. An obvious one is the time you’re spending away from your family. Because of the convenience that is a campus stay, you’ll usually only be home during the weekends.
2. The high commitment to hall life makes it easy to get consumed by all the activities, and some may find it a struggle to balance academics and hall commitments. Here’s some tips from previous hall-stayers:
   • Head to study spots around the school instead of studying in the room. You’ll be away from friends or any ongoing events, AKA lesser distractions.
   • Make breakfast plans with friends so there’s some accountability. This motivates you to get up early and ensures you won’t sleep through your alarms and miss any lessons.
3. Hostel stays can get pricey depending on the rooms you choose, and they are an additional fare on top of your school fees. The rates have also increased throughout the years, but students can apply for financial aid or scholarships to ease the financial burdens.
4. Lastly, if you opt for a shared room, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a good roommate and so it’s up to you to decide how much of an adjustment you’re willing to make.

Know which university hall is best for you

Circumstances play a part, so if you’re looking at long commuting hours or a jam-packed timetable, university halls might be a good option. Otherwise, staying on campus adds to the already exciting university life NUS has to offer, and is one of the best ways to forge long-lasting friendships.

For more NUS reads:

• Guide to NUS for freshies
• NUS hacks
• Choosing a uni in SG

Cover image adapted from: UTown Residence via Facebook, @krasheares.rag via Instagram

The post Guide To University Halls At NUS – Types Of Student Accommodation, Plus How To Apply & Make Friends appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

If you really think about it, our experiences studying at preschools in Singapore had the potential to shape us to become the people we are today. However, our infant selves simply went through the motions of sitting in for the classes our teachers prepared for us. Now that we’re all grown up, we might wonder what the rationale was behind some of the preschool activities that filled our days as kids.

So, we’ve consulted Ms Ainul Farhana Binti Mohamed Bathurudin, Lead Principal Project Specialist, Early Years, on the hidden meanings behind every Singaporean kid’s preschool experience. Consider your curiosity quelled, even more so if you’re a parent whose little one is still well in the midst of making their first friends in their playgroup.

1. Mandatory afternoon naps after lunch

Image credit: Minwoo SEO via Pexels

As working adults, we probably miss this one the most. Yes, could you believe that we once protested against taking afternoon naps in preschool? Grown-up grievances aside, these midday snooze sessions ensure that the children are well-rested, so they can better process and retain new information in their developing minds.

Afternoon naps also help with enhancing concentration and attention span for the latter part of the day, while fostering a calmer and more focused learning disposition. As for the teachers, this quiet time also allows educators to recharge and prepare for the rest of the day ahead.

2. Cooking activities like making sandwiches or pizza

Cooking activities impart the values of teamwork and patience, as well as the ability to follow instructions.

Not all of us are destined to step on that MasterChef Junior podium, but nothing stopped us from turning into adventurous culinary artists during the cooking activities back in preschool. For one, I remember whipping up a mean egg mayo sandwich back in the day, but there’s a reason why our preschool teachers let us don a chef’s hat and apron from time to time.

Working with food makes learning fun and interactive; plus, mixing, pouring, and measuring ingredients boost fine motor skills and introduce basic math concepts too. Healthy eating habits can also be taught in the process, and since cooking is such a sensory adventure, it’ll get children to be more receptive to exploring new tastes, smells, and textures.

3. Doing different arts & craft activities like painting & paper crafts

Image credit: My First Skool

Probably one of the highlights of every kid’s preschool experience was the various arts and crafts lessons that we got oh-so-messy with. If we were lucky enough, our parents even recognised the abstract beauty in our doodles and scrawls, and pinned them up on our household’s fridge à la the Louvre’s Mona Lisa.

Arts and craft projects are avenues that spark a child’s creativity and serve as a medium to build upon fine motor and problem-solving skills. Apart from cultivating self-expression, these sessions can also provide opportunities for children to develop essential social skills and teamwork when they join hands for collaborative art activities.

4. Celebrating holidays like Mid-Autumn Festival & National Day

Image credit: My First Skool

National holidays were particularly special as a kid in preschool as you got to celebrate them with your best mates, and have a whale of a time doing so. But beyond the games and dressing up, these festive get-togethers provide opportune moments for children to immerse themselves in new cultures and interact with peers of various age groups.

It’s a great way for little ones to learn about different traditions, potentially giving a child their first brush with cultural awareness, in the melting pot of a nation that is Singapore. These celebrations help them to feel part of an inclusive community, as they foster a love for learning about our multicultural society.

5. Bringing your favourite toy to school for Show and Tell

Image credit: My First Skool

As an introvert, Show and Tell sessions were the bane of my existence even as a kid. But after mustering up the courage to speak up, most of us probably realised it wasn’t all too bad. These spotlight-shining moments instil within a child self-confidence, but also a sense of connection between their home and school environments.

The activity provides a stage for little ones to share a part of their personal world with their classmates, which enhances self-expression and storytelling skills. On the other hand, it also teaches kids empathy and to lend a listening ear, while promoting a sense of community in the classroom as they learn about their peers’ diverse life experiences and interests.

6. Celebrating birthday parties in class

Image credit: Helena Lopes via Pexels

Another limelight-stealing occasion, birthday parties are also often celebrated in preschools, but not everything’s about passing around slices of cake and tearing open goodie bags. These joyous occasions provide emotional assurance and recognition of each child’s uniqueness.

Sing-alongs, coupled with thoughtful cards filled with heartfelt messages, ensure that every kid feels extra special and cherished on their big day. Themes of kindness, sharing joy, and appreciating one another are also floated around, making school a warm and welcoming place for everyone.

7. Heading outdoors for some fun at the nearby playground

Image credit: My First Skool

When you’re looking after a bunch of energetic little ones, heading outdoors for some fun in the sun is a good way to burn off some of that extra energy. More often than not, the preschool’s nearby playground became stomping grounds for the lively children. Time spent outside the classroom has proven to be a mood bolster and helps them unwind while keeping them focused.

Playing outdoors also keeps otherwise sedentary iPad kids active, builds strength, and improves hand-eye coordination. Additionally, it gives them a chance to make new friends and build important social skills while they scamper all over the place exploring the neighbourhood.

8. Taking part in music and movement activities

Image credit: My First Skool

If you rummage hard enough, you’ll eventually unearth pictures, or heaven forbid, tapes of your preschool graduation taken aeons ago, stashed away in the depths of your family archives. For some reason, we were tasked with wowing our parents with dance performances or musical acts during our graduation ceremonies; no exceptions for even those with two left feet.

But that’s the beauty of being in preschool; you aren’t expected to bust out moves like Jagger. From dancing to their own beat to coming up with their own catchy tunes and rhythms, these music and movement activities offer an enjoyable avenue for kids to express their emotions and build upon social and motor skills. Plus, music and movement activities allow children to be creative and gain confidence in being in front of a large audience.

9. Inviting parents to school for story time or a classroom activity

Image credit: My First Skool

Mums and dads who take the time out of their hectic schedules to turn up to parent-child bonding sessions at their child’s preschool are truly the real MVPs. Their presence at these activities deepens the bond between parents and children, turning everyday classes into memorable experiences.

As parents get involved, they help their little ones shine socially, nurture their emotional growth, and build a love for learning. These special occasions also create lasting memories and strengthen the link between families and the school community.

10. Enjoying mealtime alongside peers

Image credit: My First Skool

Nothing brings people together like good food, and preschools in Singapore undoubtedly subscribe to that notion. Although wolfing down on nutritious yet yummy meals is important to provide sustenance for a child’s developing body, having meals with peers comes with intangible benefits too.

Firstly, it provides children with a chance to pay attention to social cues, and to learn to do simple things on their own such as serving food, filling up cups with water, returning their cutlery, and cleaning after themselves.

As the children mingle amongst themselves, they also build emotional connections with one another, creating a warm and inclusive community where every child feels like they belong.

11. Growing your own harvest during gardening activities

Image credit: My First Skool

Just ask any kid: when it comes to piquing interest in science-y stuff, hands-on activities trump learning about things theoretically in a classroom. That’s why gardening-related activities are often incorporated into a preschooler’s curriculum, unlocking a world of wonder and discovery for young minds.

From planting seeds to watching their very own garden bloom to life, this engaging activity teaches kids about responsibility as they take charge of cultivating plants under their care. Gardening also deepens their appreciation for healthy foods and the environment, as they grow their curiosity and connection to the ever-changing world around them.

Recognising our preschool educators’ efforts & professionalism

It’s easy to fall under the misconception that all preschool teachers do is to entertain groups of children for a bit till their parents come to pick them up at the end of the day. However, once you dig a little deeper, they do so much more than that in ensuring that our childhood stands out as a fruitful, yet memorable time of our lives where we start learning important life skills too.

As such, it’s never too late to say thanks to our early childhood educators, be it reconnecting with one that taught you ages ago, or expressing gratitude to your kid’s preschool teacher the next time you pick your little one up from school. After all, a simple “thank you” goes a long way, especially when it comes to recognising the effort and dedication they put in their work every day.

Learn more about becoming an early childhood educator

This post was brought to you by the Early Childhood Development Agency.
Cover image adapted from: My First Skool

The post 11 Hidden Meanings Behind Every Singaporean Kid’s Preschool Experience We Didn’t Realise Until Now appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

The last thing uni students need to worry about is forking out more money for pricey apps and software on top of their tuition fees and other expenses. Thankfully, there are plenty of free software and alternatives to popular paid apps that you can use to your advantage.

From efficient citation tools so your essays are always on point to a superior spell check that even most of us at TheSmartLocal use daily, here are seven free apps that all uni students can download before the first day of classes start.

How to make the most use of your benefits as a university student

Staying in school does have its perks. For one, many places offer student card discounts when you flash your registered school ID at F&B outlets and selected retailers. Movie theatres in Singapore all offer concession prices on tickets, Singapore Airlines offers 10% off flights, and Apple also has back-to-school bundles on their iPads and laptops for students.

If you have an active email ending in .edu, you can also score cheaper subscriptions for apps like Spotify, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

– Basic Office Tools –

1. Grammarly

A higher-level spell check that spots grammar mistakes

Screenshot from: Grammarly

I can’t count the number of times Grammarly came in clutch as I churned out essay after essay during hell week. The handy writing assistant would spot some of my most egregious grammar and spelling mistakes that the default spell check just ignored.

As I spent most of my time on Google Docs, the Grammarly Chrome browser extension worked best for me. However, it also works on Microsoft Word and as a desktop app. If you would rather not download anything, you can also run it on your browser once you’ve signed up with them.

Get Grammarly.

2. LibreOffice

Open-source suite for Word docs & Excel sheets

Screenshot from: LibreOffice

If your university doesn’t offer Microsoft Office for free, a good alternative you can download is LibreOffice. The suite of apps is fully compatible with all types of documents that Microsoft Office already handles, just that they do it under different names: Writer for word processing, Calc for your spreadsheets, and Impress for all your PowerPoint presentations.

LibreOffice can be installed on Windows, Mac, and Linux, so you don’t need to worry about any compatibility issues.

Get LibreOffice.

3. Prezi

Trust us, nobody wants to sit through a PowerPoint presentation that has hundreds of words on a single slide. Adding an image may help a little, but if you want your audience to stay captivated, try out Prezi.

They have hundreds of templates to create engaging slideshows that use a zoom-in-zoom-out to hone into subtopics, so you can skip around in your presentation without having to search for specific slides.

Get Prezi.

– Reference Management –

4. Zotero

Cite & organise your essay research more efficiently

Screenshot from: Zotero

No one prepares you for the number of citations you have to do for your research essays, and you can save yourself the headache of rushing out your references at the final minute with Zotero. The Zotero browser extension will create a citation of the webpage you’re referencing with a single click, which can then be exported as a proper citation in over 9,000 styles. It’s available for Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

Get Zotero.

5. Mendeley

Intuitive citation manager for Chrome & Safari users

Screenshot from: Mendeley

Those who spend their days on Google Chrome and Safari instead can use Mendeley, another powerful citation management tool. It boasts plenty of intuitive features including a single-click citation importer.

If you’re using Microsoft Word, you just have to download Mendeley Cite to quickly put references into your document from your library of citations.

Get Mendeley.

– Image & Video Editing –

6. Diagrams.net

Easy tool for building diagrams

Screenshot from Diagrams.net

Unless your school has bought Photoshop for the entire cohort, chances are you’re looking for a free alternative for all your diagramming needs. Enter Diagrams.net, a free and open-source tool you can use to create anything from graphs, charts, and even infographics.

While there is an easy-to-use browser version, downloading the app so you can use it without Wi-Fi is a better experience.

Get Diagrams.net.

7. Inkscape

Design software to make vectors & Illustrator alternative

Screenshot from: Inkscape

Those who need to make graphics for an assignment can turn to Inkscape instead of paying for a subscription to Adobe Illustrator. The free and open-source vector graphics editor lets you design anything from logos to banners at an unlimited resolution, so your printouts can be crystal clear with no pixelation.

If you’re not familiar with the user interface, fret not – there are many official tutorials available to guide you through the various features from bitmap tracing to calligraphy.

Get Inkscape.

8. SketchUp

Online 3D modelling software that you don’t need to download

Screenshot from: SketchUp

Once you get to the varsity level, art classes would require more than just your pen, pencil, and eraser. Students working on interior design, architecture, and other projects that need sketches can use SketchUp, a free web-based app that lets you create 3D models.

The simplicity of the app is what makes it stand out compared to other more expensive and popular alternatives like Revit and Fusion 360.

Get SketchupFree.

9. GitHub Student Developer Pack

Complimentary access to pro versions of Canva & Typeform

Screenshot from: Canva

In case you didn’t already know, your student email account gets you access to a ton of freebies courtesy of GitHub, including 12 months of Canva Pro (worth $165) so you can impress your profs with your presentation slides and one year of Typeform’s professional plan (worth over $795) to make all the fancy-looking surveys.

Check out the GitHub Student Developer Pack.

– Note-Taking & Productivity –

10. Notion

Track progress for each course you’re enrolled in

Back when I was a student, you’d bring multiple notebooks to school – one for each of the subjects you’re taking. Now, all you need is to download Notion, a desktop organiser and unlimited notebooks rolled into one. Their student planner is useful for keeping track of course syllabi, assignments and test dates, as well as any other notes you might have for each class.

Screenshot from: Notion

Tip: Use Notion AI to help with study guides. You can ask it to sieve through all your notes to pick up keywords and definitions, and even make a flowchart to help you understand study material better.

Get Notion.

11. KardsAI

Create flashcards from your own notes

Remember the good old days of flashcards when you were a kid? They’re great for revising for exams that require you to know many definitions, formulas, or key events and dates. Creating them on your own can be quite troublesome, especially if you have hundreds of keywords to run through.

Image adapted from: KardsAI

But this is where KardsAI comes in handy – simply upload your notes in PDF format, and the app will automatically pull out pointers for you to study. In some cases, you don’t even need your own notes to create your own stack of flashcards. Say you’re learning a new language; just let KardsAI know what vocabulary words you want to learn and the app will create a list in just a tap of a button.

Get KardsAI.

12. Padlet

Collaborative note-taking bulletin board with friends

Teamwork makes the dream work with Padlet, which allows an unlimited number of collaborators to add notes together onto a digital bulletin board. Use this for brainstorming ideas for group projects, catalogue research references, or build a kanban board to keep track of multiple projects at once.

Screenshot from: Padlet

Apart from text and images, you can add in links and videos on each bulletin board you create. If you’re looking for the freedom drawing and collaging that paper brings, use the Sandbox function. It’ll allow you to freely move any elements, such as text, images, and even drawings without having to stick to a grid.

Get Padlet.

Best free software downloads for students

Gone are the days where you can just breeze through a school semester with just a pen and some paper. The right apps and software can make surviving your college years a smoother and stress-free experience. Your bank account also won’t be in the red as much because these apps here are all free of charge with no strings attached.

Check out our similar articles for students:

• Best laptops for students
• Healthcare scholarships in Singapore
• Pro tips to balance work and studies
• Productivity apps to avoid distractions

Cover image adapted from: Canva, Notion
Originally published on 26th July 2021. Last updated by Raewyn Koh on 5th August 2024.

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