In a recent OECD Pisa global competence test, Singapore emerged at the top of the list when it comes to the academic performance of its 15-year-old high schoolers. However, this wouldn’t have been possible if not for the solid character formation built during their preschool and elementary school years.
Parents and educators play an essential role in shaping the next generation beyond academics. To ensure a child’s holistic development, which encompasses both academic and character formation, good habits have to be instilled early in their school life. At this critical development stage, children rapidly absorb and process information. They are quickly adapting to their surrounding and learning how the world works. It’s the best time to teach them about good habits that will carry them through primary school and beyond, no matter if they are studying in a local MOE school or in one of the international primary schools in Singapore.
What are the good habits that would benefit young students as they go through their development? If you’re a parent or an educator in search of some answers, here are just a few suggestions:
1. Reading
You open up entire worlds by teaching your child to read. Instil the love for reading early by providing them with age-appropriate books and making story time a thoroughly engaging experience. For parents of younger children, you can incorporate bedtime stories into their nighttime routine. It’s important to read to your kids consistently, no matter if they gravitate towards a few stories over and over. For educators, introduce them to the library and encourage their curiosity about the different books they see.
2. Maintaining Basic Hygiene
Children in preschool and primary school are vulnerable to pathogens, so teach them the importance of hygiene and good grooming. At this age, they may not be old enough to take a bath on their own, but it’s not too early to teach them the basics. For instance, you can teach them proper handwashing, brushing of teeth, and washing of the face. If your child is not potty-trained, they can learn a few self-care routines. These habits will not only keep your child healthy but these will also prepare them for a lifetime of good health.
3. Eating Healthy
Singapore’s diverse food culture is a treasure trove of flavours, but it’s essential to balance indulgence with nutritious eating. Introduce your child to local dishes that are both delicious and healthy. Aside from nutrition, exposing them to a multitude of tastes will develop their palate and prevent them from becoming picky eaters. So, encourage them to savour the variety of gastronomic delights available in this culinary melting pot.
4. Moving and Exercising the Body
Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, physical activity is often overlooked. Nurture an active lifestyle in your child by engaging them in fun and age-appropriate exercises. Instead of screen time, encourage your child to engage in easy home workout activities like playing hide-and-seek, skipping rope, or playing indoor ball games.
5. Playing Outdoors
Singapore’s many playgrounds, parks, and natural reserves also offer the perfect backdrop for outdoor play. Since spending time outdoors and in nature can have a profound impact on your child’s development, encourage them to explore the world beyond your home. You can set playdates with your child’s friends so that they can enjoy days out with people they are most comfortable to be with. In school, also encourage your child to play with their classmates in the school’s designated outdoor play areas.
6. Conserving Resources
Teaching young ones about resource conservation is essential in a city with limited space and resources. Show them the importance of conserving water and using energy efficiently. Instil habits like turning off the faucet after hand-washing and turning off battery-operated toys when not in use. While these may seem trivial, these habits can be carried throughout adulthood.
7. Cleaning Up after Playing
Responsible habits begin at home. As such, make sure to emphasise the value of cleaning up after playtime. In addition, make tidying up a fun and collaborative activity by encouraging them to engage in these household chores with their siblings if they have any.
Introduce recycling and waste management practices to instil environmental consciousness from a young age. Singapore’s commitment to cleanliness and orderliness provides a perfect backdrop for teaching this habit.
8. Sticking to Routine
Routines provide stability and security for young children. Establish daily routines to help them feel confident and in control. For example, set a new morning routine by making a simple chart of everything they need to accomplish, like eating breakfast, dressing up, and brushing their teeth. Use colourful pictures that illustrate all these tasks so your young one can easily understand them. In school, educators can establish greeting and goodbye routines to ease anxiety and help the kids shift their focus from home to school.
Raising and educating young students is a tough job for parents and educators. However, teaching them wholesome and healthy habits can set them on a path to becoming a well-rounded, responsible, and healthy individual. With teachers and parents working together to instil these healthy habits in school and at home, children will be well on their way to a successful life in school and beyond.
