Preschool might look like a lot of fun for the parent but it takes a lot of dedication and creativity from the teachers. In Singapore, most parents work long hours, and this means teachers have to spend more time with these kids. As such, schools need to create the best learning environment where these young minds can develop.
If you’re a parent, you might have noted that your kid does a lot of singing. This is because preschool education in Singapore involves a lot of songs and chants. These play a critical role at this stage of the child’s development.
According to modern education guidelines for international preschools in Singapore, parents should get involved in their children’s learning activities. One way to do this is by learning how teachers get the best out of their young charges every day.
This post explores the role of preschool transitions which are songs and chants that help children move from one activity to another.
Critical Role of Transitions
The best preschools in the country such as Lorna Whiston Preschool integrate songs and chants at the core of learning activities. Transitions are among the main forms of these songs, and they work to move children from one learning activity to the next.
Dealing with kids is tough, and the best teachers incorporate fun activities to ensure learning takes place. If there’s one thing all kids love, it’s moving around in song and dance this is where transitions come in handy. These can be rhythmic chants, songs, or short stories.
For instance, the learning activity was about counting and the teacher wants to move to snack time, a transition helps to make this shift smooth and seamless. If you notice there’s idle time where learning is not taking place, or the kids start getting restless, always use a transition to avoid behaviour problems.
Transitions introduce kids to another form of socialisation which is music. It also practically teaches kids about music, rhythm, and rhyming. Through these repetitive songs and chants, children can remember things better. The predictable and repetitive transitions make learning fun.
With these songs and chants, you can avoid the chaos that always ensures whenever you want to switch from one activity to another. Qualified teachers at the best preschools in Singapore learn as many children songs and chants as they can manage. It makes classroom management easier for them.
Top 10 Transition Songs
Some of the top transitions you should expect to hear in a good pre-nursery school in Singapore include:
Hello Neighbour Table Song
It is a great socialisation song when having morning table activities. Kids like knowing each other and this song helps cheer up the day. Mornings are tough for kids and as a teacher, you can use this song to create a relaxed environment as you also help them make new friends.
“Hello neighbour, what do you say, it’s going to be a happy day
So reach your neighbour and boogie on down, give them a bump and turn around
It’s going to be a very happy day.”
Colour Song
A smart way to teach colours and help kids remember them. The tune comes from a familiar song “if you love it and you know it…” The chant goes like this;
“If your clothes have any red, any red
If your clothes have any red, any red
If your clothes have any red, any red, out your fingers on your head…”
Come to the Carpet
A musical and jazzy transition to get preschool children up and singing. It is short and quick and also easy to remember and you’ll find teachers at the best preschool in Singapore using it.
Come to the carpet, use your walking feet
Come to the carpet, moving to the beat
Wiggle Your Fingers, Stomp Your Feet!
This is a great transition to get children up and excited. It’s easy to remember, and it makes them playful. Wiggle your fingers in the air…” After the chant, it gets easier for kids to focus on the next activity.
Criss Cross Chant
“Criss-cross applesauce, hands on lap gingersnap, back straight chocolate shake…” This is a great chant to bring order back to your class after another activity.
Wash Your Hands Song
At preschool Singapore schools, hygiene is an important lesson and this song is ideal for transitions. “Wash your hands (wash your hands), before you eat (before you eat)” It teaches an important lesson to the children.
Movement Song
This is one of the most common tunes, and kids love it. It changes the moods instantly and brings joy to your class. “If you’re happy and you know it, skip with a smile…”
Finger On Your Lips
If you want to stop noise in the class, this is the best transition song to use. “Put your finger on your lips, on your lips, shh, shh.” The repetitive song is easy to learn and understand.
Tidy Up
After playtime, the Tidy Up song is perfect for bringing order. “Tidy up, tidy up, put the toys away.” The message is easy to understand, and kids will do as the song implores.
This is the Way I Move
“This is the way I touch my nose, touch my nose, touch my nose…” This transition song is perfect for moving kids from a clam activity to exercises and fun sessions.
Final Thoughts
Transitions are crucial in preschool learning. These songs and chants help teachers sustain the interest of children and make learning fun. If you are a teacher or a parent, these are some of the popular transitions you should learn and use.
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