MOE Kindergarten

[glitterpen]

Thanks for sharing! My kid started MK this year, and I find the first con a bit concerning. What kind of maths should kindergarteners know before entering P1?


(Not that the other cons aren't valid, but I feel like the first pro explains them all.)

lee_vl\" post_id=\"1991087\" time=\"1597501121\" user_id=\"187852:

I am currently an MOE Kindergarten teacher. Here's my take for parents considering MK.

Pros:
1. Subsidized school fees
2. Priority entry into primary school

Cons:
1. Parents need to put their child in enrichment centres outside MK to prepare for primary school (because phonics, spelling and maths are not in the curriculum)
2. Large percentage of teachers are fresh diploma grads who are learning on the job
3. High turnover rate of teachers prevalent in most MKs tend to affect children's learning and development
4. Children lack opportunities to develop their sense of curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills as curriculum is teacher directed and not child directed
5. Curriculum is not actually play-based. The children only get to play at learning centres for about 10-15 mins or not at all due to time constraints
6. Snacks are pre-bought processed food and not freshly made
7. No toilet training provided for children
8. High teacher-child ratio of 1:25 means less attention given to each child
9. No assistance given to children with mild special education needs despite accepting them into MK

[Read]

lee_vl\" post_id=\"1991087\" time=\"1597501121\" user_id=\"187852:

I am currently an MOE Kindergarten teacher. Here's my take for parents considering MK.

Pros:
1. Subsidized school fees
2. Priority entry into primary school

Cons:
1. Parents need to put their child in enrichment centres outside MK to prepare for primary school (because phonics, spelling and maths are not in the curriculum)
2. Large percentage of teachers are fresh diploma grads who are learning on the job
3. High turnover rate of teachers prevalent in most MKs tend to affect children's learning and development
4. Children lack opportunities to develop their sense of curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills as curriculum is teacher directed and not child directed
5. Curriculum is not actually play-based. The children only get to play at learning centres for about 10-15 mins or not at all due to time constraints
6. Snacks are pre-bought processed food and not freshly made
7. No toilet training provided for children
8. High teacher-child ratio of 1:25 means less attention given to each child
9. No assistance given to children with mild special education needs despite accepting them into MK

Thanks for sharing! Any idea what is the reason for the high turnover of teachers? Is this prevalent in older MKs too? I had thought that being an MK teacher offers a stable career given it is under MOE.

How is the partnership between KCare and MK? Does KCare complement the curriculum at MK?

[Cherryplum]

Parents who are interested in MK should really make an effort to visit the open house and speak to the Teachers and Principal especially. The effect of the MK experience really depends on the leadership of the principal. I suspect the kindergartens may operate slightly different depending on the principals (since everyone is different).


We (parents and children) had fun and had fond memories of the first year as the principal encouraged parents involvement. We could see the great team effort and creative input by the Teachers together with the parent volunteers. There were a lot of activities throughout the year. However, all the fun changed after the high calibre principal was being transferred to a new MK and a conservative-thinking principal took over in the second year. Suddenly, everything became so quiet and … boring. The stark contrast in standard was apparent.

We wished we could follow the first principal but the location was too far away. It was the “kampung spirit” in the kindergarten principal that made us parents felt that we had made the right choice!
—————————————————
As much as I remember, there was an allied teacher who took charge of children with mild learning ability.

I also recalled my child telling me about the fun during play time that didn’t sound like it was a mere 10-15mins play time.

As for preparation of mathematics in P1, just make sure the child understands English language well. Leave the math teaching to the P1 Teacher. Mathematics enrichment or tuition is only necessary if the child has learning difficulty like, not knowing 1 + 1.

Enjoy the kindy time!

[lee_vl]

There is no allied teacher provided in MKs. Perhaps you’re referring to the FLAIR teacher? Some parents do pay extra to have a therapist assess their child and send their child to Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Children centres outside MK hours. The teachers themselves in MK however are not trained to teach children with special needs. The curriculum standard is basically to meet the bare minimum for entry into primary school. Most private preschools do teach more. For example, operations (+,-,etc) are not taught in MK but are covered in private preschools. MK introduces basic high frequency words to children while private preschools may go beyond and teach spelling. This means that academically, the MK child will have a steeper hill to climb when they enter primary school.

[Cherryplum]

It is really important to pay a visit to the MK open house and speak with the Teachers.

If you get to speak with the Centre Head (principal), it would be a plus. A teacher with so much negative views of MK should not be the choice. I mean, I would not entrust my child to a teacher who does not believe in the philosophy of the school.

I had a chat with at least two Teachers before I enrolled my child. I was told that the academic curriculum is weak but that didn’t matter. I was bought over by the enthusiasm in the Teachers, the teamwork and the outdoor activities. I liked the fact that the centre worked as a whole.
I spoke to a young Malay Language teacher at the open house who had convinced me that my child would be in good hands. Even though my child was not directly under her teaching, the team of Teachers would come together to execute activities. She was one of the three young Teachers that I liked as they are hardworking and creative. Until now, I can still recall her beaming smiles.

Unfortunately, leadership quality and people cannot be duplicated.

[glitterpen]

Thanks for sharing! I did think MK’s academic standards were pretty basic (as befits a public kindergarten); as long as it does cover the minimum needed to get to P1, I guess that’s okay. FWIW, my K1 kid is really enjoying kindy.


KCare is even more basic than MK, compared to private childcare centres (my kid was in one before this). It is in theory integrated with the MK curriculum, though I haven’t seen much evidence of that. But my kid likes it, though not as much as she likes kindy.

[AJhawk]

Hi all, started an account here just to find out more about MOE kindergarten. Any reviews for the centre at Fernvale Primary? I’m a little disturbed by the number of negative experience at MK, as my plan is to transfer my son next year to MK for convenience and logistical considerations. Currently at MY World. Happy to hear real life experience and advice, please. Thank you.

[Cherryplum]

AJhawk\" post_id=\"1995065\" time=\"1600093087\" user_id=\"188421:

Hi all, started an account here just to find out more about MOE kindergarten. Any reviews for the centre at Fernvale Primary? I'm a little disturbed by the number of negative experience at MK, as my plan is to transfer my son next year to MK for convenience and logistical considerations. Currently at MY World. Happy to hear real life experience and advice, please. Thank you.

Sent you a PM.

[glitterpen]

What would you like to know? My kid is K1 this year, though at a different MK. So far it’s been good - she likes her teachers and classmates and lessons, she seems to be having fun, she’s probably learning something along the way, she’s made friends (they exchange the occasional sticker). We haven’t had any negative experiences. I can’t say whether or not she’ll be prepared for P1; we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. I wouldn’t say that all or most of the kids in MK have enrichment classes, though some do (ours started Berries this year).

[Jil]

Hi Parents,


would like to get your precious advices as i intend to shift my lo to MK when she is K1. However the MK at my area will be new so she will be the first batch. In this situation, i wont be able to talk to the teachers or principal since the MK is new.
Heard alot on MK does not focus on academic. May i know what does MK focus at then? thank you!