From the early days of exercise books to today’s more hands-on, interactive and technology-enabled learning experiences, three preschool educators at different career stages reflect on their journey of shaping young minds to nurture Singapore’s next generation.
TEACHING NEVER GETS OLD (ALICIA LIM, 60, DISTRICT HEAD)
Ms Alicia Lim remembers chasing dragonflies in the field outside her preschool in the 1970s, then bouncing into class with muddy shoes. Her teachers never scolded her. Instead, they welcomed her and friends with Milo and biscuits, their patience unwavering.
Then six years old, she knew she wanted to be an educator who could bring the same comfort and joy to children.
Her dream eventually came true 25 years later. Following a brief stint in sales and administration, she joined PCF Education Centre as an assistant teacher.
“I felt that if I wanted to shape a child’s values or behaviours, I had to start young,” she explains.
Part of the joy in teaching is adapting with the times, says Ms Lim, who is now 60 and a District Head of PCF Sparkletots Preschool.
Ms Lim (left) and her fellow leaders taking part in a community service initiative.
She recalls when the children in her class would practise the alphabet by writing each letter 10 times in an exercise book. Today’s classrooms take a more hands-on approach, incorporating dough play, child-led choice, technology, and other rich learning experiences to help children learn more effectively.
“I enjoy experimenting and testing new ways of doing things,” she says.
THE LASTING IMPACT OF AN EDUCATOR (FELICIA YAN, 44, EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL)
Ms Felicia Yan still vividly recalls her first days as a principal at Little Skool-House at Kent Vale. Two children collided head-on during play, leaving one needing medical treatment for a forehead laceration.
She spent the afternoon with the child at the hospital, offering heartfelt apologies to the parents. Although the child made a full recovery, the weight of that responsibility stayed with her.
“Moments like this make us wonder if we’re doing our jobs ‘correctly’, and if we even know what we’re doing,” reflects Ms Yan, 44.
Fortunately, a strong network of peers and mentors kept her grounded. Now an Executive Principal at the Little Skool-House at KKH, she adds: “Having a community of educators who understand the unique joys and challenges of this field provides immense encouragement and keeps me inspired.”
Ms Yan (middle, in white) at a curriculum meeting with her colleagues.
She also finds joy from seeing the impact of her work.
“Recently, I crossed paths with the parent of a child from the very first class I taught. That child is now 26 and working,” she shares. “In a beautiful full-circle moment, that parent and I are currently partnering on an initiative to give back to the early childhood sector.”
While her role has shifted from teaching to management, children remain her greatest motivation.
“Without a doubt, what keeps me going is their joyful, lit-up faces every day,” she said. “Seeing their curiosity and pure happiness when they enjoy preschool makes everything worth it.”
HELPING EVERY CHILD FIND THEIR VOICE (SERI ANDRIENAWATI BTE AWALUDDIN, 29, SENIOR PRESCHOOL TEACHER)
Ms Seri Andrienawati Bte Awaluddin — known affectionately as Teacher An to the children in her class — remembers the exact moment a non-verbal child in her class pointed to a sign for ‘more’ during lunchtime.
After weeks of modelling keyword signs, seeing him communicate his wish for extra food with confidence was a moment of pure joy.
“My greatest joy comes from supporting children with diverse learning needs and celebrating their progress, no matter how small,” she said. “One of the most rewarding parts of being an educator is knowing I’ve played a small part in shaping not only their learning but also their character.”
Teacher An, 29, joined the sector in 2018 and is a senior preschool educator at Kindle Garden Preschool by AWWA.
In her classroom, she intentionally uses inclusive language to help children embrace differences. Phrases like “we all learn differently” or “he/she’s still learning” help children understand that progress takes time and everyone grows at their own pace.
Teacher An (right, in red) makes a point to instil values like harmony and empathy in the children in her class.
On tough days, it can be easy to lose sight of why she became an early childhood educator in the first place, Teacher An admits. That is when she turns to reflection.
“Reflection reminds me of my purpose — to create meaningful learning experiences — and support every child, especially in my belief that inclusion should begin from a young age,” she says.
They may represent different chapters of Singapore’s early childhood education story, but these three educators share the same abiding passion: making a difference to young lives.
Ms Alicia Lim has this encouraging advice for younger peers: “Trust that you will land in a place where you can thrive and make the greatest impact.”
