Resources
Next Stop, Primary School
NIEC’s Dean of Faculty & Leadership Development, Dr Siti Shaireen Selamat, hosted a podcast series titled “Playing to Our Children’s Strengths”, featuring three guests sharing their expertise on children’s transitions to primary school. The series was featured on the ECDA Beanstalk website with accompanying articles.
In the first episode, Dr Shaireen speaks to Ms Loy Wee Mee, founder of Pre-School By-The-Park, on how parents can focus on the years leading up to primary school. Ms Loy notes the importance of building essential life skills, such as managing belongings and problem-solving, which would build a child’s self-confidence. It is also important for children to develop their emotional awareness as it helps them through difficult situations. Children’s perspectives mirror those of their parents and the transition to primary school is a journey that parents must take on along with their children.
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Published on 29/07/2025
In the second episode, Dr Shaireen speaks to Mrs Lillian Chen, principal of Woodlands Primary School, on the necessary preparations a child should have when starting out in primary school. Mrs Chen raises the importance of skills apart from academic readiness, such as self-management, independence, and social emotional competencies. Mrs Chen emphasises on the importance of play-based learning, asserting that play is important in developing children into self-directed and well-rounded individuals.
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Published on 29/07/2025
In the third and final episode, Dr Shaireen speaks to Mr Lee Hoi Leong, co-founder of VIVITA Singapore on the importance of play in the transition to primary school. Mr Lee challenges the notion that play is something that distracts children from productivity, and instead asserts that play is necessary in building a child’s sense of agency. He calls for parents to make time intentionally for unstructured play and hold back on knee-jerk reactions to academic performance that may hinder a child’s long-term development.
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Published on 31/07/2025
