Canadian Bilingual Preschool Curriculum

Literacy & Language Arts

Our literacy programme follows a balanced approach that combines systematic phonics instruction with whole language experiences. Children develop a love for reading through interactive read-alouds, shared reading, and guided reading sessions. Our phonics programme teaches letter sounds, blending, and segmenting through multi-sensory activities — songs, hand motions, and tactile letter tracing.

Our phonics-based reading programme follows the Jolly Phonics methodology, teaching children letter sounds, blending, and segmenting from as young as 3 years old. By K2, 80%+ of our students can decode simple CVC words (cat, dog, run) and read basic sentences independently — a key milestone for phonics readiness in Singapore preschools.

Bilingual immersion in English and Mandarin begins from Day 1. Teachers use visual aids, gestures, songs, stories, play and daily routines to make both languages meaningful. Children build listening, speaking and early literacy foundations at their own pace; the programme does not promise a fixed fluency outcome.

We also incorporate early writing skills through journaling, creative writing prompts, and letter formation practice. Children learn to express their ideas in writing, building confidence and communication skills that will serve them throughout their academic journey.

Numeracy & Mathematics

We use the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach to teaching mathematics, the same methodology used in Singapore's top primary schools. Children first explore mathematical concepts using hands-on manipulatives like counting bears, pattern blocks, and measuring cups. They then transition to pictorial representations through drawings and diagrams, and finally to abstract symbols and equations.

Through games, puzzles, and real-world problem-solving activities, children develop strong number sense, spatial reasoning, and logical thinking skills. Our numeracy programme covers counting, sorting, patterns, measurement, geometry, and early addition and subtraction — building a solid foundation aligned with the NEL framework's Numeracy learning area, and preparing children for Primary 1 mathematics.

We integrate maths into daily routines — counting during snack time, measuring ingredients during cooking activities, and comparing sizes during outdoor play. This makes mathematical thinking a natural part of everyday life.

Science & Discovery

Our science curriculum encourages children to be curious investigators. Through hands-on experiments, nature walks, and outdoor exploration, children learn to observe, predict, test, and draw conclusions — just like real scientists. Our dedicated outdoor playground serves as a living laboratory where children discover plants, insects, weather patterns, and the changing seasons.

Our outdoor programme includes daily nature exploration in our spacious backyard playground. While we are not exclusively a nature-based preschool in Singapore, we integrate outdoor learning into our daily routine: garden observation, weather exploration, nature walks, and sensory play with natural materials — giving children hands-on experience with the natural world.

Our STEM programme for preschool introduces children to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through hands-on inquiry projects. Each term, children complete 3-4 guided STEM activities: exploring plant growth, simple machines (magnets, levers), weather observation, and basic coding concepts through sequencing games. This early exposure builds scientific thinking skills and curiosity — essential foundations for STEM learning in Singapore preschools.

STEM projects are integrated throughout the year, allowing children to explore engineering concepts through building, coding, and design challenges. From constructing block towers to creating simple machines, children develop critical thinking and teamwork skills.

We also incorporate environmental awareness into our science curriculum, teaching children about recycling, conservation, and their role as stewards of the planet. These early lessons in sustainability build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

Character & Values

Character education is woven into every aspect of our day. Through stories, role-modelling, and daily sharing circles, children learn empathy, responsibility, respect, and gratitude. We celebrate acts of kindness and help children understand the impact of their actions on others.

Our teachers create a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe to express their feelings, resolve conflicts peacefully, and celebrate diversity. These values form the foundation of our bilingual, multicultural community and prepare children to thrive in Singapore's diverse society.

We also teach global awareness through our MapleBear international network — children learn about different cultures, traditions, and celebrations from MapleBear schools around the world, broadening their perspective and building cultural sensitivity from an early age.

Creative Arts

Our creative arts programme is process-oriented, focusing on the journey of creation rather than the final product. Children explore a variety of materials, techniques, and artistic mediums — from paint, clay, and collage to digital media and mixed-media installations.

Music is woven into our daily routine — from morning circle songs to rhythm games and instrument exploration. As a music-rich preschool in Singapore, we believe that musical activities develop listening skills, coordination, memory, and cultural awareness. Our teachers integrate songs in both English and Mandarin, reinforcing bilingual learning through melody and rhythm.

Music, drama, dance, and visual arts are integrated into the curriculum, allowing children to express themselves creatively while developing fine motor skills, cultural appreciation, and confidence in their artistic abilities. Our annual concerts and art exhibitions give children the opportunity to share their work with families and the community.

We also incorporate traditional Chinese art forms — calligraphy brush painting, paper cutting, and ink wash painting — alongside Western art traditions, giving children a rich multicultural arts education.

Social-Emotional Learning

We recognise that social-emotional skills are the foundation for all other learning. Our curriculum includes explicit teaching of emotion recognition, self-regulation strategies, and cooperative learning skills. We use the Zones of Regulation framework to help children identify their emotions and develop coping strategies.

Through guided play, conflict resolution practice, and daily reflection, children develop self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to build positive relationships with peers and adults. These are essential skills for lifelong success — research shows that emotional intelligence is a stronger predictor of academic and career success than IQ alone, which is why the NEL framework makes Social & Emotional Development one of its six core learning areas.

Our teachers model positive social behaviour and create structured opportunities for children to practice sharing, taking turns, and collaborative problem-solving. Morning meetings, buddy programmes, and group projects all reinforce these critical skills.