Xy Preschool Teacher is a blog for fellow preschool teachers or parents of preschool children. These are articles I have written to inspire and encourage fellow kindergarten teachers. Whether you need some kindergarten resources or guides to parenting, I wrote this blog through my personal experience or research. I also sell preschool printables on Etsy for parents and educators that include special needs resources or classroom management tools. Let's get your child ready for back to school!
This is a personal post; it has been a while since I last wrote such a post. This blog is mainly about academic articles.
I have been in preschool for 10 years, since the day I left the army for my mandatory 2-year National Service. Then I transitioned to a special needs teacher this year, and it has been almost half a year since I took my own class.
I guess since the start, the students always motivate and encourage me, while the adults make me feel like the worst teacher in the world.
It can be difficult to manage students or even know what to do during a meltdown. But I love them deeply and with all my heart. I cannot say the same for adults. If in another life or if I could restart this life, I would want to choose another career path. I might be worse or better at something else. But I do wonder how my life would turn out had I not chosen this path for myself.
It is easy to pivot when you are still in your 20s or just starting out. But in this stage of my life, while I can still pivot, I do not want to risk having a much lower pay just because I want to try something else. Unless the day comes when I have so much savings that I can literally afford to work for a lower wage.
I often wonder why God created these little ones to be so different. I feel so much for them as they struggle to communicate their thoughts and wants. I can only see their discomfort and try my best to console them. I do know in general what they dislike, but I find it hard to know what they want. Sometimes it is impossible to give them what they want when I know that something is exactly what they need.
So yup, hope you enjoyed this little personal sharing of mine.
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Lower Costs of Childcare and Preschool in Singapore
Singapore’s rising cost of
living is a reality that most Singaporeans and foreigners have to reckon with.
However, Singapore heavily prioritises its healthcare and educational systems,
and in this article, it shall be understood that there will be better support
for parents.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
announced during the National Day Rally that childcare and infant care fees
shall be reduced to less than half by 2030, with lower-income households paying
even less, as the government absorbs the majority of these fees, while
government-supported preschools will receive even higher subsidies in school
fees (Tham, 2026). This is great news
for parents with financial difficulties, and though there are not many, this
will be very helpful for them.
As the demand for infant care
places increases, so does the need for more infant care teachers, so the Early
Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) aims to expand its Manpower Hiring Grant to
allow preschool centres to hire and train both local and foreign educators with
early childhood certification (Jacob, 2026). The government is
doing its best to ensure that all aspects in early childhood are taken care of,
be it the school fees or the teachers who are engaged with the young ones.
As Singapore continues to
reckon with its declining birth rate, it is with hope that these measures shall
encourage more children to be born and educated within Singapore.
References
Jacob, C. (28 August, 2026). Early childhood sector
aims to recruit 1,800 more infant care educators by 2030. CNA.
Retrieved from
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/infant-care-teachers-childcare-preschool-ecda-6344776
Tham, D. (23 August, 2026). NDR 2026: Significantly lower
childcare, infant care fees at government-supported preschools by 2030. CNA.
Retrieved from
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ndr-2026-preschool-fees-childcare-infant-care-subsidy-6335851
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Having a child is a huge
responsibility that involves a couple’s total commitment, and every parent
wishes for their child to be born strong and healthy. However, sometimes a
child may be born different from others, or what is termed as having special needs.
Health Booklet
Every child born in Singapore
receives a Child Health Booklet that documents every developmental milestone
and immunisation, so these milestones are useful in helping parents understand
their child’s development (Ministry of Health
Singapore, 2026).
This is the first indicator as to whether a child is suspected to have special
needs, in which the parent can visit KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)
for assessment.
KK Women's and Children's Hospital
The Department of Child
Development can diagnose and intervene for children with special needs, which
includes Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
and even language delays (KK Women's and Children's
Hospital, 2026).
KKH is the primary source for parents to turn to if they suspect or have
received feedback from the child’s teachers about the child’s development.
For children with special
educational needs, they have access to either a customised or national
curriculum, with the following primary diagnosed conditions: Autism Spectrum
Disorder, Hearing Loss, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, and
Visual Impairment (Ministry of Education
Singapore, 2026).
Thus, Singapore’s educational system caters to every child.
However, while there are
resources available in Singapore, the biggest challenge is for parents to seek
help and accept that their child is different from others. There is a harsh
reality that parents may have to take care of their child until the day they no
longer can. Thus, it is even more important that parents understand how to
better care for their little ones and seek assistance.
References
KK Women's and Children's Hospital. (2026). Child
Development. Retrieved from KK Women's and Children's Hospital:
https://www.kkh.com.sg/our-specialties/child-development
Ministry of Education Singapore. (2026). Explore your
child's educational journey. Retrieved from Ministry of Education
Singapore:
https://www.moe.gov.sg/special-educational-needs/educational-journey
Ministry of Health Singapore. (2026). Child Health
Booklet. Retrieved from Health Hub:
https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/parent-hub/child-health-booklet
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Having taught preschool for 10 years, here is my go-to list when it comes to fun activities.
Dodgeball
To start things off, we have a fun activity that the 5- to 6-year-olds will enjoy. I prefer to play this in an indoor space so the ball does not go too far away.
How to Play
So you need an indoor space, some masking tape, and a ball. Instruct them on the following rules: You can only throw the ball at the arms or legs, not at the face or body. If you do that, you are out. If the ball hits you on the legs or arms, you are out.
The teacher can decide if children can run with the ball or not. Sometimes I end the game when there is a certain number of players left in one team; you can also end it when all the players are out in a team.
Sometimes I have interclass competitions, as the space allows, so children can enjoy having a friendly match.
Soccer
Then we have an activity that boys and girls can enjoy, though there are some girls who dislike this.
How to Play
You just need a ball and some chairs to delegate as goals. I will divide the class into 2 groups, one standing on each side of the court. I will also get one team to tuck out their shirt so they can recognise each other. Have them assign a goalkeeper that will stand on the other team's goal, so if the ball goes through, then the team that kicked the ball scores a goal. Before the match begins, I tell them to send 1 representative from each team to stand in the middle with me, and I will toss the ball up. Remind them not to use their hands, only feet.
Silent Ball
This is more fun than it seems; kids really enjoy it. You might think kids prefer loud or messy games, but this works so well once they understand the rules.
How to Play
For this game, you just need a ball. No teams required. The rules are simple. Stay silent. If you make a single noise, you are out. So no laughing or random noises. If someone tries to pass you the ball and you try to catch it but fail, you are out. If someone tosses you the ball but you avoid it, then you are safe. I will give the ball to a child to start the game. This game requires some getting used to. Feel free to change the rules as you deem fit.
Rhythm Game
I am not sure of the name of this game, but I always call it the rhythm game. You simply do this pattern: tap, clap, point, point, name-name.
How to Play
Get the children to sit down, preferably in a circle formation where they can see each other. So you demonstrate first by tapping your thighs, clapping, pointing to the right, and pointing to the left. Then you repeat, but this time you call out your name twice when you point to the right and left. Then you repeat the pattern, and on your next pointing you call out a child's name. So the child does the same by calling their name, and then calling out another friend's name. This game does take some getting used to, but once the rhythm flows, it can go on and on.
Apple Pie
Such a fun yet simple game to occupy the class during transition or when you are waiting for something (which happens a lot in a preschool!).
How to Play
Call out a child to stand with you, and then have them turn their back to face the class. Then you point to one child, get them to say "Apple pie," but have them change their voice. Then the child who is standing with you has 3 tries to guess who said "Apple pie". Some students are able to mask their voice, and some are able to guess all the time correctly.
Musical Chairs
This needs no explanation, but for the sake of this post, I shall briefly go through the instructions.
How to Play
You need a device that can play music, preferably at a child's level. Count the number of students you have and set chairs in a circle; ensure it is 1 less than the number of students. Play the music and instruct children to walk in a circle without touching the chairs. Pause the music, and then they will sit down. The child who does not get a chair will be out. I have fun tricking them as they like to look at me when I am about to press the button.
I let the child who is out control the music so I can control the class. This also allows them to not feel left out. However, when the next child is out, this current child has to go away from the music player.
Musical Costumes
I found this fun activity online.
How to Play
Prepare a bag of costumes. This game is similar to "Pass the Ball". Get children to all sit in a circle. Play music, and the children have to pass the bag from child to child. When you pause the music, the child holding the bag has to take out 1 costume and wear it. Repeat the game until the bag is empty.
Trading Game
I saved the best for last. You will not find this anywhere on preschool websites or blogs; I found it on a classroom activity meant for older students and adapted it for preschool level.
How to Play
-Talk about a trading game they will play: divide the class into small groups; each group is a country, and the teacher is the "trader", with lots of small manipulatives to represent dollars.
-There are a few rich, a few poor, and a few middle-income countries.
-Give each group an envelope with: a few pieces of paper, 1 ruler, and 1 pencil. Richer countries have more resources.
-Teacher draws a chart on the whiteboard to illustrate what a few of each shape costs. (4 Circles, 4 Squares, 4 Rectangles, 4 Triangles- all $1 each)
-Have them make as many pieces as they can, and the teacher judges the pieces and rejects pieces that do not look like proper shapes.
-Change the prices as and when according to "demand", or whether a shape is too much or too little.
-Ring a bell from time to time, to sell "upgrades" like scissors, rulers, pencils, more paper. Do a 10-second or 20-second countdown for the "upgrade" deal to be over.
-Introduce new shapes, e.g cloud, from time to time.
-Facilitate the activity; ensure that when children have less money, give them more time. When they have more, start raising the prices for the "upgrades".
Let me know in the comments below if you found this useful or if you have any other suggestions!
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As a Singaporean teacher, I would always share the year's National Day Parade theme song with the class. These songs follow me from my days in school as a student and even now as a teacher. These songs are timeless and help remind us Singaporeans that this is where we will know we are home.
As National Day 2026 is slowly approaching, this year we have had the opportunity to get 3 new songs! Have you listened to them?
Worry not, I have compiled this list of ALL 42 of our songs in the order in which I think they resonate with me. Join me as I unpack all the songs from 1984 to 2026! I am ranking these songs solely based on the songs themselves and not the music videos, though I do have comments about the videos. I have quite a few favourite songs, so it is difficult to pinpoint that 1 song that I like the most.
To kick things off, we are starting the list with my least favourite songs and ending with my favourites.
42. One Singapore (2013)
This is quite hated by my peers. Can we all agree that this is the worst NDP theme song of all time? With a musical song and cheesy lyrics, how can this song ever be good? That "Whoa-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh" part is catchy though. LOL. Oh dear, there is even a rap? Nope, not a good song at all. 1 out of 10.
41. My People My Home (1995)
Nope, with the choir again. I have not heard this song before, or I have just forgotten about it. The melody is not interesting to me, and I prefer to hear distinct voices rather than a whole choir. I think songs should have a focal voice, while the choir can be in certain segments or as background, not as the entire song. Quite a boring song. 2 out of 10.
40. One People, One Nation, One Singapore (1990)
The intro does not appeal to me much. The lyrics are easy to remember, too. This time, it talks about unity in Singapore as one country. The start of a new decade will no doubt bring some uncertainty and excitement for the future. It is around this time that technology is starting to become more innovative. There is a distinct difference in production when compared to the 80s tracks. 3 out of 10.
39. We Are Singapore (1987 & 1988)
This song follows "Stand Up for Singapore" in terms of production. It goes back to us as Singapore, rather than individuals. I don't know why, but this song doesn't resonate with me that well. Maybe it has to do with my primary school that I have slight fears when I listen to this song. That Pledge in the bridge helped offer a new perspective on the Pledge. This version sounds different from the one I used to listen to in school. 5 out of 10.
38. Five Stars Arising (1989)
The first song that does not feature our country's name in its title. It has a catchy beat. It has a similar production to the first few songs in the 80s. Overall, not a very memorable song for me. It is nice that they focus on the flag for this song rather than the country. The melody is quite repetitive. 5 out of 10.
37. There's No Place I'd Rather Be (2007)
2007 has 2 songs. The legendary Kit Chan came back 9 years later. The lyrics make Singaporeans sound
very rich and well-travelled. It is beautiful, though, like a musical. I like how Kit Chan stretches her
vocals, especially towards the end. 5 out of 10.
36. In a Heartbeat (2011)
I am not too familiar with this song; it is similar to Song for Singapore. It is interesting that during this period, when EDM is prevalent, they decided to go in the opposite direction in creating ballads. 5 out of 10.
35. Love At First Light (2012)
Another fairy tale ballad song, this is like City for the World. I realise I am not a fan of choir or musical songs, I like more upbeat songs. I am not a musical person, so I might not appreciate these types of songs. It is an amazing song, but just not my cup of tea. 5 out of 10.
34. Shine on Me (2000)
Another beautiful song. I recall first listening to this song religiously in the late 2000s. It is another softer song. This comes from a string of songs with lesser bombastic production, like in the 80s, which makes the songs work even better. 6 out of 10.
33. Home (2004)
It is a remixed song sung by 3 child soloists and a girls' choir, and used for 2004's theme song. It sounds so cute. I do think the original is better. Not a fan of choir songs. 6 out of 10.
32. Song for Singapore (2010)
Corrine May sang a Christian song, so this song sounds like a Christian song too. She has a distinct tone. It has quite a boring melody, so the chorus saves it. 6 out of 10.
31. We Will Get There (2014)
Oh yes, I remember this mash-up of songs during the NDP as I was volunteering for the army. This was so lovely and modern. This year, they decided not to do a new song, probably because of the horrible reception from One Singapore. I was out of school during One Singapore, so I wasn't aware it was heavily criticised. It would take me years later to finally be interested in NDP, not just because school taught me, but because I feel patriotic. I cannot consider this a song; it is more like a performance. 6 out of 10.
30. Our Singapore (Remake) (2019)
This song was a disappointment after 2018. They remade an older song again because it worked last year.
But I feel their voices didn't work well this time. This sounded like a medley performance instead of a song, just like in 2014's We Will Get There. 6 out of 10.
29. Here We Are (2025)
Charlie Lim is back, since 2018 and 2019, but this song is not as good as 2018's We Are Singapore (Remake). I had high hopes for this since 2018 was such a great song. This song mentions tapetry again, like 2020's Everything I Am. The only memorable part of this song is the 3 words in the chorus. 6 out of 10.
28. Giants (2026)
One of 3 songs in 2026. This year's songs don't sound like Singapore songs. I like the production, but it
is not my favourite, definitely. I think this is the worst out of the trio. 6 out of 10.
27. Sparkle (2026)
One of 3 songs in 2026. It sounds like a gospel song with an old-school sound. It sounds good. But again, why is this for our NDP? This is the second song I like. 6 out of 10.
26. Stand Up for Singapore (1984 & 1985)
We start our list of songs with a strong start, with simple and patriotic lyrics. It has a choir feel and sounds amazing in a stadium. It tugs at my heartstrings as I have heard this song many times. 7 out of 10.
25. It's the Little Things (1991)
The title does not sound familiar to me. I wonder why I have not heard this before? It is completely different from past songs as it is a ballad, not a stadium song. It sounds pleasant. It sounds like the older sister of The Road Ahead. 7 out of 10.
24. Reach Out for the Skies (2005)
This is a fun one; it is probably the first song that featured choreography. I always felt it lacked something; if not, it would be a perfect song. It might be the melody. 7 out of 10.
23. Shine for Singapore (2008)
Slow song, it has been a while since recent songs had a big production. It has such a sweet melody.
It sounds like a 2000s song with the flute instrument at the back. The lyrics seem to be a mash-up of
the previous songs. 7 out of 10.
The title is like Shine on Me
"Deep inside your heart where it belongs" refers to We Will Get There
"Reach out for the sky, far and beyond" is an ode to Reach Out for the Skies
"As one we’ll stand, we’re Singapore" is from the OG Stand Up for Singapore
"It’s here that we belong" is Where I Belong
Not bad, I like how Singapore reheated their nachos in 2008.
22. Because it's Singapore (2017)
I remember feeling this was so boring, but after some listens, it grew on me. The melody sounds
pleasant, and the lyrics are good. 7 out of 10.
21. Everything I Am (2020)
Even the kids in my class didn't like this song. It was the COVID-19 song, but it didn't stand out much.
The production is good. But it is the melody that makes it plain. 7 out of 10.
20. Not Alone (2024)
I felt this was a step down from the 3-song streak from The Road Ahead to Shine Your Light. It
reminds me of Shine for Singapore. Maybe I just didn't like how the guy is singing. 7 out of 10.
19. You'll Be Okay (2026)
One of 3 songs in 2026. I love this the most out of the trio of 2026 songs. 7 out of 10.
18. Count On Me Singapore (1986)
A slower song compared to "Stand Up for Singapore", but it continues with patriotic lyrics. This time, it talks about the individuals doing their own part while standing together, not just as a country. I like how the different voices all shine as their own but also collectively. The chorus is so catchy. The song gives me a calm feeling that the future will be bright. We have come such a long way since 1986. 8 out of 10.
17. Count On Me Singapore (1996)
This is a spotlight of the 1986 song. The reception from "My People My Home" might have brought this change. 8 out of 10.
16. City for the World (1998)
This is not familiar, but it sounds so magical, like a fairy tale or musical. I like this, it is so beautiful and melodic. It goes to show that to make a great song, you need a great melody; no amount of production can save a bad song. Definitely an underrated song, but I guess when it is released in the same year as Home, any song will pale in comparison. 8 out of 10.
15. We Will Get There (2002)
Another iconic song like Home. It is a beautiful song, but it invokes certain fears within me, too, probably due to school. I like the other Stefanie Sun song better. I think school forces us to keep singing this song, which I have negative connotations towards this song. I still think it is a great song, but I cannot say it is one of my all-time favourites. It picks up towards the end with the beat. I can hear the string instrument from time to time, and it adds a lot to the song. 8 out of 10.
14. Tomorrow's Here Today (2016)
I love this song and would listen to it sometimes. It sounds so bubbly and fun. 8 out of 10.
13. Singapore Town (1997)
I remember liking this song the instant I heard it; it really stands out from the rest. I like the beat and melody. Well done, great song. There are not many patriotic lyrics, but about enjoying Singapore. Highlighting the people is always a good idea. 9 out of 10.
12. Home (1998)
The iconic song that ALL Singaporeans can instantly recognise. It reappears often during NDP, too. I love this song dearly too; it tugs at my heartstrings and instantly brings me back to my childhood days. For this is where I know I'm home.🥹 9 out of 10.
11. One United People (2003)
How can anyone not love this song? It is so underrated, especially when it is released after We Will Get There. But I have always loved this song more. 9 out of 10.
10. My Island Home (2006)
I have always enjoyed listening to this song. It starts off slow like a ballad, then the production kicks in, making it almost like a power ballad. It is like a sequel to Home. 9 out of 10.
9. What Do You See? (2009)
This song didn't hit for me when I first heard it, but during the 2014 NDP, it came alive for me. It holds hopes and dreams for the new decade. With a great melody, the song will be great no matter what the production is, and the production here is great too. That bridge is amazing. Do you think it sounds like a Coldplay song? 9 out of 10.
8. Our Singapore (2015)
This song is a fresh take, after years of musical-like songs; finally, we got a modern song. 2015 was monumental for Singapore too, as we celebrated the Golden Jubilee (SG50), and we marked 50 years of independence since 1965. The woah is done so beautifully as compared to One Singapore. Even the titles are similar. Shade, perhaps? LOL. 9 out of 10.
7. Stronger Together (2022)
That melody is like an earworm. This song does a great job following up on The Road Ahead.
I remember worrying it would not be as good as last year, but it did well, too. It sounded so great
during the NDP that I went to. There was a nice reference to The Road Ahead in the lyric. Taufik Batisah
even did choreography, just like 2005's Reach Out for the Skies. He is our Justin Timberlake. 9 out of 10.
6. Together (1999)
I love this song. It is one of my favourites, definitely. It is also underrated as not many people know of this song, but it combines great production with a strong melody. The video is also modern, as we were approaching not just a new decade or century, but a new millennium. I have even used this song during one of my class National Day performances. 10 out of 10.
5. Where I Belong (2001)
I seem to remember this song is newer than Home. In Primary School, our class danced and sang to this song during our school National Day performance, while our teacher was giggling at us. Hahaha. I love this song too; the lyrics are so beautiful. 10 out of 10.
4. Will You (2007)
2007 has 2 songs. I prefer this song over There's No Place I'd Rather Be. I remember my classmates laughing at the guys in the music video for their over-the-top actions. I love the production and the quality of the singers' voices. Their individual voices add so much colour to this song, and they each stand out on their own. The music video is quite cool, too. A 2026 remake of this song would sound so amazing. 10 out of 10.
3. We Are Singapore (Remake) (2018)
This was the year and song that piqued my interest, and since then, I became interested in the songs.
The production is so cool and unique. I know some people didn't like it, but I did. I love how their voices all work together. They made this song even better than the original from 20 years ago. Even the Pledge rap sounded great. In theory, it could have sounded forced, but it was not. Charlie Lim did a great job with this. 10 out of 10.
2. The Road Ahead (2021)
I cannot begin to describe how much this song broke ground. There was a cringey dance trend
they tried to start, but since then, the songs have become more engaging. The songs sounded quite safe
in recent years, but this one stood out so much because it was not about Singapore explicitly.
It kick-started the next few great joyful songs in the years ahead. The music video was expertly
done with beautiful animations, which is unprecedented in NDP theme song videos. They have always
been about real Singaporeans' lives, so this was so creative. The song was well-written, too; even if it
did not have this poppy production, it would still stand out. 10 out of 10.
1. Shine Your Light (2023)
I love this song, and I listen to it often. This makes 3 songs in a row that are really good. They are
starting the new decade strong. I like songs where there are a few singers, but their voices are prominent,
not turned into a choir. The rap is so great, too. From start to finish, this song is just perfect. There is
even a choir part, but it fits nicely. If the whole song were sung by a choir, I might not like it as much.
10 out of 10.
And now here is my list, each has a video. Let me know in the comments below whether you agree with the list or if you have a different list.
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Previously, it was mentioned
that certain nursery rhymes have very dark histories. The next part of the series
will uncover even more of such stories.
“Goosey Goosey Gander” has
innocent words like goosey goosey, but the song is about religious
persecution, while “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary” is about the murderous actions
of Queen Mary I of England, and lastly “Rock-a-bye Baby” has connotations with
King James II of England and Mary of Modena having a son that was not their own
but was faked to ensure a Roman Catholic heir for the throne (Wood, 2023).
But there are even more
nursery rhymes with dark histories.
“Humpty Dumpty” is actually not
an egg, but a huge cannon that was launched as an attack during the battle of
the Royalists against Parliamentarians during the English Civil War, while “Oranges
and Lemons” was about Henry VIII’s marital issues, and “Ring around the Rosie”
is about the millions of Medieval Europeans who died due to a deadly plague (Nepilova, 2026).
Even as history is captured
through word of mouth in these unique nursery rhymes, perhaps this would not
work in our modern age. If a song is discriminatory, it would immediately be
flagged by the general public. Everyone has a camera, and documentation is
instant. If something is published online, that information is very difficult
to take down. Hence, the truth behind nursery rhymes will only work with
ancient rhymes.
However, with generative AI,
all this could change. The truth, as we know, may also change.
Lastly, this very blog. I have found it more challenging to post regularly when I have a full-time job as compared to the start of the year. But I have tried my best, so let's take a trip down memory lane and see how else I can improve for the rest of 2026.
Blogger views from January.
Double the total number of views, that is great! I have been getting consistent views, too, but they may not be legitimate sources. I am still trying to apply for ads, but I got rejected due to low content.
Blogger views chart from January.
Blogger views chart from June.
I am happy to see some peaks higher than in January, the highest being in April!
Blogger top referrers from January.
Facebook is still my top referrer in June.
Blogger top locations in January.
The majority of the visits are now the highest from Hong Kong, followed by Singapore. Then the United States.
To summarise, I should try to post more frequently.
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.png "The Truth Behind Nursery Rhymes Part 2")
