A Straits Times article featured My First Skool (MFS) at Block 997 Buangkok Crescent’s visual arts programme, which was introduced since the centre first opened in 2018. Thanks to a partnership with the National Gallery Singapore, the centre is one of the 17 MFS centres offering a deeper dive into the practice than the typical curriculum offers. As the centre caters to many low-income families, the art programme helps these children develop expressive language. 

“Though art, the children are free to explore. Teachers will ask ‘Can you share with me what you have drawn? Why do you want to do it this way?’ They have an opportunity to say something and we respect what they say,” said executive principal Pearlyn Tan. 

The programme was initially meant for pre-schoolers, but it has also been extended to infants. Conducted weekly, the activities can be as simple as stepping on or touching a “Christmas tree” painting taped securely to the floor. 

News coverage 

• (27 December 2021) Straits Times Online: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/infant-care-in-singapore-art-helps-babies-develop-better-language-skills-at-this-centre 
• (27 December 2021) Straits Times Print, Page C2
• (27 December 2021) Straits Times Youtube, The Big Story (00:20 – 00:40) 

ST_27Dec2021 Using art to help babies develop language skills.pdf