What is a day in the life of a kindergarten teacher like? Is it filled with laughter and spontaneous creativity? Or are there moments of quiet reflection?
In this article, we take you behind the scenes through the eyes of our founder, Sherlyn Lee (who is, at heart, a kindergarten teacher) here at Heartfield Kindergarten. In her own words, Sherlyn shares the heartwarming moments that make each day precious and memorable.
From garden exploration, sensory play, music and movement, to story reading, the life of a kindergarten teacher at Heartfield Kindergarten is filled with magic and wonder.
Morning Preparation and Welcome
Hello! I’m Ms Sherlyn, and it’s my pleasure to bring you through a typical day here at Heartfield Kindergarten.
Our team and I arrive bright and early, our minds buzzing with excitement as we set up the carefully planned theme-based activities for the day. The morning hums with energy as the teachers make our final preparations before welcoming the children to the kindergarten.
Next comes the most important part of the day—greeting each child with all the warmth in my heart. Seeing them at the door always excites me. That’s because I believe that building a personal connection right from the start helps them feel secure and ready for the day ahead.
Outdoor Exploration and Play
All our children start their day with outdoor time. It is not only a time for the children to get some fresh air and burn off their energy—it is also where they wake up their brains and bodies too!
To make it more meaningful, we have obstacle courses set up for the children to work on their bilateral coordination, motor-planning and sequencing-thinking skills.
After the obstacle course, the children are off to play freely. This is when our children practise their social and executive function skills as they make choices, or use their imagination to invent games. We also use this session to explore the world around us.
Our children love spotting birds, worms, and bugs—all par for the course in our sprawling compound! It’s a fun way to grow their sense of wonder and appreciation for nature, all while staying active and engaged.
Snack Time—More Than Just Food
After sweating it out, it’s time for a rest and some refreshments. As the children sit down to enjoy their snacks, I take a moment to join in their conversations, quietly listening to their stories or activity participating in their chatter.
Snack time is more than just a break—it’s a wonderful way for us to connect with the children and strengthen our relationship in a relaxed and comfortable setting.
Morning Circle and Theme Introduction
We start the formal part of our day with a morning circle to welcome everyone into class and to introduce the theme for this period. This month, our focus is on fruits and vegetables.
Everyone gathers for songs and to explore the informative book The Vegetables We Eat by Gail Gibbons. Its rhythmic, clear text introduces different vegetables and not only expands our children’s vocabulary—it sets the stage for a lively discussion about the benefits of vegetables in our diets before we head to the centres.
Next, we prepare for Centres time, where our children will further explore the world of fruits and vegetables.
Maths, Science, and Language
We weave today’s theme of fruits and vegetables into every part of our learning. For maths, we may introduce simple concepts like counting, measuring, and sorting fruits. The children love comparing sizes or grouping them by colour—it’s a fun, hands-on way to learn.
In science, we may read a book about the Healthy Plate and use that to trigger a lively discussion on the benefits of fruits and vegetables on our bodies. We may also talk about the topic of nutrition, and learn why fruits and vegetables are important for our bodies. We will then work with our teacher Ms Pearlyn to draw a healthy plate.
For literacy and language, we get creative by writing a simple fruit poem. We regularly include some cooking, which is a wonderful way to blend science and discovery. With the fruit and vegetable theme, the learning possibilities are endless—and delicious!
Play-Based Learning Activities
At Heartfield, play is central to learning. This may include guiding our children in hands-on activities like building with blocks, creating art projects, or role-playing. As a teacher, my goal is to help our children learn in a fun and engaging way.
I normally encourage group play to develop teamwork and social skills. For our fruit and vegetable theme, we may set up a little grocery store where the children can pretend to be shopkeepers and customers. It’s a wonderful way for them to socialise, practise role-playing, and use their imaginations while talking and learning together.
Creative Arts and Expression
Creative time is always fun! Our children are free to express themselves and explore new ideas. I may also introduce a new technique, and see where their imaginations take them.
We spend time appreciating each other’s creations, chatting about what we’ve made and learning from one another. Sometimes, we even look at famous artists like Cezanne and how he painted fruits, bringing a bit of art history into our play.
Chinese Language and Literacy Development
It’s time for Chinese, and Laoshi (老师) has a delightful story about a giant turnip that’s ripe for picking. There’s even a catchy song that goes along with it, making the lesson as sweet as a juicy piece of fruit!
Next, we practise writing the names of different fruits in Mandarin, like apples and oranges. The children love chatting about their favourite fruits, and it’s amazing to see their language skills grow, just like a fruit tree bearing new harvests.
End-of-Day Reflection and Parent Communication
It is the end of the school day. We gather everyone together to reflect on what we’ve learned today and talk about our favourite parts of the day. The children love sharing their highlights, from discovering new fruits to the fun they had playing outdoors.
Before the day ends, I take a quick moment to chat with parents and share what we did today. It’s a wonderful way to keep them connected and to let them know how much their little ones are growing and learning.
Teacher Reflection and Planning
As the day winds down, I tidy the classroom and set up for tomorrow’s activities. I also take a moment to reflect on the day’s lessons and jot down notes on each child’s progress. Were there successes we can celebrate? Were there any challenges that we need to focus on tomorrow? I also think about what went well in our planning, and what we can improve.
With these reflections in mind, I adjust our plans for the next day. Then, I sit down with a nice cup of tea, feeling a sense of fulfilment. It’s a quiet moment to appreciate how much of a difference we’re making—nurturing each child’s love for learning, helping them express themselves, and creating a strong, supportive learning community.
Experience the Heartfield Heartbeat
At Heartfield Kindergarten, our teachers don’t just teach—we inspire, nurture, and guide your child through every step of their learning journey. From imaginative play to hands-on exploration, we bring creativity into every moment, helping young minds grow and thrive.
It’s more than just learning; it’s about building a community where every child feels seen, valued, and encouraged.Come visit us at 31 Balmoral Road and experience the heart of what we do. Contact us at +65 6835 2354, email info@HeartfieldKindergarten.com, or visit our website to arrange a visit. Let’s create something wonderful together!
