Sunbird Preschool's Start Small Dream Big Project: Fostering Social Responsibility and Interpersonal Skills

Singapore, August 5, 2024 -- Child development encompasses a range of essential social skills that pave the way for success in the broader social world. Skills such as sharing, cooperation, following directions, using eye contact, manners, and understanding personal space are pivotal in shaping a child's growth and development.

This year, as part of the SSDB (Start Small Dream Big) project, Sunbird Preschool collaborated with Ever Green Bright Hill to extend love and care to the elderly community. Recognizing the importance of making older adults feel valued and appreciated, children from N2 to K2 actively participated in initiatives aimed at supporting the elderly residents.

Children enthusiastically donated essential items like food, diapers, and personalized tote bags adorned with their own artistic creations using paints. Some parents also joined in, visiting the old age home alongside their children, fostering a heartwarming exchange of joy and companionship. As a gesture of respect and affection, the children performed a heartfelt dance and presented goodie bags to the elderly residents, leaving a lasting impression of love and care.

The project began with group discussions where N2, K1, and K2 children were introduced to the objectives of the SSDB initiative. Through mind mapping exercises, they brainstormed ideas and shared their intentions for the project. Parents were actively involved, contributing food items during show and tell sessions, which not only encouraged sharing but also instilled a sense of community and empathy in the children.

Central to the project was the creation of personalized tote bags, where children expressed their emotions and messages of kindness for the elderly through written sentences and colourful paintings. Upon returning to school, they further reflected on their experiences by colouring pictures and writing heartfelt notes for their teachers, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful project.

“Through the Start Small Dream Big project, we witnessed the incredible growth of our children as they learned the value of empathy and community service, which are crucial for their development," said Ms Arnana Rai, Centre Principal.”

The SSDB project at Sunbird Preschool not only enriched children's interpersonal skills and understanding of social responsibility but also left a profound impact on the elderly community, fostering bonds of compassion and mutual respect between generations.