A child acting during a drama pedagogy session at Little Skool-House (Orchid Country Club).

Experiential learning, where children learn by actively doing, exploring, and reflecting, is increasingly recognised as key to deeper learning and stronger developmental outcomes. Studies show that hands-on learning leads to better cognitive, social-emotional, and behavioural outcomes compared with traditional lecture-style methods. Experts note that children learn best when activities are meaningful and relevant, allowing them to make connections, ask questions, and build knowledge through discovery.

NTUC First Campus (NFC) preschools — My First Skool, Little Skool-House, and Changemakers Explorer — intentionally integrate experiential learning into their curriculum to help children connect ideas to the world around them.

Coreen Soh, NFC’s Chief Child Development and Support Officer, said, active engagement strengthens neural pathways and builds intrinsic motivation, giving children a sense of accomplishment and agency. Whether children are experimenting with wheels and ramps, exploring plants and insects outdoors, engaging in creative expression, or applying science concepts through hands-on projects, experiential learning deepens understanding and nurtures critical thinking. This approach is mirrored at institutions like the National Gallery and Science Centre, where sensory-rich environments and open-ended exploration encourage curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Media coverage:

Straits Times Online (9 November 2025)

Straits Times Print (10 November 2025)