Location – 718 Bedok Reservoir Rd, #01-4590 Block 718, Singapore 470718
Website – http://www.pssmk.com/
Contact – +65 9835 1077
Imagine a kindergarten that believes a child’s curiosity, creativity, and joy in discovery are just as important as academic success. That’s the heart of Paper Scissors Stone Montessori Kindergarten, where children have been growing, learning, and thriving since 2003. For over two decades, this early childhood education center has taken a fresh approach to learning—one that combines traditional Montessori methods with hands-on, project-based experiences that get children excited about the world around them.
The school’s unique name itself is a story. Paper, Scissors, and Stone aren’t just random words but symbols of how the school operates. Paper stands for the literacy and academic skills children develop; Scissors represents the tactile, hands-on experiences that make learning real; and Stone is all about nature and stability, grounding the entire learning experience in a connection to the earth.
A Vision Rooted in Holistic Growth
When you walk into Paper Scissors Stone, one thing becomes clear: this is a place where children are seen and valued as individuals. The kindergarten has a deep commitment to nurturing independent, confident, and resilient young people. Their mission? To create lifelong learners who are ready to tackle both school and life with curiosity, compassion, and a sense of responsibility.
Their vision is simple but powerful: to be a leading provider of Montessori education, inspiring children to grow into confident and resilient future leaders. They take a whole-child approach, focusing on physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development.
More Than Just Books: Learning Through Doing
What makes Paper Scissors Stone special isn’t just what they teach—it’s how they teach. Learning here isn’t confined to books or worksheets. Children are encouraged to explore their environment, ask questions, and figure things out on their own. The school’s philosophy is all about blending the best of Montessori’s self-directed learning with real-world, hands-on projects.
For example, a group of children who chose to inquire on the topic on cheetahs suggested to write to Singapore Zoo to find their answer to their query on the length of a cheetah’s tail, were guided on the process of letter writing. They mailed out the letter together and received a reply from the Zoo after weeks of anticipation before they got their queries answered! The key is making learning an adventure, where every day is different, and every child is free to learn at their own pace.
Nature: A Classroom Without Walls
Outdoor play isn’t just a break from learning—it’s an essential part of the curriculum at Paper Scissors Stone. The teachers firmly believe that children learn best when they’re connected to nature. Whether it’s through a simple nature scavenger hunt, crafting sculptures from twigs and leaves, or hiking at the local reservoir park, children here are constantly exploring the world around them.
Take the annual hiking trip, for example. It’s a favorite among the children, especially those about to graduate. It’s not just about hiking; it’s about teamwork, resilience, and learning that nature is an incredible teacher.
Parents: Partners in Learning
What’s really special about Paper Scissors Stone is how deeply they involve parents in their children’s education. The school doesn’t see learning as something that stops when the child leaves the classroom. Instead, they invite parents to share their own experiences and even teach a class on a topic they’re passionate about. This helps create a tight-knit community where everyone—parents, teachers, and students—work together to ensure the children thrive.
The school also holds regular workshops to help parents understand their child’s developmental needs, share strategies for nurturing curiosity at home, and collaborate on projects. One popular initiative is the reading workshops, where parents learn how to inspire a love for books and reading, in their children. It’s a true partnership between home and school.
Balance Between Tradition and Innovation
Even though Paper Scissors Stone embraces the time-tested Montessori approach, it also recognizes the importance of modern learning techniques. Technology is introduced carefully, ensuring children have a balanced education. For instance, while a project might involve children looking up information online with their parents or teachers based on the topic of children’s inquiries, it’s balanced by more tactile activities, like drawing, 3D models making, storytelling, site visits or role-playing in class. The school understands that technology can complement traditional learning without replacing it.
A Diverse Community of Learners
Diversity is another cornerstone of the kindergarten’s philosophy. Families from different cultural backgrounds bring richness to the school environment. Children get to learn not just from teachers but from each other, gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures, traditions, and languages. Whether it’s celebrating Diwali or Chinese New Year, the school incorporates global festivals and practices into its curriculum, ensuring children are world citizens from the start.
Looking to the Future
As the world continues to change, so does Paper Scissors Stone. The kindergarten constantly innovates, adding new programs to meet the needs of today’s families. In the future, they plan to introduce even more creative activities, such as photography workshops for young children or having children work together to plan and execute a “Funival” experience, for their families to participate in the games and challenges the children would be creating, based on their own ideas.
The school’s leadership is deeply committed to expanding its offerings while staying true to the core values that have made it so successful: a love for learning, a respect for nature, and a belief that every child has something unique to offer the world.