As part of our SSDB (Start Small Dream Big) initiative, the children embarked on a meaningful project focused on human-wildlife interactions—sparked by the regular sightings of long-tailed macaques near our school.
We began with a discussion on why these macaques often appear in our surroundings and how their presence affects our community. K1 children engaged in a fun and educational game called “Wild or Not?” to learn how to differentiate wild animals, while the K2s watched a video to observe the macaques’ behaviours in detail.
To deepen our understanding, we planned a learning journey to the Singapore Zoo. In preparation, the children formulated questions to ask the macaque experts. At the Zoo Learning Centre, we enjoyed an engaging storytime session that highlighted the dos and don’ts when encountering macaques. The experts also shared valuable tips on how to respond safely and respectfully during such encounters.
One of the most exciting parts of our trip was touching a hyper-realistic macaque, which gave the children a closer look at the animal and how it feels.
Back at school, the children were eager to share their newfound knowledge. They presented their findings during a school-wide sharing session and compiled hand-drawn posters and fact sheets to share with their parents. To extend our outreach, we also displayed macaque awareness posters around the neighbourhood to educate the wider community.
This project is a reflection of our school’s goal to grow active and confident learners who engage with peers and adults to seek a deeper understanding of how the world works. Throughout the journey, the children demonstrated curiosity, empathy, and responsible citizenship—turning a real-life situation into a meaningful learning opportunity. Most importantly, they remained happy learners and emphatic thinkers, keen to make a positive impact in their community.
