Online Preschool Tuition in Singapore: One-to-One and Small-Group Tutors for N1 to K2
Before Primary 1, children learn to listen, speak and count, and take their first steps in reading and writing, in English and in Chinese. onlinetuition.sg matches N1, N2, K1 and K2 children with tutors for live online lessons in English, phonics, Maths, Chinese and creative writing, one-to-one or in small groups.
What Do Children Learn Before Primary 1?
- Preschool covers the years before Primary 1, from N1 and N2 to K1 and K2. K1 and K2, the two kindergarten years, are for children aged 5 and 6.
- MOE's Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework guides preschool learning for children aged 4 to 6, with goals in five areas: aesthetics and creative expression; discovery of the world; health, safety and motor skills development; language and literacy; and numeracy.
- Language and literacy covers English and a Mother Tongue Language. In English, children learn to listen, speak with confidence, read with understanding and begin to write letters and words.
- There are no exams before Primary 1. P1 and P2 have none either: MOE removed their weighted assessments and exams in 2019.
- Children register for Primary 1 the year before they start, in MOE's online P1 Registration Exercise from June to August.
Common Challenges Preschool Children Face
Letter Sounds and Blending
Matching letters to their sounds, then blending the sounds into words, takes regular practice.
Reading Aloud With Confidence
Moving from picture books to reading short sentences aloud, one word at a time.
Early Writing
Holding a pencil, forming letters and writing words while spelling is still developing.
Number Sense
Counting objects, comparing amounts, and spotting patterns and basic shapes.
Using Chinese Every Day
Getting enough listening and speaking practice when Chinese is not spoken much at home.
Getting Ready for P1
Following instructions, taking turns and trying a task alone before Primary 1 begins.
How Our Online Preschool Tutors Help
Phonics Step by Step
One sound at a time, said aloud while the tutor writes the letters and words on screen.
Reading Together
Short stories read with the tutor, with questions that grow vocabulary and understanding.
Counting and Shapes Made Visual
Numbers, patterns and shapes drawn on a digital whiteboard, so children see each idea.
Chinese Listening and Speaking
Everyday words and simple conversations in Chinese, with plenty of chances to reply.
First Steps in Creative Writing
Talking about a picture first, then writing a word or a sentence to describe it.
Confidence for Primary 1
Practice in listening carefully, answering questions and working independently.
Preschool Subjects and Topics Covered
Preschool has no syllabus or exam. These are the learning goals in MOE's Nurturing Early Learners Framework, which lessons follow.
English and Phonics
- Listening and speaking
- Listening for enjoyment and information, and speaking with confidence to share ideas
- Reading
- Letter sounds and blending, then reading with enjoyment and understanding
- Writing
- Letters and words, written first with invented and then with conventional spelling
Maths
- Counting skills and number sense
- Relationships and patterns
- Basic shapes and spatial concepts
- Using numbers in everyday experiences
Chinese
- Enjoying and taking an interest in learning Chinese
- Foundational language and literacy skills in Chinese
- An awareness of local Chinese culture
Creative Writing
Telling a story about a picture, then writing words and short sentences about it, ahead of the picture-based compositions of primary school.
Moving On to Primary 1
- P1 subjects
- English, a Mother Tongue Language, Maths, Art, Music, Physical Education, Social Studies, and Character and Citizenship Education; Science starts in P3
- Assessment
- No weighted assessments or exams in P1 and P2; schools describe progress rather than give marks
- Registration
- The P1 Registration Exercise runs online in five phases, from June to August
Key Preschool Dates
Updated
From MOE. Each year follows the same pattern, and MOE confirms the dates.
- P1 Registration Exercise
- Online from June to August, the year before your child starts P1
- Starting P1 in 2027
- Children born between 2 January 2020 and 1 January 2021
- First day of school, 2027
- Monday, 4 January for P1 and K1; Tuesday, 5 January for K2
- Starting P1 in 2028
- MOE is changing the P1 Registration Framework from the 2027 exercise
When Should My Child Start Preschool Tuition?
Many families start in K1 or K2, the two kindergarten years before Primary 1, to build reading, writing and counting a little at a time.
Children who already enjoy letters and numbers can begin earlier, in N1 or N2, with phonics and speaking. If your child starts P1 next January, the months before it are a good time to settle into reading and counting with a tutor.
One-to-One or Small-Group Preschool Lessons
Choose one-to-one lessons, a small group of up to 4 children at the same level, or any class size. One-to-one gives a young child the tutor's full attention; a small group lets them learn alongside other children.
Why Choose onlinetuition.sg for Preschool Tuition?
Tutors for the Early Years
Tutors for English, phonics, Maths, Chinese and creative writing, from N1 to K2.
Live Lessons, Cameras On
Your child sees and hears the tutor live on Zoom in every lesson.
Parents Welcome to Sit In
Sit nearby for the first lessons, and let your child answer on their own.
The Same Tutor Every Week
A familiar tutor at the same time each week, for continuity.
Start With a Trial Lesson
See how your child takes to the tutor before you decide.
No Agency Fees
And it's free to request a preschool tutor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preschool Tuition
Thinking of Preschool Tuition?
Does My Child Need Tuition Before Primary 1?
Not every child does. It can help if your child is not yet confident with letter sounds, reading or counting, or needs more practice in Chinese.
When Should My Child Start Preschool Tuition?
Many families start in K1 or K2. Children who are curious about letters and numbers can begin in N1 or N2.
What Will My Child Learn in Preschool Lessons?
Usually phonics, early reading and writing, counting and number sense, and Chinese listening and speaking, at a pace that suits your child.
Is There an Exam to Prepare For?
No. There are no national exams before Primary 1, and MOE removed weighted assessments and exams from P1 and P2 in 2019.
Getting a Tutor
How Do I Request a Preschool Tutor?
Fill in the free request form with your child's level, from N1 to K2, the subjects and your preferred class size. We'll contact you on WhatsApp.
Who Teaches the Lessons?
Part-time and full-time tutors, current and former school teachers, and undergraduates. We screen each one for their qualifications and teaching experience.
Can One Tutor Teach English and Chinese?
Tell us both subjects in your request, and we'll arrange one tutor where possible.
How Quickly Will I Hear Back?
We aim to get back to you within one working day, on WhatsApp.
Lessons
How Long Are Lessons?
Usually 1.5 or 2 hours, at the same time each week.
Can a Young Child Learn Online?
Yes, with a laptop, desktop or tablet with a camera, and a quiet spot. Keep paper, a pencil and crayons nearby.
Should I Sit In on Lessons?
You're welcome to, especially at first. Try not to answer for your child, since working things out alone is part of learning.
Can My Child Join a Small Group?
Yes. Groups have up to 4 children at the same level.
What If the Connection Drops?
Rejoin the same meeting link. Keeping Zoom updated helps the connection stay stable.
Others
How Much Does Preschool Tuition Cost?
Fees depend on the level and class size. We'll confirm the fee on WhatsApp before the first lesson.
Are There Any Agency Fees?
No.
How Do I Pay?
By PayNow.
What If We Want to Stop?
Please give one month's notice, out of courtesy to the tutor's planning.
Helpful Preschool Resources
Official syllabuses and exam information:
Other levels: Primary · PSLE · Secondary · All levels