In today's world, where information is constantly evolving and new challenges emerge daily, fostering a love for lifelong learning and critical thinking skills is necessary. Educational institutions will need to explore innovative ways to cultivate curious and engaged young minds, who are prepared to not only navigate the complexities of the modern world but also thrive within it.

Ms Nisha Prem, Head Teacher at Out of Box Academy, shares with us her experience with incorporating SPH Media’s student publications such as Thumbs Up Junior and The Straits Times Little Red Dot into their curriculum.

How did the idea of integrating student publications into the curriculum come about?

While our curriculum provided a strong foundation, we identified a gap in engaging students with current affairs and fostering real-world applications of their learning. Textbooks tend to lack the dynamism to connect classroom knowledge to the ever-evolving world around them.

“We wanted to ignite a passion for reading and engage students with current events, but we needed captivating materials to make learning truly relevant and exciting.”

This led us to look for innovative resources that could allow students to apply what they have learnt into practice.

Why did you decide on SPH Media’s student publications?

SPH Media’s student publications stood out for their age-appropriate content specifically designed for children.

Publications like The Straits Times Little Red Dot, with its blend of local and international news presented in an engaging manner with interactive elements, resonated with our goals. The positive feedback from other schools solidified our decision.

How have you integrated these publications into your curriculum?

We’ve adopted a multifaceted and creative approach that caters to different learning styles.

For example, we explore local landmarks through interactive quizzes, followed by students constructing their own miniature versions using readily available materials. This hands-on activity not only reinforces geographical knowledge but also fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.

The ’Big World’ section keeps them informed about global affairs, broadening their understanding of the interconnectedness of the world. Additionally, the ‘Big Fun’ activities spark their creativity and provide a welcome break from traditional learning methods.

Older students benefit from the English language questions that provide practices in grammar, vocabulary, synthesis and transformation and situational writing, while the captivating illustrations in the younger learners’ publications hold their attention and make learning enjoyable.

“The weekly issues of The Straits Times Little Red Dot publications have become embedded into our curriculum. Our students look forward to reading the articles every week.”

What’s the impact these publications have had on student engagement?

The results speak for themselves.

“We've witnessed a significant increase in student engagement with current events. Teachers also report more vibrant classroom discussions, with students actively participating, sharing diverse perspectives and posing insightful questions.”

The diverse topics covered have broadened students’ horizons and significantly enriched their general knowledge. It's truly rewarding to see their curiosity piqued and their critical thinking skills developing.

Parents are impressed with the added educational value, reporting that their children are more interested in reading and discussing current events at home.

Overall, we've definitely observed a surge in students' enthusiasm for learning and a deeper involvement in academics.

Why would you recommend SPH Media’s student publications to other schools and parents?

The exceptional educational value, engaging content and alignment with educational standards make them a powerful tool for enriching any curriculum. The positive impact on students' reading habits, critical thinking, and general knowledge makes these publications a worthwhile investment for any educational institution. They provide a springboard for fostering a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom, preparing students to become well-rounded and engaged citizens in the ever-evolving world.