As a parent, one of the habits I am consciously trying to build in my daughter is a love for reading. She is still a beginner reader, but she already gravitates towards books, storytelling and anything that involves imagination. So when I heard about the MindChamps Reading March Holiday Programme, I was curious.
We attended the complimentary session at MindChamps’ new centre in Punggol Digital District this March holidays, and I walked away genuinely impressed, not just with the activities, but with the philosophy behind how they approach early literacy.
And more importantly, my daughter absolutely loved it.
A literacy-focused workshop designed for young learners
The MindChamps Reading Holiday Programme is designed for children aged 2 to 6 years, with workshops tailored to different developmental stages. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the sessions are structured to meet children where they are in their reading journey. Right from the start, the environment felt warm, welcoming and thoughtfully structured for young learners.
What stood out to me most was how the session was designed to build literacy skills without feeling academic or pressured. Instead of traditional “learning”, everything was presented through storytelling, play and guided activities.
The session we attended centred around the book Judy the Long Neck Giraffe, which immediately captured the children’s attention. From there, the facilitators introduced a mix of activities that reinforced language and reading skills in subtle but effective ways.
These included:
- Storytelling and guided reading
- Playdough activities linked to the story
- Simple writing exercises
- Interactive games
- Group participation and discussion
It did not feel like a classroom lesson. It felt like a carefully designed experience where learning happened naturally.
Divisha was engaged throughout, which is not always easy for children her age. She particularly enjoyed the playdough activities and interactive games, but I could also see how the storytelling component encouraged listening and comprehension skills.
More than just reading: building confidence and communication
Another thing I appreciated was that the workshop went beyond reading. It also focused on broader developmental skills that are essential at this age.
During the session, I observed how MindChamps nurtures:
- Language development and vocabulary expansion
- Confidence in early reading and communication
- Focus and listening skills through guided storytelling
- A joyful relationship with books and learning
These are not just academic outcomes. They are foundational skills that shape how children approach learning in the long run.
For younger children, the parent-child format also allowed parents to observe teaching techniques and pick up practical strategies to support reading at home. As someone trying to build reading habits with my daughter, this was particularly helpful.
A thoughtfully designed learning environment
The new MindChamps centre at Punggol Digital District also deserves a mention. The space felt bright, modern and intentionally designed for young learners. It created a calm, focused environment without feeling overly formal.
The facilitators were patient, encouraging and attentive to each child’s pace. There was no pressure for children to perform, which made the experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
This balance between structure and flexibility is something I personally value in early childhood programmes.
Why programmes like this matter
In today’s world, where screens often dominate children’s attention, cultivating a love for books feels more important than ever. Programmes like these help make reading enjoyable rather than a task.
For beginner readers, the key is not just teaching phonics or vocabulary, but building curiosity, imagination and confidence. When children associate books with fun, they are far more likely to develop lifelong reading habits.
As a parent, I found this approach refreshing. It focused less on outcomes and more on nurturing the child’s relationship with learning.
Our overall experience
Divisha thoroughly enjoyed the session and stayed engaged from start to finish, which is always a good sign. She was excited to talk about the story afterwards and even referenced parts of the activities later at home.
That, to me, is the biggest indicator that the workshop worked.
We genuinely enjoyed the experience and will definitely be looking out for the June holiday workshops as well.
If you are a parent looking to introduce your child to reading in a structured yet engaging way, this is definitely one programme worth considering.
Because sometimes, all it takes is the right environment, the right story and the right encouragement to spark a lifelong love for books.
Also read: Why early reading fails when we rush it: Unpacking this with Learn2Read Co-Founder Nitin Jain
