A Parent's Perspective: How Faith Shapes My Child's Learning Journey at Little Olive Tree

Table Of Contents

• Finding a Preschool That Aligns With Our Values

• First Impressions: More Than Just Bible Stories

• The Truth, Beauty, and Goodness Difference

• Seeing Faith in Action Through Daily Learning

• How Biblical Perspectives Shape Character Development

• Our Family's Spiritual Growth Journey

• Connecting with Other Families in Community

• The Impact Beyond the Classroom

• Why We Would Choose Little Olive Tree Again

As parents, the decision about where to send our children for their earliest educational experiences feels monumental. My husband and I wanted an environment that would not only prepare our daughter academically but also nurture her spiritual development and character formation. When we discovered Little Olive Tree Preschool, we weren't simply looking for a school that taught Bible verses—we were seeking a place where faith would be woven naturally into the fabric of learning.

Two years later, we've witnessed our daughter's transformation in ways that extend far beyond what we initially expected. Through this testimonial, I hope to share our family's journey at Little Olive Tree and how its faith-based approach to education has shaped not just our child's development but our entire family's spiritual growth. From the distinctive 'Truth, Beauty, and Goodness' curriculum to the nurturing community of educators and families, our experience illustrates how biblically-rooted early childhood education can provide a foundation for lifelong learning and character.

Finding a Preschool That Aligns With Our Values

Our search for the right preschool began like many parents—with a list of practical considerations like location, teacher qualifications, and curriculum approach. But as a family with faith at the center of our home life, we wanted something more. We wanted a place where our daughter would learn to see the world through a biblical lens, where values weren't just taught as abstract concepts but lived out daily.

We visited several preschools across Singapore, some secular and others faith-based. While many offered strong academic programs, something was often missing—that seamless integration of faith with learning that we desired. When we walked into Little Olive Tree at their Bethany Presbyterian Church location, the difference was immediately apparent.

The environment felt different—peaceful yet vibrant, structured yet creative. The walls displayed not just alphabet charts and number lines, but thoughtfully created artwork that reflected biblical stories and values. Teachers spoke to children with remarkable respect and gentleness. We observed a morning devotion where preschoolers engaged with biblical concepts at their developmental level—not just passively listening, but actively participating.

First Impressions: More Than Just Bible Stories

Before enrolling our daughter at Little Olive Tree, I had concerns that a faith-based preschool might simply add Bible stories to a conventional curriculum. What we discovered was far more profound.

During our initial parent orientation, the principal explained that Little Olive Tree doesn't view faith as a separate subject but as the foundation that shapes every aspect of learning. This wasn't about religious indoctrination but about helping children develop a coherent worldview where faith provides context for understanding themselves, others, and God's creation.

"At Little Olive Tree, we believe children are image-bearers of God, uniquely created with purpose and potential," the principal explained. "Our approach helps them recognize truth, appreciate beauty, and pursue goodness in all areas of learning."

This philosophy resonated deeply with us. We didn't want our daughter compartmentalizing faith as something that only belonged in church. We wanted her to see how biblical principles illuminate every subject, from science to art to social relationships.

The Truth, Beauty, and Goodness Difference

Little Olive Tree's curriculum is built around the concepts of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness—a framework that has proven transformative for our daughter's learning experience.

The pursuit of Truth means children are encouraged to ask questions, explore God's creation, and discover how things work. I remember when my daughter came home fascinated by a lesson on butterflies. Rather than simply learning the life cycle, her class had discussed how metamorphosis reflects God's creativity and His ability to transform us. The scientific facts weren't separated from their spiritual significance.

The appreciation of Beauty has nurtured my daughter's creativity and sense of wonder. Art projects aren't merely craft activities but opportunities to reflect God's creative nature. Music and movement activities celebrate the joy of expression. I've noticed how she now pauses to notice beautiful things—a sunset, a flower, or a piece of music—and often comments, "God made that beautiful, didn't He?"

The emphasis on Goodness has perhaps been the most profound in shaping her character. Children at Little Olive Tree learn that making good choices isn't just about following rules but about reflecting God's character. When conflicts arise, teachers guide children through resolution processes that emphasize forgiveness, kindness, and respect—all grounded in biblical principles.

Seeing Faith in Action Through Daily Learning

What impressed us most was how seamlessly biblical perspectives are woven into everyday learning experiences at Little Olive Tree.

During their unit on community helpers, for instance, the teachers framed the discussion around how different jobs serve others and reflect God's care for communities. When learning about doctors, the children discussed how healing work reflects God's compassion. When learning about farmers, they explored how growing food connects to God's provision. These connections weren't forced or artificial—they flowed naturally from a coherent worldview.

Mathematics becomes an opportunity to discover the order and patterns God has established in creation. Literacy activities include quality children's literature that reinforces values like courage, perseverance, and kindness. Even routine activities like clean-up time are infused with meaning—caring for classroom materials becomes an expression of stewardship for God's gifts.

I've been particularly impressed with how teachers handle children's questions. When my daughter asked where rain comes from, her teacher provided accurate scientific information about the water cycle while also acknowledging God's design of natural systems. This approach has taught her that faith and knowledge complement rather than contradict each other.

How Biblical Perspectives Shape Character Development

Perhaps the most significant impact we've witnessed is in our daughter's character formation. Little Olive Tree's approach goes beyond behavior management to heart-level growth.

When conflicts arise between children, teachers guide them through a biblically-based process of reconciliation. Rather than simply enforcing rules, they help children understand the underlying principles—treating others as you want to be treated, speaking truth in love, extending forgiveness as God forgives us.

I recall an incident when my daughter had a disagreement with a classmate over sharing materials. Her teacher guided both children to express their feelings respectfully, listen to each other, and work toward a solution. The teacher referenced how Jesus taught us to love our neighbors and reminded them that kind words build others up.

This approach has helped our daughter develop emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills grounded in biblical values. She's learning that character matters not just because of social expectations but because it reflects God's character and His design for human relationships.

Our Family's Spiritual Growth Journey

One unexpected blessing of Little Olive Tree has been how our daughter's preschool experience has deepened our entire family's spiritual journey.

The biblical concepts she brings home often become catalysts for meaningful family discussions. When she shared what she learned about God creating each person uniquely, it prompted a dinner conversation about appreciating differences and recognizing each person's inherent value. Her simple yet profound observations frequently challenge us to examine our own understanding of faith principles.

We've also found ourselves more intentional about connecting everyday experiences to biblical truths. When we observe natural beauty during family outings, we now pause to acknowledge God's creativity. When we make decisions about how we spend our time or resources, we discuss principles of stewardship and priorities that reflect Kingdom values.

Little Olive Tree has provided us with a shared vocabulary and framework for discussing faith matters as a family. The school's approach has helped us bridge the gap between Sunday church lessons and daily living in ways that feel authentic rather than forced.

Connecting with Other Families in Community

Another dimension of our Little Olive Tree experience has been the community of families we've joined. The preschool functions not just as an educational institution but as a gathering place where families connect around shared values.

Parent-teacher conferences, held twice yearly, go beyond academic progress reports to discuss our daughter's character development and ways we can partner in nurturing her spiritual growth. Teachers share specific observations about her strengths and areas for growth with remarkable insight and compassion.

Through school events and informal connections, we've built friendships with other families who, while diverse in many ways, share a commitment to raising children with biblical values. These relationships have provided encouragement, practical support, and a sense of belonging in Singapore's fast-paced environment.

I particularly appreciate how the school community includes families from different church backgrounds and even some who don't regularly attend church. Little Olive Tree creates an environment that is distinctly Christian yet welcomingly inclusive, where families can explore faith questions together without judgment.

The Impact Beyond the Classroom

The influence of Little Olive Tree's approach extends far beyond school hours. We've noticed our daughter applying what she's learning in various contexts.

While shopping, she reminded me that we should be thankful for the people who work in the store. During a thunderstorm, she wasn't fearful but instead talked about God's power and how we can trust Him even in scary situations. When we encountered a homeless person, she asked thoughtful questions about caring for those in need.

These moments reveal how the biblical worldview she's developing at Little Olive Tree shapes her perception of and response to the world around her. She's not just memorizing Bible verses; she's learning to see life through a lens of faith.

The school's approach to home-based learning has also been wonderful. Teachers provide simple ideas for parent-child activities that reinforce curriculum themes while creating opportunities for spiritual conversations. These aren't elaborate projects requiring special materials—they're accessible ways to extend learning through everyday family interactions.

Why We Would Choose Little Olive Tree Again

Looking back on our decision to enroll our daughter at Little Olive Tree, we have absolutely no regrets. With 19 Preschools islandwide, families across Singapore can access this unique approach to early childhood education.

What sets Little Olive Tree apart is not just that they acknowledge God in their program, but how thoroughly biblical perspectives illuminate every aspect of learning. The integration is seamless and natural, creating an educational experience where faith and learning are inseparable.

The educators we've encountered demonstrate remarkable professionalism alongside genuine spiritual maturity. They understand child development deeply and know how to make abstract concepts accessible to young minds. Their commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and Christ-like character is evident in every interaction.

Perhaps most compelling is how we've seen our daughter flourish. She approaches learning with joy and curiosity. She's developing empathy, resilience, and a sense of purpose that seems remarkable for her age. And she's beginning to understand that her identity is rooted not in achievement but in being loved by God and created for relationship with Him.

For families seeking an educational environment where faith provides the foundation for learning rather than being an add-on, Little Olive Tree offers something truly distinctive. The 'Truth, Beauty, and Goodness' curriculum creates a framework where children develop academically while growing in their understanding of God's world and their place within it.

Our family's journey with Little Olive Tree has reinforced our belief that early childhood education can and should address the whole child—intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. The biblical foundation of Little Olive Tree's approach hasn't limited our daughter's educational experience but has instead enriched it, providing coherence and meaning that shapes her understanding of herself and the world.

As parents navigating the complex landscape of educational choices in Singapore, we've found in Little Olive Tree a partner that supports our family's values while preparing our child for academic success. The school's commitment to helping children see, understand, and act based on biblical perspectives creates an environment where faith and learning flourish together.

The olive tree in Scripture symbolizes beauty, abundance, and flourishing growth. We've seen this symbolism come to life as our daughter has put down roots in this nurturing community and begun to blossom in ways that continually amaze us. For families seeking an education that integrates faith with excellence in early learning, Little Olive Tree provides fertile ground where young lives can truly flourish.

Is your family looking for a preschool that nurtures both academic excellence and spiritual growth? Little Olive Tree Preschool offers a distinctive approach to early childhood education grounded in biblical principles across 19 locations in Singapore. We invite you to discover how our Truth, Beauty, and Goodness curriculum can provide your child with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and character development. Register your interest today to learn more about enrollment opportunities at a Little Olive Tree Preschool near you.

---

Little Olive Tree aims to shape Singapore's future by investing in its youngest generation. Through holistic early education and close partnership with families, we nurture resilient, values-driven children who will one day make a positive difference in society.

This content is for informational purposes only. For the most current information about our programs and services, please contact us at hello@lot.edu.sg or Whatsapp us at 80353772.