SSDB 2020 (#ColourfulCultures@Mac): Pongal

This year, PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ MacPherson Blk 108 continues to embark on our project, #ColourfulCultures@Mac that aims to instil understanding and respect of cultures available in Singapore. Children will be able to have a better understanding of the rationale behind the celebrations and explore common elements in all cultures that are often unnoticed.

On 17 January 2020, children had an opportunity to appreciate and know more about Pongal, a multi-day harvest festival that is largely celebrated in India.

In order to give children a better understanding of the festival, teachers set up a booth filled with concrete items that are used during the celebration, such as fruits, mango leaves and ingredients that are used to make Sweet Pongal.

To further enhance their learning experiences through engaging their 5 senses, children had opportunities to feel, smell and observe the ingredients as well as taste the Sweet Pongal.

Children had mixed reactions as they tasted the Sweet Pongal rice. Although most of the children thoroughly enjoyed the taste, some felt that the taste was new to them.

Through this experience, children were also encouraged to respect and have a deep appreciation of other cultures in Singapore.