Netizen confused by children’s unique interpretation of Singapore flag
One of the most memorable aspects of National Day is seeing how residents decorate their neighbourhood.
But one netizen took particular interest in some handcrafted decorations displayed outside a preschool.
Unable to contain their surprise, the netizen shared their observations in a Reddit post on 14 Aug.
The Original Poster (OP) noted that the stars have “changed position” on the children’s artworks of the Singapore flag.
Source: Reddit
Five stars on the flag in the wrong position
In the post, the OP attached a picture of the artworks hung along the windows of a PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Sparkletots school.
Unlike the usual arrangement, the stars in the flags have been pasted in an arc.
The Singapore National Flag has a prescribed design: five stars arranged in a circle beside the crescent moon.
Souree: National Heritage Board
The OP then asked, “Since when our stars changed position?”.
In an exclusive with MS News, the OP said that their first reaction was wondering why the stars were all “pasted wrongly in the same fashion”.
They added, “Were the children taught correctly?”.
Netizen questioned the guidance given to the children
In the post, the OP clarified that they are “not criticising preschoolers for not being able to draw the Singapore flag accurately”.
Rather, the consistency of mistakes throughout the artworks concerned the OP.
As it was not a one-time mistake, it seemed like an intentional choice.
The puzzling sight made them wonder if that was how the children were “shown [or] taught to draw the Singapore flag”.
For the OP, their concern lies in the educational reference shown at the school.
They said, “Since this is a National Day activity intended to teach young children about our national symbols, I feel it is reasonable to ask whether the children were shown the correct reference”.
Relayed concerns to the preschool
After seeing the artworks, the OP claimed that they raised the issue privately with the PCF Headquarters.
They add that the intent is “not to complain about the children or teachers”, but rather ask if the children are being “taught the correct representation of our National Flag”.
In an update, the OP shared that PCF Sparkletots has replied to their email, acknowledging the oversight and agreeing with the OP’s concerns.
PCF Sparkletots allegedly added that they will be “reminding educators to verify teaching materials”, as well as “reinforce appropriate guidance” during activities.
Since receiving the response from PCF Sparkletots, the OP expressed relief that the preschool had taken the concerns into account.
Artworks caused a stir amongst netizens
Most netizens also voiced the same concerns as the OP, agreeing the OP “did the right thing” by emailing PCF Sparkletots.
Source: Reddit
Some noticed that the alignment of the stars resembled the ones on the China flag.
Source: Reddit
However, a few netizens critcised the OP for pointing out the children’s mistakes.
Source: Reddit
Speaking to MS News, the OP shared that they were “appalled” by the criticism directed at them.
“They don’t seem to understand that the issue is not [the] kids’ artwork,” they said.
“The issue is more of kids may not be taught correctly.”
Although some netizens encouraged the OP to escalate the issue to the Ministry of Education (MOE), they chose not to do so.
The OP believes that Sparkletots’ response is sufficient enough for the situation.
They added, “For people who feel the need to escalate, they can do so to whichever channel they think is suitable”.
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Featured images adapted from r/singaporespeaks on Reddit and Artem Podrez on Pexels.