It can’t be far from natural science because we frequently hear that children’s brains are like sponges, which absorb everything they go through and take in everything that happens around them. Wouldn’t it be great if we could provide them with all the physical, emotional, social, and cerebral knowledge they would require to be prepared for combat in the years to come?
Choosing the best kindergarten or preschools for your child can be challenging. After all, just like everyone else, you would desire the best education for your child. To locate the ideal school for your children, you must consider various aspects, including the curriculum, class size, commute time, and more. That seems like much work. We’ve covered you with this list of Malaysia’s top 5 kindergartens and preschools. Let’s go through what they have to offer in more detail.
The 5 Best Kindergartens in Malaysia
YELAOSHR
Yelaoshr focuses on all aspects of learning in high-quality kindergartens. They pay attention to what interests kids and create themes or projects that help them broaden their knowledge and abilities in several areas. When children can draw connections across many content areas, they better comprehend the subject. When your child and a friend make a paper box feeder, for example, they use maths and science to measure and combine materials to make the feeder stable, language to describe their ideas and decide how to solve the problem, and reading (with the help of an adult) to learn what kind of seed different birds prefer. This integrated, deeper learning helps kids prepare for their primary education.
Yelaoshr helps kids with their language abilities by giving them many opportunities to listen to and communicate with others. They chat with kids while they play, in groups and one-on-one throughout the day. They encourage kids to share their knowledge, opinions, and feelings. Most kindergarteners learn what reading is for and what rhyming sounds are. They discuss and listen to stories with the kid, making the learning process lively. Yelaoshr helps their students to be more fluent when reading to create a base for their language ability. Yelaoshr also focuses on children’s writing progress.
Yelaoshr has much subjectivity on the part of instructors and much thinking when dealing with each child and understanding how they might grow. As a result of this subjectivity, Yelaoshr learning/teaching has developed several teaching styles. They had varied strategies to help kids comprehend different teaching styles and fill in the gaps in the knowledge of preschool education for kids.
OASIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
A learning environment that fosters character, leadership, and creativity is offered by Oasis International School – Kuala Lumpur using the US curriculum. OIS allows students to develop wholesome friendship skills, social values, and empathy within and outside the classroom. Play and enough rest are essential components of the educational process and aid children in performing better on scholastic problems. OIS educates kindergarteners. Kindergarten classes have a maximum of 15 pupils and are taught by elementary school teachers with US teaching credentials.
WHITELODGE PRESCHOOL
White Lodge is a Singapore-based organisation that instructs children in structured, significant, individualised and nurturing methods to think creatively. WhiteLodge focuses on kids’ physical and intellectual development while learning from them. Located in Bangsar South and Desa ParkCity, the curriculum is taught through arts and crafts, sensory activities, drama, music & movement, gross & fine motor activities, literacy, numeracy, science, and languages. It is based on High Scope, Reggio Emilia, and Harvard Project Zero principles.
ALICE SMITH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
The Alice Smith Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum seeks to create a treasure trove of wonder and joy for young brains that are naturally interested. Children will feel safe, cared for, and cherished in the school’s designated Early Years Foundation Stage to play spaces and gardens, which offer a stimulating and intriguing setting. At Alice Smith, all classroom instructors have early childhood education degrees and extensive experience working with young children. They make the kid participate in exploratory and physical play, explore language-rich surroundings where children gain a love of books and reading, and participate in music and movement sessions thanks to carefully crafted curricula and learning spaces.
LITTLE URBAN FOREST
Little Urban Forest preschool was founded on the principle that Mother Nature is the most outstanding teacher on earth, a natural force that inspires humanity to seek, learn, and unearth the mysteries of life and its creations on earth. It is the first urban play-based forest school and sustainability learning preschool for children aged 2 to 6 years to be established in KL. With the help of environmental education and sustainability techniques, their programme seeks to inculcate in young people a love of nature and fundamental life skills. Here, little ones will get their hands dirty while participating in interior learning, outdoor exploration, and survival activities.
The Benefits of Sending Your Child to a Good Kindergarten
Early childhood development is significantly influenced by kindergarten. It includes initiatives intended to get students ready for future education. Children gain various cognitive, emotional, and social abilities in kindergarten that prepare them for success in school later on.
They have the opportunity to learn more about and comprehend the world throughout this phase. Numerous entertaining and instructive activities are provided for them, which improve their learning. Your young child will benefit from a fantastic stage of knowledge and many loving experiences by attending kindergarten.
Learning language and cognitive skills
Young children are introduced to a linguistically diverse environment in a high-quality kindergarten programme. Here, their language expands, and their communication abilities increase. Teachers can assist students in improving their language abilities by posing challenging questions. Other exercises are also offered to kids to aid in developing their language abilities. One illustration is talking about a particular subject, such as their favourite animal or pastime.
In kindergarten, children also develop their cognitive abilities in addition to their verbal skills. Hands-on activities that challenge the minds of kindergarten students are provided. Because a child’s brain is like a sponge at this age, it is strongly advised that parents make the most of this learning capacity.
Growth of social and emotional skills
Social and emotional development is just as crucial as a child’s cognitive development. Because of this, the kindergarten emphasises them as well. Teachers in kindergarten do more than keep an eye on the kids and teach them the basics of ABCs and 123s.
Teachers are educated to support the social and emotional growth of young children. They allow kids to make friends and engage in positive social interactions. Additionally, they employ “teachable moments” to help kids learn how to control their emotions and settle disputes on their own.
Practise independence.
An excellent place for children to develop their self-care and independence is kindergarten. Children do not have their parents help them with specific tasks in kindergarten. They only have themselves to rely on for everything, from organising their personal belongings to emptying their lunch box. They acquire the practical abilities they will require as they mature in this setting. And they learn to take care of others in addition to themselves.
Children have the chance to practise helping and caring for others in kindergarten. As kids mature, they pick up the habits that facilitate the development of positive interpersonal connections.
Reading and maths proficiency.
Early literacy and maths instruction is essential to a child’s development. This is why kindergartens are also taught about these things. Children are offered tasks that advance their reading and maths abilities to prepare them for future academic efforts. Kids are given sorting games, matching exercises, counting games, and other assignments that help them better grasp numbers while they study mathematics.
Children are taught how to distinguish letters in both uppercase and lowercase as they work on improving their reading abilities. They finally read a few high-frequency words and discovered how each letter’s sounds match.
Promotes a kid’s curiosity.
Although kindergarten is more regimented than daycare facilities, it encourages a child’s curiosity. Children are encouraged to be curious and to explore their surroundings in kindergarten. It gives kids the chance to use their imaginations and creativity. Instead of giving a lecture as students sit in the four corners of the room, teachers utilise creative play to deliver lessons. Additionally, kid-friendly toys are employed to make learning more entertaining for kids.
Choosing the Right Kindergarten for Your Child in Malaysia
You have a toddler at home. Are you a parent? If so, you may have reached the point where you’re considering enrolling your child in kindergarten. How do you choose the most acceptable kindergarten programme for your child when so many options are available?
If you are now at a crossroads, here are some practical tips:
1. Evaluate your vision for education.
Which type of school would you like your child to attend? What abilities do you want your child to acquire? After identifying a good education for yourself, read about the school’s vision, mission, and learning philosophy.
2. Seek out a curriculum that is balanced and comprehensive.
Every parent wants their kids to develop in all spheres, including their cerebral, physical, emotional, and social talents. Children in their early years are proliferating in many areas and need a balanced programme that considers the complete kid. Look for a kindergarten programme that integrates active learning and creative play into everyday instruction.
3. Look for committed educators with a solid early childhood teaching foundation.
Only a group of teachers passionate about early childhood education and committed to the curriculum can provide a fantastic result. Before picking a school, it is vital to discover more about the teachers’ histories and watch them in action because teachers impact a child’s education the most.
4. Be mindful of the class size.
Teachers have more opportunities to satisfy the needs of each kid when classes are smaller. Students will be more interested in the course, and teachers will pay closer attention to and interact with everyone. Additionally, it’s critical to understand how strongly discipline is emphasised in the classroom. You should not attend a class where young children yell or run around.
5. Consider the entire school community.
It can be easy to concentrate solely on the teacher when selecting a kindergarten programme, but it’s essential to examine the entire school and if your child will feel at “home” there. Not only are you picking a teacher, but also a school. It’s good to admire your child’s kindergarten teacher and anticipate the future.
What to Look For in a Kindergarten
As indicated by parents enrolling their children in kindergarten as young as two years old, many parents today recognise the value of early education. Early childhood education gives kids the fundamental academic, social, and communication skills they need to succeed in primary school.
When selecting the best kindergarten for your child, it’s necessary to look into a few things.
1. Curriculum
Kindergarten curriculum comes in a variety of formats nowadays. Kindergartens typically create specialised curricula based on existing curricula, such as Whole-Child Education, Reggio Emilia, and Montessori Method. Would a more academic or play-based curriculum be better for your child? Find out which curriculum best fits your child’s personality and learning preferences.
2. Teaching Qualifications
Never forget to inquire about the credentials of the teachers at each kindergarten you visit. Ask about the minimum requirements, the duration of the teachers’ employment, and the turnover rate. Do the teachers receive ongoing training? Are the methods of instruction modern? When your child starts preschool, he will spend much time away from you, so it’s critical to pick teachers who are the best fit for him.
3. Teaching and Disciplinary Methods
If the kindergarten permits it, take advantage of the chance to witness a class in action. You can observe in person how teachers discipline students who misbehave. Do the teachers know how to deal calmly and effectively with arguments, temper tantrums, and physical displays of emotion? This is also the moment to inquire about the types of punishment, such as time-outs or reprimands, that are applied. Before enrolling your child in kindergarten, ensure you are at ease with its disciplinary practices.
4. Outdoor or Physical Activities
Children are, by nature, enthusiastic and energised. As a result, you ought to look for kindergartens that include physical education in their curricula. Kindergartens frequently have time in their pupils’ schedules for modest exercise and outdoor play. Additionally, many kindergartens include playgrounds.
5. Security
Other than by teachers, how else are kids watched over? As this will be the first time your child spends a significant amount of time away from you, it is crucial to ensure that their learning environment is secure. Ascertain whether there are CCTV cameras at the kindergarten, and notice whether a security guard is there to watch the pick-up and drop-off area.
Tips for Helping Your Child Adjust to Kindergarten Life
Kids experience significant transitions in kindergarten. Some students are experiencing regimented school life for the first time. Others may transition from a small preschool classroom to an ample space with many children. Likewise, every child reacts differently. Some people are impatiently looking forward to new experiences. Some people struggle with change and feel anxious. Children may also behave differently after they enter the classroom.
Additionally, kindergarten preparedness scores vary across children. Some people already possess the necessary abilities, such as counting to ten and the alphabet. Some people still haven’t arrived.
Here are five suggestions for easing the move.
1. Practice kindergarten skills.
Practice the skills your child will use in class, such as letter formation and pencil grip, throughout the summer. If your child isn’t yet proficient in these skills when school begins, that’s okay. However, if your child doesn’t try these skills in the kindergarten classroom for the first time, it can reduce stress for your child and benefit the teacher. Also, kindergarteners cut out a variety of shapes. Now is a terrific time to introduce your children to kid-friendly scissors if they haven’t already.
2. Establish definite bedtime and morning schedules.
With kindergarten starting, there’s a high possibility that your child will adopt a new morning schedule. Maybe the alarm goes off earlier. Or they had to wait for you to pick them up. Moving bedtime earlier might be helpful, depending on your morning routine. Walk your children through the morning ritual before school starts. Try to get your kid to eat breakfast, get dressed, and wake up on time. Will you be the one to help your kid leave the house? If not, have the person who will be watching your child in the mornings practise the routine a few times.
3. Start gradually reducing nap time.
The majority of kindergarten programmes receive a break. However, if your child is still napping, this respite will likely be shorter than they are accustomed to. Before school starts, try reducing naptime by a few minutes each day.
4. Make instructions enjoyable to follow.
Throughout the school day, kindergarten students are required to follow instructions. Practice this in a fun way at home. Before the start of the school year, have your child complete tasks with one- and two-step instructions. Together, you can make crafts or play brand-new games. Or you could ask your kid to assist you in the kitchen.
5. Enquire about your child’s feelings.
Due to the high number of firsts, kindergarten is unique from other grades. Kids may feel apprehensive because there is so much that is unknown. Talking with your child can help them overcome their first-day anxieties and concerns. What do you want to know about kindergarten, for example?
Your children may find it challenging to comprehend or express these emotions. But let your children know you’re there by asking questions and demonstrating empathy.
Final Thoughts
Both children and parents may experience excitement and anxiety on the first day of kindergarten. This significant turning point in your child’s academic career marks the start of a period of intense study and development. You may prepare your child for this transition as a parent by taking specific actions. What can you do as kindergarten opening day draws near to ensure your child starts successfully? Parents are crucial when it comes to assisting their kids in getting ready for the start of their next academic chapter.
Finding the ideal kindergarten that will encourage children to lead their futures with confidence and, as a result, develop into well-adjusted adults is just as important as finding a good kindergarten that will provide a child with the best start possible in their educational path.
FAQs:
What age is kindergarten in Malaysia?
For young children aged 4 to 5 years old, kindergarten is a non-formal and flexible programme in Malaysia. Depending on the needs of the parents, the curriculum lasts between one and two years.
Is It Compulsory to Attend Kindergarten in Malaysia?
Preschool education, or kindergarten, in Malaysia, starts as early as four years old, but it is not compulsory. However, most children under the age of six start their preschool education formally to get ready to start school.
Can a 4-year-old go to kindergarten?
In Malaysia, formal education begins at four years old when a child enters preschool. A kid must be four years old on January 1 of the school year to be eligible for 4-year-old kindergarten.
Is preschool and kindergarten the same?
Children aged two to four years old enter preschool whereas children aged four to six years old enter Kindergarten. Preschool introduces children to school, social interaction, and following rules; kindergarten is more regimented and typically takes a more direct approach to learning and achieving academic milestones.
