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Highlights
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- Balancing playing and learning for the best preschool education outcome
- Impressive facilities for the benefit of children’s development and growth
- Qualified teachers who love what they do
- Making learning enjoyable and fun for today’s MCO kids
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It is 2023 and due to being cooped up for so long during the Covid-19 MCO period things have not been quite so ‘normal’ in the area of education. It has clearly left its mark on our children, more notable in preschoolers, where many of them were found to be unhealthily attached to their gadgets. Fortunately though, for parents who know of the Big Apple chain of kindergartens, this critical period of early education is well taken care of using an effective thematic curriculum.
Kiddy123 talked to Ms Yeong, the vice president of Big Apple, Bandar Botanic Klang for the inside story, and here’s what we’ve uncovered.
Big Apple Bukit Puchong had only just begun operating this year in January 2013. Ms Yeong, however, is no stranger to children’s early education, having been the principal of Big Apple Bandar Botanic Klang before this. On a more personal level, Ms Yeong actually found her path in this particular career after being inspired by her own mother who was also a vice principal of a primary school during her time. Hence, teaching is in her genes, which in many ways, speaks volume of her passion as the head of Big Apple Bukit Puchong.
What’s the aim?
Housed in a double storey corner lot, the kindergarten boasts a host of specially designed programs as well as an array of impressive facilities which take children’s learning beyond the classroom. The aim, as explained by Ms Yeong, is to help lift these little ones up from the draw of screens and gadgets, which probably became a big part of their lives during the MCO period. It is crucial that they receive a good early education so as to have a successful future.
Big Apple’s teaching material adheres to the National Preschool Curriculum Standard set by The Ministry of Education Malaysia. With exposure to English Language, Phonics, Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu, Science Observation, and Numbers, even the youngest age group - the 3-year-olds - get the strong foundation they need for their education journey ahead. One outstanding fact about this kindergarten is that little ones who are not yet fully potty-trained are still welcomed here, whereby the correspondence between the staff and the parents are key factors which help this along.
The 4-6 year-olds are guided into strengthening their understanding of English Language, Phonics, Mathematics, Mandarin, and Bahasa Melayu. “Language proficiency is heavily emphasized here, and as Ms Yeong kindly shared, graduates of Big Apple also have a better chance of being accepted into Chinese primary schools. “Our young learners are not just emerging academically inclined, but they are also more independent, having picked up important problem-solving skills and social skills.”
Thematic in approach, with integrated lessons
There is something to be said about Big Apple’s thematic approach in teaching little ones. It is fun and effective, with themes being changed and/or replaced by new ones regularly during the entire school terms. With a whole lot of passion and effort on the side of the teachers, this teaching style has proven to be indispensable in teaching and guiding the malleable minds of little ones without getting them bored or over-challenged. The results speak for themselves in the form of graduates adjusting well in their respective primary schools.
Invaluable programs to bring them further
Big Apple Bukit Puchong offers top-notch programmes that provide the highest value for young minds and bodies. For instance, one might think that kindergartners might not be able to cope with Cambridge English, but here, teachers are qualified to give little ones the precious early exposure to this world-acclaimed English language program, with measurable results too!
Junior Speakers is yet another program to be reckoned with, where teachers guide young learners to voice out their opinions with confidence and poise.
E-learning is another feature in Big Apple’s learning landscape, as is the renowned STEAM programme consisting of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics to encourage critical thinking, inquiry as well as experiential learning.
Next is the outstanding Art Studio, designed to coax out the hidden artist in a child, while the Little Kitchen is where tiny gourmet chefs get trained to properly prepare, cook and serve good food while learning about food safety, cleanliness and table manners.
We cannot speak of Big Apple kindergarten without mentioning their Train Your Skills program, which allows even the youngest age group to practice walking, holding, clapping their hands, etc. As they grow and develop, other more advanced life skills including personal hygiene practices and partaking in simple household chores are introduced.
Outdoor and indoor facilities
Outdoor time includes an inflatable pool that lets little ones have a great time splashing around under close supervision as they strengthen their muscles and learn to coordinate their body parts during Water Play. They may also engage in Sand Play, or potter around within some Gardening. There is also a chalk board for little budding artists to practice their drawing and coloring skills. Indoor facilities include an amazing music room and a really inviting library for some quiet reading time, or even story-telling time.
As one of the ‘youngest’ in the chain, Big Apple Bukit Puchong is already a recognisable kindergarten in the area and Ms Yeong is determined to keep up its renowned name and reputation!
