Cosmotots-iqd, Damansara Utama

To be able to play with words, master the hidden meanings behind a piece of text, come up with one’s own ideas, and express one’s thoughts on any given subject. Let it not surprise you to learn that we are referring to the success and outcomes of a well-loved children’s IQ development centre known as Cosmotots-iqd. Kiddy 123 had the most pleasant opportunity to chat with Mrs Yoong and her son Ea Wei to uncover more about this well-received centre belonging to their family.

35 years ago, Mr TC Yoong, father of Ea Wei, found himself sorely disappointed at the way his kindergarten-going children were being taught, as he believed the education was doing very little in helping his children to become readers. Mr Yoong himself was an avid reader who believes till this day that the secret to being able to successfully learn anything is to be able to read and write well. “Only then will children have the key to unlocking all their true learning capabilities. We have to be able to read well, to learn well,” Mrs Yoong spoke of her husband’s standing in the matter of children’s education, from then till now.

Back then, as Mrs Yoong explained, before the name Cosmotots-iqd was formed, parents brought their children to TC Yoong in hopes of having their children’s English improved. “It was seen as more of a supplementary education at the time, and TC Yoong was tasked with helping children read and write in English, and do it in the shortest period of time possible. “My husband believed (and still does) that only if they can read and write well in English, can they broaden the horizons of their minds,” she said with a smile. This is probably why till this day, Cosmotots-iqd, which was officially named so in 1991, is primarily known as an English language centre.

Today, with five outlets up and running (three in the Klang Valley and two in Negeri Sembilan). Every outlet follows the unique curriculum and methodology which differentiates Cosmotots-iqd from the norm when compared to any other enrichment centres. As a summary of what was explained by Ea Wei, it is not possible to learn, think well enough about a subject, or write well, for that matter, if you do not read enough! It makes perfect sense to us. Whether you’re a parent whose intention is for your child to score all ‘A’s in their exams, or who wants their child to have a simply gratifying education journey throughout their schooling life, the ability your child needs the most to make either of this a reality is to read well! When children have cultivated the love of books, and are taught to make inquiries and discuss what they have read, they will inevitably develop an interest in learning. In fact, learning would be so much easier for them!

At Cosmotots-iqd, it is believed that extensive reading is the key to opening all the doors of opportunity for kids. It also makes schooling itself a more enjoyable journey, especially if a child is able to write well and articulate his or her opinions on pen and paper. As explained by Ea Wei, it all begins with being well-read. Only through reading and understanding what is being read, and being able to speak of what was read, can children learn ways of expressing themselves and their ideas to the point of being able to produce well-written essays, reports, stories, etc. However, if parents were to depend on the way things are being done conventionally in school, it’s going to be a far way from success for the kids, unfortunately.

“The problem with conventional schools and their system today is, the students are just not being pushed to read enough! This leads to poor language ability, and what follows is that their thought process is also going to be poor,” Ea Wei lamented.

At Cosmotots-iqd, storybooks are the main ‘syllabus’ and reading, discussing and writing are their star activities which will inevitably lead to a child’s resounding success both in school, and in their respective futures ahead. The books consist mainly of international classics such as Black Beauty, Tom Sawyer, Call Of The Wild, Jungle Book, and much, much more. Children are nurtured in their love for reading, and are encouraged to discuss, debate, and lend their opinion on what they have read. And what we have at the end are lessons that are integrated, and a total immersion in learning! As they acquire stronger and deeper language abilities, the quality of their thoughts improves as well, and inevitably, so will their writing.

The pandemic has also brought with it some unique challenges, especially since Cosmotots-iqd is not a “tuition centre” whereby online classes would be almost second nature to them. Thankfully, the reputable, long-standing English language development centre has managed to pull through and continue to thrive. “While parts of our programs have been successfully shifted to online classes, all the five outlets have resumed physical classes where physical interactions promote better and more sustainable learning abilities. This is especially beneficial for young children who cannot read. There are many 6-year olds who will be starting school next year, and they do not even know how to read simple words and sentences,” Ea Wei revealed, much to our surprise. “The aim is to help these groups of children so that they can get back on track and function better in school.” 

Before enrolment, a child is assessed on his/her ability to converse in English and reading ability. The assessment is done in a professional, child-friendly manner before being placed in a class that is best suited to each child’s ability. Classes and programs go by inspiring names, such as Primer, Skywalker, Explorer, Omega, just to name a few. And therewith, as we could deduce from our interview, the child upon enrolment is earmarked to thrive in reading, learning and eventually, writing and discussion.