Morning Star Kindergarten, Kepong

Morning Star Kindergarten in Kepong has been nurturing young minds since 2005, helping children to build a strong foundation in academics and character.

The kindergarten’s motto, ‘Transcending Boundaries’, reflects how it prepares children to become resilient 21st-century learners, capable of facing the ever-changing challenges of a modern world.

After graduating with a degree in education, kindergarten director Ms. Tan Peik Chin spent close to a decade teaching college students in Singapore. “While teaching older students, I realised that it was harder to change their way of thinking. I wanted to mold young minds from their earliest years when they are still blank canvases,” she shares.

This realization inspired her to start Morning Star Kindergarten, where children aged 3 to 6 are nurtured through a holistic, thematic approach to learning.

Future-proofing children through education

We live in a world where knowledge can easily be accessed through the internet. What sets Morning Star Kindergarten apart are all the other things that cannot be taught by a computer, such as creativity and critical thinking skills, good character, and mental fortitude.

Rather than having subject-based study, the kindergarten focuses on a thematic approach that integrates English, Science, Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, and Mathematics through cross-curricular activities. These are designed to encourage children to make connections between what they learn and real-life experiences.

For example, a lesson on the human body may begin with children learning about different parts of the body through stories and books. Children then engage in hands-on activities to solidify the learning link – like tasting food to understand how the different parts of the tongue detect bitter or sweet flavours.

One of the key focuses of Morning Star’s curriculum is S.T.E.A.M education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Ms. Tan shares a story about a lesson on weather, where 6-year-old children were encouraged to explore the topic through a picnic. “We talk about weather changes, and some of the kids go home and research about tornadoes, coming back to share their findings. When children are interested, learning becomes easier and more enjoyable.”

This thematic learning extends to music, physical activities, and sensory experiences, where children engage with concepts in a multi-dimensional way. “We don’t teach music or physical education as separate subjects. We integrate them into the theme to keep children engaged and happy. Some kids don’t enjoy standalone subjects, but through this approach, they participate and learn without realising it,” says Ms. Tan.

To help children master the three main languages used in Malaysia, ie English, Bahasa Melayu, and Mandarin, the kindergarten adopts an immersive environment where teachers engage the children according to the language they are teaching. The school also offers a one-to-one reading programme to help students brush up on their literacy skills quickly.

Morning Star Kindergarten also offers a variety of in-house enrichment programmes, ranging from storytelling and arts and crafts to Chinese poetry and S.T.E.A.M. There are periods allocated for rest, and children are guided in their homework. Afternoons are usually filled with lighter, productive activities that reinforce what the children have learned in the morning.

Hands-on learning and going beyond the classroom

Ms. Tan strongly believes that learning should not be confined to four walls. As such, children are provided real-world exposure through excursions and practical activities.

One example of this is the “I am a Zookeeper” theme, where children are taken to visit places like the farm to interact with animals and understand the role of a zookeeper.

Another real-world activity involves taking children on shopping trips to teach them about budgeting and money management. “The children’s parents will give the kids a small allowance, and they learn how to check prices, weigh items, and pay at the cashier. It’s a fun and practical way to introduce mathematics and the value of money,” Ms. Tan elaborates.

Even in the classroom, real-world experiences are brought to life. For instance, the “My Lunch” theme teaches children about healthy eating habits and the food pyramid. Children are encouraged to do presentations, which builds confidence and communication skills.

Cultivating independence from a young age

For younger learners, Morning Star incorporates elements of the Montessori approach, focusing on sensory activities and movement. The aim is to build independence and develop both gross and fine motor skills.

“We use methods like flashcards to introduce children to academic concepts early. By the time they go to primary school, they are confident, have a good academic foundation, and are happy to learn,” Tan notes.

A safe and clean environment with an open culture of communication

Morning Star Kindergarten places great emphasis on hygiene and safety. “We’ve always had strict hygiene protocols, even before COVID. Every day, we check the children’s hands, tongue, and feet, and take their temperature. Our toys are cleaned daily to ensure a clean and safe environment,” Ms. Tan explains. The school also uses purifying machines to sanitise the space regularly.

Safety is another top priority, with only approved guardians allowed to pick up and drop off children. Each classroom is equipped with CCTV to ensure a secure environment.

When it comes to communication with parents, Morning Star takes a proactive approach. “We don’t wait until the end of the semester to inform parents if their child is facing challenges. After one or two months, we update parents on their child’s progress. If there are any concerns, we address them immediately so we can provide the necessary support,” says Ms. Tan.

In short, Morning Star Kindergarten lives up to its “Transcending Boundaries” motto, ensuring children are not only academically prepared but also emotionally resilient – qualities that are sure to be invaluable in the 21st century.