The Hungry Caterpillar, Bandar Utama

Multilingual Preschool in the Klang Valley

Named after the best-selling children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Hungry Caterpillar (THC) is a multilingual preschool in Klang Valley that adopts multiple internationally acclaimed methods of education. Hungry Caterpillar caters to children aged 1 to 6 years old.

Eric Carl’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the book in which the preschool was based on explores the idea that a caterpillar consumes various food items through the week and metamorphoses into a butterfly. Similarly, at Hungry Caterpillar, the principal seeks to offer a place of learning that’s safe; one where children can learn and explore their interests in the best way possible at their own pace.

Situated in a linked double story corner lot in the quiet residential area of Petaling Jaya, Hungry Caterpillar provides a solid foundation in education; one that strives to inculcate positive values among its students with an emphasis on character and intellectual development. The preschool also recognises parents as the first educators and value working in partnership with families to support children’s learning and development.

A Whole Child Development

Based on both the British Early Years Foundation Stage and National Early Education Standards, Hungry Caterpillar helps toddlers transition to a school-based environment and ease their separation anxiety. Teaching methods are student-centred. Thus, at Hungry Caterpillar, children experience a variety of activities that are all part of the daily curriculum. Emphasis is therefore given to teaching lifelong skills such as listening, communicating, sharing, and interacting with others, instructing them in the foundations of numeracy, literature and arts to prepare them for primary school.

At The Hungry Caterpillar, we believe our students will grow up with immense capabilities as an individual and as a contributor to the society they will be in. Therefore, we hope to foster a strong and positive foundation for students to learn critically and independently. We aspire to build an international community where respect is given to everyone regardless of class, nationality, race and religion. - Ms. Yee Teng, Principal of The Hungry Caterpillar

Classes at Hungry Caterpillar are taught by highly experienced teachers with strong backgrounds in a variety of disciplines - education, child psychology, languages and arts. The principal, Ms Tee Yee Teng, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota, the United States with over 8 years of experience in education and childcare both locally and globally. In efforts to have her teachers to remain knowledgeable and abreast of current research within the early childhood and care profession, training is provided for all her teachers throughout the year.

The following areas of learning are offered at Hungry Caterpillar;

1) Literacy

Literacy refers to language, reading and writing in English. We use Jolly Phonics, which is easily recognised as the most effective way to teach English to young learners.

2) Numeracy

Numeracy refers to learning of basic mathematical concepts and skills. We refer to Singapore Maths to introduce students Singapore’s three-step approach: concrete, pictorial, abstract.

3) Gym and Swim

Hungry Caterpillar provides play areas such as a soft play gym, outdoor play area and swimming pool for students to channel their active energy, and to foster their love for fitness and good health.

4) Social Emotional Development

Teaching staff at Hungry Caterpillar has a strong understanding of child psychology to aid the development of each student’s unique character and personality.

5) Creative Arts

This programme fosters children’s creative development, introducing students to different types of arts and let them express their creativity. through interactive arts and craft lessons.

6) Mandarin

Hungry Caterpillar provides Mandarin lessons to allow students to master basic Mandarin.

7) Knowledge of the World

Teachers engage students in lessons and activities where they learn basic knowledge on science and technology, and foster their natural curiosity about the natural world.