by on 07/01/2020 816 1500
Parents want the very best for their children, so does Taska Thumbkin! The day care centre opened its doors more than 10 years ago and is situated on the corner of Jalan Puteri 12/16 in Puchong. It operates from a double storey terrace house in a secure guarded compound. They are open full-time from 8:00am to 6:30pm caring for children between 2 to 6 years. In the long duration of operation, many parents appreciate knowing that their child is benefiting from an educational programme that positively supports children’s long-term growth and prepares them for an easy transition to primary school. Teachers at Taska Thumbkin do not take the trust that parents place in them lightly. They strive to ensure that all children are cared for under a safe and stimulating environment that they deserve.
The day care centre offers a wide range of wonderful experiences which enable children to become successful lifelong learners. The overall quality standards are in line with the principles and requirements of our national preschool curriculum whereby children’s learning is guided by a thematic approach. The themes are usually derived from topics that are age-appropriate and interesting to children, such as transport and all about me. When children learn, the concepts are inter-related across all subject areas including Science, Mathematics, English, Malay, Chinese, Moral, Art and Crafts, Music and Movement, Physical Education, Practical Life, Culture, Cookery and Gardening.
Teachers engage children using multisensory teaching techniques. Children get excited when all their senses are stimulated and that is exactly what they get to do here. They touch, taste, see, feel and manipulate real objects and experience what they learn through hands-on activities and field trips to educational venues. For example during a cooking session, children develop math skills when they weigh out ingredients; they explore language about textures and colours; it encourages children to name the ingredients and discuss how they grow, which incorporates science concepts; it also promotes good hygiene, such as washing hands and cleaning tables; they get to visit a factory to see how certain foods are made. Additionally, children’s natural curiosity is complemented by a large garden where they can learn outdoors – physical activities, gardening, free play and games. With these multisensory experiences, children understand better, learn faster and retain information longer.
Children are also largely guided to pick up certain skills that will help prepare for the move to primary school. Independence becomes a larger focus. A consistent routine, including using the toilet, buttoning their own clothes, keeping away used dishes after meals and putting on shoes, helps children work on self-help skills before the big school leap. During the day, they do spend time reading, writing and learning to follow instructions. The schedule also includes homework time and assessments. The results then provide teachers and parents with important feedback on children’s learning progress.
The fabulous staff, most of which worked at the centre for a very long time, dedicates themselves to achieve the best possible outcomes for all children under their care. They work in partnership with families and creatively address the changing needs of children. These treasured memories, collated at Taska Thumbkin, will be for both children and parents to keep for many years to come.
