by on 21/02/2023 2887
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Established in January 2019, Apple Seed Preschool Kota Kemuning has since been providing premium quality early education for little ones ages between 2½ to 6 years old, in and around the aforementioned area. Kiddy123 had the delightful opportunity to talk to Founder and Principal Ms Carmen to uncover the story behind its resounding success as one of the top providers of early education in Kota Kemuning.
With a long-standing dream of establishing her own kindergarten, Ms Carmen wasted no time in taking over Apple Seed Kota Kemuning when the opportunity presented itself, and today, it has grown to become one of the more renowned names in kindergarten education. The curriculum practiced here is one of Montessori and Thematic, merged with Trilingual immersion of English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin.
Ms Carmen, whose daughter is a fast-developing toddler, has always wanted to head a preschool which children love to attend. “I firmly believe that if children do not feel forced to learn, they will be able to absorb and retain their lessons much better. Ultimately, it is what all parents want for their child. It is, of course, what I would want for my own daughter as well,” she shared with Kiddy123 recently.
The curriculum of a preschool plays a major role in determining the kind of experiences its students will have when they are spending their time there. Reaching the perfect balance of learning and playing is crucial to be able to produce the best outcomes, and this is where a preschool is said to either make it or break it. Ms Carmen has always been well aware of this fact, which counts for the reason why her preschool, Apple Seed, integrates the hands-on teaching methodology of Montessori together with a Thematic based approach to produce one of the best curriculums possible for this era. With the gradual introduction of new learning tools and materials, care is taken to ensure that children have loads of fun while acquiring a high-quality preschool education.
The themes are replaced now and then at Apple Seed, keeping it fresh and exciting so that the little ones will never feel bored. The themes used vary in many ways, and they may even be based on the festivities celebrated nationally too. Within a chosen theme, the children will be able to make connections and correlations between one lesson and another, whereby young, curious minds will always feel a sense of achievement when they understand and can make sense of what they are being taught.
As explained by Ms Carmen, the teachers each have a noble duty and responsibility to help stimulate their students’ curiosity by guiding them to explore their learning grounds by observing, touching, etc, and by asking questions. “I am happy to have a team of dedicated, passionate teaching staff with many years of experience between them, who are always ready to help the little ones to explore and broaden their minds.”
Not all preschool owners have the good fortune of being able to provide a really spacious environment for learning and playing. In this particular aspect, Ms Carmen has expressed her gratitude on being offered a Government-rented property in the form of a single storey bungalow with an exceptionally spacious outdoor area. “Here is where my students really love to spend time,” she shared. And we can fully understand why! Apart from the brilliant outdoor play area structures, where the active young ones get to move their bodies and interact socially with their peers, Apple Seed preschool also boasts an edible garden in which little ones can potter around as they learn about the source of food and ultimately, the circle of life, as they help do their part in making this world a greener place, so to speak. There are also days when the inflatable swimming pools are brought out for water play time. Well, we can’t help but admit that in our hot, humid weather, and under the watchful eyes of teachers on duty, it is definitely a joyful blessing to be a child attending Apple Seed!
The mornings at Apple Seed start off on an exceptionally happy and cheery note, with some outdoor play activities which help keep children’s minds active, bright, and more receptive towards their lessons throughout the morning. It is a known fact, actually, that outdoor play at Apple Seed is one of the preschool’s main attractions, both for the students and their parents too. After all, which parent would object to their child not kicking up a fuss whatsoever to attend preschool? This outdoor time is so precious and well-received that it has become a weekly practice to have a special outdoor learning session. Needless to say, the children love it!