When it comes to mastering a new language to the point of being proficient, the initial stages of learning are crucial as it dictates the outcome. With regard to pronunciation, the application of the specific tones, basically the use of the language can prove challenging for the non-native speakers of the language. It is good to know that this difficulty does not apply to young students as they are like sponges ready to easily absorb what they learn. More and more modern parents are exposing their children to the “extra” language as it is known to pave ways for a brighter and better future.
Here in Malaysia, the “extra” language that we speak is Mandarin. Regardless if the child's future is based in Malaysia or abroad, Mandarin is a much sort after language worldwide. Its hands down the most widely used native language, spoken by millions around the world. Being proficient in Mandarin will prove invaluable for a child’s future with regard to his or her career placements. Mandarin is the go-to language for today and tomorrow.
Why parents are turning to Cubs Mandarin Early Years
Cubs Mandarin Early Years as well as Cubs Early Years are relatively new names in our local early education industry. However, the preschool was founded by professionals with over 30 years of experience in early education! As its name implies, Cubs Mandarin Early Years has a mission of helping to prepare and equip children for enrolment into any Chinese primary school, which is, in turn, seen as an advantageous and enriching schooling experiences which will bring them far in life.
Enrolment into Cubs Mandarin Early Years isn’t necessarily only open for children who are preparing to enter Chinese based primary schools, but also for parents who are planning to send their children to private or international schools with a strong Mandarin base. “Learning an extra language is not a loss to anyone but instead proves to be an invaluable asset to a child’s future,” shared Elizabeth Tan, the Academic Manager of Cubs Mandarin Early Years SS19, during her recent interview with Kiddy123.
The Mandarin academic based programme at Cubs Mandarin Early Years was designed to enhance the mastery and proficiency of Mandarin in young children. Due attention will be given to the mastery of English and Bahasa Melayu as well as other core subjects such as Mathematics and Science. As pointed out by Ms Tan, the founders were committed to forging a new pathway for early education in Malaysia. “They recognise the widening gap between the development of our preschoolers using the common approaches in teaching. Hence, they have come together to set up a team of experts to design a curriculum that is more enriching,” she explained. “Also, they wish to see children be the voice and decision makers of their own educational journey.”
Mandarin-immersed preschool
In order to be proficient, it is crucial that as many opportunities must be provided for a student to use the language. At Cubs Mandarin Early Years, the uniqueness is that the entire preschool is “immersed” in Mandarin and such opportunities, as mentioned above, are provided for the student to better practice their communication skills. “Here at CMEY, they will never be short of opportunities to speak and listen to the language throughout the day. Mandarin is one of the main languages used for teaching most sessions here. Emphasis on Bahasa Melayu and English is definitely recognised as well, but the Mandarin “immersed” environment is created to develop the child’s confidence whist improving their proficiency in the language,” stated Ms Elizabeth Tan.
At Cubs Mandarin Early Years, the theory of learning is based on the Ecology Theory of Urie Bronfenbrenner, that allows the child to learn via their environment. “Which is to say that we believe that children are always learning and observing from their surroundings, from the physical and emotional atmosphere, the individuals around them, etc. Children learn by exploring, discovering and taking ownership of the outcome, and understanding that the decisions they make will have a certain impact,” Ms Elizabeth Tan explained.
Cub Mandarin Early Years differs from conventional preschools in the sense that there are more Mandarin periods than English and Bahasa Malaysia. Hence, the earlier the parents enrol their children into this preschool, the better, as explained by Ms Elizabeth Tan when asked if it was tough for children to be learning subjects like Mathematics in Mandarin. “We will incorporate more and more lessons in Mandarin, as well as time spent on learning Mandarin as the students get older and become more proficient,” she revealed. “This is especially so if the student comes from a non-Chinese speaking background, so as to ensure that the child is able to successfully master a completely new language from scratch,” she added.
Thanks to the dedicated team of educators, as well as the Curriculum and Development Editorial Team, also known as CADET, which provides training for the educators, and continuous improvement training for all the staff, the Cubs Mandarin Early Years SS 19 and Tuition Centre is able to successfully cater to the needs of families of preschoolers for a high quality early education which focuses on Mandarin, as well as for after-school classes after they have graduated from preschool and moved along to formal school and started Standard One to Standard Six. In conclusion, Cubs Mandarin Early Years is the place to be if you wish to have a strong Mandarin, English and Bahasa Melayu foundation. And the cherry on the cake is that after graduating they can still continue learning at the tuition centre as well.
