by on 28/09/2017 7023
Kids Academy, Bandar Puteri Puchong represents the evolving nature of education. It was founded in 2010 by a team of professionals who were inspired by the best practices in early childhood education around the world. Looking at how those children have benefited from such education, they endeavour to do the same for children in the local community and nurture those young minds with innovative programmes.
The curriculum at Kids Academy is holistic and child centric, encompassing literacy, numeracy, science, art, music, moral and a focus on social and emotional development. It integrates the Reggio Emilia approach and many co-curriculars that deepen learning into the framework, while adhering to the National Standard Preschool Curriculum (KSPK) to ensure children are well-prepared for primary school life. Mathematics in Mandarin and abacus learning are also incorporated for those who wish to enter Chinese-medium schools.
Rather than just imparting knowledge, teachers will find the best ways for children to learn and bring understanding of the outside world into the classroom. There will be plenty of hands-on opportunities where children can learn through all nature has to offer, get creative with recyclable materials from a designated Makers Station, and experiment with a variety of open-ended resources that promote discovery-based learning and problem-solving skills. This is to enable children to realise their vast potential and build their unique strengths.
Kids Academy is one of the first preschools to incorporate robotics into the main curriculum. This programme aims to foster the development of motor skills whilst exploring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) topics at the same time. Instead of assembling Lego-bricks or robot parts, children learn how to do basic coding and programming through age-appropriate coding toys and specific software, familiarising children with introductory elements of algorithmic and problem-solving thinking. These lessons are a surefire way to position children for success well beyond their school years.
Kids Academy also offers some of the most well-known franchise enrichment programmes found today. With programmes such as FasTracKids, IQ Training, Kindermusik and Scholastic Early English integrated into its syllabus, children will not only learn, they will also be having so much fun learning.
This programme allows children to be constructively curious and at the same time develop their communication, concentration, self-esteem and social skills. Interestingly, Kids Academy is the only franchise that has the complete suites of the FasTrack programme and is proud to offer them to their students. The fascinating and educational subjects include:
Using the award-winning ABC Music & Me curriculum, this programme allows children to move, sing, pretend and share their love for music. As children engage in the programme, they improve their memory, cognitive development, learning skills and their ability to express emotions.
Scholastic Early English is a systematic and sequential English language learning programme that develops five key early childhood learning areas using the interactive whiteboard technology. Taught in constructive blocks, Scholastic Early English focuses on the mastery of these core language skills: vocabulary, phonics, reading, speaking and writing.
To keep up with the changing world, children at Kids Academy are enabled to sharpen their IQ (Intelligence Quotient), EQ (Emotional Quotient) and CQ (Creative Quotient) through this programme. Using mind-challenging brain development puzzles, children will be transformed into positive individuals who are prepared to overcome adversities in life.
Herein lies Kids Academy’s uniqueness. With such a comprehensive curriculum, coupled with a refreshing presentation format through hands-on and interactive engagement, Kids Academy has transformed the old school classroom into one that is modern and engaging while retaining the old values of patience, respect and responsibility. In such an enabling environment, the teaching and learning divide is sometimes blurred. There will be instances where teachers will learn from the children or the children will learn from their peers.
With highly qualified and very well-trained teachers, children are assured of quality care and education. Each child is valued as an individual where his/her need for attention, approval and affection is supported. Believing that children’s curiosity is ignited by their environment, Kids Academy has created purposeful and naturally inspired indoor and outdoor areas with sufficient space for children to explore and develop.
Lesson plans, incursions, excursions, school events and activities are planned well in advance. In wanting to make the learning experience as real and as engaging as possible for the children, Kids Academy will go to great lengths to fulfill their promise of “Nurturing Young Minds”. They will bring the experience into the school, for instance, getting professionals to give insight into the vital roles they play in the community, creating a tropical forest for a science project, bringing real live animals for “Farm in the School” and setting up tents for a school night camp day.
Kids Academy is well-equipped to offer their curriculum remotely even before COVID times. With the MCO in place, they have quickly pivoted to online classes, which were well-received due to the interactive nature of the lessons, to ensure children don’t miss out on school.
Just as in the fable, “One Thousand and One Nights”, each day at Kids Academy brings forth a new adventure. Even with the fusion of the best practices of different methodologies everything is well structured and organized. The founders and their team of educators have done an excellent job at Kids Academy. Long may they continue “Nurturing Young Minds”.
