The Kindergarten
Conveniently located in the Plaza Akardia development in the heart of Desa ParkCity in Kuala Lumpur, the recently opened Knowledge Tree + Montessori Kindergarten offers progressive educational programmes that underscore hands-on learning and self-directed activities on the part of the child. Benchmarked against the century-old, science-backed philosophy and principles developed by Dr Maria Montessori, the kindergarten’s intrepid approach to its early education is nothing short of exemplary.
Good early education provides children with a solid academic foundation for their future learning. As such, Knowledge Tree + Montessori strongly believes that Montessori education provides the best possible learning opportunities for children. Children are eager learners and are highly self-motivated to learn and teach themselves when placed in a carefully designed learning environment. Their first few formative years are just as critical. To stay true to these ideals, Knowledge Tree + Montessori continuously strives to provide a calm, stimulating child-centred learning environment with an emphasis on personal responsibility.
As of this writing, the Knowledge Tree + Montessori at Plaza Akardia has a total enrolment of approximately more than 60 students of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. As our society becomes more diverse, it's more important than ever that students these days are placed in such a diverse classroom, and learn to value and use diversity to the greater good.
Beliefs And Visions
In conformity with the Montessori Method of education, Knowledge Tree + Montessori educational philosophies are deeply rooted in the following aims.
a) To develop social, spiritual, personal, physical and intellectual growth of a child.
b) To influence behaviour patterns.
c) To drive children to the quest for knowledge.
d) To spark educational interest which is to last a lifetime.
A Family Of Experienced Teachers
Teachers play a key role in a child's development, be it cognitively or academically. Knowledge Tree + Montessori places a great emphasis on the quality of the teaching and learning experience. Only qualified teachers with relevant teaching experience are thus recruited. Ergo, all teachers at Knowledge Tree + Montessori kindergarten are diploma holders in Montessori at the least, or degree holders in the field of early childhood education. Series of training programs for teachers are organised from time to time at the kindergarten where education experts are occasionally invited to conduct such training workshops. To ensure all children aged between 3-6 years old at Knowledge Tree are able to develop their potential through the educational standards of Dr Maria Montessori more effectively, the teacher-student ratio is purposely kept small.
Areas of Learning and Development
Knowledge Tree + Montessori offers age-appropriate, progressive educational programmes and numerous after school enrichment activities that are individualised for each student. All classes and programmes are carefully segmented into several levels and are true to the visionary educational philosophy of Dr Maria Montessori. The following essential skills are taught:
01 Programmes:
a)Practical Life
b)Sensorial
c)Phonics
d)Mathematics
e)Music by Gloria Music
f)Culture and Science
g)Art and Craft
h)Physical Activities
02 After School Activities
a) Mandarin Classs
- Held by their in-house Mandarin teacher. The syllabus is based on the Odanata Mandarin Reading Programme.
b) Speech & Drama
- Delivered through the Pyjama Drama programme (a blend of drama, play, music and movement) to nurture children's individuality and creativity.
c) Arts & Crafts
- Held by Passion Art Studio, is a fun and creative class for children to express their creativity.
d) After School Service
- Knowledge Tree also provides flexible and stimulating home-based childcare service.
e) Bahasa Malaysia Class
- Apart from Mandarin, Knowledge Tree also teaches Bahasa Malaysia catered for all children aged 5 and above.
f) Taekwando Class
- Children learn not only discipline, but also learn to improve their general well-being, as well as sell-defence abilities.
g) Bahasa Intensive
- A comprehensive Bahasa Malaysia course catered especially for kids aged 6.
h) Music (by Gloria Music)
- Music (by Gloria Music) is a comprehensive yet fun music class that incorporates vocal training and instrument practice.
i) Bricks 4 Kidz
- Bricks 4 Kidz® is an international program developed by Michelle Cote in the USA in June 2008. Bricks 4 Kidz®, among others, aims to stimulate children’s creative and Innovative thinking with the help of specialised lessons using LEGO® bricks.
