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Highlights
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- Focus on hands-on and project-based learning to develop critical thinking skills
- Parental involvement builds a sense of community
- Conducive and safe environment
- Enrichment activities for all-round development
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Founded on the principles of holistic development, Small Wonder Malaysia, Bandar Bukit Tinggi is a preschool and kindergarten that celebrates and respects children as unique individuals with their own thoughts, strengths, and interests.
Formerly known as Mighty Junior Kindergarten, the school is open for children aged 18 months to six years old, providing a platform where they can satisfy their curiosity and gain an understanding of the wider world.
“Hands on learning is the norm here across all age groups,” says school principal, Ong Ai Ying. “At the same time, we also prepare our students for formal education, so they are ready for primary school, especially SK and SJKC,” she adds.
Learning starts with the right environment
Small Wonder Malaysia, Bandar Bukit Tinggi comprises two campuses just minutes apart within the same neighbourhood. The junior campus along Lorong Batu Nilam 12A houses children aged 18 months to four years old, while the senior campus at Lorong Batu Nilam 9L caters to the five- to six-year-old group.
Both spaces boast lush greenery and peaceful surroundings, with ample space for both indoor learning and outdoor play. Physical activity areas are covered, so children are protected from the hot weather and can still enjoy the outdoors.
Meanwhile, classrooms have a minimalist look, with wooden flooring and child-safe furniture. This soft and clean approach to design is less distracting and provides a calm and orderly environment for the children.
There are also learning and reading corners around the campus, giving children ample opportunities to expand on their interests in language, arts and crafts, science, and mathematics.
A comprehensive curriculum
Small Wonder Malaysia, Bandar Bukit Tinggi has a dynamic curriculum that is tailored to each developmental stage.
For younger children, the Montessori approach forms the cornerstone, emphasising practical life skills, sensorial exploration, cultural understanding, literacy, and numeracy. Children are taught independent skills, manners, and ground rules through tasks such as putting on clothes and folding them away on their own, assisted by teachers.
The Little Chef programme, held once a week for 1.5 hours, trains children aged two to three years old how to hone their fine motor skills, as they get to perform tasks such as pouring, squeezing, and cutting (with child-safe utensils). They are also taught how to take out their utensils, do table setting, and scoop food for themselves.
Older children learn through a blend of project-based and subject learning. Core subjects such as Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, and Mathematics are taught based on the National Preschool Standard Curriculum (KSPK), supplemented by books and materials from Talento.
Project-based learning is one of the key highlights at the school and helps older children with their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Four hours per week are dedicated to this approach, where children explore learning corners, conduct group discussions, and identify topics they are interested to work on.
Miss Ong shares a food-themed project previous pupils have worked on, involving a famous Klang dish. As part of the project, the children went on an excursion to learn about the ingredients and cooking process from a real vendor. Parents were then invited for a showcase, where the children proudly served the food they had made to their parents.
“In project-based learning, we encourage pupils to find solutions, so there will be trial and error, which is part of the learning process,” Miss Ong explains.
Miss Ong highlights that through these activities, they are incorporating subject learning too, as the children get to learn about mathematical concepts (such as how many cups of rice to cook, amount of water needed, and more).
Beyond academics, Small Wonder Malaysia, Bandar Bukit Tinggi offers a plethora of enrichment activities for its five- and six-year-olds, from Scholastic World of English to Taekwondo, Mandarin drama, and leadership classes, exposing students to a rich tapestry of experiences.
A sense of community
Small Wonder Malaysia, Bandar Bukit Tinggi understands the importance of a supportive system in a child’s early years, which is why the school’s dedicated team of educators have over a decade of experience, ensuring personalised attention and care.
The school also places a strong emphasis on family bonding, organising regular events like Family Day and parental activities. These occasions not only provide opportunities for parents to engage with their child's learning journey but also build a sense of rapport and trust.
Conclusion
Small Wonder Malaysia exemplifies excellence in early childhood education. From its serene campus environment to its dynamic curriculum and robust enrichment programs, every aspect is designed to nurture well-rounded individuals.
