by on 26/01/2022 5424
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Starbright Kindergarten, Simpang Ampat aims to give young children an experiential early learning journey that is both fun and enjoyable. The preschool accepts children ages 18 months to 6 years, and has branches in Taman Bagan and Chai Leng Park, Penang.
The founder and group principal of Starbright Kindergarten, Ms Khaw, strives to break away from traditional rote learning where children only memorised facts and focused on test results. Instead, she wants to provide a wholesome, well-rounded education that encourages creativity and critical thinking, not to mention heaps of joy.
To do so, Starbright uses a curriculum that is based on their unique 5Q Development System. The 5Q’s are Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), Creative Quotient (CQ), Life Skill Quotient (LSQ) and Physical Health Quotient (PHQ). Under this educational system, children are measured through various quotients like how they converse with friends, how they behave and how they are able to solve problems. When all the quotients are balanced, children become multifaceted citizens of the world who are ready to face future learning and the world on their own.
The kindergarten advocates for creative learning. There are many fun activities incorporated into the syllabus of Starbright Kindergarten. Based on different themes, children are immersed in songs, stories, games, art, speech and drama, baking, and many more hands-on experiences to learn across all subject areas. Some past exciting activities include being a little YouTuber baking cookies and participating in a virtual Disney storytelling competition where children got to dress up in costumes.
Every year, there are also annual concerts that allow children to hone their presentation and public speaking skills, as well as sports days that get all families into a friendly competitive spirit. During school holidays, children won’t be idle as there are bound to be more enjoyable programmes like ukulele classes, calligraphy sessions and educational outings. Other than that, enrichment programmes such as Artopia Creative Art and Craft, Harmony Road Music Programme and Gigo Little Engineer make learning even more diverse and exciting for the children.
On top of that, teachers encourage children’s talents in whatever they do, helping them build up the 8 Multiple Intelligences for life – 1. Word Smart, 2. Number Smart, 3. Picture Smart, 4. Body Smart, 5. Self-Smart, 6. People Smart, 7. Music Smart, 8. Nature Smart. Such skills can transform children’s future for the better, improving the way they learn, work and live.
When it comes to hiring teachers, Starbright Kindergarten makes sure to choose those they feel are loving, passionate and truly committed to helping children grow. They must be willing to create a welcoming environment which cares for the children’s individual and education needs. Furthermore, the teachers must show enthusiasm to continuously improve themselves.
To enhance children’s education, the teachers at Starbright Kindergarten initiates positive communication with parents. Parents won’t only hear from the school in the event of a problem or concern, but regularly throughout the year about the progress their child has made. It is also part of the culture at Starbright to have family engagement activities like celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival to nurture a healthier bond amongst the school community.
Parents can rest assured that their children are safe in school as proper health and hygiene SOPs are in place. Besides daily temperature checks, social distancing and sanitization practices, teachers and students are also required to be tested weekly or fortnightly to ensure they are clear of the Coronavirus infection.