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Highlights
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- Thematic curriculum with dynamic teaching methodologies
- A safe, conducive environment for young bodies and minds to thrive in
- Loving and caring teaching staff with a passion for guiding children
- Open-concept learning space to promote focus and attention to one’s own task at hand
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The early education industry is booming in Johor, with kindergartens being established in many areas of the southern state. Picking the best one for their child may prove to be a daunting task for some parents, that is, till they come across one particular establishment which goes by the name Sand & Stars Kindergarten, located strategically in Larkin, Johor Bahru. Kiddy123 recently had the opportunity to speak with Mr Samuel of Sand & Stars Kindergarten to find out what makes this early education center stand out among others.
Thematic, play-based learning
We’ve all heard of it now and then, but what exactly does thematic learning entail, and how does it benefit young children? “We have to consider how young minds work and more importantly, how they learn. Whether we realize it or not, children learn the most when they are playing, which is why at Sand & Stars, children are guided through play which include games and activities that build their minds as well as their bodies!” Mr Samuel shared. “These activities are seamlessly structured into the lessons which make learning more impactful, meaningful and effective, and at the same time, it moves away from heavily relying on chalkboard learning. Gone are the old ways of memorizing and copying from what teachers write on the board, and moving on to the next lesson regardless if a child understands the lesson or not.”
We gathered from our interview that each student of Sand & Stars has equal opportunity to thrive thanks to the attention of caring, passionate teachers who are all qualified for the job. Through thematic, hands-on learning, little ones between the ages of 3 to 6 build their knowledge as well as important 21st century life skills in fun ways, which include participating in Music & Movement, Storytelling, Physical Education, and of course, via Playtime at their very own playground.
From the academic viewpoint, the young learners are taught and guided to excel in Mathematics and Science, while they build their language proficiency in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. It should be noted here too that Sand & Stars is already known as an excellent choice for families who wish to enroll their child into a Chinese Primary School, or SRJK Cina.
Why an open classroom concept?
While most other kindies and preschools categorize their classrooms and divide the students into different groups which are closed off from each other, the concept at Sand & Stars stands out with its open classroom design.” All students, regardless of age, are within sight of each other, and they can even hear what others are hearing, learning, etc. It was purposely designed this way to encourage little ones to focus and pay attention to the tasks at hand. This means that from a very young age, these young learners will be training themselves to ‘cut off’ all distractions within earshot and eyesight, and pay full attention to what they are doing, and what they are being taught,” Mr Samuel explained to us. This in itself, is a useful skill that will serve them well as they proceed to their schooling life, and into adulthood as well. “Our students are also exposed to the culture of co-sharing spaces with others, and they learn to respect the boundaries allocated to them,” he added.
One of many bonus points of an open concept classroom is the obvious spaciousness, whereby the students do not feel closed-off from others around them. It is an environment which all children will love, and it is highly conducive for learning and thriving.
Quality teaching staff
To be selected as a teacher at Sand & Stars kindergarten means that one is fully qualified and possesses a passion for educating and guiding children. The teachers here at Sand & Stars do not expect their students to just sit and listen as they scribble on their boards in front of a classroom. Instead, they engage their students in meaningful activities which are fun, while performing hands-on teaching.
The outdoors may find itself indoors, if need be, for it is not beyond a teacher at this kindergarten to bring in objects from nature to be studied and investigated by the students for a more enriching experience in their early education.
Teachers of Sand & Stars also go the extra mile to guide little ones into becoming polite, helpful, and respectful beings with charming characters to boot. After all, these teachers understand that children do not inherit these good values at birth, but rather, they need to be taught. This also means that the time children spend at Sand & Stars is well worth it, for children are taught far more than just what they need to enter primary school. They are equipped with crucial life skills and nurtured into uncovering their own inborn talents.
Specially crafted projects and activities lend the most ideal balance between learning and playing, while carefully planned meals prepared by their own in-house chef ensures that the young students receive proper nutrition for their physical and mental wellbeing as well as optimal growth. Is it any wonder that Sand & Stars tends to stand out as a top kindergarten for discerning families who care about their children’s future!
