by on 09/06/2023 4439
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Tadika Didik Suria (Bright Scholar Learning Centre) is family-friendly kindergarten where teachers and parents work closely together to optimise learning outcomes for the children. Catering for the age group of 3 to 6 years, the kindergarten provides a fun and safe environment whereby nurturing teachers enable children to be intellectually, cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically ready for primary school.
Moving away from a different industry, Ms. Wong started this school and hasn’t looked back since. She holds a qualification in early childhood education and is continuing her studies in special needs, which is a plus point for Tadika Didik Suria students who may be at risk of having a developmental delay or disability. As the principal, she works diligently to give each individual child a quality education where potentials are realized.
The kindergarten fosters a home-like environment that is sure to keep children happy and safe. Each element exists to help in the development of the child. The spaces and classrooms inside are equipped with age-appropriate materials that can promote knowledge and ignite interest for a lifelong love of learning. Outside, there is a small playground and garden where children can get in touch with nature, while building their gross motor skills. Children are definitely at the heart of it all. Every child is given personalised attention addressed to their abilities. Even the tone and voice level that teachers use towards children are encouraging and respectful.
Guided mainly by a theme-based approach, children come together in groups and learn through play and activities that are fun. No two days are the same. Teachers use different interesting topics to help children relate academic knowledge to the real world. For example, under the topic “Plants”, children try their hands at growing bean sprouts where they learn about the stages of a plant life cycle (which is science); then they can learn about colours (i.e. art) as they spot critters such as butterflies in the garden; and when they finally harvest the crops and cook with it, they can pick up new words in the kitchen like bowls, knives and spoons (i.e. language).
This hands-on way of learning with their friends is an effective way of helping children gain an understanding across all subject areas, as well as develop important skills. They learn how to manage their emotions, react in social situations, balance and control, fine motor movements, self-help abilities, and foundational reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. So when it’s time to transition to primary school, children will be independent enough to adapt to a new environment. Throughout this educational journey, teachers are mindful of the important milestones in the main domains of early childhood development.
Additionally, different experiences including concerts, sports days, family events, field trips, enrichment programmes and holiday camps are included in the curriculum to stimulate imagination and create wonder in learning. Another important component is engaging children in charity fundraising events whenever possible. This is one of the best ways to teach them the vital traits of compassion, generosity and humanity which can benefit the society as a whole in the future.
Lessons here are always interactive, encouraging active participation from children rather than receiving passive instruction from the teachers. Bright Scholar is dedicated to enhancing children's learning experiences through project-based learning. By immersing students in real-world projects, they create a dynamic and engaging environment that fosters curiosity and critical thinking.
Take learning about gardens, for example, students embark on a multifaceted journey where they delve into various aspects of gardens. They engage in diverse activities such as watching educational videos, participating in interactive Q&A sessions, and learning about different types of gardens, planting techniques and materials required. The hands-on experience of observing and documenting plant growth, labelling parts of plants, and even cooking with the ingredients they have grown like bean sprouts and morning glory, amplifies their understanding and connection to the subject matter.
Throughout this immersive learning process, students are encouraged to utilize mind-mapping techniques, allowing them to visually organize their thoughts, make connections and enhance their cognitive abilities.
Moreover, Bright Scholar intends to extend the learning beyond the classroom by encouraging students to sell the plants they have cultivated, introducing the concept of money and entrepreneurship.
In today’s rapidly changing world, it is vital to equip children with the 21st century skills to thrive and succeed in the future. By introducing a STEM program, one that focuses on fun learning and discovery, children learn across Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
This STEM program combines themes with bold ideas, design and model construction to stimulate creative thinking and innovation. Children get to actively engage in group work, where each member is assigned a different role, with one of them collecting materials, the other checking them, and the third presenting their work to the group. Sample lessons, such as activities like assembling models of a wheelbarrow or an electric fan, provide hands-on experiences and collaborative opportunities within the group. This approach not only provides an enjoyable learning experience but also cultivates leadership, problem-solving abilities, self-esteem and confidence in students.
To ensure children get the most out of the preschool experience, parents are encouraged to enroll their children for the full day programme. Being placed under the care of qualified teachers with a consistent daily routine and within a conducive environment for learning, there are more opportunities for children to reap the benefits of education faster. They get to talk, play and laugh with friends compared to aimless solitary time spent at home. It gives their social-emotional development a boost.
For a complete well-rounded growth, children are fed nutritious meals to stay healthy and strong. The school offers a vegetarian menu that is prepared according to the guidelines advised by a nutrition consultant from Justlife – a local one-stop organic grocery shop.
Each child holds a special place at Tadika Didik Suria. As an extension of home, parents are warmly invited to communicate with the teaching team to make their children’s transition to the kindergarten as comfortable as possible.