The children's house, Taman OUG

There’s a reason why the children’s house has been trusted by parents in Malaysia since 1986. Founded by Nan Civel (affectionately known as ‘Auntie Nan’) it is the first pre-school in Malaysia to apply a complete and comprehensive Montessori programme. Since its inception, it has touched the lives of over 20,000 children from over 50 countries, with a thousand new children enrolling each year. 

Opened in 2024, the children’s house, Taman OUG is the latest edition to the brand, with a strong dedication to nurturing 21st century learners through principles laid down by educationist Maria Montessori decades ago. 

The preschool’s leafy, cosy environs are ideal for infants and toddlers aged eight months to three years old, where they can thrive in the Montessori Playgroup programme. Its convenient location, easily accessible via Old Klang Road and the Kesas Highway, also makes pick-up and drop-off a breeze for busy working parents. 

Where a child learns matters 

One of the core tenets of the Montessori method is the prepared environment. For the child to enjoy an optimal learning environment, everything must have a purpose and place – whether it’s light, child-sized furniture, or materials that are age-appropriate. 

The children’s house, Taman OUG embodies this concept in all its spaces. The beautifully shaded garden offers a tranquil outdoor area where children can explore and play, and there is an interactive playground that encourages social interaction. 

Similarly, interiors are thoughtfully designed to be bright and inviting. Tall windows and skylights illuminate the classrooms with natural light, while wooden floors and furniture in earth tones contribute to a calm and relaxing atmosphere. 

As befitting Montessori principles, materials are clearly arranged on the shelves according to progression, allowing children the freedom of choice to explore their interests within a structured environment. 

Laying the groundwork from an early stage

The children’s house’s core curriculum is designed to help each child build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, whilst cultivating a lifelong love for learning. Its five key areas include:

• Practical Life: This area focuses on helping children develop gross and fine motor skills, as well as concentration and coordination. Through engaging activities like pouring water, using tongs, and manipulating pegs, children enhance their dexterity and prepare for tasks such as writing. These activities are not just about skill-building; they also teach children the importance of completing tasks independently and taking pride in their work.

• Sensorial: In this area, children are encouraged to refine their five senses through a variety of materials and games that involve texture, sound, taste, smell, size, and colour. This helps them to develop a keen awareness of the world around them, which is crucial for cognitive and emotional growth. 

• Language: The children’s house immerses children in a language-rich environment where they engage with print materials that promote alphabet and word recognition. Children build a solid foundation in language through phonics, reading, grammar, and writing activities. 

• Number work: This introduces children to the world of numbers and mathematical concepts through activities that include physical counting, addition, subtraction, division, and even the decimal system, so that children can develop both concrete and abstract mathematical understanding, to support more complex mathematical thinking in later stages.

• Culture: Children are introduced to the arts, music, and the world around them through various activities. This exposure helps them develop an appreciation for different cultures and the environment, encouraging them to become responsible and respectful global citizens.

To ensure each child develops to their fullest potential and enjoys a personalised learning experience, classroom ratios are kept low at 1:3 for infants and 1:5 for toddlers. The educators here are qualified and experienced Montessori professionals – they are not only well-versed in the ins and outs of the Montessori method, but also have a genuine love for children. 

In short, the children’s house, Taman OUG, sets a gold standard for early childhood education. Its stellar curriculum faithfully adheres to the principles of Montessori to nurture children who embody the traits of compassion and empathy, confidence and independence, with positive social skills and a strong enthusiasm for learning.