As the world experiences rapid changes in almost every way, everything from what we teach our children how they’re taught has to keep up with the times.
There seems to be so much to learn and what’s more, little ones today need to know way more than we ever needed to as kids, and this is even before they step foot into primary school! It seems like children are expected to start schooling with literacy skills and not as a blank slate to be filled in from scratch.
This could be one of the reasons why more and more Malaysian parents are enrolling their children into enrichment classes, and we’re talking toddlers and babies even. What exactly are these classes about and what do they offer?
First and foremost, a child has to be ready to be enrolled in an enrichment center. Other than listening to instructions, a child who is in a classroom full of other children will have to learn to socialise, mingle, and interact with them. Some parents might have to either bring their little one to an enrichment center a few times before he or she can adapt to the new environment and requirements, or they may even choose to find another enrichment center, one which the child is more comfortable with. Once the little one seems keen on attending classes, it’s learning time!
While there are a plethora of classes to choose from, many of these classes are mainly focused on prepping up little ones so that they’ll have better adapting and coping skills in kindergarten and school later on in life. They achieve this by enhancing the educational development of children in a fun, interactive way with learning activities such as language, reading, writing, basic maths, phonics, music, art, and even brain training programmes.
Scientific researches have concluded time and again that early exposure to learning gives children a head start and a better chance of excelling in school. That’s why we find a rising number of enrichment centres, especially ones that focus on preparing children for school, engage all sorts of techniques to help little ones acquire the ability to focus, process, and remember information easily.
Well-rounded
The enrichment centre you choose should ideally include the development of your child from physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects
Easing a child from a twice-weekly enrichment program to daily kindergarten classes will be a much more seamless process. The child will also begin kindergarten in a positive and confident attitude as he or she would already be familiar with basic social skills and educational classes such as drawing, reading, and counting in a classroom environment.
Choosing an enrichment center has got to be one of life’s greatest challenges, for there are so many available! The best way to go about it is to first research the many centres available around your neighbourhood and check out what they have to offer.
Where making a mess is allowed
Young children just love to discover and learn through messy play, the kind that might not be encouraged at home! At enrichment classes, the staff is professionally trained to inspire your children to be proactive, regardless of the mess!
Before you decide
Everyone has only one childhood, and if an enrichment center is going to be part of this precious time, be sure that you’re making the best choice for your child.
You can do that by ensuring the following:
- Activities provided by the enrichment centre should include arts and crafts, storytelling, singing, and outdoor playtime.
- No pressure! Ensure that the learning activities are play-based and meaningful so that your child can have fun while learning in a relaxed, entertaining atmosphere.
- The teachers are passionate about their work and engage with children in a loving, respectful manner at all times. Check the credentials of the teachers and trainers before enrollment.
- Safety first – Check out the classrooms and play centre for any safety hazards or hygiene issues.
Language Development
A language enrichment class once a week will allow your toddler the opportunity to become fluent in a second (or third) language very quickly!
Is your child introverted or hands-on?
For maximum learning potential, the enrichment centre’s teaching style should be a good match
with your child’s personality.
Featured image source: Fotolia
