Preschool plays an essential role in laying down the social and educational foundation for a child’s development. In Kuala Lumpur, parents have a variety of options when it comes to choosing a preschool curriculum for their child. From the nationally recognised Standard National Preschool Curriculum (KSPK) to internationally recognised curriculums such as Montessori and Waldorf/Steiner, there is a curriculum that can meet the needs of every child and family in preschools in Malaysia.
Some of the popular curriculums offered by preschools in Kuala Lumpur are discussed below.
- Malaysian Curriculum
The Standard National Preschool Curriculum, or KSPK, is the official preschool curriculum in Malaysia. It gives children a strong foundation in language, mathematics, and social skills. In addition, the curriculum focuses on developing a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social abilities through various activities such as storytelling, songs, and games. The curriculum also includes Islamic studies, moral education, and physical education. The KSPK is taught in both English and Bahasa Malaysia and is implemented in government-run and private preschools throughout Kuala Lumpur.
- Montessori Curriculum
Montessori is an internationally recognised curriculum based on the teachings of Dr Maria Montessori. The curriculum emphasises self-directed learning and allows children to learn independently through hands-on activities and materials. The Montessori approach encourages children to be inquisitive and to develop independence, self-motivation, and self-discipline. Montessori preschools in Kuala Lumpur often have a home-like atmosphere while focusing on activities.
- Waldorf/Steiner Curriculum
Waldorf/Steiner is another internationally recognised curriculum based on Rudolf Steiner’s teachings. This curriculum emphasises the importance of a child’s emotional, spiritual, and cognitive development. The curriculum is designed to meet the child’s needs and strongly emphasises art, music, and movement. The curriculum also encourages children to develop a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world.
- Reggio Emilia Curriculum
Reggio Emilia is an Italian curriculum that is based on the work of Loris Malaguzzi. This curriculum emphasises the importance of children’s creativity, curiosity, and imagination. The curriculum also stresses the importance of children’s self-expression, communication, and problem-solving skills. Preschools in Kuala Lumpur with the Reggio Emilia curriculum focus on project-based learning and provide children with various materials and resources to explore and experiment with.
- British Curriculum
British curriculum is widely recognised and is based on the United Kingdom’s education system. The curriculum underlines the importance of literacy and numeracy and provides children with a strong foundation. The curriculum also includes science, social studies, and physical education. In addition, the British curriculum often focuses strongly on structure and routine.
- Combined Curriculum
Finally, there are also combined curriculums that are widely available in Kuala Lumpur. These curriculums are often a blend of the traditional national curriculum and an international curriculum such as the Montessori or British curriculum. These combined curriculums are particularly popular with parents who want the best of both worlds for their children, providing them with a strong foundation in academic subjects and critical life skills.
Preschool is important for a child’s development and future success. In international school of Kuala Lumpur fees parents have a variety of options when it comes to choosing a preschool curriculum for their child. There is a curriculum that can meet the needs of each child. However, each curriculum has its unique approach and focus, and parents should carefully consider their child’s strengths, interests, and needs when choosing a preschool curriculum.
