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January 3, 2023
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5 Myths About Early Childhood Education in Malaysia: Separating Fact from Fiction
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Quick Summary
Here are 5 myths about Early childhood education that Malaysian parents always hear about, and shockingly some even believe it's true!
(1) Early childhood education is not important at all and is optional.
(2) Young children should not be given the option to choose and make decision.
(3) Young children should not be exposed to too many topic of knowledge to avoid stress.
(4) Early childhood education in Malaysia is expensive.
(5) Early childhood education should be academic to get them ready for Primary learning.
(1) Early childhood education is not important at all and is optional.
(2) Young children should not be given the option to choose and make decision.
(3) Young children should not be exposed to too many topic of knowledge to avoid stress.
(4) Early childhood education in Malaysia is expensive.
(5) Early childhood education should be academic to get them ready for Primary learning.
Foreword: are Myths surrounding early childhood education in malaysia true?
Early childhood education is a topic that elicits a range of thoughts and perceptions among parents. This is because every household has its own unique set of circumstances, such as income level, education background, and nature of work, which can influence their views on early childhood education.
But on top of those factors, what also influences parents on making Early childhood education plans for their children are the myths that surrounds the topic. In today’s article, we will debunk 5 common myths and determine if they are true or false, once and for all.
But on top of those factors, what also influences parents on making Early childhood education plans for their children are the myths that surrounds the topic. In today’s article, we will debunk 5 common myths and determine if they are true or false, once and for all.
Myth #1: Early childhood education is not important and is optional
The Above Is False
Fact: Early childhood education is an important foundation for a child’s overall development and future success. The first five years of a child’s life are a critical period for brain development, and high-quality early childhood education can have a positive impact on a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.
In a researh done by CEECD ( Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development ), titled “Child Care and Its Impact on Young Children’s Development”, it is found that quality childcare is related to better development of children. And these positive effects are not restricted to families that are of wealthy background who are able to afford better childcare; it is also found across families that are less advantaged.
It is also important to note that homeschooling a child is not the same as sending him/her to a proper Early childhood provider. That is because a child is expose to so much more learning opportunities outside of home, ie: Interacting with another child/ peers, participating in group activities and many more.
In a researh done by CEECD ( Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development ), titled “Child Care and Its Impact on Young Children’s Development”, it is found that quality childcare is related to better development of children. And these positive effects are not restricted to families that are of wealthy background who are able to afford better childcare; it is also found across families that are less advantaged.
It is also important to note that homeschooling a child is not the same as sending him/her to a proper Early childhood provider. That is because a child is expose to so much more learning opportunities outside of home, ie: Interacting with another child/ peers, participating in group activities and many more.
Conclusion: Early childhood education sets up a good foundation for future
Many Malaysian parents would often compare Early childhood education to University programme, saying that ” it’s okay to save up on Early childhood education, and spend more later on University learning for their child.”
Do note that both of these learning are representing two different phases of your child’s life. While University sets up your child for a future career, an Early childhood education the foundation that shapes them accordingly. Do also take it seriously.
Do note that both of these learning are representing two different phases of your child’s life. While University sets up your child for a future career, an Early childhood education the foundation that shapes them accordingly. Do also take it seriously.
Myth #2: Young children should not be given the option to choose and make decision
The Above Is False
Fact: Giving children age-appropriate choices and allowing them to make decisions can help them develop autonomy and self-regulation skills.
Many parents think that by giving children option to make choices, it would give their child opportunity to misbehave but this is not true at all. When you’re giving a child the option to make a decision, you’re actually also providing guidance to him/her and setting up boundaries that your child have to respect while giving them some control over their own experiences. By giving children the opportunity to make decisions, they can learn to think for themselves and develop their own interests and preferences.
Many parents think that by giving children option to make choices, it would give their child opportunity to misbehave but this is not true at all. When you’re giving a child the option to make a decision, you’re actually also providing guidance to him/her and setting up boundaries that your child have to respect while giving them some control over their own experiences. By giving children the opportunity to make decisions, they can learn to think for themselves and develop their own interests and preferences.
Conclusion: Giving children ability to make choices is a step in growing up
In the long run, allowing children to make choices can also help them feel more confident and capable, which can promote their overall well-being and development.
If you’re interested to learn more on how to give your child freedom to make their own decision, check out this research paper by Commissioner of Children (Australia) here.
If you’re interested to learn more on how to give your child freedom to make their own decision, check out this research paper by Commissioner of Children (Australia) here.
Myth #3: Young children should not be exposed to too many topic of knowledge to avoid stress
The Above is False
False: It is important for children to have a range of experiences and exposures to different topics and concepts in order to support their learning and development. While it is important to consider a child’s individual needs and limitations, exposing children to a variety of topics and knowledge can help them learn and grow.
Try to think from a child’s perspective, in the beginning, he or she will not have any idea on what will piques their interest. So at this stage, it is up to the parents to provide as many learning experiences and support as possible.
A good example would be placing your child in Enrichment classes. That would provide your child an age-appropriate challenges and opportunities to learn, as this can help them develop their skills and confidence. That being said, it is important to balance structured learning experiences with unstructured play and exploration, as this can provide children with the opportunity to learn at their own pace and in their own way.
Try to think from a child’s perspective, in the beginning, he or she will not have any idea on what will piques their interest. So at this stage, it is up to the parents to provide as many learning experiences and support as possible.
A good example would be placing your child in Enrichment classes. That would provide your child an age-appropriate challenges and opportunities to learn, as this can help them develop their skills and confidence. That being said, it is important to balance structured learning experiences with unstructured play and exploration, as this can provide children with the opportunity to learn at their own pace and in their own way.
Conclusion: Extra learning Helps your child discover their interest, strength and weaknesses
One way you can get started to do that as a parent is by checking out different enrichment classes. If you need any help on how to pick the right Enrichment class for your child, check out this article by us ” Here’s 4 Tips On How To Find The Right Enrichment Classes For Your Child”
Myth #4: Early childhood education in Malaysia is expensive
False: There are a variety of early childhood education programs available in Malaysia, including public, private, and non-profit options. The cost of these programs can vary depending on the type of program and the location.
Many programs offer scholarships or financial assistance to families who may not be able to afford the full cost. It is worth exploring all of the options available to find a program that is affordable and meets the needs of your child.
If you would like to research and compare different Early childhood providers or programs for your child, you can do it via our platform, ABCJunior. All you have to do is register a FREE account to get started.
Many programs offer scholarships or financial assistance to families who may not be able to afford the full cost. It is worth exploring all of the options available to find a program that is affordable and meets the needs of your child.
If you would like to research and compare different Early childhood providers or programs for your child, you can do it via our platform, ABCJunior. All you have to do is register a FREE account to get started.
* You should never make a decision on Early childhood education based off what your friends, family members or others say. Every child is different, it’s always better to do your own research.
Conclusion: plenty of quality providers out there, you only need to research on them via ABCJunior
Myth #5: Early childhood education should be academic to get children ready for Primary learning
The above is false
False: While it is important for children to develop the foundations of literacy, math, and other academic skills during the early years, it is not necessary for early childhood education to be overly focused on academics.
Research has shown that play-based learning and exploration can be highly effective in supporting children’s development and preparing them for primary school.
It is important to strike a balance between structured learning activities and unstructured play, as this can provide children with the opportunity to learn at their own pace and in their own way. Early childhood education should focus on supporting the whole child and promoting their overall development, rather than just preparing them for primary school.
If you need help selecting a good early childhood education program, check out this article by us not long ago : ” 5 Common Malaysia Preschool Program You Should Know [ Updated 2023! ] “
Research has shown that play-based learning and exploration can be highly effective in supporting children’s development and preparing them for primary school.
It is important to strike a balance between structured learning activities and unstructured play, as this can provide children with the opportunity to learn at their own pace and in their own way. Early childhood education should focus on supporting the whole child and promoting their overall development, rather than just preparing them for primary school.
If you need help selecting a good early childhood education program, check out this article by us not long ago : ” 5 Common Malaysia Preschool Program You Should Know [ Updated 2023! ] “
Conclusion: do Prepare your child for primary learning, but remember, it's not the sole purpose of early childhood education
Conclusion
Parenting is hard work, there’s no doubt about it. But making impulsive parenting decision based on common beliefs or myths is a big no-no. Anytime you’re unsure about something, you should always research on it or just reach out for a 2nd opinion with another parent.
You’re not alone and ABCJunior is here to make parenting easier.
You’re not alone and ABCJunior is here to make parenting easier.
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