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January 18, 2023
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Things Malaysian parents must know: Differences between playschool, preschool and kindergarten
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Quick Summary
"Kindergarten" is often wrongly referred to or used as a term in Malaysia. Contrary to popular belief, kindergarten, preschool and playschool are not used interchangeably. In fact, they are actually referring to 3 different Early childhood education settings.
(1) Playschool is for children of age 2-3 ; Preschool is for children of age 3-4; While kindergarten is for children of age 5-6
(2) The programmes also gets more structured as the child grows older. Ie Playschool consist of mainly unstructured, messy play based learning while Kindergarten prepares young children with more sturctured learning such as English, maths etc so that they are ready for primary school.
(3) They also differ in duration of programme. Playschool often only require young children to attend to it 3-4 times a week; While preschool and kindergarten often runs every single weekday, and usually for a full day duration.
(1) Playschool is for children of age 2-3 ; Preschool is for children of age 3-4; While kindergarten is for children of age 5-6
(2) The programmes also gets more structured as the child grows older. Ie Playschool consist of mainly unstructured, messy play based learning while Kindergarten prepares young children with more sturctured learning such as English, maths etc so that they are ready for primary school.
(3) They also differ in duration of programme. Playschool often only require young children to attend to it 3-4 times a week; While preschool and kindergarten often runs every single weekday, and usually for a full day duration.
Foreword: Playschool, preschool and kindergarten - common malaysian parents understanding of it
Contrary to popular belief of Malaysian parents, Early childhood education providers are not the “same.” They differ from curriculum that they adopt- Be it Montessori, Reggio Emilia or more. And also the nature of their establishment itself.
You can also read more on the different types of Malaysia preschool program here.
Back to the topic, some providers also operates as a 1 stop centre offering playschool, preschool, kindergarten & daycare itself while there are some specialised providers that only offers 1 of those services.
Regardless of that, as parents, you should always be aware of these key differences and ensure that you place your child in a provider that suits him/her so that they can grow under the best environment.
Without further ado, let’s explore the key differences between playschool, preschool and kindergarten and give you more insights on the topic itself.
You can also read more on the different types of Malaysia preschool program here.
Back to the topic, some providers also operates as a 1 stop centre offering playschool, preschool, kindergarten & daycare itself while there are some specialised providers that only offers 1 of those services.
Regardless of that, as parents, you should always be aware of these key differences and ensure that you place your child in a provider that suits him/her so that they can grow under the best environment.
Without further ado, let’s explore the key differences between playschool, preschool and kindergarten and give you more insights on the topic itself.
Playschool in Malaysia
Playschools are early childhood education programs that are specifically designed for very young children, usually ages 2-3. These programs are typically less structured than preschools or kindergartens, and they are often shorter in duration, lasting just a few hours a day or a few days a week. The main focus of playschools is on play-based learning, which is a type of learning that occurs through play and exploration.
Playschools generally have a more relaxed and informal atmosphere than preschools or kindergartens, and they typically do not follow a formal curriculum. Instead, they provide children with a variety of activities and materials that allow them to explore, discover, and learn on their own terms. These activities might include things like dress-up, puzzles, blocks, art, music, and games.
The primary goal of playschools is to help young children develop basic skills and abilities that will prepare them for preschool and beyond. These skills might include socialization, gross motor skills, language, and cognitive skills. Playschools are also a great way for children to learn how to follow rules and routines, and they can help children develop independence and self-regulation.
What exactly is Play-based learning?
Think back to your fondest memories of your childhood- it definitely isn’t you sitting in a classroom learning about counting numbers the first time. But rather, your fondest memories will be something else, like you discovering sweets or chocolate the first time, learning what ” sweet, bitter, sour ” means. And that itself is a play-based learning, a “child-led activity” or an “open-ended play” as described by Wonderschool.
According to National Association for the Education of Young Children ( NAEYC ), play-based learning is basically young children’s natural impulse to understand the world. And that’s a wonderful thing.
As a parent, we should always encourage them to explore as much as possible for that is their way of learning.
According to National Association for the Education of Young Children ( NAEYC ), play-based learning is basically young children’s natural impulse to understand the world. And that’s a wonderful thing.
As a parent, we should always encourage them to explore as much as possible for that is their way of learning.
Playschool is a great option for children who are not ready for structured learning
If your child is stepping out of home the first time to play and social around other children, it’s a good idea to place them in a playschool first to give them some room to get used to the new environment.
Playschool is also an awesome way to get your young child to fall in love with learning and develop passion for it as they grow.
Playschool is also an awesome way to get your young child to fall in love with learning and develop passion for it as they grow.
Preschool in Malaysia
Preschool is what comes after playschool. Preschool are normally meant for children of age 3-4, at this stage, the curriculum used are slightly more structured but still largedly consist of play-based learning.
Duration of school time are extended to either half-day or a full-day duration, which is up to 6 hours a day.
Young children also exposed to new knowledged and more structured learning such as learning alphabets and how to count numbers.
As children are slightly older and is able to understand simple instructions and concept, outdoor learning might also be introduced into every day learning. Overall, preschool is meant to introduce what learning is like to young children, and at that, provide them a conducive and safe environment to do so.
Young children also exposed to new knowledged and more structured learning such as learning alphabets and how to count numbers.
As children are slightly older and is able to understand simple instructions and concept, outdoor learning might also be introduced into every day learning. Overall, preschool is meant to introduce what learning is like to young children, and at that, provide them a conducive and safe environment to do so.
Preschool is a great option for parents who want their child to experience socialization
While playschool also focuses on socialization, most sessions are conducted in small groups and often under the surveillance and care of the parent itself; preschool are often conducted where young children experience temporary separation from the parents for the first time.
This trains them to be independant and also learn how to carry and take care of themselves for the first time. Aside from that, preschools are also normally conducted in larger group where young children get to experience true socialization with other kids for the first time.
Don’t be surprised with them telling you about the new friends they make in school when they’re home!
This trains them to be independant and also learn how to carry and take care of themselves for the first time. Aside from that, preschools are also normally conducted in larger group where young children get to experience true socialization with other kids for the first time.
Don’t be surprised with them telling you about the new friends they make in school when they’re home!
Kindergarten in Malaysia
Kindergarten signals a transitioning year in the life of a young child at age 5-6. Kindergarten year is where they are further exposed to more structured learning such as “writing, reading, listening, speaking and so on.”
That being said, play-based learning is not out of the picture. Children are still encouraged to explore topics they find interesting. On top of that, in a Kindergarten, children will also be placed into group work for the first time ie circle time, small group projects and so on. These activities trains them further on how to communicate effectively, manage emotions and make friends.
That being said, play-based learning is not out of the picture. Children are still encouraged to explore topics they find interesting. On top of that, in a Kindergarten, children will also be placed into group work for the first time ie circle time, small group projects and so on. These activities trains them further on how to communicate effectively, manage emotions and make friends.
Introduction to enrichment classes
At age of 5 or 6, some parents might also be interested to introduce varieties of other enrichment programmes to their child. That includes : “swimming, robotic, coding, drawing, music and so on.”
It is highly recommend that parents play a supportive role here to help your child discover their interest and hobby. If you need help on how to identify the right enrichment classes for your child, you can check out our article here
As Kindergarten plays a huge role in helping young children transition to primary school, malaysian parents placed extra emphasis on it – including selecting the right kindergarten for their child.
It is highly recommend that parents play a supportive role here to help your child discover their interest and hobby. If you need help on how to identify the right enrichment classes for your child, you can check out our article here
As Kindergarten plays a huge role in helping young children transition to primary school, malaysian parents placed extra emphasis on it – including selecting the right kindergarten for their child.
how to select the right kindergarten for their child.
3 steps – Start your survey early, plan your visit and ask of a 2nd opinion from other parents.
Most importantly, do not make a rushed decision. If you need a detailed instruction on how to effectively select the right kindergarten for your child, please do check out our previous article on the said topic here.
Most importantly, do not make a rushed decision. If you need a detailed instruction on how to effectively select the right kindergarten for your child, please do check out our previous article on the said topic here.
Conclusion
Older generation of parents used to think that all Early childhood education providers are the same and do not make extensive research as to which provider to place their child in, and as an effect of that, we often hear how a certain kid struggles at primary school later on, or how one child have grown to hate learning so much that they refuse to complete their homework and assignment.
Please do not let that happen to your child. We can all be a better parent, and also provide a better learning experience to our loved ones just by spending a bit more effort and time in researching the right providers.
If you need help doing that, you can always sign up for a FREE account with ABCJunior that allow you to compare several providers at once and tailor your search according to your own requirement such as budget, location and more.
ABCJunior, we’re here to make parenting easier.
Please do not let that happen to your child. We can all be a better parent, and also provide a better learning experience to our loved ones just by spending a bit more effort and time in researching the right providers.
If you need help doing that, you can always sign up for a FREE account with ABCJunior that allow you to compare several providers at once and tailor your search according to your own requirement such as budget, location and more.
ABCJunior, we’re here to make parenting easier.
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