Small Wonder Malaysia, Taman OUG (Junior & Senior)

If a balance of play and academics is what you’re looking for to enrich your child’s fundamental years, then Small Wonder Malaysia, Taman OUG is a solid choice.

The kindergarten has a rich history dating back to 1978, when it was known as Tadika Overseas Union. It joined the established Busy Bees education group in 2024, and now offers a dynamic and well-rounded approach to education for children aged three to six years old.

The first thing that visitors will notice is the spacious, well-maintained premises, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor play and exploration.

Located within a mature neighbourhood, the school spans two lots occupied by double storey buildings, both of which are surrounded by greenery.

In place of the conventional outdoor playground is a large sand pit and mud kitchen. A highlight feature is the Mini Theatro, a dual-purpose, sloping structure that is blanketed in grass.

The exterior can be used for physical activity, while the room within provides children with a quiet space for reading and contemplation.

There is also an eco-pond at the back of the building stocked with tiny fish, where children can observe and interact with  local ecosystems and natural habitats. Water from the eco-pond comes from a rain water harvesting system, in line with the school’s sustainability initiatives.

Classrooms are equally spacious, ensuring there is plenty of room for activities, while common areas such as the multipurpose hall feature learning corners.

Purposeful playing and learning

The curriculum at Small Wonder Malaysia, Taman OUG is thoughtfully designed to cater to the developmental needs of young learners.

For children aged three to four years old, a blend of Montessori principles and skill-based activities, including cooking as well as arts and crafts, lays the foundation for their learning journey.

Guided by the Montessori approach, children are taught to be independent through practical life exercises that are incorporated into their daily routines. For example, they are required to do table settings during breakfast, where they serve their own food instead of waiting to be served. This helps instil discipline and can improve their fine motor skills.

As they grow older, the syllabus shifts to emphasise project-based learning, which fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

This is in line with the Malaysian Ministry of Education’s initiative to promote Higher Order Thinking Skills among students, or Kemahiran Berfikir Aras Tinggi (KBAT).

One interesting project involved pupils putting together a short animation by combining still photos.

“Teachers observed that the children had an interest in photography when they were in the role play corner. This sparked their interest in taking photos, and they were able to explore different concepts such as distance and lighting, which relates to science and mathematics,” says vice principal, Amy Lee.

At the end of the project, pupils were further prompted with the question, “what else can we do with these photographs?” The idea of creating an animation by combining still photos came in, and the product was showcased at their graduation ceremony.

These engaging projects are not only fun, but also allow the children to delve into various subjects in a hands-on and interactive manner, igniting their curiosity and creativity.

This pupil-centric approach is supplemented by more traditional, teacher-led classes. The school’s own syllabus for Mandarin, Bahasa, and cognitive development, alongside the Scholastic program for English, ensures a well-rounded linguistic development.

Supportive environment for children

The school recognizes the vital role parents play in a child’s education and maintains open communication through in-house app. Weekly updates keep parents informed about their child’s progress.

Meanwhile, showcases and ad-hoc events like family trips and cultural celebrations also provide parents with opportunities to actively engage in their child’s learning journey.

In short, with a curriculum that blends traditional and modern approaches, dedicated teachers, and an environment that encourages exploration and discovery, Small Wonder Malaysia, Taman OUG sets high standards for early childhood education.