We enjoy hearing children ask questions like, “How many stars are in the sky?” These intriguing inquiries indicate that they’re starting to take a deeper interest in the world around them. It’s crucial to nurture that curiosity and desire for learning. Here are some tips for encouraging kids to become lifelong learners:
1. Cultivate Curiosity and Exploration
By encouraging children to explore the world around them through hands-on experiences and play-based activities, we empower them to ask questions, make observations, and think critically.
At home, parents can:
- Encourage open-ended play and provide opportunities for their children to explore new environments, whether it’s a nature walk or educational trips to the museum, fire stations or science centre.
- Ask questions that prompt your child’s thinking, like “What do you think will happen if…?” or “How can we solve this problem together?”
At Fireflies Early Years School, for little learners aged 2 to 6 years old, the learning environment is thoughtfully designed to nurture each child’s natural curiosity and creativity where they learn through play. Children here have fun playing with blocks, puzzles and art materials to further encourage the development of their curiosity and exploration. This is in addition to various enrichment activities they are exposed to such as Mandarin, music, art, and physical education.
What do children at Fireflies do: In the Creative Studio, children get to experience fun activities such as messy play and finger art. They can also explore the use of nature in creating colours for example, using pandan leaves to get the colour green and blue pea flower for a shade of blue.
2. Promote Social and Emotional Skills
The foundation of lifelong learning is not only about academics but also about developing essential social and emotional skills.
At home, parents can:
- Role-play scenarios with their child to practice conflict resolution, sharing, and expressing feelings appropriately.
- Encourage empathy by discussing how others might feel in different situations and talking through emotions together.
At Fireflies, the school fosters an environment where children learn to work together, communicate effectively, and navigate their emotions with resilience.
3. Encourage Independence and Self-Confidence
Independence is a critical skill for lifelong learning. Children feel supported when they make their own choices, solve problems independently and develop self-confidence as they achieve their goals.
At home, parents can:
- Give children opportunities to make choices throughout their day, whether it’s selecting their outfit, deciding on activities, or contributing to meal preparation.
- Praise efforts over outcomes, focusing on the process and encouraging children to try again when faced with challenges.
At Fireflies, experienced and dedicated educators work on building a strong sense of self-esteem in young children daily, which is key to fostering future success.
What do children at Fireflies do: While at school, children are encouraged to do simple tasks by themselves with the guidance of teachers such as washing their hands after lessons, feeding themselves during lunch breaks and going to the toilet.
4. Support Communication and Language Development
Whether it’s learning new words or expressing ideas clearly, language development in young children is not only a tool for education but also a means for them to connect with others.
At home, parents can:
- Read together daily, asking questions about the story to enhance comprehension and language development.
- Create opportunities for conversation in different languages, encouraging children to express themselves in English, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia.
Though Fireflies is an English medium preschool, it recognises the importance of developing other languages such as Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin, throughout the curriculum. This is in order to help children adapt easily to the different languages and be confident for school readiness.
What do children at Fireflies do: Children are encouraged to retell stories, either from books or their own experiences, and asked to add details and express their emotions. Plus, different language games, songs and rhymes are incorporated into daily routines during school hours to make learning fun and engaging.
5. Create a Balanced Routine for Physical and Mental Growth
A balanced routine that includes both mental and physical activity is crucial for the development of well-rounded learners.
At home, parents can:
- Ensure that children have time to engage in physical activities, like dancing, playing outside, or participating in simple sports.
- Set aside time for quiet activities, such as reading, puzzles, or crafting, to promote mental relaxation and focus.
Fireflies offers a mix of academic activities and physical play in spaces like their indoor playground, allowing children to thrive in a dynamic environment.
What do children at Fireflies do: The spacious and purpose-built library gets plenty of sunlight and has a view of lush greenery that creates a cosy area for children to have play time while interacting with other kids. Regular storytelling sessions are also held here while a scribble corner allows children to scribble creatively to their heart’s content!
Fireflies Early Years School Open Day on 19th April
Join them for their Open Day on 19th April 2025 at 9.30am and learn how their integrated trilingual and innovative curriculum, dedicated educators, and dynamic learning environment are creating the foundation for lifelong learners. This is your opportunity to see how they support children in becoming responsible, expressive, and resilient individuals.
There will be some fun and exciting activities for the little ones on that day including a special storytelling by team makchic on the theme of children’s personal safety based on the What if? children’s picture book. There will also be a pizza baking session, an arts and crafts activity and games!
This is a sponsored post by Fireflies Early Years School.
To find out more about their teachers and their Integrated Trilingual and Innovative Curriculum, visit the Fireflies Early Years School Open Day on 19th April 2025. Book your spot here! The school offers both half day and full day programmes and is located at Mid Valley City in Kuala Lumpur.
Enjoy a Registration Fee waiver and 10% Term Fees Discount (until graduation)* when you apply during their Open Day promotion. Terms and Conditions apply.*
You will also be entitled to an Early Bird Discount on their upcoming Science and Art Holiday Programme at RM600 (usual price: RM699) from 3rd to 6th June 2025. Group discounts are also available.
