Tadika Xaris Medini, Iskandar Puteri

Tadika Xaris stands as a testament to the fact that a kindergarten can be more than just a place of early education; it can be a nurturing haven where young minds are cultivated with care, where they are equipped not only with academic skills but also with essential life skills that will guide them towards a future marked by resilience and success. The very name “Xaris” epitomises its educational ethos of grace and kindness.

Established in 1995 by Datin Ang, a visionary with a master’s degree in early childhood education and over four decades of experience working closely with young children, Tadika Xaris radiates a passionate commitment to fostering the holistic development of each child. Datin Ang’s profound passion for nurturing young learners is evident in her boundless enthusiasm for discussing children and education, as highlighted in her interview with us at Kiddy123. This underscores her genuine dedication to benefiting both the children at the kindergarten and the teachers who guide them.

A Welcoming Kindergarten Atmosphere

Tadika Xaris envelops its premises with an ambiance reminiscent of a second home for children, thoughtfully equipped with child-sized furniture and an array of learning materials. The facility includes a gardening area equipped with tools to introduce children to the wonders of nature, and an expansive outdoor space that provides room for physical activities. Children also get to enjoy time at the indoor and outdoor Xaris Gym where they can develop balance, strength and agility. Echoing throughout the kindergarten is its motto, “Together… helping your child bloom!”

Programme Highlights: Integrating Global Educational Methodologies

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, Tadika Xaris remains steadfast in its commitment to forward-looking approaches that make sure children are equipped for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Drawing inspiration from Datin Ang’s annual study visits to different countries, such as Finland, Belgium, Netherlands, Japan, China and Singapore, the kindergarten adopts a blended approach that incorporates diverse global educational methodologies into its programmes. It harmoniously integrates renowned Montessori principles with play-based learning and S.T.E.A.M. education. This ensures an adaptable learning experience for young minds, fostering skills like critical thinking, independence and cross-cultural understanding that are crucial in today’s interconnected world.

Aligned with the Malaysian Ministry of Education’s guidelines, the curriculum at Tadika Xaris meticulously prepares young learners for language and literacy skills, ensuring children are equipped for success in both local and international primary schools. The kindergarten’s programme offerings are thoughtfully designed to foster a well-rounded educational experience.

The learning journey incorporates a harmonious blend of stimulating activities and real-life learning experiences to foster children’s cognitive development, cultivate essential life skills, promote concentration and coordination, not to mention spark creativity and imagination, which makes learning an enjoyable adventure.

In the realm of language education, Tadika Xaris emphasises proficiency in 3 main languages – English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese. The focus is on building a strong foundation in listening, speaking and early vocabulary development. There is also a bridging programme that introduces children to Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese to prepare them for the linguistic demands of primary school. Workbooks are tailor-made for each language and Mathematics, allowing for personalised learning to suit the child’s unique pace and abilities.

STEAM education is also seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, offering young learners captivating educational experiences that spark their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Children are kindled with their innate curiosity and potential in Science through the Xaris Science programme, which originated as a franchise from Canada. This programme encourages scientific inquiry and critical thinking through hands-on experiments and projects, providing a clear understanding of scientific principles and their real-world applications. Furthermore, Mathematics is woven into daily routines, complemented by diverse teaching aids that facilitate comprehension of key concepts, such as classification and measurement. Through engaging STEAM activities, children establish meaningful connections between these subjects and real-life scenarios, developing a love for exploration and problem-solving which sets the stage for future academic success.

In addition, children also benefit from Xaris Gym, a specialised programme designed by an experienced international coach from China, that hones balance, strength, flexibility and agility.

Beyond the Classroom

Tadika Xaris believes that learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom. The curriculum is enriched through music, movement, storytelling, field trips and other annual school events, including Sports Day, Concerts and Graduation Ceremony where children showcase their talents, boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Nurturing Well-Rounded Students for Future Success

On top of everything, Tadika Xaris places a strong emphasis on instilling fundamental skills and attributes that will serve as valuable tools for children throughout their educational journey. These include social-emotional, learning cooperation, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, independence, resilience, and notably critical thinking skills – all of which are vital to set children up for early elementary success and help them thrive as well-rounded individuals.

Guided by Excellence

At the heart of Tadika Xaris are a team of dedicated and qualified teachers who share an equal passion for nurturing children’s growth as the founder, Datin Ang, does. Regular in-house training and exposure to international early childhood education conferences ensure that teachers are equipped with the latest pedagogical knowledge. This commitment to quality empowers teachers to guide children on their unique learning journeys, to the best of their abilities.