Heart And Soul: Little steps, big applause on a kindergarten stage


The writer (in green batik), a kindergarten teacher, standing proudly with his six-year-old class 6 Amman students, who were honoured to received the Best Overall Class Performance award out of 10 classes, at the end-of-year performance in 2025. — SHAHRUL AFFENDI ISHAK
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The end-of-year performance is an annual activity carried out in almost all kindergartens, both locally and abroad. This activity is usually held at year end, before the end of the school session. The performance involves the participation of representatives from each class, led by their respective class teachers.

The end-of-year performance is not merely a show; it serves as a platform for developing children’s abilities, confidence, and skills. In fact, for six-year-old children, the end-of-year performance represents their final activity in the realm of early childhood education.

What has been learned throughout the school year is usually showcased on stage. Here, children display their foundational skills and talents in acting, speaking, singing, and dancing to their parents. Whether active or reserved, every child is expected to participate in the performance.

The preparation for the performance including the overall concept, script, props, costumes, choreography, and makeup is certainly the responsibility of each class teacher to organise. In this regard, all aspects of preparation are fully under the guidance and leadership of the teachers.

As a result, we get to witness a variety of creative ideas showcased by the kindergarten teachers in preparing their students according to specific themes. The beauty, charm, and playfulness of seeing these children on stage create unforgettable and delightful moments.

Kindergarten teachers and parents must work closely together in educating children as it is a two-way process, the writer (in green batik facing the stage) says and adds that a child’s learning journey never stops, whether at school or at home.
Kindergarten teachers and parents must work closely together in educating children as it is a two-way process, the writer (in green batik facing the stage) says and adds that a child’s learning journey never stops, whether at school or at home.

Parents watching the performance will surely feel proud seeing their children on stage alongside their classmates.

Reflecting on the children’s memories from their first day of school, when tears filled the atmosphere, seeing them now on stage smiling, singing, and dancing surely touches the hearts of both parents and teachers. Moreover, witnessing them memorise every movement and line of dialogue is a true testament to the success of their education and guidance.

For children with a more reserved personality, the skills and confidence nurtured by their teachers help them take a step toward becoming as active and engaged as their peers.

The performance, which lasts between seven to 10 minutes, is not necessarily meant to be perfect. Rather, it reflects the children’s confidence and ability to stand before their parents in front of an audience. Additionally, it serves as a starting point for these children as they prepare to move on to the next stage of their educational journey.

Various performance concepts can be incorporated into the children’s presentations, such as animals, food, vehicles, the environment, cultural traditions, and more, often interwoven with moral values.

As a kindergarten teacher, preparing the performance concept, song lyrics, script, and costumes for our students certainly requires both physical and mental effort. However, witnessing the children successfully perform on stage so well brings a sense of pride that is difficult to put into words.

The world of early childhood education is filled with vibrant joy and laughter. It is here that children take their first small steps in discovering the school environment. They learn to recognise letters and numbers, read, count, write, and develop various social skills.

My young students from class 6 Amman performed At The Bird Park, which tells the story of two main characters, Adam and Dina, who visit a bird park and dance together with the birds. All their hard work paid off as we were honoured to receive the Best Overall Class Performance award out of ten classes, presented by our principal.This end-of-year performance serves as a symbol of their learning journey, encompassing all the effort, dedication, and knowledge they have gained throughout the year, nurtured with the love and guidance of their teachers.

Therefore, kindergarten teachers and parents must work closely together in educating children. This is because learning is a two-way process, and a child’s learning journey never stops, whether at school or at home.

 

 

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Heart & Soul , teacher , family , children , parenting

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