Back in class: A father dropping off his child at a kindergarten in Bayan Baru, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Children returning to kindergarten for the 2021 school term were beaming with joy.
At a kindergarten in Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Lepas, principal Teoh Li Jean said despite the movement control order, children who had registered with them earlier for the new term were all present, accompanied by their parents.
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“We adhere to strict standard operating procedures and are able to accommodate our full capacity of 15 children because we have a spacious lot here.
“Parents opt to send their children as most have seen how staying at home impacts the way they learn and interact.
“Children need a conducive environment to learn and at such a young age, they need to mix with peers as this facilitates learning, ” she said when met yesterday.
At another kindergarten in Jalan Mahsuri, children arriving for classes were smiling from ear to ear as they greeted their teachers and peers.
Housewife Jesurin Ooi said her six-year-old son was happy to return to kindergarten and meet his friends again.
“I prefer sending him here even though I can coach and look after him through online learning at home.
“At six, it is time for him to be independent. He can only learn these things in school.
“If I am around all the time, he cannot pick up much as learning in class is different from online classes.
“Children tend to be more attentive and willing to learn when they are with their peers in class as opposed to looking at a screen, ’’ said the 38-year-old.
Another parent, sales manager Teoh Kah Jim, 33, said he chose to send his daughter to the kindergarten as he wanted someone to look after her.
“Although I can work from home, it is much better for her as she can learn and grow with her peers.
“It is more convenient for me too as I can focus on my work, ” he added.
The kindergarten’s founder, Jery Yeoh, said most of the five-year-old and six-year-old children had returned while a handful of others had opted to continue with online learning.
“Most parents are okay with sending their children back, but there are a handful who are still concerned about the situation.
“For now, we have over 30 children studying at the centre, ” he said.
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