Child Protection - Teacher Rica Chong from R.E.A.L Kids USJ 2

Teacher Rica Chong had recently attended a UNICEF Talk on Child Protection and believed we should help spread the message to ensure awareness of the issue among public community.

There are 3 areas we should observe when it comes to Children's Rights according to UN CRC (Convention of the Rights of the Child):
1. Children's right to be protected and developed.
2. Children's best interest to be made.
3. Children's right to be heard.

The awareness of child protection has so much more to be improved and done. Children need to be protected from neglect. We need to educate all members in the community to prevent malnutrition and teach our children that danger can come from the people around us. Also it is crucial for us to educate parents on all the characteristics of a violent abuser. Who is prone to abuse children? It is the responsibilities of the parents, families and communities to take care of the well being of children.

No. We can't do this alone. We need support and resources to protect our children. Not just mental health counselors. Recently in the news we read about a 2-month-old child abused by her father. She died with a broken skull. We were totally shocked. An innocent infant abused by a parent who was going through mixed emotions of anger and stress.

In early childhood field, it is important for us teachers and practitioners to give support to the parents. All the professionals must have an Early Childhood Education certificate. We should build relationship with the family and children so we are aware of the red flags if there is significant malnutrition symptoms on the children. Also we have the legal obligation to report any child abuse.

In conclusion, child abuse will never completely go away. However we need to play a proactive role to prevent child abuse and neglect by giving assessments and proper education treatments. If you are not the one who spread the message and protect their rights, who is going to? Start from you rather than depend on others.

Being A Good Shepherd - Teacher Selvi Puspa from R.E.A.L Kids Gasing Indah

Who is the Shepherd? What is Shepherd?

Shepherd means a person who protects, guides and watches over the herd of sheep. A shepherd always makes sure he feeds the sheep with enough grass and water. He knows all their needs and he ensures he took good care of them.

The shepherd protects the sheep from the wild animals. He risks his life before the sheep in order to make sure they are safe from danger. If even one of the sheep went lost, the shepherd will be in great distress, restless and have no appetite to eat. His or her happiness comes once he or she found the lost sheep.

On the other hand, the sheep always follow the shepherd's voice to walk into the correct direction. If they fail to listen, they risk the course of danger awaiting them.

Shepherd represents us as a teacher and the sheep represents our kids in the kindergarten. As a teacher, we guide and teach our children to have sufficient knowledge in their studies. If one child is left behind, the teacher will give extra attention by coaching, caring and guiding until the child can cope in his studies so as to lead them into a brighter future. Technically a child comes into a kindergarten without any foundation but teachers will ensure they leave the school achieving and completing all their goals set for kindergarten education.

Safety comes first. The teacher takes care and keep an eye on the children in the school and more so with extra care when they are out for any field trips. We always take head counts. Our biggest fear is to imagine one of the children under our care going missing. That would be terrifying.

Last but not least be a good example, be a loving mother and a good role model for our kids. One day they will remember us for all our good efforts and guidance that we gave them.

Speech written and presented by Teacher Selvi during CPCD Contest Preliminary Rounds on 18th Nov 2015.

Reality of Life (Forgiveness) - Teacher Angeline Chang from R.E.A.L Kids KGH

Teacher Angeline on the right, receiving a Certificate of Achievement for being a finalist during R.E.A.L's CPCD (Continuous Personal & Career Development) Contest 2015 (16-20 Nov 2015).

Every individual undergoes different types of stress. Be it students in college, women at home, people in the workplace, all experienced stress. Some could overcome stress, while others are not able to. If we are not attached to these negative thoughts and could think positively, we are able to manage our stress.

Today, I will share with you about my life experience. How I learned to forgive and forget. It was unplanned for that I was offered a job by my uncle at Kundang Jaya in Rawang. Quite a big shift for me and my family had to move from Penang to Kuala Lumpur that time.

My uncle owned a bottling factory and I was tasked to work there as a Production Supervisor. My job scope was to ensure smooth operation of the production line. That time, I was working under a couple who were related to my uncle’s wife. For the first few months, the transition was smooth until my uncle was diagnosed with a tumor in his brain by a neurology doctor. He was advised to undergo a major operation.

During the course of his surgery, this couple started to give me a hard time. They found ways just to get me out. I tolerated because I promised myself that once I was there, I had to work hard and whole heartedly. But they kept pressuring me and the saddest part was that they accused me for things I did not do. I realized I’d been victimized. But what could I do? I could not tell my uncle. I was much stressed up, sad and angry at the same time. At last, I decided to leave.

 Unfortunately I left with anger and was very resentful. I harbored hatred and grudge to this couple for doing wrong to me. When I was at the verge of depression, by coincidence, I met my mom’s best friend, who came and visited us. She is a very kind and caring woman. We chatted and I related the whole scenario to her. She said, “let go and forgive.” If you happen to meet them one day, just approach them and say “hello”. Afterall they are your relative.

No! I said, I can’t and will never forgive them. Forgiveness was not an option for me that very moment. The anger was still boiling within my heart. I spent sleepless nights asking myself, can I really “let go and forgive them”? This continued until I calmed down, my conscience told me I have to. It is all about whether I can let go and forgive them or harbor anger and resentment for the rest of my life. It is a choice I have to make.

 Then one day, I met this couple at a restaurant. They saw me and so do I. At that moment, my conscience told me that I have to approach them and say “hello”. You have to in order to relieve yourself of anger and resentment. So I picked up my courage, walked straight up to them, said hello and shook their hands. To my surprise, they hugged me. At that instance, I have set myself free from anger and hatred. It does not matter anymore how much wrong they have done to me. I want to move on and I have conquered the impossible of letting go and forgiving them. Every one of us is gifted with a conscience to forgive. Once it manifests, it is time to let go and to forgive.

To me, the word “forget” means to totally erase off the said memory and to “forgive” means to genuinely keep no hatred and no grudge. Similar to my case, we will have to go through a period of anger and resentment to get to forgiveness. I know it is not easy but it is not impossible. Thank you.

Written and presented by Teacher Angeline Chang from R.E.A.L Kids Kemuning Greenhill.

Heroes - Teacher Tengku Aulia

Heroes do not necessarily come in uniforms. Hero is something you see in a person. As a teacher, you are a hero. Only a teacher can mold a hero. How does a doctor become a doctor? She needs a teacher, a sifu, or a mentor. Even a business man needs people to guide or lead him. Without teachers, we have no future leaders, be it good ones and bad ones.

A lot of children come to school with a sad face but were turned happy by teachers. This is a reaction I get always, "She's not in a good mood today.." Teacher changes everything from there, "Good morning Katelyn!" with enthusiasm we approach our children.

I never imagined myself as a teacher. I didn't like to study, I didn't like my teacher and I hated books. Somehow rather I felt happy as a teacher. Sometimes you can get frustrated seeing this boy again and thinking to yourself, what should I do?

A teacher, a hero, comes from within. If you do your homework, people will see the hero.

Everyone of us is a hero for someone, even my mom. She is my hero. You can never look down at people's work. You might not be able to see it but they do build better future for others.

Heroes are made, not born. Everybody has his or her own lesson in life, and they need time to mold their character to become a hero. To be a hero, you need to learn life.

Beginning of R.E.A.L Journey - Dr Shazwan with R.E.A.L Kids Bukit Jelutong

"Learning is fun, learning is fun, learning is fun with R.E.A.L Kids."

I still remember when I first stepped into R.E.A.L Kids Bukit Jelutong, I was worried and trembling. My mind was still shut when Principal Michele briefed me. Numb, mind-freeze. "Is this what you wanted? Is this what you signed up for? Come, let us just take a tour."

From someone who knew nothing about kids, someone who was afraid of kids. I had difficulty in the first 3 months coping with the job. It was a lovely environment, with lovely support and lovely people around me. I used to be fearful and did not really care but now I love and understand kids better. In R.E.A.L, we transform kids through active learning. We transform their minds through knowledge, transform their bodies by enhancing their motor skills, and transform their character by building confidence in them.

"Children are like feathers on peacock. They do not share the same patterns. And we have to treat all of them differently, our R.E.A.L Kids approach."

Using R.E.A.L's 5C's - collaborate, communicate, critical thinking, creativity and character. R.E.A.L teachers do not just teach our children this way but embrace these values in our staff force.

Honesty, integrity, collaboration or teamwork, all these made our working environment conducive. They made me love working in this environment.

I'm not here to inspire anyone through my babbles. But to remind us how great we are as teachers.

The community sees us as teachers.
The kids see us as heroes.
We serve them food, parents see us just as carers who kept them quiet.
The kids see something with the teachers.
Care even when we are just getting them to eat.

"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression." - Dr Haim Ginott.

Teachers, please don't stop trying to inspire the children.

Learning is fun, learning is fun. Learning is fun with R.E.A.L Kids.

Music Makes Me Calm and Listen More Carefully - Teacher Thivi from R.E.A.L Kids Setia Eco Park

Music has accompanied Teacher Thivi since she was in her mom's womb. She would start kicking everytime she listened to music, that's how her mom recalled Thivi's reaction when her mom was pregnant with her. She started watching Hindu mythology movies at age 3, learned classical dance and started singing classical songs at age 4. Her mom was very fond of it and she was very happy to see her sing.

At age 12, Teacher Thivi's passion grew further and she started learning Indian Classical Instrument Veena. She would perform at concerts and got certificates out of them. Her mom was proud of her and often said to her, "You can go further."

This pushed her further to sing, play and compose music. She would practice using piano to play horror music and classical music. It gave Teacher Thivi certain pleasure whenever she listens to other kinds of music.

She even recalled instances when her friends asked, "Can you play a certain music from this movie?" and they often got surprised she could write the notes.

"Music taught me much. It teaches me to be calm and to listen more carefully. As I grew older, I played more instruments including the drums, piano and flute. My father also played a lot. I guess I inherited the gene. He would patiently tell me 'this is how you play the music or this is how you go..' I believe there is a bright future in music."
 

Hiring Gen-Y Needs a Paradigm Shift in Employer’s Mentality - Adelene

As one of our Senior Center Managers, Adelene is notable for her endurance and capacity to groom and build leaders for R.E.A.L Kids. Under her leadership, she has transformed a few passionate teachers into leaders who not only work their parts but look their part. In case if you question the need for this coaching, think about your impression as a parent when you last walked into a preschool. How did you feel about the teachers? What made you feel that they were professional or competent? Was it solely their command of language, or the way they carry themselves and also the way they dressed up befittingly?

Often times, employers or Hiring Managers would resort to hiring experienced professionals from outside the company to take up crucial roles during pressing times. It would seem so much easier to hire externally than to groom internally. However, this is not Adelene’s practice. Under her leadership, she has successfully brought up 4 principals inhouse from teacher to principals, namely Lorraine, Esther Chien, Chris Wong and Elizabeth Tan. A pretty amazing feat worth applause.

We’ve got the opportunity to work with Adelene on her center’s recruitment. This gave us a glimpse of how she hired teachers through roadshows and Open Days.

“Hiring gen-Y’s is very different from our time. If they could stay for two years, it’s already something. I’ve got a good teacher who worked two years for me and left to try marketing. She returned after a year and has been very happy working for us for more than another two years now. It’s just the way they are. My two daughters are gen-Y’s and they did the same. These people are ambitious and are always on the move. The only way they could progress or command for more is to change jobs. They would explore a few years in a company, a different area in another and then moved on to a completely different trade after. Jack of all trades. It is different from us, we were contented. But once their priorities changed, from career to family, that’s when they will come back to us.” - Adelene shared casually wheeling her chair fondly next to our cubicle.

Of course, her point of view might not be appropriate for your type of recruitment. To hire somebody with her family as her top priority might not be the best option for FMCG or Tech Industries but when it comes to hiring teachers for preschools, this might just click. Then again, this might not apply to all positions across the industry. Perhaps you might need a more career-minded marketing and sales professional for your school’s aggressive 3-year expansion plan.

That being said, we were really happy to hear that Adelene as one of our Hiring Managers, is able to accept that we are working with a new age workforce that could be a little bit too ambitious for us to cope with but still open-heartedly mentor them for long term. Yes, we might end up grooming a really talented staff for our competitors. But isn’t that what all great teachers do? We are not afraid of imparting skills, knowledge and wisdom to the young ones regardless of whom they serve ultimately. May the best employer win the battle for talents. Bon voyage~  

The 9 Qualities of A Preschool Teacher - Teacher Selvi Puspa from R.E.A.L Kids Gasing Indah

Always remember to taste these fruits. These fruits are very sweet and delicious, and they are the 9 fine qualities that make a good preschool teacher:

1. Patience - be patient when handling the small one's.
2. Love - show more love and care.
3. Joy - display joy when seeing kids achievements in their studies.
4. Peace - have a peace of mind and do not bring any problem with you to class because you won't be able to deliver the lesson properly.
5. Endurance - wholeheartedly take up the challenge to handle the small one's.
6. Generosity - be gracious to reward the small one's with words of encouragement, eg: Bravo, Excellent, Genius or offer them a Star Sticker.
7. Mildness - be gentle when you're handling the kids especially during concert practice or field trips.
8. Faith - we plant the seeds of foundation in our children. In the coming days, they will bear fruits of knowledge.
9. Kindness - be kind to the small one's because they are innocent and still a kid. Always use kind and positive words with them.

Written and shared by Teacher Selvi Puspa from R.E.A.L Kids Gasing Indah

Early Childhood and Childcare Education (ECCE) Internship Opportunity with R.E.A.L Kids

Standing in front of R.E.A.L Kids Wangsa Melawati are Pn Razmah Dahlan (Principal), Priscilla Ong (MCKL DECE Intern) & Sze Swan (MCKL DECE Intern) during their internship visit to R.E.A.L Kids Wangsa Melawati.

R.E.A.L Kids welcome Early Childhood & Childcare Education (ECCE) students from any recognized institutions to apply for internship with our 30 plus owner-operated preschool chains year-round. Interested candidates are welcome to drop us an email at recruit@real.edu.my or call us at 03-5621 7201 for more info.

Below are the documentations you need to submit in order to qualify for an Internship Interview Opportunity:

1. Resume

2. SPM copy

3. IC photocopy

4. Letter of Introduction from college/ university

5. One passport sized photo

6. Application for Practicum Form (you may request it from our Institute's Practicum Coordinator or call R.E.A.L Education Group HCC Recruitment Team for the form at 03-5631 8000)

Below are some of our preferred Early Childhood Partners/ Institutes (ECCE Faculties):

SEGi College/ University (SEGi)

Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL)

ALFA International College (ALFA)

Kolej DiKa (DiKa)

UNITAR International University (UNITAR)

Institute of Childhood Education-Studies & Community Education/ College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Universiti Malaya (UM)

Kolej Perkembangan Awal Kanak-Kanak (KPAKK)

HELP Institute (HELP)

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)

Universiti Selangor (UNISEL)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) 

Management and Science University (MSU)

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM/ UIA)

Kolej Islam Antarabangsa (IIC)

KFCH International College (KFCH)

The Power of Hugs - Teacher Low Mei Yen from R.E.A.L Kids Bandar Puteri Puchong

 

A hug is a form of physical intimacy, universal in human communities, in which two people put their arms around the neck, back, or waist of one another and hold each other closely. It is nonverbal and it means differently depending on the culture, context or relationship of the people involved. It could convey familiarity, close friendship, sympathy, support, comfort or a loving feeling.

 

Do you know how powerful a hug can be?

 

It is not just love but it serves as a form of encouragement, it strengthens immune systems and it boosts self esteem, especially in children. It also regulates love hormones by releasing Oxytocin and by lowering our blood pressure.

“We need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth.” – Virginia Satir.

There is a tendency that we can be drained emotionally with an empty tank by end of every day. This is when the love from hugs replenishes our energy. Depending on the social or cultural context of the place, on whether we do it privately or publicly, unexpected hug can be treated as an invasion of personal space. On the other hand, we witness kids who hug their parents when they see strangers as a lookout for security, confidence and support.

7 years ago, Teacher Mei Yen had a 4-year-old girl in her class who regularly came to school in pyjamas, a bottle of milk in her hands, a head of messy hair and a sleepy face. There was literally no interaction between her and the rest of the kids. Other kids made fun of her. Teacher Mei Yen and her colleagues thought of helping her and helped changed her pyjamas. They made the kids sang The Barney Song, “I Love You” and got the kids to hug each other. She asked the children to hug the little girl and saw her began to smile. From then on the little girl started to talk to others. 

From that day onwards, Teacher Mei Yen encouraged her kids to hug each other every day regardless of their differences. She believes that love and acceptance is a way better form of lesson to the kids than rejection and isolation. It enables the kids to face challenges.

Before Teacher Mei Yen ended her speech, she asked us, what do you think HUG means?

Here you go. HUG is an acronym for:

H – Helping

U - Us

G - Grow sensitively.