Setting the right foundation
ACKNOWLEDGING the importance of imparting religious knowledge in children from young, Smart Reader Worldwide developed a comprehensive Islamic programme to complement its existing programmes.
After in-depth research for almost two years and a series of consultations with prominent religious scholars from Masjid Negara, Smart Reader Worldwide rolled out the Smart Reader Kids Islamic – Smart Tadris programme in June last year.
Smart Reader Worldwide has appointed Datuk Abu Hasan Din Al-Hafiz, former imam besar of Masjid Negara and religious advisor of the National Palace, as the honorary advisor of Smart Tadris to ensure that the programme creates dynamic Muslims who can advocate the good values of Islam.
Abu Hasan, who is the main guest of the Pesan Atok programme on TV9, is also accustomed to dealing with children, thus Smart Reader Worldwide felt that he would be the best person to guide the Smart Tadris team in producing the most comprehensive modules that fit young children’s learning style.
The royal patron of the Smart Reader Kids Islamic programme is Raja Muda Perlis, Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.
Smart Reader Worldwide’s corporate manager Edzri Effendi Zainal, who has worked with the scholars closely since the birth of the idea, says that they give utmost importance in ensuring that a solid and comprehensive structure is developed.
Smart Reader Worldwide decided on the term “Tadris” for its Islamic programme because it means learning is continuous and learning never stops. Besides learning by the book, learning is also done through practice and understanding, which eventually becomes part of one’s life.
The objective of the Smart Tadris programme is to expose students to the knowledge of Al-Quran, Arabic language, Iqra and Fardhu Ain. The Smart Reader Kids Islamic programme does not only teach students to recite and memorise the Quran, but also ensures that the students use the proper nouns to recite the verses and pronounce the words correctly.
In teaching Fardhu Ain, the teachers would be imparting the necessary values in children to be a good Muslim and explain to them why practising such values is important in their lives.
“For instance, when teaching them to say ‘Assalamulaikum’, the teachers would explain that giving salam is a sign of respect and courtesy. When children understand why they practise certain deeds, it would be easier for them to incorporate it in their lives,” says Edzri.
Smart Reader Worldwide is known for the creative methodology used to teach children. The same rules apply in the Smart Tadris programme where the subjects are taught in a fun and exciting way so that the children will not get bored and can absorb the subjects better.
“We incorporate songs, kindercooking sessions, and arts and craft when teaching the children,” says Edzri. “When children are happy about learning, they can understand the subjects better and it will be easier for them to apply what they have learnt into their lives.”
English proficiency is another area that is important for children to be equipped with. When Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin made a statement to the effect that he did not understand why Malaysian graduates had such low English proficiency, Smart Reader Worldwide took it upon itself to do something significant and rolled out the Intensive English Programme.
Smart Reader Worldwide’s training manager Shamina Krishna says introducing the Intensive English Programme at pre-school level is appropriate as this is during a child’s foundational years of learning.
To address the issue of poor command of the English language among students at secondary or tertiary level may be too late as older people are normally more resistant to learning new things.
The Intensive English Programme is open to Smart Reader Kids, Smart Reader Kids (Mandarin medium), Smart Reader Kids++and Smart Reader Kids Islamic students between the age of three and seven whose parents desire for them to spend longer hours in the Smart Reader Kids centres.
The programme is run in the afternoons, so for parents who have to work and do not have caretakers for their children in the daytime, this programme is a blessing as they can be assured that children are in safe hands when they are with the Smart Reader Kids educators.
The Intensive English Programme focuses on various aspects of English language literacy and involves learning through play. Shamina says play is important as children must enjoy the learning process in order for them to remain interested and captivated with learning.
Children are taught the language through poems and rhymes, word-building activities, songs, dance and movement activities, and writing simple songs.
Smart Reader Worldwide gives utmost importance to the quality of the teachers teaching the programme. To qualify to teach, teachers undergo the phonetics training of the Smart Reader English programme.
For more information, call 03-6279 5555 or SMARTLine at 1300 885 555 or visit www.smartreader.edu.my