Supporting your child’s bilingual language journey at home and in school. In multicultural Singapore and an increasingly connected world, being bilingual is more than just a skill—it’s a doorway to opportunity. For children, growing up fluent in both Mandarin and English builds communication skills, fosters cultural appreciation, and helps them connect confidently with people from all walks of life. At House on the Hill, we’re committed to raising global citizens—curious, confident, and culturally aware. A key part of our Montessori approach is nurturing bilingual development from a young age. Our Mandarin Immersion Programme is thoughtfully woven into the Montessori curriculum, giving children a joyful, natural path to becoming bilingual. Why Early Childhood Is the Best Time to Learn Language From birth to age 7, children’s brains are naturally wired to absorb language. Here’s how their ability develops: At Birth: Babies can hear all 800+ sounds across world languages—perfectly primed to pick up any language. 6 to 9 Months: They tune into native language sounds (vowels by 6 months, consonants by 9 months).This is the ideal time to introduce a second language—early exposure helps extend this learning window. By 12 Months: Babies focus on the language(s) they hear most. Without ongoing exposure to two languages, they may lose the ability to tell them apart. Up to Age 7: Children can learn new languages well. Early, consistent exposure builds a lasting language foundation. 5 Practical Ways to Support Language Learning at Home 1. Create a Language-Rich Environment Children learn language through immersion. At House on the Hill, we expose children to Mandarin through songs, stories, conversations, and hands-on learning. You can do the same at home by: Playing songs and audiobooks in both English and Mandarin. Creating a book corner with simple storybooks in English and Mandarin. Displaying family photo captions in both English and Mandarin. Labelling household items in both languages. Even if you’re not fluent, showing enthusiasm and engaging with the language together signals to your child that both languages are valuable. 2. Establish Language Routines Children thrive on routine, and this applies to language learning too. You can try: To use a Three-Three System: 3 times a day, 3 days a week, over 3 weeks at a time to reinforce learning.  To use Mandarin during bath time or mealtimes. To follow “one parent, one language” approach, if applicable in your home. At House on the Hill, Mandarin is woven into everyday routines, songs, and interactions—not treated as a separate subject. The same seamless integration can be mirrored at home. 3. Make It Playful and Purposeful Young children learn best through play. Language learning should be enjoyable, not pressured. Try: Singing Mandarin nursery rhymes together. Playing matching or “I Spy” games using Mandarin words. Using pretend play to practise vocabulary (shopkeeper, teacher, doctor).  Talking in Mandarin while cooking, playing, or gardening. In our classrooms, children learn new words through real-life context and concrete experiences. Every interaction is a chance to build confidence and vocabulary. 4. Use Books as a Bridge Between Languages Reading aloud helps children grow their vocabulary and listening skills in both languages. At House on the Hill, we carefully curate books to support both English and Mandarin literacy.   At home, you can try: Reading dual-language books together. Reading a story in English first, then again in Mandarin. Allowing your child to retell a story in the second language, even if it’s just key words or phrases. Recommended Reads: 7 Steps to Raising a Bilingual Child – Naomi Steiner Bilingual by Choice: Raising Kids in Two (or more!) Languages – Virginie Raguenaud. My First Mandarin Chinese Phrases – Jill Kalz Ming’s Adventure in the Forbidden City: A Story in English and Chinese – Li Jian Don’t worry if they don’t understand every word—repetition and exposure are what matter most. 5. Be Patient and Celebrate Little Wins Language learning takes time, and progress isn’t always linear. Children may mix languages (code-switch), favour one over the other, or go through silent periods. This is normal and part of the learning process. Mix languages (this is normal and shows skill!) Favour one language over another at different times Experience silent periods as they process new language Celebrate every milestone: a new word, a short phrase, or the courage to try. At House on the Hill, our teachers support each child with gentle encouragement—parents can do the same at home with patience and positivity. Activities by Age Group Below are some fun and effective ways to support your child’s language development at every stage: 0-6 Months | Sound Awareness and Exposure Talk and sing to your baby in both languages Play nursery rhymes or audio in the background Engage in face-to-face interactions—they love expressions 6–12 Months | Recognition and Response Use simple, repeated greetings like “Hello / 你好 / Selamat pagi” Narrate everyday routines (“Bath time!”, “Let’s go!”) Show simple picture books with labels in both languages 1–3 Years | Imitation and Early Speech Respond in your home language consistently Sing and move to action songs Play fun naming games and use flashcards Don’t worry if they mix languages—it’s a normal part of learning! 4–6 Years | Everyday Communication and Confidence Create daily routines for using your home language (e.g. bedtime stories) Try role-play games (shopkeeper, teacher, doctor) Watch cartoons or listen to audiobooks in both languages Set up playdates with peers who speak the same language Quick Tips for Parents More Exposure = Stronger SkillsFrequent use improves fluency, memory, and confidence. Quality MattersEngage with diverse sources: books, people, songs, and stories. Mixing Is NormalSwitching between languages shows flexibility—not confusion. Start Early, Stay ConsistentEarly exposure builds a stronger foundation. Make It FunLanguage grows best through joyful, everyday moments. Raising a multilingual child is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. It expands their thinking, deepens their cultural awareness, and opens doors for the future. With consistent support both at school and at home, your child will build the confidence to communicate and connect in two languages—and that’s something

As parents, we all want to build strong, loving relationships with our children—connections that help them feel secure, valued, and understood. At House on the Hill, we believe in walking this journey with you, supporting you every step of the way. Recently, we hosted workshops to share hands-on strategies for deepening your bond with your little one. We loved connecting with so many of our parents, sharing insights, and learning together. Now, we’re excited to pass along some key takeaways that you can bring into your everyday interactions with your child. Understanding Your Parenting Style Every parent has a unique approach, but research by developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind highlights three key parenting styles—permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative. At House on the Hill, we encourage an authoritative approach, which balances warmth with clear boundaries. This style fosters a nurturing yet structured environment, guiding children with both love and consistency. Nurturing a Strong Connection with Your Child The little moments of connection each day make a big difference in shaping your child’s emotional well-being and social skills. When children feel safe, understood, and supported, they develop the confidence to explore the world around them. At our workshop, we explored ways to strengthen these bonds, both at school and at home.  House on the Hill’s approach—such as mixed-age classrooms and co-regulation strategies—helps children feel secure and supported. The best part? You can apply these same principles in your daily life to build a positive, connected relationship with your child. Practical Strategies to Strengthen Your Bond Here are some simple but powerful ways to foster a closer relationship with your child: Fill Their Emotional Bank – Regularly show kindness, offer praise, and spend quality time together to build a strong foundation of trust and connection. Practice Active Listening – When your child talks, give them your full attention. Make eye contact, acknowledge their feelings, and validate their experiences to encourage open communication. Ask Engaging Questions – Instead of the usual “How was your day?” try more specific prompts like, “What made you smile today?” or “What was the most interesting thing you learned?” Support Emotional Regulation – Children’s emotional brains are still developing, which is why power struggles happen. Learning to co-regulate with them—staying calm and offering guidance—helps break cycles of frustration and defiance. Encourage Independence – Giving your child age-appropriate responsibilities helps them build confidence and resilience. Simple tasks like picking out their clothes or helping with meal prep go a long way. Helping Your Child Navigate Big Emotions We’ve all experienced those tricky moments when our child is overwhelmed with frustration or anger—and we’re left unsure of how to respond. It helps to remember that young children are still learning how to manage their emotions. Their brains are developing, and they often need our support to regulate how they feel.   The good news? You can help them through it.   One simple yet powerful approach is to use your words to guide them. Try this 3-step method: Acknowledge – Describe – Offer a Solution. Acknowledge their feelings by naming the emotion Describe the situation so they feel seen and understood Offer a solution or alternative they can accept For example:“You’re feeling frustrated. That shoe is really tricky to put on. Let me help stretch it for you.”   Using positive, calm responses helps children feel safe and supported. Over time, this builds their emotional intelligence and strengthens your bond. A small shift in how you respond can make a big difference in how your child learns to manage their big feelings. Positive Discipline That Nurtures Growth In our workshop, we explored positive discipline—a method that fosters self-discipline, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. By setting clear, consistent limits and using logical consequences, you help your child understand the impact of their actions while maintaining a respectful and supportive relationship. Positive discipline encourages children to take responsibility for their choices while feeling safe and loved. Key Takeaways for Everyday Parenting Show kindness and compassion in your daily interactions. Recognise and respect your child’s emotional development. Use positive discipline to guide behaviour rather than punish. Make small, meaningful deposits into your child’s emotional bank every day. Parenting comes with challenges, but with the right tools and mindset, we can navigate them together. At House on the Hill, we believe that strong parent-child relationships lay the foundation for lifelong learning and emotional well-being. We’re so grateful to be part of your parenting journey and look forward to continuing to support you. Stay tuned for more workshops and insights—we can’t wait to learn and grow together! 💛

Making oral care a hands-on learning experience keeps children engaged while reinforcing good habits. Try these five fun and interactive activities at home to help your little one learn about teeth and dental hygiene! 1. Match the Teeth Drawing to the Diagram Help your child learn about the different types of teeth and their functions with this fun matching activity! This simple yet engaging activity helps children visualise and understand how their teeth work together! Materials Tooth template featuring different types of teeth Mouth diagram template with labelled teeth Scissors Activity Cut out the individual tooth templates. Ask your child to pick a tooth and match it to the correct spot on the mouth diagram. Talk about the function of each tooth—incisors for biting, molars for grinding, etc 2. Brushing Teeth Let your child explore the concept of brushing while improving their fine motor skills with this fun, hands-on activity. Materials 1 litre plastic bottle (cut off the bottom to resemble a large tooth) Toothbrush Toothpaste Homemade dough (flour + water) Tray Activity Spread the dough onto the bottle to mimic plaque buildup. Encourage your child to use a toothbrush, toothpaste, and water to scrub it clean! 3. Tooth Hunt This exciting treasure hunt helps children practice circular brushing motions while improving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.   Materials Tooth template (printed or drawn) Tub filled with mud or sand Old toothbrush Activity Hide the tooth template inside the tub of mud or sand. Ask your child to dig through to find the “hidden teeth. Once found, have them “clean” the teeth using a toothbrush! 4. Teeth Brushing Sensory Bag A mess-free way to introduce the concept of brushing and make it a fun, hands-on sensory experience! Materials Plastic sandwich bag Toothpaste Laminated pictures of teeth Old toothbrush Activity Fill a sealed plastic bag with white toothpaste and place the laminated pictures of teeth inside. Ask your child to “brush” the teeth through the bag using an old toothbrush. 5. Music and Movement Get your child excited about brushing their teeth by adding music and movement! Materials “Brush Your Teeth” song by The Wiggles (or any fun brushing song) Musical instrument or a pretend instrument Activity Play the song and invite your child to dance, move to the beat, or pretend to brush their teeth while singing along. Encouraging learning through play makes new habits more engaging and memorable. Try these activities at home and help your little one build a strong foundation for healthy teeth and happy smiles! Quick Tips for Parents to Make Toothbrushing a Fun and Effective Routine Brushing teeth can be an exciting and rewarding experience for your child, and it all starts with these simple tips! 🪥 Lead by Example – Children love to mimic their parents! Brush your teeth in front of them so they see it as an important, everyday part of life. 🎶 Make It Fun – Turn brushing time into a mini celebration! Play a favourite song or use a toothbrush featuring their beloved character to keep them engaged and smiling. ⏲️ Use a Timer – Keep it fun and effective with a timer. Whether it’s a sand timer or a fun app, two minutes of brushing can fly by, making sure their teeth get the thorough cleaning they need! 💪 Encourage Independence – Let your little one take charge! Allow them to hold the toothbrush and practice brushing while you provide gentle guidance. 🦷 Choose the Right Tools – Soft-bristled toothbrushes and age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste are key to a healthy brushing habit. By making toothbrushing a fun and interactive part of their day, you’re not only helping them develop a solid routine but also instilling a love for taking care of their teeth. Try these tips at home and watch their excitement and responsibility grow! Books About Teeth: A Fun Way to Learn! Reading about dental care is a fantastic way to make toothbrushing time more exciting and educational! Here are some engaging books that will help your child discover the world of teeth: 📚 “Brush Your Teeth, Please: A Pop-Up Book” by Leslie McGuire – A playful, interactive way to learn about brushing!📚 “The Tooth Book” by Dr. Seuss – A classic that combines fun and education in true Dr. Seuss style.📚 “Bear’s Loose Tooth” by Karma Wilson – A charming story of Bear’s wobbly tooth and his forest friends.📚 “How Many Teeth?” by Paul Showers – An informative, fun read about how teeth grow and change. Have a blast exploring the wonderful world of teeth with your little one! 🦷✨

We’re thrilled to announce the expansion at our Balmoral campus! In line with our commitment to providing a nurturing, child-centered Montessori learning environment, our campus now spans three interconnected landed houses, offering even more space for your child to grow, learn, and thrive. Our new purposely designed layout will house our Nido program on the ground floor, serving infants aged 2-17 months, while the upstairs will be dedicated to our playgroup and pre-nursery children aged 1.5 to 3 years. Designed to enhance learning environments, the building features spacious classrooms, engaging play areas, and specialised facilities tailored to the unique needs of our students. Filled with natural light, the building also offers outdoor play areas so that learning can extend beyond the classroom. We have created indoor and outdoor common areas to encourage interaction and shared learning across all levels. In these spaces, children develop a sense of belonging and engage in self-directed and social learning through natural conversations and exploration. A Space Designed for Growth and Exploration Our expanded campus allows us to welcome more children into our programs, particularly in our Nido. The new purpose-designed layout is crafted to foster a comfortable, safe environment that encourages exploration, hands-on learning, and personal growth. Our Playgroup and Pre-Nursery classes are located upstairs, where spacious and well-organized classrooms provide a stimulating setting for self-directed learning. Embracing Natural Light and Outdoor Play Natural light is vital for children’s growth and well-being, and our new building is designed to maximise this essential element. Filled with large windows, our classrooms are bright, welcoming spaces that support focus and positive energy. We’ve also added additional outdoor play areas surrounded by greenery to encourage children to explore the natural world, feel different textures, engage in imaginative play, and develop their motor skills. These experiences go beyond the classroom to provide a holistic and memorable approach to learning, making language acquisition an adventure in cultural discovery. Handcrafted Montessori Materials In our classrooms, children will find carefully selected, handcrafted Montessori materials that are integral to their learning experience. These materials are designed to be self-correcting, allowing children to learn independently and gain confidence in mastering new skills. Our wooden furniture and Montessori-specific learning tools create an environment that inspires exploration and creativity, ensuring that each child connects deeply with their learning process. Healthy Meals At House on the Hill, we believe that learning extends beyond academics to include social development and life skills. Our new communal dining areas are a welcoming space where children enjoy well-balanced meals that nourish their bodies and minds. This also serves as a setting for social interaction, where children engage in conversations with their peers, fostering friendships, social skills, and an appreciation for healthy eating—a key aspect of the Montessori philosophy of caring for oneself and others. Mandarin Immersion Program The expansion also enhances our Mandarin Immersion Program, with dedicated spaces for immersive language learning and cultural appreciation. Our skilled Mandarin Teachers seamlessly engage with children in Mandarin throughout the day, fostering a love for the language through interactive, hands-on experiences. A Space to Flourish! At House on the Hill, our expanded Balmoral campus is thoughtfully designed with the needs of every child in mind, ensuring a holistic learning environment where children can thrive socially, physically and academically. We are dedicated to providing the best possible start for your child’s educational journey, nurturing young minds in a Montessori environment that prepares them for both conventional education and life beyond. At House on the Hill, we are dedicated to providing the best possible start for your child’s educational journey, offering care for children from 2 months to 6 years of age at our Balmoral campus. Our vision is to nurture young minds in a Montessori environment, believing that a child-centric approach best equips children for conventional education and life beyond. Ready to see our new classrooms and experience the House on the Hill difference? Book a tour today and discover why our program is the perfect choice for your child. [Register here: Insert Link] Book Your Tour Now

The holiday season is a magical time filled with traditions, celebrations, and the spirit of togetherness. At House on the Hill, we believe in fostering a love for different cultures and global understanding. This month, our children are diving into the world of holidays from different countries. Why not continue the learning journey at home? Exploring global festivities with your little one is a wonderful way to inspire empathy, curiosity, and respect for diverse traditions. In this blog, we’ll guide you through fun, hands-on activities to help your child learn about holiday customs from different countries. Let’s celebrate the spirit of the season while embracing our world’s rich cultural diversity! 1. Create a Holiday World Map Start by creating a world map together with your child. Use coloured markers, stickers, or pushpins to mark different countries. As you explore various holiday traditions, mark each country on the map to show where the celebration originates. Activity: Print out or draw a simple world map. As you learn about a new holiday, let your child colour in the country and add a symbol that represents the celebration (like a Christmas tree for Christmas, a lantern for Lunar New Year, etc.). 2. Celebrate Deepavali (India) Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s biggest celebrations. Families decorate their homes with beautiful oil lamps (diyas) and colourful rangoli patterns. DIY Craft: Create your paper diya lanterns using coloured paper and glitter. You can also draw Kolam patterns on the ground using chalk. Fun Fact: Deepavali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. 3. Celebrate Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) Chuseok often called the Korean Harvest Festival, is a time to give thanks for the year’s harvest and honour ancestors. It’s a wonderful occasion to learn about Korean culture, family traditions, and gratitude. Activity Create a traditional hanbok paper doll which is traditional attire, worn during celebrations. Create a paper doll of a family member wearing a beautiful Hanbok! You will need: paper, markets, crayons or coloured pencils, scissors and glue. Start by drawing a simple paper doll and then use the markers to design colourful Hanbok clothes including intricate patterns. It’s a fun way to explore Chuseok and the beauty of Korean traditions. Fun Fact: Chuseok is celebrated with a feast of songpyeon—a traditional Korean rice cake filled with sweet fillings like sesame seeds or red beans. It’s shaped like a half-moon to symbolize the harvest moon and is often enjoyed with family. 4. Celebrate Halloween Halloween is a spooky, fun time for kids to explore creativity and imagination! Here’s a fun way to celebrate: Activity Idea: Pumpkin Sensory Play Create a pumpkin-themed sensory activity by filling a large container with items like dried rice, small plastic spiders, mini pumpkins, and other spooky items. Let your child explore, dig, and feel the different textures while practising sorting, counting, or even pretending to be a pumpkin farmer! It’s a great way to engage their senses and creativity. Fun Fact: The tradition of carving pumpkins into Jack-o’-lanterns comes from an Irish myth about a man named “Stingy Jack,” who tricked the devil. People started carving faces into pumpkins to ward off Jack’s wandering spirit. Today, we continue the tradition as part of Halloween fun! 5. Learn About Winter Solstice Christmas is celebrated in many countries with unique customs, from decorating Christmas trees to exchanging gifts and singing carols. Activity: Bake holiday cookies together or create ornaments using salt dough that you can hang on your Christmas tree. Fun Fact: You can also send a special Santa Claus Letter from the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi which is especially sent by Santa in time for Christmas. If you wish to write to Santa, his official hometown address is Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland. Interestingly, Santa receives over half a million letters from all over the world. 6. Make a “Holidays Around the World” Book As you learn about each holiday, document it together in a special scrapbook. Include pictures, crafts, and facts about each celebration. Activity: Ask your child to draw, write, or paste pictures of the crafts they’ve made. This book can serve as a keepsake and a way to revisit the traditions each year. The Montessori Approach: Learning Through Exploration By introducing your child to holidays from around the world, you’re helping them develop a global mindset and respect for cultural diversity. The Montessori approach emphasizes hands-on, sensory-rich learning experiences, and these activities provide just that—engaging your child’s curiosity and creativity. Learning about different holidays can be a joyful and enriching experience for your child, fostering an appreciation for the world’s many beautiful cultures. So, gather your craft supplies, turn on some festive music, and get ready to explore the world from the comfort of your home.

What is True Cultural Immersion True cultural immersion is more than just learning about a language; it’s about experiencing the traditions, practices, and values that shape a culture. At House on the Hill, we provide a Mandarin Immersion Programme called Tian Tian Xiang Shang 天天向上. We immerse our students in the essence of the language, nurturing an authentic understanding and appreciation that extends far beyond the pages of textbooks. Through hands-on activities, children experience learning in a dynamic and engaging way, helping them connect with the language as a vibrant and integral part of the world around them. Why Cultural Immersion Matters for Language Chinese Contextual Learning: Cultural immersion provides real-life contexts for language use, helping children internalise vocabulary, tone, and grammar naturally. Deeper Cultural Connection: It helps children understand the cultural nuances and traditions that are integral to the Chinese language, fostering respect and empathy. Increased Motivation: Interactive and creative experiences make language learning enjoyable, inspiring children to explore further. Encourages Holistic Learning: By integrating history, art, and tradition, cultural immersion nurtures a broader understanding of the world. Lifelong Learning: Immersion nurtures curiosity and a global mindset, preparing children to navigate a multicultural world confidently How House on the Hill Provides Cultural Immersion Experiences At House on the Hill, we believe that learning a language goes hand-in-hand with experiencing its culture. Our Tian Tian Xiang Shang 天天向上 Mandarin Immersion Programme is a carefully curated cultural immersion program that creates opportunities for children and their families to engage with the rich traditions and history of the Chinese culture. Recently, we hosted a Mandarin Experience workshop for our students and parents, featuring a wide array of activities and performances, including: Traditional Chinese Instrument Performances: Children enjoyed live demonstrations of the Guzheng, Pipa, and Erhu, immersing themselves in the beauty of Chinese music. Exploring Chinese Poetry: A medley of ancient and modern Chinese poetry, coupled with recitations and speech and drama performances, deepened their connection to the language. Interactive Games: Engaging activities like charades, a radicals and character components board game, and matching games with Chinese characters added a playful element to learning. Artistic Expression: Chinese painting workshops inspired creativity while teaching children the artistry behind cultural symbols and themes. Tea Ceremony: A hands-on introduction to this traditional practice highlighted values like respect and mindfulness. Language History: Exploring the evolution of Chinese writing from ancient scripts to modern forms gave children a broader perspective on the language’s history. Calligraphy and Language History: From ancient forms of writing to modern characters, children traced the evolution of the written language. Dynamic Movement: A Kung Fu dance performance blended tradition with fun, encouraging physical expression tied to culture. These experiences go beyond the classroom to provide a holistic and memorable approach to learning, making language acquisition an adventure in cultural discovery. The Lasting Impact of Cultural Immersion At House on the Hill, we are committed to helping children grow into confident, curious, and culturally aware individuals. By immersing them in authentic language experiences, we not only teach them to speak a new language but also open their hearts and minds to the richness of the world around them. If you’d like to learn more about our bilingual programmes and how we use cultural immersion to enrich our students’ learning journeys, book a tour today and see firsthand how House on the Hill nurtures lifelong learners. Discover the magic of cultural immersion with House on the Hill Montessori Preschool—where language learning is an adventure in understanding, exploring, and celebrating the world!