At House on the Hill, the children recently embarked on an exciting journey into the world of maps. Guided by our dedicated Teachers, they delved into understanding map keys, symbols, and even took the creative step of drawing their own maps. This interactive approach allowed them to quickly and enjoyably grasp these essential concepts, deepening their spatial thinking, geographical understanding, and problem-solving skills. By engaging with maps, they not only learned about geography but also developed valuable cognitive skills. Hands-on activities like these make abstract concepts more tangible and fun, which can greatly enhance learning and retention. Enhancing map skills with your child can be both fun and educational. Here are some effective ways to do so: 1. Read a Map Book Storytelling is a fantastic way to introduce children to map skills, combining education with entertainment. Here are three book recommendations that effectively incorporate map skills into engaging narratives: “Mapping Sam” by Joyce Hesselberth Follow the adventures of Sam, a curious cat, as she explores her neighbourhood and beyond,  using different types of maps. This book introduces children to various mapping concepts,  from neighbourhood maps to more abstract maps like constellations. “Me on The Map” by Joan Sweeney This book takes children on a journey from their bedroom to their house, street, town, and beyond. It provides a clear and relatable introduction to maps and how they represent different scales of the world. “Follow that Map! A First Book of Mapping Skills” by Scot Ritchie A group of friends sets out on a treasure hunt, using maps to find clues and solve problems along the way. This book is filled with practical exercises and examples that teach basic map skills in an interactive manner. 2. Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Map Skills One effective way to help your child learn map skills is by familiarising them with various types of maps. Discuss how different areas relate to each other, helping them understand their immediate environment and the connections between various locations. This exercise makes them excited about using maps and shows how maps help in planning and exploration. Start with the MRT System Map Introduce the Map: Show them the MRT system map and explain how it represents the train lines and stations. Station Names: Teach them how to read station names and recognise symbols for different lines. Routes and Transfers: Explain how to identify routes and understand where to transfer between lines. Practical Exercise: Plan a trip using the MRT map. Ask them to figure out the best route from one station to another. 2. Use a Simple Map of Singapore Identify Familiar Places: Point out key locations such as your home, their school, favourite parks, and other familiar spots. Relate Areas: Discuss how these places relate to each other. For example, how far is the school from home, and which direction is it? Create a Personal Map: Have them draw a simple map that includes their home, school, and favourite places. 3. Explore Maps of Tourist Attractions Zoo or Amusement Park Maps: Use maps of popular attractions like the zoo or an amusement park. Plan a Visit: Plan a visit together using the map. Discuss how to navigate the attraction, find different exhibits or rides, and plan a route. Engage with Landmarks: Encourage them to look for landmarks on the map and find them in the real world during the visit. 3. Mapping their House or Play Area Mapping familiar surroundings like their home or play area is an excellent way for children to grasp the concept of maps. This activity is not only engaging but also makes mapping personal and relatable. Here’s how to guide your child through the process: Explore the Area Walk Around Together: Take a tour of your house or play area with your child. Point out key features like rooms, furniture, doors, and windows. Discuss Observations: Encourage your child to observe and note down important details about the layout and key features. Draw a Simple Layout Start with Paper and Pencil: On a blank sheet of paper, help your child draw a basic layout of the area they explored. Identify Key Features: Mark the locations of rooms, furniture, doors, and windows. Ensure the layout is simple and easy to understand. Convert the Layout into a Map Introduce Map Symbols: Explain how to use symbols to represent different objects. For example, a rectangle can represent a bed, a square for a table, and lines for walls. Draw the Map: Guide your child in drawing the map, using the layout they created. Include symbols and ensure everything is proportionate. Label The Map: Help them label rooms and important spots, like “Living Room,” “Bedroom,” “Kitchen,” etc. Use simple and clear writing. 4. Map Puzzle Activity Creating a map puzzle is an excellent hands-on activity that combines creativity with learning, helping children develop spatial awareness and understand geographical locations. As they piece together different parts of the map, they learn about the relative positions of countries, states, or landmarks. Here’s a guide on how to create your own map puzzle. Here’s how: Buy a blank puzzle from a dollar store and let your child draw a map on the back. It could be a map of their house, neighbourhood, or even an imaginative world they create Once the drawing is complete, mix up the pieces Have them put it back together Tips for Engaging with Maps Start Simple Begin with basic maps and gradually introduce more complex ones as they become comfortable. Make it Fun Use games, puzzles, and interactive apps to make learning about maps enjoyable. Incorporate into their Daily Life Use maps in everyday activities, such as planning a family outing or finding a new restaurant. Encourage Questions Foster a curious mindset by encouraging questions about maps and geographical features. By integrating maps into your child’s daily life and making the learning process engaging, you can help them develop essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

“Uh-oh, another tantrum!” is a familiar thought for many parents when their children exhibit challenging behaviours. The truth is, your once-easily redirected infant is now a toddler, becoming increasingly aware of their surroundings and capable of holding onto thoughts longer. At this developmental stage, children naturally begin to question why things are as they are and test boundaries. Unfortunately, they may not yet grasp the reasons behind adults’ directives. In Montessori philosophy, we emphasise “freedom within limits,” which involves clearly defining and setting expectations and ground rules. These rules are rooted in three fundamental principles: respect for oneself, respect for others, and respect for the environment. 4 Beautiful Locations Islandwide At House on the Hill, we strive to embody the true Montessori method and philosophy in every lesson and activity. Book A Tour “As a parent of a 3-year-old who loves to test limits, like jumping over his 7-month-old sister, I’ve found it crucial to address his behaviour thoughtfully. When he attempts this, I first explain the potential dangers to him. I acknowledge his desire to jump and explore alternative ways for him to do so safely. Additionally, I set clear consequences by informing him that if he continues, I’ll separate them to ensure both their safety. When adults perceive toddler behaviour as challenging, it’s about striking a balance between their needs and ours. By understanding and redirecting their needs towards meeting parental expectations, we can minimize conflicts. Start by acknowledging their desire while prioritizing safety: ‘I see you want to jump, but it’s not safe to jump over your sister. Let’s find something else you can jump over, like a block or mat.’ This approach fosters a cooperative environment while teaching boundaries.” Ms Karissa Ms. Karissa’s approach highlights the importance of empathy, clear communication, and proactive management in handling challenging behaviours in toddlers. With effective strategies, challenging behaviours can be successfully managed and overcome. It’s essential to understand the underlying reasons behind the behaviour, such as a child’s unmet needs, emotions, or developmental stage. By acknowledging these factors and implementing appropriate approaches, parents and caregivers can help guide children towards more positive behaviours. Strategies to Overcome Challenging Behaviours Here are a few suggestions for consideration:   Prevention Set aside time to have fun together, this helps your child to bond with you. Encourage appropriate specific behaviour (such as recognising positive actions, “I can see that you are sharing your toy”). Recognising triggers early on can prevent challenging behaviours from escalating. Create a consistent routine as it helps when the child knows what’s coming next. 2. De-Escalate the Situation Assure your child that all feelings are valid . Understand your child may be emotionally overwhelmed. Use limited words. Connect before correction. Set boundaries with your child. Co-regulation Strategies Assure your child that it’s not a time-out. Help your child to become calm. Bring your child to their safe space that makes them feel good. What’s a Safe Space? A safe space is a dedicated spot for your child which brings them a sense of calmness and security. They often see it as their personal retreat, especially when feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated in certain situations. This space serves as a safe haven where they can retreat, regroup, and manage their emotions, helping them regain control and feel more at ease. Ideas for Safe Spaces Auditory (calm music, musical box) Lighting options (fairy lights, small flashlight) Basket of items (fidget toys, pop-its, kaleidoscope) 3. Tackle the Meltdown (with BREATHE) Be clear with limits set and guide your child’s behaviour by telling them what to do instead of what not to do Handle physical outbursts from your child calmly and with gentle restraint rather than reacting impulsively. This approach helps maintain boundaries effectively, demonstrating that while the behaviour is not acceptable, they are not being punished. Remember to communicate clearly that certain behaviours, like physical outbursts, are not tolerated while ensuring the child feels safe and understood. This method encourages positive discipline and reinforces appropriate behaviour. Easy and clear instructions for your child to follow if they decide to communicate. Allow your child an alternative option in a challenging situation, allowing them to make their own choice. Together, or if your child is not willing, demonstrate an example of the desired behaviour. This helps to make them feel less isolated and overwhelmed, showing them that what they were asked to do is not scary or bad. Hug! Positive physical connection is calming for young children. Be sure to not force the hug. Allowing them to calm down puts the child back in control of their emotion. You will find the hug helps to slow your child’s heart rate and breathing, enabling your child to calm down. End with recognising your child’s positive behaviour and tell them! By combining these strategies, you can effectively manage your child’s challenging behaviours while promoting emotional regulation and positive interactions. In handling challenging behaviours from your child, it’s important to find a balance that meets both their needs and yours. Always acknowledge your child’s feelings and provide them with perspective to understand your viewpoint. Reassure them of your love and support. This creates a secure bond and reinforces that you’re always there for them. Remember to take a deep breath in these moments. At House on the Hill, we teach children to respect boundaries while encouraging their independence. Our teachers are trained to guide children through understanding expectations—what’s appropriate, when it’s suitable, and where it’s acceptable. For instance, we explain that we wear a cardigan or jacket when we’re cold, not just because we want to. Consistent guidance helps toddlers develop self-discipline and respect for rules. As they internalize these concepts, they gain greater control over their behaviour. References Montessori Academy. (2017, February 8). Freedom within limits in Montessori Education. Ret Montessori Academy. (8 February, 2017). Freedom within limits in Montessori Education. Retrieved from Montessori Academy: https://montessoriacademy.com.au/montessori-freedom-within-limits/ Lillard, P., & Jessen, L. (2003). The Developing Will. In P. P. Lillard, & L. L. Jessen, Montessori From The

This Montessori at Home activity will guide you through making Rain Clouds using simple ingredients commonly found at home! This fun experiment helps explain to your child how rain forms in clouds, fostering curiosity and a love for exploration and discovery. Recently, the children at House on the Hill explored this thematic topic in their Mandarin class. By learning about rain in Mandarin, children not only develop language skills but also gain a deeper understanding of their world and its cultural significance. This activity encourages critical thinking by allowing your child to make choices and experiment with different outcomes. This process promotes independence and decision-making skills, while hands-on experiences instil a lasting interest in science and the natural world. Materials Needed Shaving Foam Glass Food Colourings of Choice Dropper or Spoon Water Instructions Step 1: Fill the clear glass about three-quarters full with water. Step 2: Shake and spray a layer of shaving foam on top of the water. Step 3: Add a few drops of your choice of food colouring in a separate bowl of water, you can have multiple colours too. Step 4: Drizzle the coloured water droplets onto the “clouds”. Step 5: Watch as the rain falls! Watch as Mia and her family create her version of a rain cloud at home. Simplifying the Concept Cloud Formation – Clouds are like shaving cream floating on water. They are made of tiny water drops that are so light they can float in the sky. Condensation – When you add food colouring to the shaving cream, it’s like adding more water drops to a cloud. These drops join together and get heavier, just like in a real cloud. Rainfall – When the food colouring gets too heavy, it falls through the shaving cream into the water below. This is how rain falls from clouds when the water drops get too heavy to stay in the sky. The Importance of Learning About Rain in Mandarin Learning about rain in Mandarin is vital for several reasons: Language Development: Understanding weather-related vocabulary enhances language skills, helping children express themselves more effectively in Mandarin. Cultural Relevance: Weather plays a significant role in daily life and cultural practices in Mandarin-speaking regions. Learning about rain connects children to cultural contexts and traditions. Critical Thinking: Discussing natural phenomena like rain encourages inquiry and critical thinking, prompting children to ask questions and explore their environment. Scientific Literacy: Integrating Mandarin with scientific concepts fosters bilingual scientific literacy, preparing children for a globalised world. Enhanced Communication: Learning about rain in Mandarin equips children with the language skills to communicate effectively with Mandarin-speaking peers and adults, enriching their social interactions. Curiosity and Exploration: Exploring weather concepts in another language nurtures a sense of wonder and encourages exploration, enhancing overall learning experiences. By learning about rain in Mandarin, children not only gain language skills but also develop a deeper understanding of their world and its cultural significance. This experiment not only visually demonstrates how rain forms in an engaging way but also encourages your child to think critically and ask questions about the natural world. By fostering curiosity from an early age, you can cultivate imagination and spark creativity, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environment. Furthermore, this activity nurtures a sense of wonder and exploration, laying the foundation for lifelong curiosity and learning. Enjoy exploring the science of rain together!

If you’re a parent exploring educational options, you’ve likely heard about the Montessori way but may not know what sets it apart. At its heart, the Montessori method isn’t just about learning facts and figures; it’s about nurturing your child’s natural curiosity and fostering a lifelong love of learning. 4 Beautiful Locations Islandwide At House on the Hill, we strive to embody the true Montessori method and philosophy in every lesson and activity. Book A Tour In this blog, we’ll dive into the fundamentals of Montessori education and show you how it could be the key to unlocking your child’s full potential. Join us as we explore how Montessori’s unique approach can lay a solid foundation for your child’s development, all within a warm and caring environment that feels like a second home. Firstly, the founder of the Montessori method of learning is one of the first female physicians in Italy – Dr. Maria Montessori. She opened her first school in an apartment building in Rome in 1907 called Casa De Bambini, “Home for Children.” Read more about the origins of the Montessori method in this blog. Her interest in education grew during her work with children with special needs, leading her to develop a unique approach to education based on her observations of children’s natural learning tendencies. At that time, all she had was a teacher’s table, a blackboard, a stove and a cabinet filled with activity materials. She discovered that engaging the child’s senses was the best way for children to learn effortlessly. Dr. Montessori’s methods remain influential in fostering holistic development in children worldwide. To further appreciate the strengths of a Montessori education, here’s a quick rundown of its core components. You’ll see how a Montessori kindergarten curriculum is greatly beneficial in the early stages of your child’s learning: Respect for the Child. The Montessori approach emphasises respect for the child as an individual with unique needs, interests, and abilities. Montessori teachers strive to create a supportive, nurturing environment where children feel valued, respected, and empowered to learn. A Purpose-Built Environment for Exploration. Classrooms are carefully designed to encourage excitement in children. Everyday becomes an exploration, a venue for independence, and order, with materials and activities readily accessible to children. Life Skills 101, check!  How does one teach independence in a Montessori? They are taught practical life skills like simple daily tasks of cleaning, caring for oneself and other household activities. When you allow them to succeed in each task all by themselves, you instil self-belief and confidence. Language Proficiency through Sound. A rich language environment is created in a Montessori preschool curriculum with fun activities to develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills – all taught through hands-on and phonics-based approach. Mathematics Made Fun. In a Montessori education, mathematics is taught using a hands-on, concrete approach that allows children to explore mathematical concepts through manipulation of specially designed materials. This creates a positive association with numbers early on. Sensorial Education.  In a Montessori classroom, materials are designed to refine and enhance the senses, enabling children to explore concepts such as size, shape, colour, texture, and sound. It’s a valuable opportunity to develop their sensory perception, cognitive skills, concentration, independence, and motor skills. Unique Montessori Materials. Each Montessori material is designed to be self-correcting, meaning that it allows children to recognise, correct, and learn from their mistakes independently. This autonomy builds confidence and promotes active learning, which is central to the Montessori philosophy. These elements work together to create a nurturing learning environment that supports the holistic development of each child. A Montessori education lays the groundwork for children to flourish intellectually, socially, and emotionally, equipping them with the building blocks necessary to thrive in both academic pursuits and in navigating real life. Explore our curriculum here. For more information about Montessori learning, explore our website or book a tour at any of our campuses conveniently located across Singapore. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our community!

Responsive feeding is a great approach to help children develop healthy habits. Teaching children to choose healthy food is a crucial part of their development, and the Montessori principles indeed offer a supportive framework for this approach by promoting freedom within boundaries and encouraging independence. By integrating these principles, we are teaching children about healthy food choices, educators at House on the Hill lay a strong foundation for lifelong habits of nutritious eating. This approach not only supports physical health but also nurtures important life skills and a positive relationship with food. Are you looking for realistic strategies to help you raise lifelong eaters? Our blog explores your role as a parent or caregiver in feeding your child nourishing food with more confidence and less stress. Karlien Duvenage, from Karlien Dietitian is an experienced Dietitian-Nutritionist with an Masters in Psychology. Karlien supports families in finding nutrition solutions and gaining confidence and peace in how and what to feed their families. She has a special interest in feeding challenges (such as ‘picky’ eating), neurodivergence, and eating disorders. Karlien provided some valuable information to the parents at House on the Hill at our recent parent workshops on Responsive Feeding. What is Responsive Feeding? Responsive Feeding is an approach to feeding that supports children in feeling in control over their bodies, capable and confident around food, and connected with those around them. This creates an environment where children’s curiosity can bloom; they can learn to respond to their bodies’ needs and develop a psychologically healthy relationship with food and their bodies. The responsive feeding framework provides freedom within boundaries and gives caregivers the opportunity to be in charge of feeding without being controlling. Key Values of Responsive Feeding: Autonomy; Relationship; Competence; Intrinsic Motivation; Holism As parents, we all have different ways of raising and feeding our families. Our parenting style is influenced by our cultural background, life experiences, personality, and our children’s unique personality traits. While parenting styles may vary, certain fundamental concepts are crucial to support children’s psychological well-being when it comes to food. The following five concepts are universally important for all families, though the details may differ from family to family.  1.  Explore your parenting values and roles. To confidently feed your family, it is essential to explore your parenting values and beliefs. For example, throughout our parenthood journey, we take on different roles. Our experiences, environment, values, and beliefs shape these roles. At times, we may want to model our own caregivers, and at other times, we may try new roles. These roles might also shift as our children grow and mature. How you see your role as a parent will show up in how you feed your child. Some typical parenting roles: Authority Assistant Champion Director Boundary holder Cheerleader Defender Guide Witness Confidant Friend Nurturer Provider Leader Teacher Disciplinarian Giver What are three roles you currently want to embody as a parent? What are two roles you want to avoid? Do they differ from your partner or co-caregiver? 2.  Prioritise safety in the feeding relationship. Feeding an infant or a child is not just about providing them with essential nutrients and satisfying their hunger. It is a means to establish a strong safety and security bond with our children, ultimately contributing to their sense of attachment and identity. While it is essential to ensure that children have access to nourishing foods, prioritising what a child eats over the relationship with their parent or caregiver is not helpful and can even be detrimental. A child’s and their caregiver’s relationship is critical and should never be overlooked. “…harmony, love and connection are more important than vegetables and are likely to help with the long-term goal of raising a child who enjoys eating them.” Katja Rowell, M.D. It is essential to understand that responsive feeding is not permissive feeding. It does not mean a “free for all” scenario in which children can eat whatever and whenever they want. Instead, it means prioritising the child’s sense of safety and supporting their autonomy while providing guidance, boundaries, and consistency. As a caregiver, adapting to your child’s experiences and reactions is crucial to ensuring their overall well-being. 3.  Implement a Predictable and Flexible Feeding Routine Planning for and making food available at dependable times is one of your most important responsibilities when feeding a child. Routine builds trust and helps your child to come to meals and snacks with an appetite (but not starving and dysregulated), which supports optimal eating habits. For most healthy children over a year old, this generally means making nourishing food available ~4 to 5 times a day, at regular intervals, with water always available in between. Some children might need to eat more frequently, and others less. There is always room for flexibility, making contextual decisions on exact feeding times and schedules and, for example, serving an appetiser of sliced apples if dinner is later than usual. However, this is not the same as “rolling snacks” or “grazing” which are often not helpful for young children. “The foundational steps in ensuring that a child retains their innate ability around hunger and fullness are consistency and trust in infancy and beyond. It’s the internal wisdom that forms the basis of Intuitive eating.” Elyse Resch, Intuitive Eating Die  4. Parents and caregivers keep to their roles of what and where to feed a child. The feeding relationship works best if you, the adult, are responsible for deciding what is served and where eating should happen (as your child matures into a teenager, these responsibilities will shift). Because you are the expert on your family, you can make responsive accommodations for what works best for your child. A calm and sensory-pleasing eating environment can also help children eat better. Pay attention to lighting, sounds and distractions as well as how comfortable your child is sitting, e.g. do they have a footrest? Offer a variety of nourishing and tasty foods from all the different food groups throughout the day. Let your child explore