HotH 4 | House on the Hill

Understanding Big Behaviours In Little People

Amanda January 2024

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 Little children use behaviours like crying or running away to communicate with the bigger people in their lives. Behaviour is all about communication, and it’s our job as adults to learn what children are trying to tell us through their behaviours. Thinking of children’s behaviours as a form of communication helps us to create environments where children feel safe, understood, secure and supported. We know that in those environments, children learn to interact with others with care, empathy and respect, skills that prepare them for school and life. How can co-regulation and self-regulation support your child? Co-regulation is you and your child working together to achieve a calm regulated state. Self-regulation is when your child can regulate their behaviour. Here’s our three top tips for understanding children’s behaviours and how to help them co-regulate. 1. How to interact with your child We need to understand that crying and other behaviours are children’s ways of communicating with us and asking us for help. Many of us were brought up in a time when parents would say ‘don’t cry’ or ‘you’re okay’, or ‘they’re just being silly’, and they would dismiss our emotions. So, it can be hard for us to interact with our children differently when that’s what we’ve been taught. For example, drop off and pick up at preschool can be hard for children, especially when they first start. When you leave your child instead of saying ‘you’re ok’ try saying, ‘I understand you’re sad.’ 2. Support your child to build relationships As humans, we are hardwired to be in relationships with others – children are trying to build relationships with others in their lives, but they may not know the best way to communicate or negotiate. Some of the behaviours you might see when a child is having difficulty communicating include: Crying and yelling Hitting, kicking, pushing Throwing or breaking things Running away Blank face – no connection/expression Silent sobbing – deep quick breaths When you see these behaviours, your child is not attention seeking – they are connection seeking. They are telling you they need you, but they don’t have the skills to communicate so they act out instead. It’s our job to decode their behaviours and emotions and support children to develop the skills and strategies they need to self-regulate. Try taking a moment to consider what’s happening in their environment, what they might have experienced that day, or what they might be asking for. For example, could your child be hungry, tired, or anxious? Could they be sad to leave their friends at the end of the day? In these moments, approach your child calmly and help guide them through explaining to you how they’re feeling. 3. Support positive behaviours The environments we create at home and in schools are crucial to driving positive behaviours in children. As adults, we can do this by: It is okay to let your child release their emotions. Allow your child to release the tears in a supportive environment. It doesn’t matter why they are crying, or where they are crying, or how hard they are crying – it’s okay to just allow it and support it. Creating calm, structured, and predictable environments. Example: Create a cosy or calming corner for your child to go to. Building a responsive and reciprocal warm relationship with your child is important, to build their trust. Developing strategies to assist in hard times – it is important to let children have a say and let them have choices. Co-regulation is a wonderful way to assist your child to understand and regulate their emotions and help you manage challenging situations. They have to name it to tame it. Help your child to identify big feelings by labelling your child’s emotions. For example, ‘It seems like that really frustrates you’ or ‘I can see you’re sad when’. Breathe together – Calmly take breaths so your child can see you practising self-calming. Or you can hold your child while you breathe deeply so your child can feel the rhythm of breathing. Body calming – slowly and rhythmically rub your child’s back or feet. Connecting like this lets them know that you will be there when they are ready to talk. Backstories – Tell your child a story while drawing on the top half of your child’s back. For example, draw a circle with rays for the sun. Then switch places and let your child tell a story on your back. Music – sing or play relaxing songs. Model how to sing/dance/play an instrument. Your child will learn to use music as an active calming tool. Sensory activities – Creating a soothing environment can reduce stress. Try lowering lights and turning off noisy toys. Support If you need support in understanding your child’s behaviours and what they’re trying to tell you, reach out to their Educators and Teachers at House on the Hill, who will be able to use their expertise to help you navigate these moments.

5 Festive Activities for You and Your Child

Amanda December 2023

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 The holidays are a time for magic, fun, and spending quality time with loved ones. Here are 5 exciting activities you can do with your child during this festive season and create lasting memories together. Write a letter to Santa (or the grandparents) While writing a letter in 2023 might not be a daily activity, it is still a life skill and an engaging activity for children of all ages! Writing a letter can be as fun as receiving one. Help your child write a letter to Santa, a grandparent, friend, or even their teacher at school. Ask your child to write about their accomplishments at school, the kind things they have done for your family and friends, and how well they have listened to their parents.Click here for tips on how to get started. Make some Christmas truffles House on the Hill founder Jing, and her sons Kai and Hans show us how to make some delicious Christmas truffles at home. We must warn you that these are always a hit and disappear the minute they’re ready to be eaten! Click here for the recipe and some Montessori at Home tips. Craft a D.I.Y Paper Bag Reindeer Christmas crafts are a great way to bond and entertain your little ones while letting them be creative. This activity will help to develop your child’s creativity and get them to work on their fine motor skills. It also encourages them to be resourceful in using the materials around them to create a meaningful craft. Click here for instructions. Prepare some healthy Santa Claus Fruit Skewers Whilst you are in the kitchen planning your festive menus, it’s a good time to involve your child in the planning, shopping and preparation for the feasting to come. Here’s a healthy and delicious Christmas-themed cookery Montessori at Home activity for you to make with them. Click here for the recipe and tips. Countdown to the new year with a Frosty the Snowman Craft Countdown It’s an exciting time of year and children everywhere are counting down till the new year. This festive season craft has many benefits. Firstly it’s fun and reinforces number recognition and counting skills. It is also a great way to encourage children to write with pleasure and joy. Get directions for how to create this craft here. Remember, the most important thing is to spend quality time with your child and create lasting memories. Be flexible, embrace the mess, and most importantly, have fun! Share Your Moments with Us We’d love to see your fun festive moments. Don’t forget to tag us @houseonthehillsg on Facebook and Instagram!

Montessori At Home: 2023 Time Capsule

Amanda December 2023

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 How to make a capsule with your child that tells a story of 2023 Creating a time capsule with your child can be a fun and engaging activity that helps them understand and appreciate the current year. It’s important to teach children the importance of memories at a young age. By doing this, you teach them that the moments in life are greater than the objects we have. When you create a time capsule, you are preserving a specific time in life. And it gives children something to look forward to as they get older. Photo credit: Lit and Tech Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a time capsule that tells a story of 2023: Gather Materials: Container: Choose a sturdy container that can protect the contents over time. Consider using a waterproof and airtight container, such as a plastic storage bin, metal canister, or even a decorated shoebox. Decorations: Let your child express their creativity by decorating the outside of the container. They can paint, draw, or glue pictures and objects that represent 2023 for them. Items to Include: Gather items that reflect the events, trends, and pop culture of 2023. This could include: Photographs: Take pictures of your child’s life in 2023, including family moments, special occasions, and everyday activities. Toys or trinkets: Include toys or objects representing your child’s interests and hobbies in 2023. Drawings or artwork: Let your child create their drawings or artwork that capture their experiences and feelings in 2023 Certificates/ribbons from sports game. Popular music or movies: Did your child have a favourite song or movie from 2023? You could include a poster or printed-out lyrics. List of favourites – write a list of all your favourite things, you can include everything from your favourite food to your favourite music and your favourite item of clothing. Handprints made with fingerpaint Future job aspirations – do you remember wanting to be an astronaut when you were older, only to change your mind 3 months later and decide you wanted to be a ballet dancer instead? Getting your family to write down what they want to be when they’re older is guaranteed to bring smiles to faces when your time capsule is opened. Family Questionnaire – this is a great way to get the whole family involved in the time capsule. You can decide together, ‘Who’s the funniest?’ or ‘Who likes being outside more?’ and see what’s changed when you open the capsule up again Personal notes: Write a letter to your future selves, reflecting on your child’s life, milestones, and the overall atmosphere of 2023. Creating the Time Capsule: Involve your child: Encourage your child to participate in the process of selecting and placing items into the capsule. Discuss the significance of each item and how it represents 2023 for them. Organise and label: Arrange the items neatly inside the capsule and consider labelling each item or grouping them by category. This will make it easier to identify and understand the contents when the capsule is opened in the future. Seal and Store: Securely seal the capsule to protect its contents. Choose a storage location that is safe and dry, such as a closet. Unveiling the Time Capsule: Set a Date: Decide on a date in the future when you and your child will open the time capsule together. This could be a significant milestone, such as their graduation or a family reunion. Anticipation and Excitement: Build up the anticipation by discussing the time capsule with your child regularly. Encourage them to think about how much they will have grown and changed by the time they open it. Unveiling Together: On the designated date, gather the family and make a special event out of opening the time capsule. Take turns reminiscing about the items and sharing memories from 2023. Creating a time capsule with your child can be a treasured keepsake that captures the essence of 2023 and provides a valuable learning experience for your child. It’s a fun and meaningful activity that strengthens your bond and creates lasting memories. We’d love to see your time capsules. Snap some pictures of your child creating the time capsule and the final product, and don’t forget to tag us @houseonthehillsg on Facebook and Instagram! Wishing you Happy Holidays from House on the Hill, and here’s to a joyful New Year!

Montessori at Home: Encouraging Healthy Eating and Independence At Breakfast

Amanda November 2023

At House on the Hill, we believe that every child deserves to have access to nutritious food. That’s why we provide our preschoolers with healthy meals and snacks every day. A balanced diet also plays a vital role in a child’s physical development. Preschoolers are growing rapidly, and they need a variety of nutrients to support their growth and development. It’s so important to introduce children to healthy foods at an early age so they can develop lifelong healthy eating habits. Making meals fun and engaging for children, will help them to develop a positive association with healthy food. Children are naturally curious and eager to learn new things. Encouraging independence at home with food is a great way to help children develop essential life skills and foster a positive relationship with food. How can you support your child’s independence at home with food? We know mornings are busy for parents. Here are some tips to help encourage independence at home and supporting your child to help themselves at breakfast time. We’ve also included some yummy recipes. 11 months to 18 months Very young children can participate in breakfast time with simple tasks. It’s important to encourage independence from an early age, and giving children small tasks to do at mealtimes is a great way to do that. Our NIDO children are naturally curious and eager to learn, and they love to feel like they are helping out. Even simple tasks like pouring cereal and milk into a bowl can give them a sense of accomplishment and pride. 18 months to 3 years old Breakfast time is an excellent opportunity for children to develop their fine and gross motor skills. By engaging in activities like peeling boiled eggs, chopping bananas, spreading toast, and assembling yoghurt parfaits, children can enhance their hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and overall motor control. The yogurt and fruit bar concept is a fantastic way to promote self-selection and encourage children to explore different flavours and textures. By providing pre-cut fruits and allowing them to customise their parfaits with cereal toppings, you can foster a sense of ownership and encourage healthy eating habits 3 to 6 years old Did you know that mealtimes are incredibly important for social and emotional development and growth? Montessori teaches grace and courtesy as part of the Practical Life curriculum, and there are many lessons that children can learn at breakfast time. Encourage them to set the table, and they can practise carrying dishes, pouring water, and folding napkins as well. Older children can help with simple tasks in the kitchen and there are other skills like sitting patiently, conversing politely, and eating without too big of a mess that can be learnt at the dining table. Here you can see some of our older children in school helping to serve their friends, have their meal together and clean up afterwards. Easy recipes to try at home A healthy breakfast has a balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Here are 3 easy recipes for you to try at home with your child. Kopitiam eggs Wobbly soft boiled eggs. Delicious plain or with a little drop of dark soya sauce and white pepper. Eggs are full of nutrition, and don’t forget to make some toast soldiers to dip into all that goodness. We like this recipe from What to Cook Today as older children can very carefully, under adult supervision, lower the eggs in water that has been taken off the boil. Toasts + spreads Deciding what to eat is a great way for a child to learn independence and independent thinking, whilst offering a curated selection of food helps parents to avoid a stress-filled breakfast. We recommend using whole-grain bread and encouraging children to toast it themselves, as well as offering a selection of low sugar, healthy breakfast spreads. Did you know you can make your own nut butter in a blender? Here is a simple almond butter recipe from Amy’s Healthy Baking. Smoothies This is probably House on the Hill’s number one most popular menu offering with the children. There are so many combinations, but the perennial favourite is bananas, strawberries and yogurt! The children love being able to put all the ingredients into the blender, watching it all come together, and then enjoying the fruits of their labour after. We recommend having a conversation with your child beforehand. What fruits do they love? What combinations would they like to try? A great extension to this activity would be to go grocery shopping to buy all the ingredients! Here is a Montessori at Home exercise for making Fruity Smoothies. Encouraging our children to be independent is one of the most important things we can do for them. It helps them to develop a sense of self-worth, confidence, and resilience. It also helps them to learn new skills and to become more capable and independent. There are many ways to encourage independence in children. When we encourage our children to be independent, we are giving them the tools they need to succeed in life. We are helping them to become confident, capable, and independent adults. Helpful resources Here helpful resources from Montessori educators on how to practise Montessori at Home during breakfast time: · Supporting your child with practical skills at home, click here · Jesse McCarthy, founder of Montessori Education and friend and trainer to House on the Hill has written a great article about getting ready in the morning here. · Montessorilife has detailed her set up for breakfast to support independence here.

How To Support Your Child During Room Transitions

Amanda November 2023

For little humans, small changes can feel big. When it comes to transitioning rooms in childcare, your child may be excited to be more like the bigger children, but the change may also present some challenges. Transitioning rooms at House on the Hill means changes to routines and new educators, but also new opportunities to play and grow! Just like your child’s first day at House on the Hill, we are here to support you. 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 When is your child ready to transition rooms? The transition from one room to another is a significant milestone in your child’s educational journey. It marks a progression from one set of learning experiences to another, requiring a level of readiness and adaptability. To ensure a smooth transition, your child’s teacher will work with you to assess your child’s preparedness and provide necessary support. Room transitions at House on the Hill usually happen for any child ready to progress at the end of each term. How does HotH support your child during transitions? When a child is ready to move up to the next level, our teachers will help to ease them into the transition. Their current teacher will bring them to their new class and introduce them to their new teacher as part of their hand over. The teachers will also have discussed and shared notes about your child. Your teacher will meet you to explain what is coming up, share their new routine and what expectations they have for your child. You will be invited to observe the new classroom and meet your child’s new teachers before the move. So, how can you prepare your child at home for their upcoming transition? Before the transition: · Talk to your child about the upcoming transition. Explain the new room, the new educators, and the new routine. Be positive and enthusiastic and help your child to see the transition as an exciting new adventure. · Stay positive. Don’t brush away these big feelings and acknowledge their fear and nervousness. · Assure them that it is normal for them to feel worried about new friends and teachers. · Set up playdates and get to know other children’s families through your school’s Parent Support Group (PSG). Your child’s new teacher will also be able to help to connect you. During the transition: · Be patient and understanding. It may take some time for your child to adjust to the new room. Be prepared for them to be upset or clingy at first. · Say goodbye to your child calmly and reassuringly. Let them know that you will be back to pick them up later. · Work with your child’s teacher to manage the transition. · Check-in with your child regularly to see how they are doing. Ask them about their day and let them know that you are there for them. Additional tips Here are some additional tips that you can do to help your child with the transition: · Be consistent with routines at home and childcare. This will help your child to feel more secure. · Use positive reinforcement. Praise your child for their efforts to adjust to the new room. · Read books to your child about transitions. This can help them to understand what to expect. Here are some suggested book titles: Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright The Little Butterfly That Could by Ross Burach Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes · Talk to your child about their feelings. Help them to identify and express their emotions in a healthy way. It’s important to remember that every child is different and will transition at their own pace. Be patient and supportive, and your child will happily adjust to the new room.

Montessori At Home: Chinese Tea Culture

Amanda October 2023

..The Chinese have an ancient saying “开门七件事：柴米油盐酱醋茶”. It says that the seven necessities of Chinese culture are firewood (柴 chái), rice (米 mĭ), oil (油 yóu), salt (盐 yán), sauce (酱 jiàng), vinegar (醋 cù) and tea (茶 chá). This is commonly used to illustrate how tea drinking, appreciation and culture is an intrinsic part of the Chinese speaking world. Tea appreciation is an art form, a calm and comforting ritual for many. 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 We believe that cultural understanding and context are essential for learning a language well. Our students often enjoy tea at House on the Hill and are taught how to make and consume it within our Montessori Practical Life Curriculum. In the afternoons, children in our Mandarin full-immersion program, 天天向上 (tiān tiān xiàng shāng), will brew a pot of tea and enjoy sipping it in class. With the gentle and melodious sounds of traditional Chinese music in the background, this ritual helps the children to slow down and find stillness and peace. In this Montessori at Home activity, we will show you how to create your own ritual with your child. This meditative act involves being mindful and present during all aspects of the tea ritual, including making the tea, drinking the tea, and being aware of the effects on your mind and body. The child featured in this activity is 5 year old Hans, son of House on the Hill CEO and founder Ms. Jing. As you will see here, Hans likes to relax in the evenings with a cup of tea and a book. Notes: On hot water and temperature As a proud Montessori school, independence as a skill is highly encouraged in our children. Our N-K students are taught progressively how to brew their own tea. Teachers will fill a flask with hot water and the children will pour the water from the flask (with close supervision). Younger children who are unable to distinguish high temperatures will be provided with double insulated cups. As they mature, they advance to the next level with ceramic cups, where the thinner surface helps them to start to differentiate hot and cold. On herbal teas We use quality herbs and dried flowers to make our teas. These are healthy, easy to digest, with nutritional properties that help to soothe, relax and heal. Some traditional chinese herbs that are great for children include: · Mint: our students love to pluck the leaves from their mint plants and brew some mint tea. It helps with digestion, improves energy and reduces fatigue. · Chrysanthemum: helps reduce inflammation, a good source of vitamins A and C, and for adults, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol · Wolfberry: also known as goji berry, these tiny fruits are packed with antioxidants and aids with good vision · Chinese Red Dates: also known as jujube, dates have anti-inflammatory properties. They help improve digestion, are calming and relaxing, and are a rich source of iron. They’re also great for skin complexion, mummies and daddies! · Longans: these are believed to improve digestion and soothe the stomach. They have a soothing aroma and are rich in vitamin C, helping to boost immunity. · Chen pi: sun-dried mandarin orange peel gives a citrus kick and a slight sweetness to infusions, as well helping digestion and soothing the throat · Rose petals: not only does it give the infusion a lovely smell, rose has a relaxing effect, helping to lower stress levels and encourage sleep These herbs can be brewed with hot water to make a soothing drink, either individually or together in various combinations. Please do not give your child caffeinated teas and consult a doctor if necessary before proceeding. What you will need to set up your prepared environment: Kettle Teapot and cups Herbs and dried flower ingredients – one tablespoon of mixture per person Traditional Chinese music – We recommend searching for “guzheng instrumental” on YouTube How to create your own tea ceremony at home: Fill the teapot with herbs Pour warm water in and steep for a few minutes Remove the herbs, leaving the tea in the pot Pour tea into cups Have a good sniff and inhale the goodness of the tea Take a sip. Isn’t it lovely? Enjoy with a good book!

Discovering the Human Body

Amanda October 2023

Our theme for Term 4 is centered around the exploration of human organs and skeletons, providing an excellent opportunity for teachers, parents, and children to learn more about the wonders of the human body. To facilitate this learning, our Mount Sophia campus has created a science corner which children can explore and learn more about the topic. The science corner is a place where children can have fun and learn at the same time. By encouraging our children to ask questions and explore their own interests, we are helping them grow their understanding of how the human body works in a way that is fun and engaging. Learning body parts is important for early learning because it allows children to start developing a sense of body awareness. Body awareness is the ability to recognize where your body is in space and how it moves. This is how we described the various body parts they were learning to the children: Brain – the brain is where thoughts and feelings come from. It controls the muscles, as well as some actions such as breathing and heartbeat, which take place without us having to think. Skeleton and bones – is a frame of joined up bones that shape a body. Lungs – air containing a gas called oxygen is breathed in and fills the lungs, which inflate like a balloon. Blood flowing through the lungs collects the oxygen. As waste gases are breathed out, the lungs deflate and get smaller Stomach and Intestine – The stomach is stretchy, bag-like body parts that food goes into after it is eaten. Muscles in the stomach move to break down the food and turn it into mush. Joints – joints such as ankles, elbows and hips are where bones join together and allow the body to bend Heart – the heart muscle that beats non-stop to pump blood around the body. Blood flows through tubes called arteries and veins. Here are some activities that the children have been exploring in the science corner: Build a skeleton model. This is a great way to learn about the different bones in the human body and how they fit together. You can use a variety of materials to build your model, such as pipe cleaners, marshmallows, and toothpicks. Draw or paint a diagram of the human body. This is a fun and creative way to learn about the different parts of the body and how they work together. You can label the different organs and systems, or you can draw a more detailed diagram of a specific part of the body, such as the heart or the brain. Make a model of a cell. Cells are the building blocks of the human body, so it’s important to learn about them. You can use a variety of materials to make a cell model, such as clay, Jell-O, or even candy. Play games and do puzzles about the human body. There are many different books, games and puzzles available that can help children learn about the human body in a fun and engaging way. One great book to check out is The Human Body – Shine-A-Light by Carron Brown and Rachel Saunders, our book of the term. There are lots of books that are age appropriate and include fun and interesting ways for children to learn about the human body. Our parents, teachers and children have been enjoying reading books in the science corner about the human body to help them better understand how it is all connected. There are many great resources available to help children learn about the human body. You can find books and articles at your local library or bookstore, or you can search online too! These hands-on learning activities are fantastic ways to start introducing how amazing the human body is. Try them out together at home!

5 Montessori Activities To Try With Your Baby

The HotH Team October 2023

The early years are a magical time in a child’s life. Play and connection with your baby set the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and play. The first three years of your child’s life are especially important, as their brain develops more during this time than at any other stage. Each new experience is a learning opportunity. We love sharing tips with parents on how to bring Montessori into your homes. Here are five Montessori at home activities that you can do with your little one to help them develop their love of learning and social awareness. We recommend these activities for infants aged two to seventeen months old. Leading Montessori Infant Care in Balmoral From birth to age 3, your child’s brain is developing more rapidly than at any other time. Book A Tour 1. Art in a Bag Mess-free sensory art is a great way for little ones to explore textures and colours without the mess! This activity supports your child’s sensory development and helps them to learn about the world around them. What You Need A4 Paper Ziplock Bag What To Do Squirt some paint onto paper Insert into a ziplock bag and seal Let infant squish, smoosh, rub, and throw bag around to their hearts delight Take the paper out and let dry You now have a piece of baby art to hang up! Tips Be as animated as possible while doing this exercise to engage more with your baby. Some talking points: Swirl the paint. Describe what you’re doing. Talk about the colours you’re using. What textures are you feeling? It may feel as though you’re talking to yourself – but you’re doing a world of good for your baby! 2. Starry Night Now you can make your own starry night masterpiece! Inspired by Dutch postimpressionist painter Vincent van Gogh, whose work was notable for its beauty, emotion, and colour, this activity is great way to introduce your little one to colour and sensory development. What You Need Aluminium foil (A4 size) Editable paint; Blue, Black, White and Yellow (for stars) Cardboard (A4 size) Glue What To Do Paste the aluminium foil to the cardboard. Drop some blue, black, and white paint on the foil. Get the child to smear the paint using their fingers to create dramatic effects on the night skies. When the paint is dry, help the children to paint some stars on the dry out paint and voila. You’ve made yourself a Van Gogh-inspired Starry Night painting. Tips Be as animated as possible while doing this exercise to engage more with your baby. Some talking points: Swirl the paint. Describe what you’re doing. Talk about the colours you’re using. What textures are you feeling? Painting can get messy, so plan for waterplay or bath time after this! Also, don’t forget to put down newspapers or plastic sheeting to protect the surrounding area from flying paint. 3. Sensory Bottles We love making our own sensory bottles. They’re easy to make, fun, colourful – and so good for cognitive development! What You Need Empty, clean plastic bottles (with the label removed) Superglue or clear tape Pour-ins e.g. rice, dry pasta, coloured sand, quinoa, beans, split peas, small toys, sand, feathers, beads What To Do (for parents) Pour the pour-ins into the bottle. Seal either with glue or tape What To Do (for infants) Pour the pour-ins into the bottle. Seal either with glue or tape. Shake to use. Ask them if they can hear the different sounds? Tips Sensory bottles are very good for children aged one to three years, who are in the sensitive period for small objects. During this period, children are fixated on small objects and tiny details, which prepare the child’s mind for understanding how little things make up their world. Here we have a dry sensory bottle – but do try out liquid bottles for visual sensory work as well. 4. & 5. Threading Two great threading activities for curious little hands. Have fun whilst strengthening grips and developing fine motor skills. What You Need Colander Container with cover Separate baskets for: Pipe cleaners Sticks Yarn Straws Presented Place a mat on floor. Place the item which you would want to start first and show them to your child. Introduce to them how the activity is being done. Invite your child to the activity Activity 1 Show child how to thread the pipe cleaners through the holes in the colander. Complete the work cycle by removing all the pipe cleaners from the holes and place them back into the basket. Activity 2 Poke a few holes through the plastic lid of the container. Make sure they’re big enough for the sticks to go through. Show child how to thread the sticks through the holes from the top of the container. Complete the work cycle by opening the lid of the container and place the sticks back into the basket. Tips These activities help to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for mobile infants (over 12 months). Don’t just leave them to play on their own. Fill the time with plenty of eye-contact and talk to them! This helps develop the natural pattern of language and conversation. Additional Resources Check out our blog for more Montessori at home activities and information about Montessori.

Success in the Eyes of the Child

The HotH Team September 2023

Matilda was getting ready to go home, and excitedly reached out to her shoes from the cubby hole. Placing the shoes gently on the floor, she sat down to get ready to put on her shoes. Ms. Honey watched and observed to see if Matilda needed any help. (One of the key tools of a Montessori teacher is to have keen observation of each child as a unique individual and only step in to help if the child needs it.) Ms. Honey saw Matilda had placed her left foot in the ‘wrong side’ shoe. Ms. Honey held back her attempt to help her to switch sides, as she saw how Matilda was following the steps she had been shown before about how to put on her shoes well. The steps were: – Lifting up the tongue of the shoe – Slip one foot in – Thumb on heel of shoe – Push – She even successfully strapped down her shoe This was done by Matilda with intense concentration. Matilda went on to put on the other side of her shoe, right foot in the left side of the shoe, with the same focus and detail to ensure that she was following through all the steps. There was a moment of immense pride as Matilda finally strapped down the last strap of the shoe. She stood up, and with a great big smile, she looked down at her feet with shoes that she had successfully put on all by herself! Ms. Honey was equally proud of the attempt of Matilda . She held onto Matilda ’s hands and walked her to the door where Matilda ’s mum was waiting for her. Ms. Honey saw the frown and look of disapproval on Matilda’s mum’s face when her eyes saw Matilda ’s shoes and looked up at Ms. Honey. Ms. Honey quickly gave a quick nod to her and smiled widely, saying “Matilda ’s mum, look at how Matilda put on the shoes all by herself! It was done with such detail and she even managed to strap down both sides of the shoes.” Matilda ’s mum responded with a smile! Through trust and connection between child, family, and school, we have created a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive independently. *Please note that names have been changed for privacy At House on the Hill, our teachers are specially trained to observe each child’s attempts at different tasks. As Dr Maria Montessori said, “Help me to do it by myself”. In that spirit, we offer our support to children at the appropriate moment in order to not cause a hindrance to their development. It is through struggles and challenges that children learn to overcome difficulties and learn through the process. We provide encouragement to the children and break down the tasks for them into small achievable steps. We respect the child’s autonomy and allow them to learn from their mistakes. In our school, we place more importance on the learning process and the journey of discovery, instead of focusing on the outcome. This allows them to complete the task on their own, and experience the joy of success! Instead of “correcting” the child’s mistakes, we offer guidance and not correction. Teachers will describe what they see, and ask open-ended questions for the child to think and problem-solve. For example, “I can see your toes look very squashed on this end of the shoes. Why do you think this is so? Shall we try to make them more comfortable?” This helps to redirect them, allowing them to figure out how to correct the steps and empowering them to be more self-reliant, promoting self-confidence. This approach of self-directed learning allows the children to become more engaged in a task, to develop deeper concentration for longer periods of time, with a love and respect for their own learning and work. As teachers curate each child’s individual development plan according to their learning pace, we ensure each child learns life-long skills and values, helping them to grow into confident young people for the future.

Montessori At Home: No-Bake Mooncakes!

Amanda September 2023

The Mid-Autumn Festival is right around the corner. Along with the lanterns and festivities, one particular goodie comes to mind — mooncakes! Mooncakes are delightful sweet treats that are typically shared on the night with family and friends. They come in a variety of crusts (also known as ‘skins’, a direct translation from its name in Mandarin) – e.g. crusty, flakey or snowskin. There are many types of fillings, with the more traditional flavours of lotus paste and red bean, to more modern ones that have ice cream or salted egg! 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 To celebrate this festive occasion, we’ve found a fun-filled, easy to make mooncake recipe for both you and your child. Let’s grab our ingredients and mooncake mould (alternatively, you can use cookie cutters or your hands) and start cooking! No-Bake Snowskin Mooncake Ingredients: 600g Lotus Paste (alternatively Red Bean Paste) 250g Snowskin Premix 50g Shortening 50g Glutinous Rice Powder 120g Water Blue Food Colouring (Optional) How To: Measure the Snowskin Premix into a bowl 2. Mix the Snowskin Premix and Shortening together in a large bowl 3. Add a few drops of Food Colouring into the Water (Optional) 4. Add Water into the Snowskin Premix and Shortening mixture 5. Using your hands, knead the dough until it is soft and fully combined 6. Divide the dough into approximately 20g pieces 7. Divide the Lotus Paste into 15g balls 8. Flatten the dough piece, then wrap the Lotus Paste filling with it 9. Lightly dust the mooncake mould with Glutinous Flour 10. Place the dough ball into the mooncake mould and press gently 11. Enjoy the yummy mooncakes! Montessori Tips: Including your child in everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning is an easy way to include Montessori learning out of school. First of all, engage with your child when shopping by creating a grocery list with the pictures of what you’ll need to purchase and allow them to find it! This is an enjoyable and exciting way to introduce different foods and products to your child, as well as have open discussions on healthy food. Then, create a prepared environment at home when you’re ready to start cooking. Make sure all the materials are ready for your child and you to create the mooncakes. Do let them try to do the recipe steps independently! Lastly, it’s always important to clean up together, so that they understand and finish the whole process of cooking together. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Category: HotH