The children's house

Author: admin

Mother’s Day Special

December 31, 2024
Finding the Perfect Preschool Near Me: Tips and Strategies for Parents
So many choices of preschool near me … How to choose the right one?

As a parent, choosing a preschool for your child can be a daunting task. With so many options available, how do you make the right choice?

Preschool education is essential to a child’s overall development as the first five years are a crucial period for learning to take place. A preschool with adequate support and resources helps provide them with a strong foundation for future success in academics and personal growth.

In general, here are some factors that you should consider when choosing a preschool:
- Determine your child’s needs
- Research and visit your preschool choices
- Assess the preschool environment and teachers
- Understand the cost and payment options
The search can be overwhelming but fret not, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to choose the perfect preschool for your child!
1. Determine your child’s developmental needs
First, think about what kinds of things your child likes to do and how they like to learn. Do they like to explore and discover new things? Or do they prefer more structured activities?

You can look up different types of preschools and curriculums offered, such as Montessori or Reggio Emilia. It’s best to first understand the types of preschools available so you can determine the best fit for your child to develop physically, socially and emotionally!

Along with location and distance in mind, you can then start your search by typing ‘Montessori preschool near me’ into your search engine, and it will bring up a list of preschools in your local area. Next, consider the schedule and operating hours to ensure it fits you and your child’s routine.

With these factors in mind, you can start narrowing down your choices and find the perfect preschool that caters to your child’s needs.
1. Research and visit your preschool choices
Before visiting any of the preschools, make sure to do some research beforehand! Now, don’t just pick a random preschool with the thought “as long as it’s a preschool near me”.

For starters, take a look at their social media and online reviews to find out more about the preschool. With your list of preferred preschools in mind, schedule a visit to the preschools to observe the environment, the facilities and amenities, such as the playground, classroom, and washrooms.

Remember to also assess the safety and security measures put in place to ensure your child’s well-being. More importantly, engage and get to know the educators there! Make sure they are qualified and experienced with great interpersonal skills.

Once all these are checked, you can also check if their teacher-child ratio is optimal for your child to get the best learning experience possible.
1. Understand the costs and payment options
Preschool fees can vary greatly depending on location, curriculum, and other factors.

Some preschools charge a monthly fee, while others may require a lump sum payment for the entire academic year. The good news is, some preschools may offer discounts for siblings or early enrolments, so make sure you keep an eye out for these savings!

After carefully reviewing all the cost and payment options, take the time to compare and evaluate each one. When making your final decision, prioritise selecting an option that offers not only good value for your money but also the highest quality of care and education for your child.

Remember, by choosing an option that provides the best possible start in life, you are investing in your child’s future success and well-being.
1. Making the final decision
With all the necessary information gathered, you should have just a few preferred options at the top of your head. Once you have a shortlist, weigh the overall pros and cons of each option.

Think about what each preschool has to offer, and how it aligns with your child’s and your family’s needs. It’s also important to trust your instincts and listen to your gut feelings. If you have doubts about a particular preschool, it may be best to look for other options instead.

By following these steps, you can find the right preschool that will provide your child with a solid foundation for their future education and personal growth!

More than just a preschool near me

As you search for a perfect preschool for your child, we invite you to explore The children’s house — A child-centred, Montessori preschool established in 1986.

Carrying three decades of experience and a lifelong passion for early childhood education, we are committed to providing children with a strong foundation for learning and development. We believe that this foundation is built through fostering independence, self-directed learning, and practical life skills.

The early years of a child is the golden age for learning and development so give your child the gift of education that will benefit them for a lifetime!

Visit the nearest centre today to find out more about our exceptional programmes:
July 17, 2023
Why is preschool education important for my child?
Is preschool education necessary for my child? Isn’t my child too young to be a part of a structured learning environment? Will my child be able to cope with the anxiety of separation?

If you are worried about all of this and a lot more, here are five reasons why preschool education is the best choice you can make for your little one – as advised by experts.
1. Early years mark the period of highest brain development
  The size of a newborn’s brain, which is around a quarter of an average adult brain size, grows double in size in the first 12 months. By the age of three, it reaches 80% of an adult’s brain size and 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the time they reach the age of five. Early educators and parents often remark that a child’s brain acts as a sponge during these years. Research has revealed that early childhood experiences have a direct impact on the child’s brain development affecting their health, learning ability and success in life in the long term.
2. They have a huge amount of time and energy
  Children in the early years have a high level of energy coupled with an ample amount of free time. This is a dangerous combination for parents as keeping children engaged all the time is a real struggle. Sending your child to a preschool is a great way to channel their energy and keep them engaged in activities that provide meaningful experiences that directly impact their well-being in life.
1. All-round development is a necessity, not an option
  Attending preschool is much more than learning ABC’s and 123’s. Early years are the best time to give your children the headstart they need to achieve the developmental milestones. A loving, stimulating and multicultural environment is a golden opportunity to learn the social and emotional skills that last a lifetime. Children learn to take turns, listen to each other, apologise, understand, accept the differences, empathise and be compassionate with their peers to mention a few. However insignificant it might seem in the early years, it is important to understand that this strong foundation is crucial to building a character and personality that ensures success in both personal and professional life in the long term.
2. The structured setting provides a smooth transition to school life
  A well-planned classroom with teachers, children of the same age group, child-friendly learning materials and activities help a child to learn about the routine and structure while promoting independence. Children learn to follow instructions, take turns, share attention, ask questions, strengthen their fine motor skills, language skills, cognitive skills, thinking skills and develop grace and courtesy which prepares them for a smooth transition to formal school life.
3. It gives you the work-life balance that you need
  Last but not the least, we all need time to grow, learn, work, relax, follow our passion and live a fulfilling life. Even parents need that space and time. While children are away at school learning about the world, exploring, developing skills and making friends, you have a great opportunity to work, pursue your hobbies, relax or catch up with an old friend.
Research by the US National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests that preschool education has a profound impact on the lives of the children later on. Children who receive early childhood education are more likely to carry the values they have learnt into adulthood.

International organisations and leaders around the world are recognising the importance of early childhood education. Even United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasises the many benefits of preschool education stating,

“Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is more than preparation for primary school. It aims at the holistic development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. ECCE can nurture caring, capable and responsible future citizens.”

Given the fact that children are greatly influenced by their surroundings and the people in it, giving a quality preschool education to your child is the best decision you can make as a parent.
March 17, 2021
Meaningful years with The children’s house since 1986

Born out of passion and love of children, The children’s house believes in giving every child the best possible childhood and foundation for life through the Montessori approach.

The first and longest established Montessori preschool in Malaysia, The children’s house (TCH) has grown from a single Montessori preschool in 1986 to 15 schools across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor today.

Our name and logo are a perfect reflection of who we are. The children’s house is not just a preschool, it is a home away from home, a trusted companion, and a steward in the learning journey of your child.

A new venture, a new gain

The children’s house was born out of the vision of Nan Civel, fondly known as Aunty Nan. Having worked for ten years with Unilever Malaysia, Nan Civel decided to pursue her passion for Early Childhood Education in 1983. Inspired by Dr Maria Montessori, she embarked on a 3-year course of study and work programme in the Maria Montessori Training Organisation in England, United Kingdom, subsequently receiving her Diploma in Montessori Education. This gave her the confidence and motivation to open the first Montessori preschool in 5 Jalan Batai Barat in 1986.

Starting with a small team consisting of a young enthusiastic trainee teacher, an administrator, the family cook and her four-year-old son, Nan Civel managed to unpack, clean and organise the imported materials that came from Europe. “We then dropped 500 leaflets in the letterbox of the houses in the neighbourhood and waited nervously. The first set of parents who came to visit the school were from France. The second parents were from Sweden and they interrogated me for an hour, checked my credentials, knowledge and experience. I was relieved when they finally decided to entrust us with their children,” says Nan Civel.

As the first preschool in Malaysia to apply the complete and comprehensive Montessori Method of education, Montessori not only changed the life of Aunty Nan, but also made a positive difference in the early childhood education landscape in Malaysia.

The co-founder of The children’s house, Nur Jiwawati Aris, also fondly known as Ji Aris has been managing the organisation for more than 30 years now. Initially responsible for the Financial and Business Development of The children’s house, she holds an American Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Management. Her interest in early childhood education began in 1988 when due to close collaboration with Nan Civel, she was also actively involved in operations and the enhancement of quality improvement of facilities and curriculum.

Her quest in keeping the heritage curriculum of Montessori dynamic and relevant is unfading as she believes that the nurturing of the powerful minds of the children must begin now as they have the potential to be the leaders of tomorrow.

With deep respect and love for the unique, magical minds of children, Aunty Nan and Ji Aris continue to keep abreast with new research and best practices improving and injecting new ideas for the betterment of the children.

Celebrating 35 years of The Children’s house

With every passing year, The children’s house has only gotten bigger and better than before, completing 35 years of excellence in early childhood education in the year 2021.

Working together as a family rooted in ethics and respect, we value a child’s development and well being the most.

In the words of our Founder, Nan Civel, “At The children’s house, children are the number one priority and the atmosphere is specially created to make children feel at home in a surrounding, scaled down to a child’s dimensions.”

We always ensure that our Montessori environment undergoes constant refurbishments and is meticulously designed to ensure that it is conducive and stimulating for the ever-changing needs of children in the 21st century and beyond.

Our teachers are our greatest treasure. They are warm, loving, nurturing and respectful of every child. Many of them have grown with us from the very beginning and are committed to providing the best learning experience for our children.

We believe in establishing caring, harmonious and long term relationships with our parents and colleagues.

Each growing moment in The children’s house fills our hearts with joy as we are reminded of why we continue to do what we love best; Children.

March 17, 2021
What is the right time to start preschool?

Parents are always looking for ways to create a great future for their children. From providing a safe home to educational toys, as well as the best books and rhymes stacking the shelves, is there anything a parent wouldn’t do?

Well, in setting the path for your child’s future successes, we suggest that aside from providing for your children physically, the best thing you can do is to provide them with a great preschool experience.

But what is the right time to start preschool? As a parent, it is common to ponder on the best time for a child to start preschool. We recommend assessing the progress your toddler has made in each of these developmental milestones below, to help you make that decision.

March 17, 2021
Pioneering early childhood education in Malaysia – The Montessori method

Maria Montessori and The children’s house

Known worldwide for establishing the Montessori method of education for young children in the 20th century, Dr. Maria Montessori devoted 45 years of her adult life to education. Even after a hundred years of its inception, the relevance of the Montessori approach makes it one of the most successful and sought after early years education pedagogies in the 21st century.

An anthropologist, psychologist, philosopher, educationist and doctor by profession, Montessori believed in the unique mind of the child that has real constructive energy and intellectual powers. Her books and lectures throughout this period described the nature and sensitivity of a child’s magical mind which she termed as The Absorbent Mind. She believed that there is a remarkable force in humans which is most powerful in the first phase of human life.

“The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six,” she said. “For that is the time when man’s intelligence itself, his greatest implement, is being formed.”

After years of extensive study and observation, she documented a unique teaching approach called scientific pedagogy which was supported by teaching materials that were meticulously designed to fit a child’s hands.

Beginning of a revolution in Early Childhood Education

On 6th January 1907, Dr. Montessori established the first classroom for 60 underprivileged children aged between 2 to 6 years old in a poor area of Rome, known as Casa Dei Bambini (Children’s House). It was here that she decided to launch her scientific pedagogy and the prepared environment was carefully adapted to children’s size and abilities.

She replaced the heavy furniture with lighter and moveable tables, chairs, shelves and cupboards, and placed pictures on the walls. The teaching materials were arranged on the shelves in an orderly way, classified into different areas – Practical Life, Sensorial, Number Work, Language and Culture, beginning from simple tasks to complex activities. She believed that “The things the child sees, the child touches, the child feels, the child hears and the child solves are not just remembered, but they form part of their soul.”

The materials were presented systematically and children were given free access to do them as they please while she observed closely how they responded to the prepared environment. Eventually, the children’s behaviour changed from timid and wild as they were before to sociable and communicative. The young children progressed brilliantly and the news of Montessori’s education approach started spreading rapidly throughout Italy.

In 1909, Dr. Montessori conducted the first training session in her educational approach for 100 students. This was followed by the establishment of several Montessori schools, societies and training programmes all over the world. Over 100 years, the Montessori method has enabled the holistic development of children across the world moulding them into independent, compassionate and responsible members of society.

Turning over a new leaf – The Montessori Way

The Montessori philosophy and education not only touched the lives of hundreds and thousands of children but also reshaped the life of Nan Civel, the founder of The children’s house in Malaysia.

“One day, a thin leaflet was tossed to me by a friend who was a writer and was tired of my endless pondering. Significantly, 33 years to date, this small gesture changed my life forever. It was my first introduction to Montessori Philosophy and education. My life was completely transformed.”

Aunty Nan fondly recalls how she spent countless hours listening to lectures, manipulating those precious materials, preparing thick teaching folders, writing essays, sitting for tests and gruelling examinations in rooms of a majestic Victorian building in a leafy suburb of Hampstead, London.

This gave her the confidence to establish the first The children’s house in 5 Jalan Batai Barat in 1986. With a small team of a young teacher trainee, an administrator, a family cook and her 4-year-old son; imported materials from Europe and five children from Malaysia, Sweden, France, Denmark and England, The children’s house completely revolutionised the early childhood education landscape of Malaysia.

With more than three decades of rich experience in preschool education and 15 centres across Malaysia, Aunty Nan continues to be humbled and enthralled by scientific observations and focused research on Early childhood education from around the world. Having faced an acute shortage of qualified teachers with Montessori Diplomas in 1990, Aunty Nan subsequently established The Teacher’s House and developed comprehensive in-house training to enable educators to successfully facilitate the optimal learning and development of the children under their care.

The children’s house – A constant in every change

The iconic red and white preschools of The children’s house have made their way into the hearts and minds of thousands of parents and children across Malaysia ever since its establishment in 1986. We value lifelong relationships and believe in establishing love and harmony amongst children, parents and educators.

Programmes at The children’s house nurture children to be well-rounded individuals who excel socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Spacious indoor and outdoor learning spaces, coupled with Montessori learning materials allow the stimulation of children’s senses. Our teachers are warm, loving, nurturing and respectful of every child. They are ever mindful of the need to help the children achieve their goals.

The school’s community deeply values respect – respect for teachers, parents, friends, nature and each other. The very thought of going back to The children’s house every day fills the children with absolute joy and excitement. The reason is that every area of the preschool has been specially designed to keep a child’s interests in mind.

“At The children’s house, children are the number one priority and the atmosphere is specially created to make children feel at home in a surrounding scaled down to a child’s dimensions.”
~Aunty Nan

The classrooms are spacious and often built to incorporate natural lighting so that the children do not feel restricted in a traditional closed structure. In addition to that, all the furniture and learning materials have been scaled down to fit a child. This means child-sized and child-friendly furniture to ensure the safety of our children while allowing them to enjoy learning comfortably and confidently.

With 35 years of success in early childhood education, The children’s house has proven that it is not just a Montessori pioneer in Malaysia, but a trusted companion in the growth and development of your child.

March 15, 2021
How preschool education sets the stage for your child’s future successes

As a parent, you may be questioning the benefits of early childhood education at such a young age. Isn’t a comfortable home a more suitable environment for a child’s growth? How does preschool education make a difference in my child’s development?

To find answers to all your questions, we elaborate on how children develop in their cognitive, emotional, social and physical abilities in the early years.

1 Physical Development

Children experience exponential growth in the early stages of childhood. However, physical development refers to a child’s ability to control their body including the muscular system and nervous system. Gross-motor skills refer to the development of large muscle movements such as the arms and legs, while fine-motor skills refer to precise movements of the hands and fingers.

A preschool environment provides many learning opportunities for a child’s overall development. Aside from a set curriculum, children are also given opportunities to play. The balance between organised learning and unstructured play is essential to enhance the learning and developmental growth of young children.

Unstructured play

‘Playtime’ or unstructured play may be understood as fun to parents. However, playtime is a critical time for children to learn interaction with their peers, develop observation skills, make mistakes (while learning from them), and build on their strength in their core, arms and legs!

Guided play, arts and crafts

Building a solid foundation for a child to excel in formal education starts with arts and crafts. Painting, colouring and building crafts aren’t just another fun activity, it’s a great opportunity for children to build on fine motor skills.

2 Cognitive Development

Cognitive development refers to the ability of a child to think, perceive and understand the world around them.

In the early days, infants were believed to lack any form of thought until they learned a language. Today, it is a commonly known fact that babies start learning from the time they take their first breath, constantly trying to make sense of their world.

There is no doubt that a child’s mind is like a sponge, absorbing everything that it can from its surroundings. In the book ‘The Absorbent Mind’, Italian physician and world-renowned educator Maria Montessori speaks about the absorbing power of a child’s mind in the early years. She remarks, “….the tiny child’s absorbent mind finds all its nutriment in its surroundings. Here it has to locate itself and build itself up from what it takes in. Especially at the beginning of life must we, therefore, make the environment as interesting and attractive as we can. The child, as we have seen, passes through successive phases of development and in each of these his surroundings have an important – though different – part to play.” (The Absorbent Mind, p. 88)

In a preschool environment, learning goals are set for each class. As the children work with each other and an educator, their ability to think and reason begin to develop as they analyse, compare, organise and develop solutions to problems.

While cognitive development is unique to each child, preschool educators use these milestones to better gauge a child’s abilities and structure the learning process for them.

3 Emotional Development

Emotions are the emergence of complex feelings that affect one’s thoughts, behaviours and moods. In emotional development, a child begins to understand, express and regulate emotions within their capacity to fully interact with others.

At home, a child takes centre stage and may not be able to experience what it’s like to share toys. But at preschool, a child will explore and engage with other children, collaborate on goals and learn to manage their emotions positively. They begin to form and sustain good relationships with their community, by learning to listen, understand and express themselves with confidence.

Through these small but meaningful acts, a child can gain and boost their confidence while building trust with their peers. This ‘trust’ enhances their understanding of another’s emotions or ‘empathy’, boosting their emotional development.

4 Social Development

The process by which a child learns to interact with their environment and those around them is called social development, and it often comes hand-in-hand with emotional growth. As a child develops individuality and social skills, they learn to communicate their wants and needs, resolve conflicts and build a positive attitude.

Preschool environments provide many of these opportunities for children throughout the day as the children learn, work and play with each other.

The early years of childhood education rely heavily on creating a warm and trusting relationship between a child and their community. Those of whom children interact with the most: parents, peers and caregivers, make up their community. By providing a positive and loving environment, children build a sense of self-confidence.

Another important factor of a child’s overall development and self-esteem is the prepared environment. A child should be able to complete a task with full confidence, which is why every tool meant for a child should be within reach. This vital component means that the classroom or play area is conducive to learning while providing opportunities for a child to engage with others.

Now that you have a clearer understanding of how preschool can set the stage for your child’s future successes, check out the Montessori approach at TCH, and the significant benefits it offers preschoolers! Click here.

January 2, 2021
Raising An Independent Decision Maker
Watching your child grow is often a bittersweet experience. Graduating from baby-talk to asking seemingly endless questions like “Why can’t I eat the food after it dropped on the floor?”, “Why must I wash my hands?” and “Why is this allowed and not that?” is simply nature taking its course. While you may dismiss some of these questions, it’s also important for parents to guide the children’s curiosity and build them up into a curiosity that would eventually lead to good decision-making principles and cultivate independence in young children. The pedagogy in Montessori revolves around five principles mentioned The children’s house blog. The curation of an environment that emulates real-life allows young children to take charge of their actions and have them learn accountability. Maria Montessori also mentioned “the birth of will” within young children. It’s important to recognise in this crucial stage of development, children are already making small decisions for themselves; let it be the toy they want or the choice of food they want to eat.

“We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being.” – Maria Montessori.

Positive guidance and assurance for children greatly impact them in building a habit of choosing wisely in the future which takes patience, and an especially long time to shape. Yet, the benefits are plenty when children can view themselves as capable and further nurtures their confidence within themselves.

Steps to guide decision making in children include:
1. Allowing age-appropriate decision making for children
2. Allow the child to participate in decisions that affect the family
3. Mistakes happen, it’s part of their growth and development
4. Set a great example
5. Converse on decision making and the thought process behind it
Allowing age-appropriate decision making in children

It could be something as simple as the shoes they want to wear or the lunch they choose to bring to school. The decision should eventually affect their day and let them know that what they chose matters. By the end of the day, they would question themselves on the more comfortable shoes or the better lunch ingredients.

Allow the child to participate in decisions that affect the family

When the opportunity arises, involve your child in decisions with the family. This lets them know that their opinion matters, while also teaching them to be considerate about other members of the family. This stage, however, could be a huge leap in progress for your child. It’s alright to take things slowly.

A good way to encourage decision making in children is through activity night with the family through play-based activities. Try book reading, role-playing, or even board games!

Mistakes happen, it’s part of their growth and development

It’s second nature to want to correct your child’s mistake as it happens. Yet, we all know the time-tested saying that mistakes are part of the process. As long as the choice doesn’t affect them permanently, remember that there are important lessons imparted in making a different choice!

Set a great example

Decision making in children can also be learned through exemplary examples by you, the parent. After all, the best lessons in life are caught, not taught. Emulating great leaders (or successful family members) is also another way to set a good example.

Converse on decision making and the thought process behind it

Keep your child’s progress on decision making in check. Are they understanding the thought process behind choosing apples over potato chips for snack time? Do they understand the health benefits of choosing salad greens over jelly? Perhaps, they understand the ‘why’ but choose against the better (read: healthier) choice. Do they have a reason for choosing it anyway?

Children often think about short-term gratification instead of long term benefits. They might justify their choice simply because ‘I like it’ or ‘It tastes better’, and that’s acceptable. As parents, we must understand the child’s perspective. These guiding principles on decision making in children would not only cultivate independence but also instil a sense of confidence and discipline in the child. Balance, as they say, is the key to life!
December 2, 2020
Inculcating a Love for Reading in Children
How do you encourage children to read books?

A good recipe for inculcating a love for reading in children is one part consistency, a dash of discipline and large amounts of love! It’s a process that involves the whole family and should be enjoyed by all.

We suggest adding these steps to your ‘recipe’ mix to sow good reading habits in your children.
- Tip #1 Make Reading Fun
A good book is a great start to develop a child’s cognitive skills and they don’t always have to be pieces of paper bound to a cover. Try swapping a traditional book for an audiobook from time to time. According to Elissa Mostransky, a reading specialist at West Babylon School District in New York in a Parents online article, children learn fluency in language as they hear words being audibly spoken. Think of it as storytime with an imaginary friend.

Another way to make reading fun for your older readers is to get a headlamp. Staying up “past bedtime” would help remind them that reading is a privilege and a treat!

It is also best to avoid forcing children to read as it often takes the fun out of it. Once it’s being forced, the child may look at it as a chore… A very boring chore.
- Tip #2 Don’t Just Say It, Model It
It’s easy to put a book in your little one’s lap and ask them to read. But if they don’t see it being modeled in their daily life, it will not be as effective in shaping them to be avid readers. Children often mimic their parents, adults or the environment they are in. So, make reading an enjoyable habit, talk about the book or the story and help your child see how much of a joy books can be!
- Tip #3 A Cosy Reading Nook
Do you have a reading corner at home? If you don’t, try one. The reading corner doesn’t have to take up much space at home. It can be a comfortable little chair draped in a blanket. Or a tiny space by the window. Make it look inviting. Encourage your young one to become an avid reader by giving them a space where they can enjoy a variety of books at their own pace.
- Tip #4 Themed Reading Corner? Always Fun!
Children, in their active little minds, enjoy using their imagination! Encourage them to ‘read by the beach’ by laying a towel on the ground and propping an umbrella by the side. If ‘reading in a castle’ sounds much more appealing to the child, perhaps drape a blanket over two chairs and bring a flashlight to make a comfortable reading fort. Create a fantasy environment that introduces an exciting element to the experience.
- Tip #5 Read the Book, then Watch the Movie
There are many children’s books that have been turned into movies. Another way to sow a love for reading and motivate reluctant young readers, is to host a fun movie night with the film version once you and your little reader are finished with the pages. Don’t forget to talk about the different versions of the stories with your child and ask them questions such as “Was the film character how you imagined them to be?” or “Did this scene play out the way you thought it would?” Having a light discussion on the different interpretations of the story also encourages critical thinking in children.
- Tip #6 Read Aloud, It Always Helps
How do you spark a love for reading? Much like storytelling, Dr. Nancy Carlsson-Paige, a professor of early childhood education at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and author of Taking Back Childhood, says reading a story aloud (even when the child doesn’t need it) is beneficial both educationally and socially. Think of your child, sitting on your lap while listening to a great story! They can also take a break and rest while still listening to a story they really love.
- Tip #7 Reading in Rhymes
Are there specific types of books that help with reading and development? Dr. Carlsson-Paige suggests books with rhymes. They are especially beneficial as rhyming words helps the child recognise repetition and sounds. In other words, they develop phonetic awareness through reading. It also helps when a child can anticipate the word that comes next and chime in on the story. Spark a love for reading through this fun and interactive activity.
- Tip #8 Book and Bake
Have you tried reading a recipe book? It requires much concentration and focus as they are intentionally instructional, improving comprehension. Choose a simple recipe that both you and your child can bake (or cook) and ask them to read the instructions aloud. Whether it’s preparing the ingredients or kneading the dough, be sure to switch the roles between recipe reader and baker to keep them engaged!

Finally, always remember to…
- Tip #9 Ask questions
Dr. Carlsson-Paige also encourages parents to always ‘check-in’ on a child’s understanding of the story, instead of simply focusing on the sound or letter of each word. Gauging the child’s understanding of the story enhances comprehension and further fuels the reading process! Similar to Tip #5, ask your child which character they liked best, which part of the story was their favourite or even perhaps, what they would do if they were in a similar situation to the character in the story.

We believe these simple tips will make a world of difference in encouraging avid readers!
November 10, 2020
Talking to Children About Difficult Topics
How often do you find yourself in a situation when you have no idea what to tell your child?

“Mommy, why is the sky blue?”

“Daddy, why do we have to cook the food before we eat it?”

Children have a naturally curious mind and it’s normal for them to ask bountiful questions!

But, there comes a time when even parents become speechless at the questions posed by their child.

“Mommy, why does that person look like that?”

“Daddy, what is that *political* sign talking about?”

In a research conducted by a nonpartisan fact tank, The Pew Research Centre, found that 48% of parents with children under the age of 5 years say that their child has interacted with a tablet computer while 55% of them have used a smartphone. The same group of parents are both relieved and concerned with the amount of screen time as it provides both entertainment and education for their children but also, age inappropriate content.

Young children are impressionable and observe through their daily interactions. Some parents might find it difficult to digest how fast their child is growing, while others may be more shocked about the information they bring home.

Speaking on difficult subjects such as racism, global warming and environmental issues and the current pandemic can be a difficult issue in itself for parents. First and foremost, we want our children to be safe and feel safe but our parental instincts naturally kick-in and we want to shelter our children from the calamity of the world. And as much as we try our hardest to shield our children’s innocence from the realities of today, we cannot elude these sensitive topics for long.

As parents responsible for raising the next generation of leaders for the new world, it’s vital that we prepare our children for a better future, and not our own world.

Tackling these subjects would take a different approach with children of the appropriate age. As young children do not have the life experiences to relate with some of the more complex topics, it further becomes a barrier when explaining these topics.

What can you do?
- Limit their media consumption.
While the news can be very informative, it is targeted towards an audience that can readily digest information and not towards children who have yet to have a firm grasp of the world.
- Provide a safe space.
Reassure children that they are safe while speaking on the subject. If you are more open to having a conversation with your child with regard to these topics, first and foremost, ensure the child that they are safe and it’s always okay to speak with mom and dad (or a trusted family member) about troubling issues. While some children are more open to speak with their parents, some children are more quiet and tend to shy away from having a conversation.
- Acknowledge feelings and validate them.
You might think that a certain reaction is to be expected from a certain situation. Children, on the other hand, may think otherwise. A child’s social prowess is shaped by their environment. Guide your child to the appropriate reaction but allow them a safe space to feel what they may feel.
- Breakdown an issue into simpler terms
The pandemic is a perfect example of breaking down an issue into simpler terms as the school, government and many public areas are educating children about the importance of hygiene and social distancing. Build the information up from the small foundation of knowledge they may have and perhaps, you can pique their interest in sciences and medicine.
- Reflect on yourself.
Are you yourself using biased terms? When it comes to sensitive issues such as races, religion and the likes, it’s best to avoid describing a person’s ethnicity, sexual identity, weight, financial status, and so on unless it’s relevant to the issue.

Talking about difficult topics is not a breezy task! But it’s our responsibility to be our children’s guide to the universe (or perhaps, just their universe).
October 9, 2020