Montessori Playgroup - Children's own workshop
- Thread starter adachan
- Start date
I have sent my 2 year old boy there for a month by now. He goes there twice a week. Being used to playgroups, he had an attachement issue at first, he couldn't get use to not having anyone accompanying him in the classrrom, but he is adapting quite well. He learned quite a lot there. In just a month, he mastered a number of activites including the transfer cotton ball activity, fitting various cylinders into the right holes of the blocks. He had so much fun last week help building and walking into the maze with the red stairs / red rods. I am quite satisfied with them.
The only thing is my son has two teachers for the weekday class and for Saturday. Although they are both very qualified teachers, and they have lesson plan and a indiviudual file for my son, I wish they could be the same person. I took some time to talk to their Saturday teacher. She got her degree from England. She is very sweet and she explains lots of thing to me in details.
For those who believe in the Montessori system probably think that a couple of hours a week is not enough, but hey, it is better than none.
The only thing is my son has two teachers for the weekday class and for Saturday. Although they are both very qualified teachers, and they have lesson plan and a indiviudual file for my son, I wish they could be the same person. I took some time to talk to their Saturday teacher. She got her degree from England. She is very sweet and she explains lots of thing to me in details.
For those who believe in the Montessori system probably think that a couple of hours a week is not enough, but hey, it is better than none.
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Hi Adachan,
It's one-hour session. One person may accompany the child, if necessary.
But eventually, children need to be on their own. For the moment, my son has no problem as long as my nanny is at the corner within his sight in the room. Hopefully, we can move the nanny out of sight in the near future.
Well, my son goes to Hilltots Playgroup every morning and Children's Own Workshop in the afternoon. He loves it, it keeps him busy and he is very happy. I like the current arrangement.
Rather than sending him to a full-time Montessori Preshool, I am taking a distant learning course on Montessori on the side so that I can use the Montessori Method myself. In fact, the Montessori Method can be applied to many areas not just within classroom. I am planning to set up a Montessori corner at home for my two kids. We can get the really good quality materials form Montessori HK or very reasonably priced ones from China with acceptable quality.
My friend passed me some info on a mom who home school her kids with Montessori Method. I can't go to that extend, but it sure gives me the motivation to do a much simplified version. Check it out:
http://get-me.to/monthome
It's one-hour session. One person may accompany the child, if necessary.
But eventually, children need to be on their own. For the moment, my son has no problem as long as my nanny is at the corner within his sight in the room. Hopefully, we can move the nanny out of sight in the near future.
Well, my son goes to Hilltots Playgroup every morning and Children's Own Workshop in the afternoon. He loves it, it keeps him busy and he is very happy. I like the current arrangement.
Rather than sending him to a full-time Montessori Preshool, I am taking a distant learning course on Montessori on the side so that I can use the Montessori Method myself. In fact, the Montessori Method can be applied to many areas not just within classroom. I am planning to set up a Montessori corner at home for my two kids. We can get the really good quality materials form Montessori HK or very reasonably priced ones from China with acceptable quality.
My friend passed me some info on a mom who home school her kids with Montessori Method. I can't go to that extend, but it sure gives me the motivation to do a much simplified version. Check it out:
http://get-me.to/monthome
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Hi Sandy,
I can tell you that people are selling them on Yahoo Auction (Hong Kong) under "蒙特梭利". I don't feel comfortable posting more here (without a disclaimer) becasue I don't know whether they meet any safety standard and I have no personal experience in buying or using them before.
Again, don't set your expectation high. See, my girlfreid from whom I heard all these from says the manufacturers even shrunk some items in size. Hope you know what I mean.
I have a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old and I am worried that the 2 year old will still put toys in his mouth. Therefore, the way I do it now is sending my kids to Children's own workshop. They have nice material and proper teachers. I get an idea of how and what interest my sons and which area my sons need to improve on, and then I will buy those from Montessori HK and play with them at home. Paying 1280 for 8 hrs is very reasonable. I mean less than 150/hour versus Montessori Schools that cost arm and leg!!?? Unlike many other parents in HK, we the middle class, needa save up, coz' education could get so expensive later on. =p
I can tell you that people are selling them on Yahoo Auction (Hong Kong) under "蒙特梭利". I don't feel comfortable posting more here (without a disclaimer) becasue I don't know whether they meet any safety standard and I have no personal experience in buying or using them before.
Again, don't set your expectation high. See, my girlfreid from whom I heard all these from says the manufacturers even shrunk some items in size. Hope you know what I mean.
I have a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old and I am worried that the 2 year old will still put toys in his mouth. Therefore, the way I do it now is sending my kids to Children's own workshop. They have nice material and proper teachers. I get an idea of how and what interest my sons and which area my sons need to improve on, and then I will buy those from Montessori HK and play with them at home. Paying 1280 for 8 hrs is very reasonable. I mean less than 150/hour versus Montessori Schools that cost arm and leg!!?? Unlike many other parents in HK, we the middle class, needa save up, coz' education could get so expensive later on. =p
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Hi run4fun,
Thanks for the info. My daughter goes to another Montessori classroom in TST, and I made some of the Montessori material by myself which she's been using at home. Since I haven't had formal Montessori training, I guess it's always better to know more. And as you said, it's better than none.
Sandy
Thanks for the info. My daughter goes to another Montessori classroom in TST, and I made some of the Montessori material by myself which she's been using at home. Since I haven't had formal Montessori training, I guess it's always better to know more. And as you said, it's better than none.
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
I couldn't agree with you more. This distance learning course that I am doing is all theory, very little practice and familiarization with the use of the material. So for the exact same reason like you, I want to send my kids to a proper center / classroom on the side.
Where is the center is TST? Is it good and reasonably priced? I definetly won't change to other center. I think kids need stable environment. I just want to pass the info to a freind of mine who lives on the Kowloon side. I only know rani mentions a playgroup that use Montesossi, and that's on HK side as well. Thanks advance for your info. As you say, it's also good to know more.
run4fun.
I couldn't agree with you more. This distance learning course that I am doing is all theory, very little practice and familiarization with the use of the material. So for the exact same reason like you, I want to send my kids to a proper center / classroom on the side.
Where is the center is TST? Is it good and reasonably priced? I definetly won't change to other center. I think kids need stable environment. I just want to pass the info to a freind of mine who lives on the Kowloon side. I only know rani mentions a playgroup that use Montesossi, and that's on HK side as well. Thanks advance for your info. As you say, it's also good to know more.
run4fun.
Montessori classroom
Hi run4fun,
The Montessori classroom in TST is called Best Concept. You can check out their website: www.bestconcept.net
I sent my daughter there because I heard good response from another parent. But I can't as yet give you any comment as my daughter's only been there for 2 months. And parents aren't allowed at all. For my daughter, she only stopped crying for mom last week.
I'm currently paying HK$2,100 for 8 2-hour classes a month (on top of the annual membership fee.) Classes are conducted in English and Mandarin. This is not a regular nursery or kindergarten, and the teachers notice things that would otherwise be neglected - in my daughter's case, how she uses her fingers. You can have your friend call for a trial class.
Sandy
Hi run4fun,
The Montessori classroom in TST is called Best Concept. You can check out their website: www.bestconcept.net
I sent my daughter there because I heard good response from another parent. But I can't as yet give you any comment as my daughter's only been there for 2 months. And parents aren't allowed at all. For my daughter, she only stopped crying for mom last week.
I'm currently paying HK$2,100 for 8 2-hour classes a month (on top of the annual membership fee.) Classes are conducted in English and Mandarin. This is not a regular nursery or kindergarten, and the teachers notice things that would otherwise be neglected - in my daughter's case, how she uses her fingers. You can have your friend call for a trial class.
Sandy
Twinsmammie
Registered User
Hi run4fun
I am quite interested in their playgroup and would like to know if they do trial session at Children's Own Workshop. Besides the class fees, are there any additional costs such as registration fee, material costs,etc? What is their policy regarding missed lessons and enrolment like whether a deposit is required.
Thanks in advance
I am quite interested in their playgroup and would like to know if they do trial session at Children's Own Workshop. Besides the class fees, are there any additional costs such as registration fee, material costs,etc? What is their policy regarding missed lessons and enrolment like whether a deposit is required.
Thanks in advance
Hi Twinsmammie,
I am not sure about their other classes, but for the 2 classes (Montessori and Creative Writing) that my sons are enrolled in, there are no additional charges besides course fee.
They have trial classes for some of the classes, but I am not sure that include the montessori classes or not.
Why don't you talk to Josephine directly? She is the owner and she is a sweetheart. When she is not busy, I could chat with her forever on kids and education. See the thing is, if you ask a nanny to bring your kid there, you probably won't get a trial class. But if you could bring your kid there yourself, I think it won't take you much effort to get a trial class. She is very nice to talk to.
My sons rarely miss classes there, and for the time that we missed, it was problem free. They are quite understanding. For example, at one point, my girl freind wanted my 2 yr old to go to COW more often so our sons could attend montessori together. I tried a couple of weeks and felt that my 2 yr old wasn't ready. I told Josephine that I wanted to take it slowly. And I am now back to normal. She was very understanding, and was not pushy at all. I am quite happy with their quality and attitude.
Hope this helps. =)
I am not sure about their other classes, but for the 2 classes (Montessori and Creative Writing) that my sons are enrolled in, there are no additional charges besides course fee.
They have trial classes for some of the classes, but I am not sure that include the montessori classes or not.
Why don't you talk to Josephine directly? She is the owner and she is a sweetheart. When she is not busy, I could chat with her forever on kids and education. See the thing is, if you ask a nanny to bring your kid there, you probably won't get a trial class. But if you could bring your kid there yourself, I think it won't take you much effort to get a trial class. She is very nice to talk to.
My sons rarely miss classes there, and for the time that we missed, it was problem free. They are quite understanding. For example, at one point, my girl freind wanted my 2 yr old to go to COW more often so our sons could attend montessori together. I tried a couple of weeks and felt that my 2 yr old wasn't ready. I told Josephine that I wanted to take it slowly. And I am now back to normal. She was very understanding, and was not pushy at all. I am quite happy with their quality and attitude.
Hope this helps. =)
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Montessori at home
Hi,
After reading your msg, I'm also inspired to do a distance learning course on the Montessori method so that I can facilitate his growth at home too. However as I surf online, I discovered that there are many different provider and not much governance as it is not patented... which course are you doing and how much does it cost. Do you find it effective now that you have gone thru it? And how long does it take? Is it applicable for 6mths old babies?
Thks!
:bighug
Rather than sending him to a full-time Montessori Preshool, I am taking a distant learning course on Montessori on the side so that I can use the Montessori Method myself. In fact, the Montessori Method can be applied to many areas not just within classroom. I am planning to set up a Montessori corner at home for my two kids. We can get the really good quality materials form Montessori HK or very reasonably priced ones from China with acceptable quality.
My friend passed me some info on a mom who home school her kids with Montessori Method. I can't go to that extend, but it sure gives me the motivation to do a much simplified version. Check it out:
http://get-me.to/monthome[/QUOTE]
Hi,
After reading your msg, I'm also inspired to do a distance learning course on the Montessori method so that I can facilitate his growth at home too. However as I surf online, I discovered that there are many different provider and not much governance as it is not patented... which course are you doing and how much does it cost. Do you find it effective now that you have gone thru it? And how long does it take? Is it applicable for 6mths old babies?
Thks!
:bighug
Rather than sending him to a full-time Montessori Preshool, I am taking a distant learning course on Montessori on the side so that I can use the Montessori Method myself. In fact, the Montessori Method can be applied to many areas not just within classroom. I am planning to set up a Montessori corner at home for my two kids. We can get the really good quality materials form Montessori HK or very reasonably priced ones from China with acceptable quality.
My friend passed me some info on a mom who home school her kids with Montessori Method. I can't go to that extend, but it sure gives me the motivation to do a much simplified version. Check it out:
http://get-me.to/monthome[/QUOTE]
Hi Chowie,
I know exactly what you mean. Some institutions claim to better and more prestigous than others, even teacher take sides on their own organizations. And just as you have said, on top of the cofusion, there is no proper governance.
AMI and MMI are probably the most reputable organizations. Thier certifications are recognized worldwide. However, none of them have training centers in Hong Kong.
I am taking a course from NAMC. they collaborate with the YMCA of Hong Kong to offer both the Infant/Toddler (0-3) and the Preschool/Kindergarten (3-6) diploma Montessori Programs. Here is the link:
"http://www2.ymcahk.org.hk/member/pdf/TeachingDiploma.pdf"
The official website of NAMC is: http://www.montessoritraining.net
Cheers,
R.U.N for fun.
I know exactly what you mean. Some institutions claim to better and more prestigous than others, even teacher take sides on their own organizations. And just as you have said, on top of the cofusion, there is no proper governance.
AMI and MMI are probably the most reputable organizations. Thier certifications are recognized worldwide. However, none of them have training centers in Hong Kong.
I am taking a course from NAMC. they collaborate with the YMCA of Hong Kong to offer both the Infant/Toddler (0-3) and the Preschool/Kindergarten (3-6) diploma Montessori Programs. Here is the link:
"http://www2.ymcahk.org.hk/member/pdf/TeachingDiploma.pdf"
The official website of NAMC is: http://www.montessoritraining.net
Cheers,
R.U.N for fun.
Twinsmammie
Registered User
Hi Run4fun
Pls check your inbox. I've sent you a private message.
Pls check your inbox. I've sent you a private message.
adeline said:
Hi Adeline,
Sorry I didn't reply earlier, I've been busy last week.
I enrolled my daughter in Best Concept when she turned 2. Best Concept accepts children from 2-6, but there are recently a couple of kids who are just under 2. Since they don't allow parents in the class, I guess they wouldn't accept kids that are too young.
BTW, I also live in Whampoa. Other than the Montessori classroom, my daughter goes to Tutor Time in Kowloon Tong. It's not as close as TST, but I'm happy with Tutor Time's class size, teachers and their bilingual program. That's why I didn't switch to YMCA in TST which I also heard is good, but they only have English playgroup i/o English & Mandarin.
Hope the info is useful.
Sandy
Gabriel ma
Registered User
Best Concept in KLN Tong accepts child at 1.5 yr old.
Also, is anyone know whether the SA CATHERINE BOOTH NURSERY SCHOOL is using the Montessori. All the SA Nursery schools say they are using Montessori approach but I am not sure how far they follow the teaching method?
Also, is anyone know whether the SA CATHERINE BOOTH NURSERY SCHOOL is using the Montessori. All the SA Nursery schools say they are using Montessori approach but I am not sure how far they follow the teaching method?