There are two open houses this month, with The International Montessori Teaching Institute (IMTI) and Daystar Academy both opening their doors to prospective adults and children. Roundabout is holding its first charity book fair of 2015, and needs volunteers to help out with the fair, and of course plenty of people to come along and snap up all those bargain reads. Another round of Parent Effectiveness Training begins this month, with new evening classes. A reminder, that Tea Room Tots has resumed its weekly baby group sessions at The English Tearoom.
IMTI Open House
IMTI deliver a bilingual teaching program, to prepare adults to work in Montessori schools. The Early Childhood course is internationally recognized, accredited, and affiliated by the American Montessori Society (AMS). On Friday February 6 from 10am-4pm, IMTI will have an open house, a chance to see their well-equipped facilities (see photo above), and gain a better understanding of the Early Childhood and Professional Development programs they offer. The event is ideal for adults that are looking for new skills and qualifications. The event is free and refreshments will be provided. To book a place contact (8949 6877 ext. 288, 185 0061 7806, snowzhang@imti-china.com)
Daystar Academy Open House
Daystar provides a bilingual education, with a kindergarten curriculum that is half-day English/Chinese Montessori. For elementary, Daystar has adopted the Columbia University Teacher’s Reading and Writing Project for English language and arts, and China’s National Curriculum for Chinese language and math. If you want to find out more, visit Daystar at their open house this Thursday January 15, from 9-11am. During the two hour session, prospective parents will have a chance to hear from the Head of School, learn more about the dual track bilingual curriculum, observe some of the classes, and tour the campus. Daystar accepts students from toddler through to 6th grade. Space for this week’s session is almost full, so book your spot as soon as possible (5603 6433 or 6433 7366, admissions@daystarchina.cn)
Charity Book Fair
Roundabout is holding its first book fair of 2015 at Keystone Academy, on Saturday January 24 and Saturday January 31 from 10am-3pm. Choose from thousands of gently used books, with something for all the family. On sale will be paperbacks from RMB 10, hardbacks from RMB 20, and kid’s books from RMB 1. Books are available in many languages and genres, and all proceeds will be used to help children in need. Volunteers are needed to help support this fair. On January 23, 24, and 31 Roundabout will need help with sorting books, setting up tables, selling, and then clearing everything away at the end. If you are interested in volunteering for the book fair, email Bettina at bettinahaupter@hotmail.com
If you are moving, having a clear out, or were given things for Christmas that you just don’t need, why not donate items to Roundabout. As your local charity store, they will accept good quality items such as clothing, books, toys, games, furniture, household goods, baby items, bicycles, and appliances. Opening hours are Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm. For more information, call 137 1877 7761 (English), or 137 1805 3814 (Chinese).
Parent Effectiveness Training (PET)
A new PET evening course is starting on January 22. The course consists of eight sessions, which will take place on Thursdays from 7-10pm, at Shui Mu Lan Ting, Tianzhu Street, Shunyi District. With a break for Chinese New Year, sessions will take place on:
January 22, 29
February 5, 12
March 5, 19, 26
The course will look at both the needs of the parent and also the child, and will help you understand how to communicate in an effective way. The course is open to parents, grandparents, and those working with children. To book your place and arrange payment, contact Naomi (186 1009 0164, counsellingwithnaomi@hotmail.co.uk) www.counsellingwithnaomi.com
Tea Room Tots
This popular baby group takes place every Friday morning from 10.30am-noon, at The English Tearoom. Come and join other mums and babies for play, songs, tea, and lunch. Children of all ages are welcome, but the group is most suitable for children under 5. All Tea Room Tots families are entitled to a 15 per cent discount on food, and fruit is provided free of charge for the kids’ morning tea. Singing time and fruit is at 11.15am, to cater for those families who need to be home for lunchtime naps. For directions visit www.englishtearoombeijing.com
beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.
Photos: courtesy of IMTI, Roundabout, The English Tearoom
