We arrive at International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) on one of the coldest days of the year so far. Along Jingmi Lu falling autumn leaves and snow have been churned together into a green-tea colored slush, but inside MSB it’s evident the students are enjoying their winter wonderland; a giant snowman’s body sits on the astro-turf pitch waiting for his head.
We warm up with a hot cuppa, before heading to the art classroom to meeting English-born student Rosalin (age 3). It’s the end of a long school day, but Rosalin is focused, meticulous, and self-sufficient as she crafts. She even takes out a tiny dustpan and brush to clean up some spilled wax beads.
Beijinger Vivian Gao has worked in various roles at MSB for ten years. “First I was a teaching assistant, then pre-school music teacher, and now I’m the pre-school art teacher,” she says. Gao tells us that all of the materials for this craft can be sourced on Taobao.
Rosalin tells us she has big dreams for Christmas; she is hoping Santa will bring her a “big flying princess.” Let’s hope this candle lights Santa’s way.
Estimated time:
30 minutes
Suitable for:
Age 3+ (adult supervision required)
Materials
• Red, green, and white wax pellets
• Short sized candle wick and wick tab
• Shot glass
• Glitter
• Crystal wax (warmed in hot water)
Instructions:
1. Place the wick in the wick tab and center in the bottom of the shot glass.
2. Layer the wax pellets in bands of color until you reach the mid-point of the glass.
3. Pour the warmed crystal wax into the shot glass, almost filling it to the brim.
4. Decorate with glitter.
Photos: courtesy of Zeus
This article originally appeared on page 34-35 of the beijingkids December 2015 issue. Click here to read the issue for free on Issuu.com. To find out how you can get your own copy, email distribution@truerun.com
