Rise N Shine Childcare Centre SS2 is a Montessori guided preschool that nurtures children to Rise N Shine like a bright star! Even children with mild disabilities do very well in this Montessori environment.
Wow cannot believe that my youngman will be graduating from R&S in 2 months time. Mei Ling and her team did such a great job in the past 2 years that it is only fair that we leave a testimonial for rememberance.
What we about Rise N Shine:
1. They manage to strike a balance between study and play, with weekly art and craft , cooking class, music class, playground time (yes they have a mini outdoor playground within their premises). For studies, some form of rote learning is unevitable due to Chinese language, but there's weekly fun activities arranged for the kids that helps them learn, every other week my youngman comes home with mini crafts, props or mini toys from the science experiment they did in school. 2023 was an exceptionally fun year after the gov normalizing covid, they organized activities with parental involvement every quarterly. They open up the school during Father's and Mother's Day inviting the parents over to do fun parent-child bonding activities with their children. Just last month they had mini funfair in school to celebrate Mooncake Festival that was packed with fun games, crafts and food. Not forgetting field trips, sports day, concert, educational visit from external parties (they had dentist visiting to teach the children about oral hygiene, and yakult team to share with children about gut health). BIG KUDOS to meiling and her team for constantly having creative ideas to organize different types of event every month.
2. My youngman isnt like a typical child, he is a very strong-willed boy and sometimes it can be quite difficult to communicate with him as he selectively mutism. But I really appreciate his teachers to be so patient with him and constantly reaching out to me to understand his behaviour or any special incidents that may cause him to act out for the day, and open to my suggestions of different ways to reach out to my youngman. I feel his love/hate feelings towards his teachers because some days I see him rushed to get out of the car to enter the school area upon seeing his teacher at the front entrance. At times when he was feeling moody from too much homework, I would ask if he wanto change kindy or change teacher, his respond would always be he loves his teachers but not their homework.
3. If you think your child is a picky eater, my youngman will show you a different level of picky eating. I would say besides junk food, my youngman has zero interest when it comes to food and can go hungry for very long hours. This issue is still quite apparent with him, but I was very proud that after 2 years in R&S, I sometimes get a shocked in my life to see my youngman eating vegetables. I think its really amazing how they managed to instill good eating habits in the children.
4. Love R&S for their big space and reasonable ratio for the classes. As the kindy is in a shoplot, so they dont have the limitations of walls and too many children confined in a small room of tables and chairs like some housing kindy. They also had minimal partitioning, using low height cabinets to separate between classes or areas. some may dislike this as they feel the distruption from other classes during lesson time can affect the children's learning. But during one of the event this year "Come and see us learn", where parents are invited to be a quiet observer in the class to see how their children learn, I saw how the teachers managed the classes well that I feel the disruption is kept to a minimal level.
5. R&S guides the children to be independant. So as mentioned earlier they had a "Come and see us learn" event, and i was there to observe the children for 2 hours. I was quite impressed with how all of them managed to auto pilot with their school work, with minimal instructions from the teacher. When the children has issues, they would approached their teachers for guidance. The children would take the books they need from the rack, complete their work, and put them back at the right places, they had such proper routine that the children just seems to know what to do next. On some random days when I drop by during lunch to send some supplies to my youngman, I see the children cleaning up after lunch, putting away their own bowls after eating, then wiping the tables and table mat. During nap time they will help out to bring out and arrange the bedpan, and take their own sleeping bag, then keeping it back in place after nap noon. Things which my youngman never does at home prior joining R&S, he suddenly come home volunteering to help. I really hope my youngman can continue all the good habits when he entered primary school.
What made us "Not a fan" of Rise N Shine
1. The pebble wash flooring at the staircase. I always felt that children and steps is a hazard combination, although there werent any known incidents, but the fall could be quite painful and leaves a bad wound. Feels that the surface should be more cushy/padded for safety purpose.
2. We joined R&S in Feb2022, and I vividly remembers the smell of OnGuard/Thieves being diffused at the entrance when we joined. My then feelings was WOW this school really cares for the health and wellbeing of the children, and is willing to invest in such expensive product. I think they stopped it a long time ago, although I feel it is good and should continue. but I guess its pretty personal la, some people believe in it and some doesnt.
3. All books and homework are kept in the school premises. While I feel it is a good practice to keep school work in school, because they just kids kan. go home should play instead of being plague by more schoolwork. but at the same time i feel like i dont know enough details of what my son is learning in school (we receive a weekly summary, but not in detailed). sometimes i feel like i want to do some revision with my youngman, but this is normally own effort and own materials, rather than being in line with what the school is doing. Like maybe fixed a schedule once a week, they can rotate the books they bring home for the week. Or maybe just for the 6yo kids to slowly prepare them for P1.
4. Some times when there are issues with the child, I only managed to find out after the end of the week during the weekly update. I supposed if the teacher sees anything out of the norm behavior can inform the parents on the same day so they can speak with the child about it? Rather than wait til end of the week and the child probably forgotten bout the incident already.
this is getting too long, i think i need to stop here. I never intended to write so long, but so many good things had happened in the past 2 years and its not possible to share them all.
I hope Mei Ling and her team can continue to maintain their high standards in preschool education and that future children can have a memorable journey in Rise N Shine like we did.
19/10/2023 - 03:28 pm
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I was scouting for preschools and came across Rise N Shine. Before enrolling I had a lot of questions for Ms Mei Ling and she is very helpful and attentive. Made the right decision as it is indeed a wholesome and all-rounded school.
I started my child in this school at 21mo, and he has blossomed from being shy and introverted to a confident and communicative child. He cried for almost a month when he first started, and now he eagerly says he wants to go to school. His teachers have been very patient and understanding, gently encouraging him out of his shell.
Academically, they learn through play and experiences with Montessori guided lessons. I especially like that class size is limited to a manageable number, and each child is given adequate attention by the teacher. There is an app for parents for progress reports, each week there is an update of child's activities with photos and videos (my favorite part, thank you teachers for carving out time to record these precious moments). E has learned so, so much in school and even surprised us with his knowledge (today he told me the body parts of an insect including the word thorax and abdomen, and he's only 3yo?). And every week there is a "homework" activity for the kids and parents to do together to recap the learning. E is always asking to do activities so I know he's enjoying learning in school.
From what I observed in the toddler class, E has learned about phonics, math, music (singing, instruments), physical exercise, cooking, arts and crafts, sensory and outdoor play, waterplay, and Mandarin. There are also thematic learnings, and they work individually and in groups. I love that Mandarin is taught using fun and interactive methods which makes it more interesting and easier to remember. However for toddler class, the Mandarin lessons are only 3x a week, I do hope for more lessons as Mandarin is not an easy subject to master (especially for non-native speakers like us).
Environment-wise, the school is bright, airy with lots of natural light, and is very neat and clean. It's especially important that the classroom is well-lit and not so crammed, so that students are able to learn conducively. For E's class, there is a blackboard decorated with students' work based on the theme of the lesson, and it truly lights up the room. Although it's in a commercial lot, the school has an open airwell with a small playground which is such a great idea coz children need fresh air and outdoor play! My only gripe is probably the coffee shop downstairs which is a bit hard for dropoffs and pickups.
His teachers are very nice and treat them like their own. When E had a meltdown and cried, teacher S comforted him and spoke to him gently but firmly until he calmed down. They have also kindly initiated parental involvement when it comes to aligning on the same page with developments such as potty training, managing tantrums, etc. His teachers managed to potty train E, even though he took quite long but they have been very encouraging. They will also update on his character and behaviors in school, how he interacts socially which is equally important.
There are also various activities held throughout the year, some that involves parents and family - parents day, field trips to exciting places like Aquaria, Farm in the City etc., dental visit, yakult visit, sports day, mid-autumn carnival, year end concert. Just recently they had an animal show and tell in school, E had a blast and enjoyed learning about animals first hand, and was even brave enough to pet a few. It's great that the school makes it a point to organize engaging activities for children and involve parents in these activities. The best part is the photographs of course, for keepsakes and memories.
For food, lunch served is nutritiously balanced (carb, protein, veggie) and they serve a variety such as rice with soup and meat, noodles, porridge, pasta, etc. Only thing that can be improved is probably letting parents know of the lunch menu, and offering less sweet food in the cooking class. Other than that, it's great and E seems to be finishing his lunch more in school than at home.
Rise N Shine also prepares their students to enter P1 in Chinese SJK schools, something which I look for prior to enrolling. Above all, this school engages students to learn in a fun and interactive manner which is important for young learners. I definitely have no regrets choosing this school for E, and his sibling next. Thank you Ms Mei Ling and all the teachers in Rise N Shine for educating and caring for the children so well, I know E is in good hands.
19/10/2023 - 03:22 pm
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Our daughter is 5 years old and our son is 4 years old, and both has been going here since she/he was 3.
I first met with Mei Ling for a tour; her experience and professionalism made me feel comfortable right away. Their rates seem comparable. I was more than impressed with their holiday program. They really work hard to keep the kids occupied! Last year holiday program was, one week for little magician and another week was Pirate adventure.
The teachers are amazing, informative, and loving. They always communicate and are transparent about everything. I was nervous at first, but I am comfortable with their care now. I like the apps weekly updates; it is informative and highlight area to focus for teachers and parents.
Then there were field trips to Aquarium, Farm in the city and Picnic in the garden. My kids love it and have made many new friends.
Last but not least, special thanks to the teachers.
To Ms Ying Hui, Ms Melissa and Ms Alexis,
Thank you for your hard work in supporting my son and daughter as they develop. With your guidance, our son and daughter has developed into a confident and capable child. Thank you for being such an important part in our child’s development.
From Kheng Family
19/10/2023 - 03:20 pm
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When I started my child at 1.5 yo, he cried the whole first week having to go to school. However, the teachers were very caring and updated me that he was ok.
Fast forward to his 2nd year in this school, he has learned at lot and enjoys school very much. Even the teachers from various classes all say “Hi” to him and know him by name.
Definitely happy to have found this place where the teachers are caring and patient in handling the children - especially my son who has severe eczema and tends to fuss a lot.
One thing I wish I could have more insight into is the food provided by the school. Due to his paediatrician who monitors his diet closely, I usually would need to know what he is eating at school as a guide. This information however is not something that is shared by the school unless asked.
That said, the school does accommodate to allergies the children has and also allows parents to send their kids to school with prescribed medication needed (not many schools help parents in this much needed manner).
Overall happy to have a working partnership with this school so my son can learn and grow alongside his friends.
19/10/2023 - 03:19 pm
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Teachers require so many positive qualities like care, compassion, patience and commitment. Rise n Shine's Teachers have all these qualities in abundance.
With your guidance, my childrens have developed into a confident and capable child. Thank you for being such an important part in our child’s development.
19/10/2023 - 03:18 pm
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Montessori based school. Rise N shine organise a lot of activities, field trips, cooking class, dancing class, dentist visit the school, yakult company visit the school and even invite petting zoo bring the pets to school to show the kids. they always have new idea and new activities.
19/10/2023 - 03:17 pm
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PROS:
1. Active transparent communication with the parents: the teachers will update the parents on weekly basis and also through parents’ days. The teachers will also feedback to us about the kids’ behaviour and their lacking. So the parents can be aware of their development. The teachers also actively discuss with the parents and give suggestions to the parents in order to improve the kids’ shortcomings. We love this part because it shows that the teachers did pay attention to all the kids.
2. happy environment: my kids always happy and looking forward to go to school. The teachers (including other classes’ teachers) are patience and nice. So we knew that our kids are in their good hands. The school always arrange a lot of fun activities for the kids, e.g. field trip, Mother’s Day celebration (yes, I received a carnation!), Halloween celebration, Sport Day, Mid-Autumn celebration which some of the activities are opened for the parents to join (for family bonding). These activities definitely create an unforgettable memory for the kids.
3. help the kids to adapt to primary sch syllabus: I have liaised with their teachers and found out that their syllabus is designed to make sure that the kids can catch up and adapt well when they enter primary school. The teachers always update us their academic result.
In short, who says you can’t have fun while learning? I think this school did make it.
19/10/2023 - 03:16 pm
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We are thrilled to share our heartfelt gratitude to Rise N Shine Childcare for my child’s growth and appreciation for your commitment to her education. The emphasizing on independence, self-discipline and a lifelong love for learning has evidently shown in my child's behavior and attitude. Thank you for fostering a healthy curiosity in A, she is now eager to explore the world around her with self-confidence which is very important for A development. Everyone in Rise N Shine is very passionate and dedicated in teaching the young children, a top notch Montessori styled school.
The recent field trips, picnic, carnival and many more activities were worthy an applause. Important as educational tools to connect children to classroom subject which increases my child interest, knowledge and motivation. We appreciate the teacher’s role in preplanning, implementation, as it leave a great impact on A.
The communication between the school and parents has been exemplary. The weekly updates via app, parent-teacher conferences, and open-door policy have been a wonderful platform that create lasting bond with parents to increase the likelihood of academic success for A.
Thank you for helping A improve and become a better person. We appreciate all the attention you put into making sure A is ready for the next stage. Keep up the wonderful job!
With deep appreciation.
A’s parent.
19/10/2023 - 03:15 pm
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Rise N Shine is a good choice if you're looking for a Montessori approach school for your young child. As an educator myself, I take it very serious when it comes to looking for a place for early childhood for my son.
I am really glad that I found Rise N Shine. Started sending my son since he turned 18 months old and didn't regret that decision till today. That's because I see how school has helped us to groom my son into an independent boy.
I really love how creative the teachers are in preparing the activities for the kids. The curriculum covered is great for holistic development but not just focus solely on academic development as motor skills and life skills are equally important for a young child's development too.
I also love that Ms Mei Ling and her team plan different activities every month for the kids so that kids get to enjoy different activities every month.
School also prepare blue files every weekend as weekend task for parents to work with children so that parents get a clearer picture on what their children learn at school and can work hand in hand with teachers in helping their children to master the skills they had learnt at school better.
Thank you teachers at Rise N Shine for creating such a nice and conducive learning environment for my child.
19/10/2023 - 03:14 pm
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Our lil one joined Rise N Shine just before Covid hit Malaysia.. It was a few months of school before the closure due to uprising of covid. This resulted in learning and engaging with teachers and classmates via zoom video classes.
Parents had to play a pivotal role in being part of those classes and activities arranged by Rise N Shine.. Thankfully, the program's planned by Rise N Shine was interactive and relevant to nurture the kids brains and trigger their motor skills..The qualified teachers were able to garner the children's attention even via virtually..
Fast-forward to current where classes are back to normal physically, parents have jumped for joy that kids are interacting, learning and playing with their friends in school.
As we reach the final semester of our kid's time at Rise N Shine, we have seen vast improvement in our kid's knowledge, speech, interaction and confidence level over the 3 years of schooling @Rise N Shine. Thank you!
If there is any comment otherwise, is for continuous interaction's between teacher and parents necessary to nurture and improve the kid's understanding and attitude practiced in school vs at home..
Thank you Rise N Shine, its teachers and assistants over the period of our kid's education.
19/10/2023 - 03:14 pm
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