One kid brought a map to school the class turned it into an adventure

By Alicia Yip

I was packing my things to leave the classroom after the morning session when a child suddenly came up to me. He showed me pictures of dolphins, sea creatures and a map. He told me that he visited Sea Word in Shanghai. I was intrigued: “I’ve been to many different Sea Worlds but I have not been to this one.” We sat down together and look at his pictures and the map. 

He started showing me different places he explored. Very curious, other children came to join in the conversations. We listened attentively. When he finished his story, I expressed my interest to visit the place and my wish that all children in the classroom could come along with him as our guide. He happily agreed.

I then asked the group how we would get there. I was amazed by their answers. Some mentioned the bullet train and said we could turn the bullet train into classroom. Another student said we could go by airplane because his daddy is a pilot. When I mentioned that it might be expensive to buy so many tickets, another student said we could go by boat or ship.

My eyebrow rose as he continued. “We can use wood to build our ship and then we can set sail to Sea World for free.” A brilliant idea! The next day, some children made their own maps to Sea World along with pictures of how their ship would look. We talked about turning the classroom into a ship with all of the woods we have. They suggested making different rooms for sleeping, playing, working and learning!

I laughed with enthusiasm and nodded my head, though I did mention that we would have to get permission from Teacher David to turn the classroom into a ship.

It was hilarious but exciting to see the children’s curiosity, creativity and imagination sparkle and burst into a whole new world from the simple spark of a single conversation. As I thought about what had happened, I realized that their brilliant ideas were primed by a previous academic theme we explore – transportation.

And that's why Montessori education is beautiful. We learn hot to learn through observation, listening, exploration and reflection upon our knowledge, and by making connections through applying our knowledge to our world.

A city that makes you feel at ease

By Alicia Yip

I am Alicia Yip, a Montessori teacher who works with children in their early years. I am a Malaysian and this is my third year working in China. I previously lived and taught in Chongqing, about two hours from Chengdu by bullet train.

Living and working abroad can be challenging when dealing with a new culture. It is truly an adventure despite the fact that I am able to communicate in Mandarin. Each region is different and has unique features that appeal to foreigners.

My first impression about Xiamen upon arrival at the airport was positive. I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the airport (and even the restrooms). To my surprise, the city was cleaner than Chongqing. People are nice and friendly and they speak in a gentle voice.

One thing I discovered is that some of the older folks here speak Minnanhua, which is widely spoken in my hometown of Penang, Malaysia. Some of the slang is different but I am able to understand the message. I feel so at ease where this dialect is spoken.

I’ve explored some tourist spots such as Zhongshan Street, SM Mall, the Ring Road, the Xiamen Museum, Nanputuo Temple and the Cultural Creativity Leisure Village. I have yet to explore many of the beautiful places here. I hope that when time permits I am able to visit more of the cultural and historical sites that reveal the richness of the city and the many aspects that attract so many foreigners to live and work in this vibrant city. 

(the article will be featured in Xiamen Daily)