Frequently asked questions.
What is nature-based playgroup?
It is a playgroup designed with environmental awareness and using natural materials whenever possible. We hope by exposing and immersing your children with plants, soil, water, wood, stones, ceramic, glass, metal, rubber and various fabrics will satisfy their curiosity, building confidence and independence naturally.
Where are you located?
We pride ourselves in being a mobile playgroup service. At this moment we have lessons being held at Man Yee Wan Recreational Centre in Sai Kung, Maple Academy Bear Care in Corinthia By the Sea, Tseung Kwan O and Maple Bear Canadian Kindergarten (Yau Tong Campus).
What age can my child join and is it an accompanied lesson?
We have two programs running at the moment. Little Sprouts for ages 1 - 3, this is a parent/guardian accompanied lesson. Pebble Explorers for ages 3 - 5, this is an unaccompanied lesson. If your child is between the ages of 3 -4 and would like to continue the Little Sprouts program we’ll need to ensure a minimum of 3 children near the same ages to start a session.
How is this different from a regular playgroup?
We have taken elements of Montessori and local playgroups in combination to create a “best of both world” approach to our playgroup. Your children will still experience the very essence of a playgroup (song and dance, story telling, motor skills boosters) but each session will have a specialized focus or task. Your children will be given individual sets of materials to use and work with to accomplish various tasks. Throughout these “work cycles” your child will build and naturally develop school academia, kindergarten interview practice knowledge.
What should my child wear/bring?
We highly recommend bring an extra set of clothing incase your child gets wet or messy from our activities.
Recommendations: Grip/Anti-Slip socks, closed-toe shoes, hat (for Sai Kung session)
Are your natural materials (soil, plants, wood) sanitized?
Yes! We source our soil and plants from local plant nurseries and ensure the soil is sterilized with zero insects, pesticides and fertilizer. Our natural materials such as pinecones, leaves, bark and wooden chips are heat-treated and sterilized, then left to air dry in a room under 50% humidity drawing out moisture to prevent molding and bacterial growth.
This is an indoor or outdoor playgroup?
This depends on the location as well as the age group of the session. At this current moment, our location in Man Yee Wan Recreational Centre in Sai Kung is a mixed indoor/outdoor playgroup as that location provides an enclosed outdoor area where children can use. While at our two Maple Bear locations are strictly indoors unless stated otherwise before the session. We are also in the talks of creating a longer full day camping / farming field trip to our local farms.
What is your bad weather plan?
We will in most cases follow the EDB kindergarten weather emergency guidelines. T3, T8, Black and Red rain classes will be suspended with a make-up session to be held the following week. T1 and Amber rain, classes will continue as normal.
Do children just play freely, or is there structure?
A blend of both! There is always an over arching structure / lesson plan for each session. We provide guided exploration, child-led discovery and also build basic routine development such as washing hands before an activity, tidying up after using any materials, proper mannerism like please and thank you.
What should my child and I expect from the trial session?
Throughout the trial session, the teachers will always recommend independence from the child and will only intervene if necessary for safety reason. As parents / caregivers, you may be tempted to help and assist them especially if they make a spill. Allow your child to create the mess and observe how our teachers guide your child to be comfortable around it and proactively take steps to clean it. Our goal is to show parents that children are much more capable and responsible if given the proper patients and guidance.
What qualifications do your teachers have?
Our teachers are all certified TEFL and TEYL with multiple years in the education industry spanning Kindergarten to High School. Most importantly, our teachers are energetic and passionate about their subject.
What age is appropriate for private tutoring?
We believe starting around the ages of 3-4 is a good starting point. Lessons will be lighthearted and engaging where learning will happen as natural as possible without being forced, especially at this young age.
What should my child bring to the lesson?
Ensure your child has basic stationary, pencil and a rubber. All English materials will be provided by the tutor and if extra stationary is needed, the tutor will provide unless stated otherwise.
Where are you located and what is the class size?
We have one location in Clearwater Bay Road, allowing older students to travel on their own for tutoring. If you prefer the tutor to come to your desired location the specific arrangement can be made. Online lessons will be conducted through Zoom or Microsoft Teams depending on what program you have.
How do I book a lesson?
Please do not hesitate to contact us by email or WhatsApp and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
Email: fschaeffer@keifunghk.com
WhatsApp : (852) 9194 4245
What is your bad weather plan?
We will in most cases follow the EDB weather emergency guidelines. T8, Black and Red rain classes will be suspended with a make-up session to be held the following week. T1, T3 and Amber rain, classes will continue as normal.