The Tots University

We have MOVED!

2010-03-15T16:51:00.004+08:00

The Tots University has changed our business name to From Tiny Acorns.

We are no longer at this website.

Do check out our new website at www.from-tiny-acorns.com.

See you there!

About The Tots University

2009-08-07T03:34:00.003+08:00

The Tots University is established with the mission to nurture and inspire young minds with a passion for learning.

At the Tots University, there are programmes for toddlers and preschoolers that are specially designed to stimulate and engage their young minds.

The programmes are highly effective in accelerating learning with its strong emphasis on trans-disciplinary teaching with thematic activities that are delivered with a coaching style that encourages the development of strong language foundation, creativity, inquisitiveness and problem-solving skills.

Sample Lapbooks

2009-08-05T04:29:00.005+08:00

Here are some of the lapbooks made in the Bright Minds Lapbooking classes.

Bright Tots Campus

2009-05-10T13:52:00.031+08:00

Specially designed for toddlers between 15 and 24 months.

Each session is packed with trans-disciplinary thematic activities that excite, captivate and engage the young minds in their learning of language, math, science and problem-solving skills through stories and rhymes, poetry and art appreciation, crafts, experiments, multi-sensory discoveries, brain games, confidence and motor builders, and other fun-filled activities.

The focus is on the development of strong language foundation, creativity and inquisitiveness in the child through a rich and inspiring environment.

Do check out what other parents said about our programmes.

About Transdisciplinary Thematic Learning

2009-05-09T20:27:00.001+08:00

At the Tots University, all our programmes are designed with the trans-disciplinary thematic teaching approach.

1. What is Transdisciplinary Thematic Teaching?

Transdisciplinary teaching involves a coordinated approach to apply knowledge, principles, and/or values to more than one academic discipline simultaneously. The disciplines may be related through a central theme, issue, problem, process, topic, or experience (Jacobs, 1989). The organizational structure of transdisciplinary teaching is a central theme which serves as a framework with outcomes that specify what students are expected to learn as a result of the experiences and lessons that are a part of the unit.

Transdisciplinary teaching is seen by many practioners as a way to address some of the recurring problems in education, such as fragmentation and isolated skill instruction. This approach supports goals such as transfer of learning, teaching students to think and reason, and providing a curriculum more relevant to students (Marzano, 1991; Perkins, 1991).

2. Values and Benefits of Transdisciplinary Teaching

Applies, Integrates, and Transfers Knowledge

With a traditional teaching method, while students are learning the basic information in core subject areas, they are not learning to apply their knowledge effectively in thinking and reasoning (Applebee, Langer, & Mullis, 1989). Transdisciplinary thematic teaching provides a meaningful way in which students can use knowledge learned in one context as a knowledge base in other contexts in and out of school (Collins, Brown, & Newman, 1989).

Increases Motivation

Transdisciplinary teaching can increase students' motivation for learning and their level of engagement. In contrast to learning skills in isolation, when students participate in interdisciplinary experiences they see the value of what they are learning and become more actively engaged (Resnick, 1989). When this teaching and learning approach is complemented with the process of lapbooking, it greatly increases a young child's motivation to learn as they are involved in every step of the creation of their personal lapbook.

Improves Learning

Students learn more when they use the language arts skills to explore what they are learning, write about what they are learning, and interact with their classmates, teachers, and members of the community (Thaiss, 1986). The lapbooks which the students make at each lesson further enhances and reinforces the learning experience, both during and after lessons.

With the unique and purposeful combination of transdisciplinary thematic learning approach and lapbooking, a young child's learning journey is delivered with effective and fun-filled experiences that are relevant to his daily world.

Testimonials

2009-05-08T00:59:00.025+08:00

What parents say about our programmes...

Thank you for all the wonderful work that you've done with all the children. It is heartwarming to know that you've got so much passion in teaching the kids and you are ever so willing to share everything that you know with other parents. I'm thankful to have stumbled upon your blog and got to know you.

Sue May, mum of Joshua (7 y.o) and Louisa (3 y.o) who are attending the Bright Minds Lapbookers.

Kai Zhe is now more keen to read out loud and reads with me everyday now. He has also started to ask questions. I really think you must have an influence over him though we only attended 5 lessons last year. Since attending your lapbooking class was the only enrichment he did in that whole period. We look forward to attending your class again!

Charmaine, mum of Kai Zhe (4 y.o) who attended 5-lessons lapbooking class in Term 4/2009 and will be rejoining in Term 2/2010.

Terrific, enjoyable and beneficial experience for me and my daughter. The lessons are very well-planned and delivered, covering many activities, all related to the particular theme. The lapbook that we made is an excellent way for us to reinforce what we learnt during lessons at home. In addition, I have learnt a lot on how to better teach my daughter at home through the weekly brief provided at the end of every lesson. Thanks a lot for all the sharing and guidance (during and after lessons)! We miss attending the lessons and is looking forward to more fun in 2010 when the new term begins.

Aileen, mum of Muse (2 yrs) who graduated from the Bright Tots Campus and is currently attending Bright Minds Lapbookers.

Nayaz's English has improved tremendously after starting your programme. So has his concentration span! Whenever I can, I also try to follow your suggestions in the weekly brief during the week after each lesson. My daughter also loves your lessons and I have seen improvements in so many areas right after the first lesson. Her vocabulary has expanded and diversified so much since attending your lapbooking class!

Malina, mum of Nayaz (3 yrs) and Ibnat (5 yrs) who have been attending Bright Minds Lapbookers since Sept 2009.

“My girl has enjoyed every lapbooking lesson and benefitted a lot through your good coaching. Trans-disciplinary thematic learning approach indeed opens doors of opportunity for accelerated learning. She is simply enthusiastic about the activities and is learning with lots of fun. As a lapbooking mom myself, your class has provided a good foundation for me to expand on and reinforce at home. Your level of commitment and passion shown is exemplary. Thank you for the amazing work.”

Karen, mum of Emma (6 yrs) who has been attending Bright Minds Lapbookers since April 2009 and is now joined by her sister Ethel (3 yrs).

The lapbooking lessons are always so interesting and enjoyable. No wonder Alan looks forward to it everyday. Though I used to do lapbooking with Alan using free resources online, it was so time-consuming for me to research and prepare, and frankly, the free lesson plans are often not that fantastic. Now thanks to this programme, I don't have to do the hard work and can just spend all my after work hours with my son. Best thing is, he still gets to benefit so much from your programme. A big thank you!

Mrs Lee, mum of Alan (4 yrs) who has been attending the Bright Minds Lapbookers since June 2009.

Ryan enjoyed your Bright Minds Lapbookers programme tremendously. Not only has he managed to write a few words during the lessons when he refused to do so at home, he has also shown us some general knowledge learnt and been humming the rhymes at home.

Your lessons are extremely suited for Ryan, who is unable to be seated for long. Based on my observations, he is constantly engaged with the different activities, so there is no 'free time' for his mind to wander during the lesson. We are very happy with the programme, especially with the fact that Ryan enjoys it so much. Keep up the good work!

Justine, mum of Ryan (5 yrs) who has been attending the Bright Minds Lapbookers since May 2009. Ryan is recently joined by Derek (22 mths).

We enjoyed your lessons a lot and find each experience highly beneficial. I thought every activity is very cleverly integrated and well-planned. After attending just 3 lessons, I have already learnt so much! Ever since we started your class, I have become more aware of my environment and how I can make use of our daily experience to teach and explain things that make sense to Elaine. I enjoy the process very much. Thank you!

Jovin, mum of Elaine (2 yrs) who attended the Bright Tots Campus before and is now attending the Bright Minds Lapbookers.

"Thanks a lot for the effort in planning, preparing the materials, curriculum and doing the research. The class is great, not only for my son but also for me as I have also learned a lot. I am amazed with the ideas that you have and give kudos to your ability and capability in doing all these on your own. The books you introduced during class also serve as a good guide for me to introduce to my son. The suggestion sheets received after lessons are really useful. Once again, thank you for sharing this trans-disciplinary thematic kind of learning."

Winnie, mum of Ethan (3 yrs) who attended the Lapbookers programme

Each hour lesson comprises of as many as 9 activities that are very well-planned and linked within a theme. What is unique of this programme compared to other enrichment classes is that the teacher explains the teaching principles behind each activity, so parents can better understand the ways to reinforce learning at home more effectively. Not only is my child learning from attending her lessons, I am learning too!

Shook, mother of Yan Png (23 mths) who graduated from the Bright Tots Campus and is now attending the Bright Minds Lapbookers programme

My 5yo girl told me your workshop is by far, her most enjoyable learning experience! She loves the fun-filled lessons which are packed with challenging activities. My 3yo, who is usually very shy, now can't wait to attend more of your classes. I am extremely impressed with the quality of your programme that is both well-planned and delivered and your level of passion and professionalism really shines through. Thank you for providing the opportunity for us to learn this fantastic method! I have learnt so much myself. We will highly recommend this programme to any parent!"

Janet, mother of Priscilla and Triscilla who attended the June '09 Siblings Workshop. Janet has since enrolled both her daughters for Bright Minds Lapbookers.

Photo Gallery

2009-05-07T22:42:00.010+08:00

Bright Minds Lapbookers

2009-05-02T03:49:00.024+08:00

Our popular Lapbookers employs a literature-based, trans-disciplinary thematic learning approach.

It is specially designed for toddlers and preschoolers between the ages of 22 months and 6 years.

The comprehensive curriculum ensures every child is stimulated, engaged and challenged in their learning of the English language, math, science, general knowledge, geography, history, Chinese language and cultural appreciation and so much more!

Through interactive activities and active participation, our young children are motivated to listen, explore, discover and think for themselves as they apply concepts to individual tasks and collaborative project work.

At the Tots University, we promote a language-rich environment that inspires a passion for learning in our young children. Children learn best when learning is fun! In every session, our young minds are also exposed to art and poetry appreciation, rhymes and stories, crafts and other fun-filled activities that encourage independent exploration, inquisitiveness and critical thinking.

In addition to the unique learning experience, students take home a lapbook consisting of several mini-books and craftwork that they have made in class.

We are firm believers that learning can be reinforced at home to achieve greater success. We keep parents updated of the lessons and their children's progress by providing a weekly Suggestion Brief after every lesson and work closely with parents to develop and stretch every child's potential.

Also check out what other parents said about our programmes.

Please refer to the Schedules for registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

2009-05-01T16:41:00.022+08:00

How is the lapbooking class different from other enrichment programmes, such as literacy or tuition class?

The Bright Minds Lapbookers employs a literature-based, trans-disciplinary thematic learning approach.

Each lapbooking lesson is focused on delivering inter-disciplinary concepts through a series of interactive activities, all related to themes drawn from a literature selected for the age group. Through active participation, our young minds are motivated to listen, explore, discover and think for themselves as they apply concepts to collaborative project work, as well as tasks they work on individually.

It is not a worksheet-intensive class as one would find in tuition centres. It is also not a literacy class, so students do not come to the lapbooking class to learn the alphabet or phonics which they can learn in nursery and kindergarten.

How many students are there per class?

Between 5 and 7 kids

How many lessons do we have to pay for?

Ten lessons per term. Students of the Bright Minds Lapbookers will complete two lapbooks based on two literature per term.

Besides lesson fees, are there registration, membership or material fees?

Term fees include all materials used in class and those that are given to students after class. New students (who have not enrolled in a full 10-weeks term before) will be required to pay a one-time registration of $25 per child. This registration fee applies to regular classes only.

Can I pay deposit to reserve a place first, instead of making full fees payment?

Students with confirmed places in Term 1 or 2/2010 may reserve a place in Term 3 with $100 deposit, subject to availability and if registrations are received by 20th April 2010. Balance fees payment must be made before 20th May 2010.

The deposit paid is not transferrable to another child, or be used for a different timing. The reserved place will be released to the next child in wait list and deposit shall be forfeited if balance fees payment is not received in time.

Why are the lessons only 60 or 75 minutes for some classes?

As all lessons are intensive sessions packed with activities that require our young children's active participation and concentration, capping each session to such duration yields the best results from our young students. Unlike typical enrichment programmes, our lesson time excludes the usual free (unstructured) play and snack time, so parents do not have to pay for time spent on these activities.