Reading Fun

I was very tired by evening so I asked Sophie and Alfee to read on their own in the playroom. Sophie offered to read to Alfee so I just watched them. They were very adorable really... Alfee seemed to focus better when Sophie was the one reading. I love my kids...

Chinese New Year - Red Lantern

I wanted to make paper lanterns with the kids but I needed something to make them more interesting. So, I asked Gong Gong to get me LED lights. 

Sophie's old enough to do most of the work herself with minimal instructions. I used to do most of the work which I don't really like even though the product products were visually better.

In terms of exposure and skills, I think Alfee has more to catch up. He's naturally a bit reluctant to touch paint and glue so it's a lot more challenging to get him interested. However, he does like to create things so we are working on those areas nowadays.

The drying process is tedious and boring. The kids did another glitter glue piece of work while waiting. 

I had to wrap cellophane paper around the LED lights and bottle caps for the kids. I didn't really put much thought in that so I ended up with two 'over-wrapped' LED lights. I couldn't really them on because the switches were blocked. 

After some adjustments, I finally got the lanterns to work. They aren't fantastic but they serve the purpose... I think.

Tuesday In School

The mood in general was more positive today. The kids were better rested so they were all cheery and playful. Alfee just got a new bag (Cars design) from Uncle Dave so he's super thrilled. He insisted on bringing it to school. 

During assembly, Sophie led Alfee to her class for the exercise. Her classmates were all tickled by Alfee somehow and they kept talking and playing with him. After assembly, I left Alfee with Ms Clarissa and went to discuss with Ms Claire about Sophie. I was told he was an angel during circle and he was able to follow instructions well. He broke down the moment he saw me back though.

Sophie's Words Of Wisdom

Sophie:.. When I grow up and get married, I want to stay here.. dun wan to move.. even when I hve kids...
Papa & Mama: (happiness... she wants to stay with us old folks and take care of us... so filial! We are great parents!!!)
Sophie:.. so tt we dun hve to buy anything, we can use the books, the toys and everything 
here! Like dat I dun waste money...
Papa & Mama: ... (at least she's into reusing n recycling...)

Monday In School

We set off early today becasue CK has a 9 am meeting. We had to wake the kids up just a tad too early so nobody was in a good mood. Along the way, there were also some pockets of heavy traffic, which made our state of mind even worse. Somehow we knew Alfee's cranky sobs weren't normal in the car. I tried my best to hold a plastic bag in front of him but I wasn't able able to contain all the puke. 

The rest of the day was alright. Alfee wasn't too fantastic at Cherrytots but he was doing the best he could. He went over to the Nursery side for a visit and all went well. Other than that, nothing much happened today. 

KidsFest! 2013 - Mr Benn

Our first show of the year, Mr Benn. It's one of the 4 shows brought in by KidsFest! 2013. In the past, it's a 'wow' or somewhat a luxury for kids to watch such theatrical productions. In fact, I was once struggling to make others understand the importance of such performances just barely 6-7 years ago. Then it was a school setting so we thought of bringing them to the school and the kids rather than convincing parents to take the kids to watch them in the theatres. It was also far too costly for the average family. Now, it's a norm to bring kids to such performances. In fact, you wouldn't be seen too favourably if you don't. 

Unfortunately, some parents don't really know much about what they are letting their kids watch. They assume that if it's a production by so and so, it must be worth watching. I suppose these performances beat those free product endorsement sort of stage show in the malls any time, but parents should do some research nevertheless. I saw a mum outside the theatre once, with her two preteen girls, waiting for a show we were watching. The show was meant for very young audience but somehow, she felt her girls should watch it. She picked up a brochure and started explaining to the girls what the show was all about... She clearly had never heard or read or seen the story or the picture book before. So how then did she decide her girls would benefit or enjoy it?

When I first read about this show, I was curious because I had never heard of it before. I was never an avid reader as a child and I wasn't too keen about children's books or shows until I have the kids. So it wasn't much of a surprise if I have missed out on Mr Benn. So, I went to look for the book online. Sadly, they were unavailable. In fact, the story was dated and very simple. Usually, if the story is simple and managed to survive for generations... it must be worth watching (my personal stand). So, I searched for any related products and found a DVD - Mr Benn - The Complete Series. I bought it immediately and hope it would come in time. 

When it did arrived, Sophie watched it and loved it instantly. For weeks, she was talking about Mr Benn and she couldn't wait to watch the performance. That was kind of the enthusiasm I want from her as an audience. She knows exactly what she would be watching and she understands how the story is translated into a musical or play. There will be differences and adaptations so she can appreciate how  and why such things are done. 

Outside the theatre, Bookaburra set up a booth selling books related to the shows, among others. And I found The Extraordinary Adventures of Mr Benn which wasn't available online. I grabbed it. Sophie was naturally happy although she wished I would buy everything for her. She loves books and she enjoys acquiring new knowledge by reading. I suppose it is the least threatening form of learning. 

We saw brochures on other shows but I am not taking her to see The Gruffalo or the Horrible Histories. I think she's too familiar with The Gruffalo and the story is quite straight forward. I can't really tell since I haven't watched it, but I would rather she watched something she doesn't previously know about. As for the Horrible Histories, I think she's a little too young to appreciate the content. In any case, we can only afford one show per month.

I would say Mr Benn was not too fantastic as a stage performance. We were tickled by some parts but it was quite nicely put together. The kids were not bored even though there is little interaction between the performers and audience. There was nothing spectacular but the kids were able to  engaged in the story. It was subtle yet it opened up the possibility of a vast imaginary world that kids can identify with. Imagine that you could become a knight or a diver and enter another world or time by simply putting on a magic costume from a fancy dress shop. 

While we were watching the show, Papa was busy bonding with Alfee at home. Our helper was out so he had to take care of the little man all by himself. From what I had heard, he was quite a gem to spend time with. He gave Papa little problem and he enjoyed playing with Papa.

The Grandmaster

We were in a bit of a rush today. I didn't go with Papa and the kids to Miu Studio so I could rest a while at home. When they came back, we tried to get the kids ready for dinner and bed as soon as we could and left for our date around 6.30 pm. 

We couldn't find any suitable movie so we thought we should watch "The Grandmaster". It was really embarrassing that we got into the wrong theatre and watched the trailers and advertisements there shamelessly until a young couple came to us and asked if we had taken their seats. We had to make a quick exit to the right theatre. Fortunately the show hadn't started. Papa loved the movie but I didn't like it. I thought there was too much Zhang Zi Yi and the tight angle made me nauseous. 

The Virtues Project

We are truly blessed to have found kindred spirits in people educating our kids. These dedicated teachers (and parents themselves) are doing whatever it takes to best educate the kids under their care. Their passion is fuelled by their faith and ideals of how children should be nurtured and educated. Hence, they launch the Virtues Project in the beginning of this academic year. In order for it to work, parents are roped in to support the school. We are encouraged to attend this workshop so that we can work hand in hand with the school. 

It was a Saturday morning and everyone of us (parents) came with the hope that we would not return empty-handed. We want our kids to be virtuous but so far, we haven't quite got the way to teach our kids. Actually, the methods are not new or original but they are put together into achievable actions for us to follow. Instead of drilling virtues into kids' mind and hope it gets somehow transformed into prosocial behaviours some day, we are taught to change our behaviours to inculcate virtues in our kids. By the end of the workshop, both CK and I are convinced that we want to actively use this approach in out daily interaction with the kids.

If you can keen to learn more about virtues, please visit the official website of The Virtues Project. Essentially, it focuses on 52 virtues and our facilitator, Mojgan Tosif, discussed 5 basic strategies that can promote the practice of virtues. We are also recommended the book and two sets of virtues cards. 

A Date With Ah Boh

Both od us had to attend The Virtues Project Workshop conducted by Sophie's school, so we asked AH Boh to take her to Yamaha this morning and buy her lunch. Sophie was so happy to have Ah Boh all to herself at Thomson Plaza. These are pictures Ah Boh shared with us...

Parent Tutor Conference (PTC)

Our first PTC for the year but it's probably the most exciting one. We get to set goals for the kids (both!) and we are at crossroads currently. Alfee is ready to go to Nursery although we still worry about his toilet training and self feeding. However, this is the best way to motivate him to take the lead in completing the training. Without our constant hovering around, he will be allowed to grow, make mistakes and develop self discipline. We decided to put him in after the Chinese New Year.

For Sophie, we are so glad to hear that she is above average in her academics. She reads and writes well enough and she can do her maths. Above all, she is enthusiastic and eager to learn. She's curious about everything and she's very positive in her attitude to learn more. She is, however, less confident in her motor skills. Her attention span is still not very long and she lacks patience. I like the way our tutor said 'she's smart and that's why she knows all the answers and wants to show it' and 'she's definitely gifted'. Sophie has the amazing ability to bring out the shy children. They went in shy and withdrawn but she was able to talk to them, play and encourage them to make friends with others. Perhaps that's her gift.

With every PTC and PTM (Parent Teachers Meeting), we grow more and more convinced that we should homeschool her. She's likely to cope well in a primary school but she would do exceptionally better if she is allowed to blossom at her own pace and interest. We are definitely going to fight for her.  

TBG & ECP - A Short Visit

Papa took leave for Sophie's PTC (Parent Tutor Conference) but we had the morning free. Instead of resting (after 2 days of MC for fever), he chose to take his son to The Botanic Gardens. He always feel that kids must be allowed to run and space is the miracle cure for all conflicts. 

We dropped Sophie off at school and drove there straight. Alfee didn't know he wasn't attending school so he cried bitterly when Sophie got off the car. He kept saying he wanted to go to school because he missed Jie Jie. I thought it was so endearing and couldn't help grinning even though he was in such despair. I'm so glad the kids love each other. Frankly, I never expect them to get along but they have done that so beautifully. Of course sibling squabbles are inevitable but it is very apparent they love and forgive each other easily.

It is definitely a lot easier to take Alfee out alone. He's active but he pays attention to what we say and do. We truly enjoyed our little walk at The Botanic Gardens this morning, even though we were both tired and rather rest at home.

So much for resting at home! After we got home from school, Sophie requested for cycling so we thought we would go to Bishan Park or somewhere near. But she insisted East Coast Park for the family ride. Frankly, we hated it because we find the weight ridiculously hard to manage. Yet, how could we say no when she seemed so enthusiastic? 

Off we drove... it took us almost 45 minutes before we were there. Then we rented the vehicle and cycled around the beach area. We stopped a couple of times, loitering around the fitness area and beach. The kids were happily doing the circuit with the fitness equipments, without even realising they actually couldn't do anything.

In terms of activities, our kids are not very demanding. They love to just run around and play with whatever's available. They will ask for playground but they are not a big fan of exciting indoor playgrounds. They find crowds too much for them to handle, they prefer just a few kids to play with.

We reached home much later and we were late for their dinner and sleep time. With all the outdoor and running around, they slept pretty well. I don't believe in tiring them out so that they can sleep better. I must prefer to do in moderation. I think they should not always sleep out of exhaustion, they must learn to go to bed and fall asleep even if they are physically tired.