Learning thru play!

Zech's learning journey at home is definitely not the type preschool offers. At least for now. He has no fixed curriculum. There's minimum planning on my part. We simply play and do activities which, in the process, enable learning and build up his character. Most importantly, he must enjoy doing them. If he doesn't, I'll put it aside and save it for another day. Reason? He might not be ready. Readiness is a BIG word in my learning path as a mother. My hubby sometimes questions me why I've not started teaching Zech the letters of the alphabet. But what's the point of teaching him ABCs when he can't write? Wouldn't he take a longer time to learn if I start teaching him now? When he's ready and able to write holding a pencil correctly, wouldn't it be faster for him to learn to recite and write the letters concurrently? There's so much I can do to teach just the letter A. I'm still a firm believer of comprehensive teaching and not touch and go, only to revisit the concepts again and again later. Besides, literacy is really more than just learning the letters.

Zech is definitely enjoying his childhood and I don't want to end it for him now. He's picking up many things through play, listening and interaction. So why is there a need for formal schooling? Not at his age I feel. He shall continue learning through play till he's ready to start school.


Pasting sticker dots. A good way to train fine motor skills. The activity book can be found in the Popular bookshop. With compliments from a sis in Christ.

Initially, I thought it was too challenging for him but was surprised he managed to paste the small sticker dots. Lots of patience needed though! Took him a few days to complete a pic!

An interesting game I found online from http://www.figur8.net/space-memory-activity/. This is part of the right brain training programme. Tried it out with Zech and he loves it.

Noah's Ark magnetic figures. He enjoys arranging and rearranging them on the cookie tray.

Christmas is over but I couldn't resist making another set for him. Found these cute figures from http://www.designdazzle.com/2011/12/free-paper-doll-printables-the-nativity-santas-helpers-and-more/.

Playing with pasta.

Zech had a good time scooping the pasta into the bowls, then pour them back into the tray again. 

It has been a great week so far. Zech's healthy and cheerful. We even made a trip down to the Bishan library and borrowed several nonfiction books. His favourites? Books on tractors and the disgusting centipede and of course not forgetting, the only fiction book 'We are going on a dinosaur dig'.

Something that Zech can't do without every day is listening to his Bible CD which comprises of Bible stories and songs. Recently, I hear him narrating and singing together with the CD. Such a joker! He would mumble lines he's not familiar with and suddenly, I would hear him very loudly and clearly when it comes to familiar lines.

Such are the joys of daily learning. I do realise time is just fleeting moments. Once Zech is past his toddler childhood, life will be very different for him and for us. It's up to us parents to enjoy and cherish every moment.