After morning devotion, Zech sits at the dining table (it's like his study table now) and we'll do a review of the Chinese characters before moving on to a new lesson. It's strange but Zech enjoys his daily Chinese lessons. No fanciful methodology. Just straight-forward, simple word recognition and hand-holding him while he practises writing the Chinese strokes. He loves his Chinese books. Getting more difficult for me to read as I encounter more complex structure and vocabulary. Nevertheless, I'm contented with his progress. Interest is key to learning.
Nathanael takes his morning nap at 10am. While he naps, I'll continue teaching Zech. At 11am, the boys have their play time tog. After their afternoon nap, we resume lessons.
Some days, we memorise Bible verses and read about the life of Jesus followed by a craft or an activity. So excited to hear him memorising the Bible verses! Young kids' memory is superb! So easy for them to remember. Discovered Zech is a natural at remembering numbers. He remembers all the chapters and verses of the scriptures while I can only remember the books from which the scriptures came from. I pray Zech will keep the Word in his heart.
On other days, Zech practises writing his name and hones his fine motor skills. Recently, we embarked on thematic study. Based on the firefighter theme, Zech learns his shapes, colours and practises his handwriting etc. Zech loves the fire engine and that was how I decided on this theme. Interest!
Bought fire fighting tools from a small shop at the market opposite just for $6.90. Tools include the helmet, fire extinguisher, axe, compass and walkie-talkie. My 2 boys played pretend with the tools. Used a ride-on as the fire engine and off they went to the rescue with their tools kept underneath the seat. Of course, Mummy had to guide Zech so that he knew what to do.
Using this cool firefighter printable pack from giftofcuriosity.com and http://homeschoolcreations.com/FiremenPrintables.html
Borrowed lots of books related to fire engines and fire fighters which are important as they provide the vocabulary for the child to talk about all things related to fire fighting and later, about the experience at the fire station. This link
( http://www.giftofcuriosity.com/books-about-fire-fighters/) is great!
Visited the Central Heritage Gallery next to the fire station over the weekend. It was the 2nd visit for Zech but don't think he can remember the first visit when he was 2.
Here's Zech in front of the fire engine. Went in and out of the fire engine several times, refusing to move on to the next exhibit.
Tried on the firefighter jacket and helmet. How cool it is to be a firefighter!
Had fun at a stimulator where Zech sprayed water at a 'fire'
Simply love the facade of the fire station. How grand and colonial looking!
Learning, when infused with elements of fun and interest, motivates a child. As long as I don't force Zech, he looks forward to school with Mummy. If I sense that he's bored, I usually stop and try again another day. Lots of flexibility which is what I like most.
The routine now seems fixed but it's subjected to changes, especially when I start formal school with Zech in July. Exciting yet challenging to teach your own child. As his teacher, I know every bit of his learning. What he can do at his age and what he can't. I'm in fact experiencing every step of his progress. Fulfilling in many ways and this motivates me further to ensure a solid foundation for my children. A building, without a stable foundation, can never withstand the harsh elements of weather. The preschool years are really crucial building blocks for a child's development.
No comments:
Post a Comment