Screen time for kids?

Ever since Zech turned 3 last Dec, he started watching an educational DVD once a week. His DVDs were limited to Leapfrog, Eric Carle and a series of short Mandarin stories. Recently, I've increased Zech's screen time. Probably inevitable.

The units from MFW, N for nest and T for turtle, were great opportunities to expose Zech to the natural world. Something that is difficult to see and experience in our city. So DVDs and the internet are great windows to the world beyond Singapore.

Sid the Science kid, which is now Zech's fav, is highly recommended. We watched 'home tweet home'. Wonderful series that educate and inspire...

At least, it inspired me to have a nest building activity with Zech after watching the show.

A home for the hen.

A home for Zech's craft bird.

We watched some great videos on YouTube.

Here's one showing how the hummingbird builds its nest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aupSOndl7W0

Another one by BBC showing the weaver bird.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6svAIgEnFvw

An eye-opener for Mummy too!

For T for turtle unit, I chose a few videos. They were simply amazing! I've always wanted to witness a real turtle lay eggs and now I finally did!

Witnessing the birth of hundreds of hatchlings. It was really a long wait but the good thing about videos is I can fast forward the process.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afsBBRbQb_I

A turtle laying eggs. Live!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwtjj9bRGtM

Discovered Jonathon Bird's Blue World series. Very cool! Up close and personal with sea turtles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_44-x_gWE7Y

So you see, I'm not against screen time for kids. But it must be restricted with a certain amount of educational value in it. And usually, I sit down with Zech during screen time so that I can explain and enjoy the programme with him. It's a wonderful way to relax too!

Activities for Nathanael

What's Nathanael doing all this time while his big brother is learning with Mummy?

He started fixing his peg puzzle. Hand-me-down from Zech. :) I'm so glad I kept Zech's puzzles.
To my surprise, he could fix some of the shapes on his own.

This is more challenging for him though he recognises where to place some of his favourite animals.

His first drawing experience. This time, I bought the Crayola mess free markers for him to doodle. I think he prefers the markers Zech is using.

 

 

Nathanael likes to read. He gets mad if we don't read enough to him.

 

Here's Nathanael in Zech's favourite reading spot.

 



Some of Nathanael's favourites...

If you are ever in doubt, always buy classic children books. My 2 boys love almost the same picture books.

I discovered he's quite good at slotting things into tiny slits.

 Nathanael's happiest when he gets to learn along with his bro.

Still can't believe I allowed them to play with jelly. But I did and they were thrilled!

Outside, Nathanael is just as cheeky as he is at home.

Enjoying his kiddy ride on Thomas the train.

 

And I believe he's most contented playing with Zech. Brothers forever!

 

We should love one another. 1 John 3:11

 



An overnight stay at Kukup with the cg

Kukup, a small fishing village about 1.5 hours away from Singapore, is a picture of serenity on a Friday afternoon. As we walked to the restaurant for lunch, the street reeked of fishes both fresh and dried, serving to heighten the experience of a small, quiet and laidback town so different from our city.

The kids were mesmerised by the jetty dotted with fishing boats. Some loading and unloading tons of fishes while some setting off to the nearby fish farms.

 

 

After lunch, we went on a boat ride to a fish farm.

The kids enjoyed the breeze and boat ride out to sea.

On the fish farm...

What we saw wasn't fantastic. But still a good experience for the little ones.


Horseshoe crab

 

 

Baby shark

Dried puffer fish

Trying to lure the fishes out using food as bait. Failed mission.

 

 

We had to hold our kids' hands tight while walking on these wooden planks.

 

 

Evening at the waterfront of our chalet.

 

 

At nightfall, the kids came out to play. An early mid-autumn celebration...

 



 

The best part of the night was the fireworks. You can purchase and light them up on your own. We didn't so we watched others do it. Spectacular but too near. In fact, the fireworks were raining directly above me. My eyes were closed most of the time as I tried to take a video of it. Haha! The kids were fast asleep in the chalet by this time.

 

After breakfast the next day, playing with poppers is traditional yet fun to liven up the festive mid-autumn mood.

 

 

Morning stroll after breakfast. A glorious start to a new day!

 

Spot the mudskipper? There were heaps below the chalets which are on stilts.

It was home sweet home after our seafood lunch. Great trip with superb company!