Storytelling eggs

Was inspired by a mummy's blog on storytelling pebbles. Brought back memories of school days as a teacher. A technique that uses creativity to tell a story in sequence with pictures as stimulus is a rather common method I used in teaching creative writing. Never imagined this could work for young kids. What amazed me was the ability of a 32 month old who can comprehend and enjoy storytelling in this way. Especially for busy mummies, this is very simple to prepare.

Searched for cute clipart from mycutegraphics.com. Printed and laminated them before placing each clipart in a plastic egg. These eggs were in fact Easter eggs.  Now I can maximise their use. :)

Got Zech to choose one egg at a time. As he took out the picture from each egg, I'd spin a story based on each picture. The main character in the story is of course none other than Zech. I guess that's why he likes this so much.

At the end, I'd lay out the pictures in order and repeat the story again.

Have done this with Zech a few times and every time we do this, the story is different. Sometimes, Zech even attempts to tell the story. The most motivating part for me is when Zech told me, 'This story is nice.' Realised it takes so little to make a child happy. We will be having these eggs around for some time.

A kid-friendly cafe @ Aliwal St

A very vintage looking café, there's something alluring in its ambience and outlook.

 

 

Brought Zech to Eat Play Love café at 28 Aliwal St (just next to Pahang St and near Arab St) together with a friend who brought her girl.

We wanted the kids to have some fun at the craft corner in the café. Thought it's really cool to have a craft corner for both kids and adults. You pay $5 (weekdays) and get to use the materials to create art pieces.

Came with a craft pack.

Had lunch first before play. $9.90 for set lunch. Main course and a drink. Had pineapple rice with fried chicken wings and spring rolls. Zech ate tomato baked rice, which he doesn't like because of the tomato. Tried the tiramisu in a jar. Thumbs up! Delectable and not too sweet!

 

 

Old school snacks are sold in the café. Bought this for Zech. But was disappointed to find its original contents changed. No longer chocolate balls, it now contains sweets and a small toy. :(

 Feel cheated.

 

 

After lunch, it was time to work those little fingers!

 

Guess what Zech was doing? Threading the penne pasta together to make a necklace.
 

Presenting Zech's matching necklace!

Another art piece done by Mummy and Zech!

 

Would definitely love to go back again. For the affordable food and to work those creative juices.



Garden walk

One of my favourite parks is HortPark. Although it's man-made, I find it a very well-maintained garden. Lots of plants and flowers and best of all, there are a few playgrounds for kids of different age. Brought Zech there last year and today we decided to have our garden walk there again. It was one of our most interesting and enjoyable walk under the hot sun.

Some interesting finds...

 

We also spotted a hummingbird, a nest on a tree, a lizard lookalike reptile, funny plants with names such as 'Mother-in-law's tongue' and 'Donkey ears', giant bumblebees and many different species of butterflies.

Guess what Zech was about to do?



Played with water of course!

Zech enjoying himself tremendously!

Not the most beautiful sunflowers but good enough to introduce to Zech.

In case you are wondering...Nathanael was sound asleep in his stroller. He slept the morning away. :(

A recommended park to families. Greenery, nature, unique plants, common plants and vegetables and kiddos' favourite playground all in a garden! We'll be back for more!

Structured play time with the boys

Life seems a little better recently as baby Nathanael settles into his routine. Started structured play time involving both Zech and baby. Some resources I use...

Black and white flashcards.

For reading time. The boys love Fuzzy Bee cos they can touch and feel the insects. A hand-me-down book from Zech put to maximum usage!

 

3D Chinese books for reading and a rattle for Nathanael to practise tracking with his eyes.

 



The boys' favourite - singing time! I've never imagined it to be so enjoyable. Zech usually sings 'Jesus loves me' and 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' with me as the accompanist. Sometimes, he plays on the piano and sings along while baby Nathanael sits in his rocker and looks on attentively. Zech is definitely contented with his only audience, Nathanael. Can't wait for the day when my boys can sing together.

 

Activities with Zech on busy days

Ever since baby Nathanael came into our lives, my daily schedule has been revolved around his feeding and sleep time. If he takes a nap well, I spend more time with Zech. But the problem is Nathanael doesn't usually nap well due to his reflux condition. So my time with Zech has been very much shortened. Nevertheless, we managed to squeeze in time to do stuff other than his usual puzzles and building blocks.


Drawing - Zech's fav activity. He's still drawing lines that I can't decipher and sometimes trying to write. See the train mosaic art ? I find it really interesting but Zech doesn't enjoy doing it.

He's more interested in foam art. A joint effort by mummy and son.

 

Zech has finally learned threading. He loves wearing the 'necklace' which is a form of motivation. Hm...he is quite a vain pot.

All time fav - Lego! He can build his creations independently now.

In the past month or so, he has been learning the alphabets using Leapfrog Letter Discoveries given as a gift by a special friend. It's just so amazing to see him learning ABCs in this way independently. And yes, he knows many letter names and its sounds now. Zech loves this electronic toy!

 

 

Life can get rather boring at home if not for sweet angels who come by to visit. Not just company for me but also for Zech.

 

Sandwich making party! The kiddos make their own ham and cheese sandwiches.

 

Lunch time!

 

This is most meaningful. Bonding with baby brother...

 

 

 









Zech + Nathanael

Our family life changed the day Nathanael was born. He was small as expected but a little fighter nonetheless. After days of worrying over his weight gain and jaundice condition, baby Nathanael is now steadily putting on the kilos. Since the last blood test done on Sat, his jaundice level is down to 8. Skin colour seems much better now. Thank God!

 

 

 

See the striking resemblance between the brothers at 3 weeks old? God's creation is truly amazing.

 

At home for 3 weeks now, everyone is trying to cope and adapt. I guess it must be really hard on Zech. He's on his own most of the time, which is good in a way as it cultivates some form of independence. Still trying my best to play with him every day.

 

Zech's very own personal lapbook. Gave this to him the next day after I was discharged. He loves dressing himself up!

 

 

 

 

 

Zech has been spending loads of time with his papa lately. Some of his escapades with Papa...

 

Water play @ Bishan Park.

 

 

To 'The Art of the Brick' @ ArtScience Museum. We realised Zech loves train rides more than the exhibition itself.

 

 

 



More activities are lined up for him this week. 'The Enormous Turnip' play on Thurs and visits to the museums this weekend. Not forgetting of course, Zech's bonding with the baby, which we need to work on.