Climb climb up sunshine mountain...

The first Chinese character Zech knows and recognizes was 山. Ever since then, he has been fascinated with his mental image of a mountain. One day, he told me, 'Mummy, I want to climb up a mountain.' I agreed of course.

That was how on a Saturday morning, we ended up at Bukit Timah Hill. I'm a nature lover and deeply desire my boys to be like me. There's no better learning than outdoor education surrounded by God's wonderful creation.

Zech was raring to go up the hill. The first part was quite tedious as we walked up a steep slope. It became more gradual later. When I saw a resting spot, I asked Zech if he wanted to take a break. To my surprise, he didn't want to. So on we continued our ascent.

Climb climb up sunshine mountain
Heavenly breezes blow
Climb climb up sunshine mountain
Faces all aglow

That was our theme song and Zech enjoyed asking me to sing in both English and Mandarin. Thank God I attended Chinese Sunday School when I was little then taught in English Sunday School later! Along the way, I told him to look at the tall trees and even tried pointing out lichens to him. Not sure if he was interested. But he was definitely very keen to reach the summit. We met some friendly hikers on the way and some were really encouraging. One of them even told Zech that he was doing a good job and to keep it up. That kept my boy in high spirits I guess.

Once we reached the summit, it was snack time.

 



We had our little break before heading back down the hill.

This time, we took the summit path. Descending was much easier though the steps and dirt track were rather challenging for Zech. But we saw butterflies and monkeys as we descended. That perked Zech up. Although he complained a little as there were just too many steps and I had to distract him by counting steps with him, we made it to the end of the summit path. After that, walking was a breeze.

This is an easy trail for families with young children. We have taken route 1 red trail.  It was great to be out there enjoying the warm sun and shady trees while surrounded by the sounds of the cicadas and birds in the forest. To encourage Zech, a certificate was presented to him. Now he's very motivated and looking forward to our next hiking trail.

This was but a small first step to exploring God's creation and to prepare the boys for longer hikes and higher mountains. If anyone is keen, visit the Bukit Timah Reserve before it closes to the public from 15 Sept onwards for repairs and restoration works.

Chinese hol programme at Chengzhu Mandarin Centre

I've always found it hard to sign up Zech for classes. Either I find the environment lacking in some aspects or the teachers not fully equipped and adequate in certain areas. This Jun hols, I decided to sign up Zech for the Chinese holiday programme at Chengzhu, the Mandarin branch of Julia Gabriel at Rochester Mall. Have heard and read good reviews about Chengzhu though it's a relatively new player in the market.

Zech attended the programme, 'Adventures with the little bat' for 5 days every morning from 11.30am to 1.30pm. This programme focuses on cultural immersion using lots of dramatization, songs and play. No word recognition and writing at all. Cultivating interest in learning and encouraging the little ones to speak in Mandarin is the key goal in the programme.

On the first day at Chengzhu, I was really impressed with the high standard of cleanliness for the N1 and N2. This playground is just outside the N1 and N2 classes and is solely for the younger ones to play.

The classrooms look very well-maintained and clean too which is very important for young kids. Class size was capped at 10. Quite reasonable. There was a teacher assistant with the teacher. Throughout the week, I could see lots of interaction between the teachers and the kids. The glass panel on the door of the classroom allows parents to see what is going on. The teacher shared stories, poems and songs to keep the kids engaged. What I really like was the use of dramatization. The teacher would dress up as the little bat while the teacher assistant dressed up as other insects. The lights were switched off and the spotlights turned on to resemble a theatre. Very cool I thought. The setting captured Zech's attention.

Although there was no writing, there was Chinese ink painting. Felt it was good exposure for Zech. The teachers helped the kids quite a fair bit I think.

At the end of the day, 5 minutes before class was over, the teacher would come out and brief the parents who were waiting about what was done and the overall progress of the kids. Didn't expect this at all. After the class, the teacher was very approachable whenever I asked about Zech's progress. She sounded experienced too. In fact, I noticed the teachers in all the N1 and N2 classes were consistent in delivering the lessons. All the teachers were very lively and expressive. No wonder the kids were intrigued.

On the last day, what impressed me most of all was the half hour open class for parents to sit in and watch the kids perform. A day before, the teacher had briefed the parents so we knew what to expect. During the half hour open class, I could see that the kids were well trained in introducing themselves and presenting their class performance. Though Zech was not confident enough to complete his speech (he could only manage one line), the teacher was encouraging and prompted him till he was done with his introduction. After all the kids were done with their introduction, they presented the stories, poems and songs they have learned in a week with the teachers. Very entertaining for the parents!

The hol programme at Chengzhu Mandarin Centre was a very positive one for Zech. Since then, I've been reading the stories of the little bat and singing the songs together with him almost every night.

A preschooler's homeschool days

Routine with my 2 boys is pretty much settled by now. Homeschooling for Zech is basically interest driven, focusing on the Bible, not forgetting skills and concepts learning for pre-schoolers and Chinese language learning.

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.

Nathanael's 1st year

http://www.smilebox.com/playBlog/4e44417a4f5459794e7a553d0d0a&blogview=true

More than just books in the library

I've never believed babies less than a year old can benefit from any kind of classes. They are simply too young and not ready.

Was looking through NLB (national library board) website and realized they offer many interesting programmes for the little ones. Many are free. Signed up for 'Mini Maestros', an Australian-based music school that's relatively new locally. Though I signed up for just one child, they were kind enough to allow me to bring both boys with me.

The 30 min program was very interactive, involving lots of movement. My boys were engaged throughout. The use of colorful props and instruments captivated the kids. 

Here's peekaboo using a shiny cloth and of course, music.  Zech and Nathanael were entertained!

Nathanael shaking a cute golden egg shaker. The kids were told to listen to the music and when it says stop, they had to stop shaking their eggs. Nathanael was really good at this. It's just amazing to see a less than a year old baby following the music.

Another very enjoyable activity was getting the kids to lie down on the floor while we parents flapped a rainbow parachute-like cloth up and down beneath them with the teacher singing 'Starlight Star Bright'. Zech had a jolly good time just lying down and watching the parachute go up and down. 

Was very impressed with the teacher leading and facilitating all the activities. We parents had a bit of a workout too when we, carrying our baby, had to move with the music following the steps of the teacher.

The 30 min program was packed with lots of fun and laughter. My boys enjoyed it tremendously.

Read the curriculum outline on Mini Maestro brochure. Very similar to pri sch music but presented in ways that are more fun and interactive. Very tempted to sign up for my boys but I shall hold on first. Thinking of trying out similar activities with them at home.

There are other children programmes organized by NLB. I've noted down the dates and time for Chinese storytelling and a music concert by the young ones at Esplanade library. Best of all, they are free! If u are interested, take a look here: http://www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary/

Nathanael's turning 1 soon!

I've always been concerned and worried over Nathanael's growth. A few months ago, I decided to ditch the weighing scale and refocus my priorities for him.

Nathanael's pd asked me once if he was a happy baby. That really put me in deep thought. Isn't that the most important to a mother? The meaning of Nathanael is 'given by God'. In other words, he's a gift from God. Have I forgotten to commit Nathanael's growth into His hands? Wouldn't our Heavenly Father, who loves us so much that He gave His only son to die for us, take good care of Nathanael?

Recently, I realised I have more to be thankful for other than just lamenting over Nathanael's slow growth and poor sleep pattern to my family and friends. Thank God for His wonderful blessings and protection over Nathanael in the past year.

A list of 10 things I want to thank God for:

1. Nathanael's milestones are never on time. In fact, he achieved most milestones early.

2. He gave us many surprises. The first time he clapped his hands was when I was playing the piano. I've never felt more appreciated!

3. He is a determined boy and doesn't give up easily. That's why I could breastfeed him exclusively.

4. He loves exploring and investigating new things. This characteristic of his makes me smile so very often. Do u know he found out for himself what a door stopper is for? He will sometimes help me open the door and make sure it reaches the door stopper.

5. Like his bro Zech, Nathanael loves music.

6. He loves his food and is forever hungry.

7. He started communicating to us at 10 mths.

8. He is an efficient baby. With a bottle, he finishes his milk within 3 min. When nursing, he is done in less than 10 min.

9. I've always complained about Nathanael's sleep pattern which was entirely different from his very independent bro. Somehow at 10 mths, I decided to sleep train him again. This time, he's ready. I finally resolved the sleep problem that was troubling me for almost a year. It's truly a milestone for Nathanael!

10. He is a healthy baby!

Life hasn't been a bed of roses with Nathanael. But this gift from God has taught me many life lessons and brought me immeasurable joy.

Praise The Lord for His abundant blessings and grace. Just like Nathanael's Chinese name 宣奇 meaning 宣扬神的奇妙, may God continue to reveal His wondrous works through this little one.

 

What's in your name?

We named Zechariah after the old testament prophet in the Bible. A minor prophet who was used by God as a messenger to the Israelites, the name Zechariah means 'God remembers'. There were many instances in Zech's life when I was touched and reminded time and again that indeed, God remembers.

Zech turned 3 last Dec. In the past few weeks, he has learned to recognise and even spell his own name.

Of course, the easiest to recognise is the letter z. With some prompting from me, Zech formed his name using the magnetic letters.

Then I created a little rhythm of the letters in Zechariah using the bongo drum. The drum was given by Zech's papa from Vietnam. Love the tone it makes! Zech caught it really quickly.

Used play dough to form his name. Zech had some difficulty doing this as the letters were quite small. Realised bigger fonts are better for young children.

Name game. Zech searched for his own name. Placed paper shreds in a shoe box to cover up the names. Increased the challenge slightly by including names beginning with Z. Zech had to look closely to identify his name so he could not just look at the beginning letter Z alone.

It has been a good start for Zech. The next stage? Understanding the background and meaning of his name before moving gradually to writing.