My girl loves kites. She can't get enough of it. We bought her a plastic kite, however we don't always have the time to take her to the park to fly it. The park is always packed and the kite sometimes gets in the way of joggers and other people at the park who gets annoyed. Once the kite strings got in the way of a jogger and you should have seen the killer look she gave my girl. I know it was our fault but still, she's only a little girl.
My girl resorted to 'flying' her kite in our tiny porch. Of course it couldn't fly but she was happy enough to run round and round with it, imagining that it was taking flight at great heights. I was afraid that the kite would destroy my neighbour's flowers which were hanging over our adjoining wall, so for a school holiday project, we made a mini kite for her to fly around in the comfort of our own home. She can even 'fly' it indoors.
Here's what you need to make your own mini kite for kids.
1. Paper - Preferably light enough to 'fly' but solid enough to hold up
2. Straws
3. Double Sided Tape
4. String
5. Scissors
Here's how to make your own mini kite for kids:
1. Cut 2 triangles. One for the kite. Another smaller one for the rudder. Cut one more tiny rectangular piece of paper for securing the kite down onto the rudder.
2. Tape two drinking straws in a cross.
3. Tape the bigger triangle over the cross
4. Tape the smaller triangle on the front of the bigger triangle with double sided tape to form a rudder (Please note that the double sided tape I had in my picture is not suitable as it was too thick. Fortunately, we have the very thin double sided tape which was also more sticky at home. Use those.)
How to make your own mini kite for kids - Further instructions:
5. Decorate the tail by sticking colored strips of paper on the kite with double sided tape
6. Tape the string of the kite onto the rudder with double sided tape. Place the string on the rudder, then tape it down with double sided tape, one side facing the string and secure it with another side of the double sided tape facing a small rectangular piece of paper in the same color.
That's it. You have crafted a small mini kite. Don't expect this kite to withstand rough handling. You can use them as decorations instead if you like. They will 'fly' nicely above the tops of children's rooms as part of a child's room decor. Make them in several colors for decoration. They look great.
The above is our completed Mini Kite Craft Picture. The kids were so eager to make the kites, I did not manage to take step by step photos. Hopefully the instructions are clear enough. If not, just improvise.
This is another fun craft you can do with your kids this school holidays. Most kids love kites so they will love this Mini Kite Craft.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Monday, December 05, 2011
How To Make Popsicle Stick People
My girl has been saving her ice-cream sticks to play with as well as to make some crafts. We decided to make Popsicle Stick People or Ice-Cream Sticks People because they are very easy to do and fun!
Here is what you will need to make Popsicle Stick People:
Here are our finished Popsicle Stick People. Tadaa....
This Popsicle Stick Rapunzel is made by my girl. Don't you think she looks glamorous with her furry scarf? Her hair, scarf and hands are made from pipe-cleaners. Her blouse and skirt are made from ribbons. The flower from her hair came from an old hair accessory. This Popsicle Stick Girl photo was taken by my girl too.
This Ice-Cream Stick Girl is made by me. She spots a red hat and a shiny red tutu. Her red tutu is made from an old Christmas Hamper ribbon. As for her hat, well, it was made from one of the petals from the flowers which also came from an old hamper, not a Christmas Hamper but a Chinese New Year one. It is useful to save this little bits and pieces for crafts. Popsicle Stick Girl's hair is made from my Cross Stitch Yarn. Err.... I think my girl's Popsicle stick girl looks nicer than mine.
The Popsicle Stick Man in the first picture is my son's. He has an afro hair style and looks like a hippy from the seventies. The boy didn't have the patience to finish his, so I had to finish his for him. I colored in the Popsicle Man's Trousers with Marker Pen to make him look more masculine instead of using cloth or ribbons.
He ended up playing with the pipe cleaners and made some specs out of them instead.
Mother and Daugther Popsicle Stick People!
So, next time you have ice-cream, remember to save the ice-cream sticks for fun crafts like this.
I will post up a homemade mini kite which we made during this school holidays next (when I can find the time).
If you like this post, please pin it. Thanks.
Here is what you will need to make Popsicle Stick People:
- Popsicle Sticks or Ice-Cream sticks. You don't have to buy them specially. Just save some after having enjoyed your ice-creams, wash them and keep them aside for crafts when they are dry.
- Googly Eyes. You can get these from any craft stores or some stationery or book shops may have them.
- Pen to draw in the smiley mouth for the Popsicle Stick People.
- Glue and Scissors and Tape
- Pipe Cleaners for hands or legs if you like (Ours don't have legs)
- Lots of left over materials like ribbons, flowers from old hairpins or clothing or shoes. We keep all of these for crafts and marker pens.
Here are our finished Popsicle Stick People. Tadaa....
This Popsicle Stick Rapunzel is made by my girl. Don't you think she looks glamorous with her furry scarf? Her hair, scarf and hands are made from pipe-cleaners. Her blouse and skirt are made from ribbons. The flower from her hair came from an old hair accessory. This Popsicle Stick Girl photo was taken by my girl too.
This Ice-Cream Stick Girl is made by me. She spots a red hat and a shiny red tutu. Her red tutu is made from an old Christmas Hamper ribbon. As for her hat, well, it was made from one of the petals from the flowers which also came from an old hamper, not a Christmas Hamper but a Chinese New Year one. It is useful to save this little bits and pieces for crafts. Popsicle Stick Girl's hair is made from my Cross Stitch Yarn. Err.... I think my girl's Popsicle stick girl looks nicer than mine.
The Popsicle Stick Man in the first picture is my son's. He has an afro hair style and looks like a hippy from the seventies. The boy didn't have the patience to finish his, so I had to finish his for him. I colored in the Popsicle Man's Trousers with Marker Pen to make him look more masculine instead of using cloth or ribbons.
He ended up playing with the pipe cleaners and made some specs out of them instead.
Mother and Daugther Popsicle Stick People!
So, next time you have ice-cream, remember to save the ice-cream sticks for fun crafts like this.
I will post up a homemade mini kite which we made during this school holidays next (when I can find the time).
If you like this post, please pin it. Thanks.
How To Make Popsicle Stick People |
Friday, December 02, 2011
The Voice of Conscience
Last night the girl asked me....
"Mummy, can I don't tell you something?"
At first it was that but it later led to a confession by her and her little brother that they had both been throwing erasers at the ceiling fan.
.... which led to a confession that they cannot sleep for days and would continuously think about the bad thing they had done and feel bad if they don't confess it. Even if they were scolded for it, they would feel better if they owned up. (especially the girl who is very straight and honest, I am not so sure about the boy....)
Naturally I scolded them for throwing erasers at the ceiling fan because if was a dangerous thing to do. What if the eraser bounced back and hit the eye.
However, I praised them for being honest and taught them a new word.
I told them that they were good little people for feeling bad about something bad that they had done and that the feeling was called conscience.
They were happy to learn a new word and to know that they were good people who had conscience. Hopefully, they will learn to confess more wrong doings in the future because as my girl puts it....
After telling you, I feel....aahhhh...
"Mummy, can I don't tell you something?"
At first it was that but it later led to a confession by her and her little brother that they had both been throwing erasers at the ceiling fan.
.... which led to a confession that they cannot sleep for days and would continuously think about the bad thing they had done and feel bad if they don't confess it. Even if they were scolded for it, they would feel better if they owned up. (especially the girl who is very straight and honest, I am not so sure about the boy....)
Naturally I scolded them for throwing erasers at the ceiling fan because if was a dangerous thing to do. What if the eraser bounced back and hit the eye.
However, I praised them for being honest and taught them a new word.
"CONSCIENCE"
I told them that they were good little people for feeling bad about something bad that they had done and that the feeling was called conscience.
They were happy to learn a new word and to know that they were good people who had conscience. Hopefully, they will learn to confess more wrong doings in the future because as my girl puts it....
After telling you, I feel....aahhhh...
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer Lyrics and Music
I can't quite seem to remember the Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer Lyrics. I especially cannot remember the names of the reindeers. So I had better post this down before I forget again because I want to teach it to the kids. There are basically two versions to the Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer lyrics. I prefer the version with the Reindeer names as follows:
Click on the link for more Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer Online Stories, Games, Crafts and more.
Lyrics for Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen.,
But do you recall?
The most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose,
And if you ever saw it,
You would even say it glows.
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names;
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games.
Then one foggy Christmas Eve,
Santa came to say,
Rudolph with your nose so bright,
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee,
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,
You'll go down in history.
Of course the lyrics are not complete without the video of Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer. So here it is, the Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer story video and song.
Click on the link for more Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer Online Stories, Games, Crafts and more.
Last Minute Teacher Appreciation Card
Just a quick belated post here about how we made a last minute Teacher Appreciation Card. It was the second last day of school. Suddenly, we realised that we had not planned to give teacher any Teacher Appreciation Gifts or Cards. As usual, we opted for a homemade card.
We decided to do a last minute pop-up card for teacher. This is the front of our card. It is easy enough. We used foam stickers and the girl wrote "Thank you, Teahcer" using her colorful glitter pens.
This is the inside part of our card. We decided to make a pop-up garden for teacher. The girl cleverly suggested green as the base. Since it was really last minute, we didn't cut out the flowers. Instead, we used her flowers, bees and butterfly stickers.
Then she wrote a Thank you, Teacher message on the card and decorated it some more with more flower stickers and a fun smiley sun sticker.
Finally, here is are the instructions on how we made our last minute teacher appreciation card. We followed the instructions on How to Make a Pop-Up Flower Garden Card from Enchanted Learning. It is very easy to follow and make.
My children tell me that their friends often bring gifts for teacher during festivities or when they come back from overseas holidays with their families. For us, we may give teacher a small gift on teacher's day but usually we will give homemade cards like this. I think they are more meaningful.
We decided to do a last minute pop-up card for teacher. This is the front of our card. It is easy enough. We used foam stickers and the girl wrote "Thank you, Teahcer" using her colorful glitter pens.
This is the inside part of our card. We decided to make a pop-up garden for teacher. The girl cleverly suggested green as the base. Since it was really last minute, we didn't cut out the flowers. Instead, we used her flowers, bees and butterfly stickers.
Then she wrote a Thank you, Teacher message on the card and decorated it some more with more flower stickers and a fun smiley sun sticker.
Finally, here is are the instructions on how we made our last minute teacher appreciation card. We followed the instructions on How to Make a Pop-Up Flower Garden Card from Enchanted Learning. It is very easy to follow and make.
My children tell me that their friends often bring gifts for teacher during festivities or when they come back from overseas holidays with their families. For us, we may give teacher a small gift on teacher's day but usually we will give homemade cards like this. I think they are more meaningful.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys
Last in my series of Top Christmas Gift Recomendations is this Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys. I do not have any Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Men because I can't think of one. I will have to get my husband to write that one but if he ever writes one, I will probably win the lottery. He is not into blogging very much. Here aer some of my ...
Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys
1. Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys Age 7
My boy is 7 so naturally I had to make a gift lens on Squidoo just for him. Even if I can't get the items on my wishlish for him, it is still nice to dream of getting them and imagining his delight when receiving the gifts. This Gift Idea lens is specially for boys age 7. You can browse through it to get some idea for what to buy for a boy age 7 for Christmas.
2. Christmas Book Ideas for Boys
Here are some Christmas Book Ideas for Kids. They make great holiday reading as they are all about Christmas and the Holidays. Some of them are from kids Popular Book Series too. Series Books are great for encouraging children to read. Why not start with one or two this Christmas. Fill that reluctant boy's stocking with a Popular Series or Chapter Book to start him off on a lifelong love for reading. It will be a Christmas present he won't forget.
3. Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys based on certain Cartoon Characters that they like
I have got some Squidoo lenses for boys based on certain famous boys cartoon characters. You can visit these lenses for Christmas Gift Ideas for....
a) Thomas the Tank Engine Gift Ideas for fans
b) Bob the Builder Gift Ideas for fans
c) Barney and Friends Gift Ideas for fans
Besides Christmas gift ideas, you can also find other valuable information in these lenses on online sites and activities for these famous boys cartoon characters.
Related Articles:
Top Christmas Gift Ideas For Girls for Christmas 2011
Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Women for Christmas 2011
NEW! CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS 2012
Click On Picture To Go To Christmas Gift Guide For Kids 2012 The image was illustrated by Kopi Soh |
Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys
1. Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys Age 7
My boy is 7 so naturally I had to make a gift lens on Squidoo just for him. Even if I can't get the items on my wishlish for him, it is still nice to dream of getting them and imagining his delight when receiving the gifts. This Gift Idea lens is specially for boys age 7. You can browse through it to get some idea for what to buy for a boy age 7 for Christmas.
2. Christmas Book Ideas for Boys
Here are some Christmas Book Ideas for Kids. They make great holiday reading as they are all about Christmas and the Holidays. Some of them are from kids Popular Book Series too. Series Books are great for encouraging children to read. Why not start with one or two this Christmas. Fill that reluctant boy's stocking with a Popular Series or Chapter Book to start him off on a lifelong love for reading. It will be a Christmas present he won't forget.
3. Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys based on certain Cartoon Characters that they like
I have got some Squidoo lenses for boys based on certain famous boys cartoon characters. You can visit these lenses for Christmas Gift Ideas for....
a) Thomas the Tank Engine Gift Ideas for fans
b) Bob the Builder Gift Ideas for fans
c) Barney and Friends Gift Ideas for fans
Besides Christmas gift ideas, you can also find other valuable information in these lenses on online sites and activities for these famous boys cartoon characters.
Related Articles:
Top Christmas Gift Ideas For Girls for Christmas 2011
Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Women for Christmas 2011
Top Christmas Gift Ideas For Girls for Christmas 2011
NEW UPDATE! GO HERE FOR THE LATEST KIDS GIFT GUIDE AND COMPREHENSIVE GIFT LIST ON
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS 2012
Click On Picture To Go To Christmas Gift Guide For Kids 2012 The image was illustrated by Kopi Soh |
Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Girls For Christmas 2011
Dear Santa, What can I get for a girl this Christmas 2011?
Ho, HO, HO! Plenty. Plenty. Here are some Christmas Gift Ideas for you...
1. Dolls make nice stocking fillers for girls
First, check out my Gift Guide For Buying Dolls For The Holidays and Christmas. Its got dolls for girls of every age. Dolls are the perfect stocking fillers for Christmas. Here are some of the very latest dolls for the holidays. Check out the Lalaloopsy Dolls for Girls this Christmas. They're the later, cuter version of the traditional rag doll. However, if it is the traditional rag doll you want, you will find it too in my Gift Guide For Buying Dolls For Girls.
2. Books are everygreen and great as a gift at Christmas or at any other time
Books make great gifts for both girls and boys. Here are some Christmas Book Ideas for kids. Check the list out if you want books about Christmas and the Holidays. However, if it is regular books or Popular Kids Book Series you want, you can go to the second link for some great Christmas Gift Ideas as well.
3. Crafts are enjoyed by most girls who will love to receive craft sets as gifts
Girls who love crafting and sewing will surely love this receiving this Cross Stitch Bookmark Kit as a Christmas Gift. There are more gift ideas like this in my Simple Cross Stitch Projects for Kids lens on Squidoo. Many of the cross stitch craft sets are fantastic to fill the stocking of girls who love crafts.
4. Cute Stationery and School Supplies
You can't go wrong with this Christmas Gift Idea. Besides, they're not just adorable to look at, these Cute Stationery and School Supplies are useful and practical items that can be used.
5. Activity Ideas - Why not get a girl a Cooking Book or Set this Christmas?
Girls love to imitate their mothers. If mother is busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen for Thanksgiving and Christmas, why not get a Children's Cookbook, Apron or Cooking Set as a Christmas Gift this year? Here are some Cooking with Kids Cookbooks and Cooking Sets to get you started.
6. Barbie Dolls for Girls for Christmas 2011
I know I had dolls under number 1 in my list but I can't help it. I love Barbie Dolls. So here are the latest Barbie Dolls 2011. Check it out for Barbie Doll 2011 Christmas Gift Ideas for Girls. Barbie Dolls make nice Christmas Tree Ornaments too.
7. Top Christmas Gift for Girls Aged 9 (Just because my girl is 9)
Finally, just because my girl is age 9, I have Christmas Gift Recommendations for Girls age 9. This is my girl's private wishlist but feel free to go through them to get some Christmas Gift Ideas for girls who are nine or a pre-teen or tween girl.
Tip: Visit the links on each category for more Christmas Gift Ideas for Girls in that category.
Coming next... My Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys
Also check out my Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Women for Christmas 2011
Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Women for Christmas 2011
Christmas is almost upon us. It is amazing how time flies. I have written quite a few Squidoo lenses for Christmas Gift Ideas for Women as well as for Girls and Boys. So if you are looking for Christmas Gift Ideas for 2011, you can hop over to my Squidoo lenses and check these gift ideas out. This blog post highlights .....
Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Women
What can you get for the women in your life? Here are some great Christmas Gift Ideas for 2011 which I have compiled for you. Fragrance never fails. While men are visual creatures, women have a better olfactory system. That is why they will love these Mini Perfume Sets for Women for this Christmas 2011. They will make a great stocking filler for a woman.
Another nice stocking filler for women for this Christmas 2011, are Charm Bracelets with Themes. Get Charm Bracelets with a Holiday theme if you like but if you really know your women, mum, sister, girlfriend, wife, friend, spouse, etc, you can easily get one in a theme that you know she likes.
I also have a lens for Top 10 Gifts for Women in their 40s. I wrote it for women in their 40s because I am in my 40s. However, I believe that most women starting from ages 20 to 50 will appreciate and love most of the gifts highlighted. You can check it out for more ideas on what to get for a woman this Christmas, 2011.
That is not all. You can also check out One Shoulder Dresses and consider making them a Christmas Gift for a woman this year, 2011. They are great for that year-end party!
For the active woman who cares about health and fitness, Salsacise Aerobics Dance tapes and books will make a nice stocking filler for Christmas 2011.
Women who love crafts, particularly Cross Stitch, will simply love receiving some books or Cross Stitch Sets to make their own Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments this Christmas, 2011. This Christmas Gift will last for years and years as the Cross Stitch Ornaments can be used over and over again.
Last but certainly not least, you can give these adorable Barbie Dolls to a woman. Perhaps you never thought about this as a Christmas Gift Idea for a woman before. For a little girl yes but a woman? Let me tell you that most women love dolls. In every woman, there is a little girl lurking in there. Besides, the Barbie collector dolls make great decorative items in the house. I would surely love to receive one of those collector Barbie Dolls for Christmas or at any time of the year. The Grace Kelly Doll is so beautiful and the 80's inspired Alexis and Krystel Doll from Dynasty are totally adorable!
Visit each of the links for more Great Christmas Ideas for Women in each of the categories.
I will be writing gift recommendations for girls and boys soon. Not for men though, I never know what to get a man!
Updated are my articles below:
Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys
Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Girls for Christmas 2011
Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Women
What can you get for the women in your life? Here are some great Christmas Gift Ideas for 2011 which I have compiled for you. Fragrance never fails. While men are visual creatures, women have a better olfactory system. That is why they will love these Mini Perfume Sets for Women for this Christmas 2011. They will make a great stocking filler for a woman.
Another nice stocking filler for women for this Christmas 2011, are Charm Bracelets with Themes. Get Charm Bracelets with a Holiday theme if you like but if you really know your women, mum, sister, girlfriend, wife, friend, spouse, etc, you can easily get one in a theme that you know she likes.
I also have a lens for Top 10 Gifts for Women in their 40s. I wrote it for women in their 40s because I am in my 40s. However, I believe that most women starting from ages 20 to 50 will appreciate and love most of the gifts highlighted. You can check it out for more ideas on what to get for a woman this Christmas, 2011.
That is not all. You can also check out One Shoulder Dresses and consider making them a Christmas Gift for a woman this year, 2011. They are great for that year-end party!
For the active woman who cares about health and fitness, Salsacise Aerobics Dance tapes and books will make a nice stocking filler for Christmas 2011.
Women who love crafts, particularly Cross Stitch, will simply love receiving some books or Cross Stitch Sets to make their own Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments this Christmas, 2011. This Christmas Gift will last for years and years as the Cross Stitch Ornaments can be used over and over again.
Last but certainly not least, you can give these adorable Barbie Dolls to a woman. Perhaps you never thought about this as a Christmas Gift Idea for a woman before. For a little girl yes but a woman? Let me tell you that most women love dolls. In every woman, there is a little girl lurking in there. Besides, the Barbie collector dolls make great decorative items in the house. I would surely love to receive one of those collector Barbie Dolls for Christmas or at any time of the year. The Grace Kelly Doll is so beautiful and the 80's inspired Alexis and Krystel Doll from Dynasty are totally adorable!
Visit each of the links for more Great Christmas Ideas for Women in each of the categories.
I will be writing gift recommendations for girls and boys soon. Not for men though, I never know what to get a man!
Updated are my articles below:
Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys
Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Girls for Christmas 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Kiasu Parent
I have never believed in tuition and allowing the kids to study during holidays. Holidays are meant to be holidays so that means full time play. After all, the kids don't get to do much of that at all during school days. Surely I can't allow them to have no childhood or a childhood filled with only studies and little play?
However, after a few years in the school system, I find that I am changing. Help! Guess what I did in preparation for this coming school holidays? I went to buy the kids books for next year! Then I went to research and visit a few tuition centers to enquire about their school holiday programs. That is what I did. I still do not believe in tuition very much, at least not the kind where the kids will have to attend 5 days a week (some daily till 10pm!) for all subjects. However, one tuition for one weak subject is ok, I think.
Anyway, so there I was buying books for next year and to my surprise, the bookshop was quite packed with parents buying workbooks for next year! The tuition centers I visited were filled with kids studying for next year! The teacher in my girl's class had started to teach them Mathematics for next year. When she mentioned a new subject which she was going to teach, the kids exclaimed "Ah...we know already!"
That leaves me no choice but to teach them myself in preparation for next year. Not because I want them to be ahead of the pack but because I don't want them to be lost and left behind. It is an awful feeling to be lost and not following what is being taught. I don't want them to feel the stress of being far behind in studies so I have to get them to study during the school holidays, something that I had always been against. Kind of stupid isn't it? I don't want the kids to feel stressed next year so I work them this year.
I also plan to teach them during the school holidays because that is the only time when we have the time to go through the subjects at a decent pace with lots of discussion and fun instead of working like a horse during the school year. During school term, they have so much homework, I never have the time to teach them. I don't even have the time to help them do their homework properly. It is a pressure just to complete the homework. I am constantly rushing them to make sure they finish their school work. Sometimes it is such a rush, I am not sure they are learning anything at all!
Anyway, although I will be teaching them this school holidays, it won't be all work of course. It will be work and a decent pace with lots and lots of play and crafting time. They don't mind doing "mummy's work" because they know that I always make time for them to play afterwards. I guess that is the difference.
As for tuition, it would be nice if I could find a Chinese tutor to help them in areas where they have trouble in because my help is limited .... to the usage of an e-dictionary. Otherwise, I will just rely on my dictionary. It is still ok with my Year 2 Boy but not for the Year 4 girl who has to write Chinese essays. I can't help her with that.
However, after a few years in the school system, I find that I am changing. Help! Guess what I did in preparation for this coming school holidays? I went to buy the kids books for next year! Then I went to research and visit a few tuition centers to enquire about their school holiday programs. That is what I did. I still do not believe in tuition very much, at least not the kind where the kids will have to attend 5 days a week (some daily till 10pm!) for all subjects. However, one tuition for one weak subject is ok, I think.
Anyway, so there I was buying books for next year and to my surprise, the bookshop was quite packed with parents buying workbooks for next year! The tuition centers I visited were filled with kids studying for next year! The teacher in my girl's class had started to teach them Mathematics for next year. When she mentioned a new subject which she was going to teach, the kids exclaimed "Ah...we know already!"
That leaves me no choice but to teach them myself in preparation for next year. Not because I want them to be ahead of the pack but because I don't want them to be lost and left behind. It is an awful feeling to be lost and not following what is being taught. I don't want them to feel the stress of being far behind in studies so I have to get them to study during the school holidays, something that I had always been against. Kind of stupid isn't it? I don't want the kids to feel stressed next year so I work them this year.
I also plan to teach them during the school holidays because that is the only time when we have the time to go through the subjects at a decent pace with lots of discussion and fun instead of working like a horse during the school year. During school term, they have so much homework, I never have the time to teach them. I don't even have the time to help them do their homework properly. It is a pressure just to complete the homework. I am constantly rushing them to make sure they finish their school work. Sometimes it is such a rush, I am not sure they are learning anything at all!
Anyway, although I will be teaching them this school holidays, it won't be all work of course. It will be work and a decent pace with lots and lots of play and crafting time. They don't mind doing "mummy's work" because they know that I always make time for them to play afterwards. I guess that is the difference.
As for tuition, it would be nice if I could find a Chinese tutor to help them in areas where they have trouble in because my help is limited .... to the usage of an e-dictionary. Otherwise, I will just rely on my dictionary. It is still ok with my Year 2 Boy but not for the Year 4 girl who has to write Chinese essays. I can't help her with that.
Friday, November 04, 2011
Geronimo Stilton
Geronimo Stilton Video Clip on YouTube
Both my kids are great fans of Geronimo Stilton. They are 7 and 9 years old. They can read the book in one sitting. While reading their own Geronimo Stilton books, they also request that I read another Geronimo Stilton Book to them at the same time each night. So, quite often we would be reading 3 Geronimo Stilton Books at bedtime. You can imagine how many we have in our collection.
The Geronimo Stilton Books by Scholastic are really enjoyable because of its illustration and cute fonts. Sometimes they include little nuggets of information in them too. Like having a mini encyclopedia within a storybook. However, sometimes, I find the concept rather adult like written from an adult's point of view rather than from a child's view. Still, my kids enjoy them tremendously.
Besides the Geronimo Stilton books, Geronimo Stilton also comes in comics or a full-color Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novel by Papercutz. My kids prefer the books though. I prefer the books too. Maybe the comics are too small for my old eyes.
That was my simple Geronimo Stilton Parent Review. The rest of this post is for all Geronimo Stilton fans and parents of Geronimo Stilton fans. It contains useful links to all things Geronimo Stilton including Geronimo Stilton Games, videos, and many other useful links.
Who is Geronimo Stilton?
You'll get plenty information about who is Geronimo Stilton on the Geronimo Stilton Wiki. This gives you many interesting facts about Geronimo Stilton that you probably didn't know about. Plus, it has a Geronimo Stilton Book List so you won't miss any of the Geronimo Titles. Frequently featured in his books are his sister Thea Stilton (who has her own series), Trap and his favorite nephew Benjamin. Check them all out in the wiki.
Where to Play Geronimo Stilton Games Online?
This is easy. Just go to Geronimo Stilton's Official Website. You will find plenty of Geronimo Stilton Games there. Not only that, you can also Listen and Sing with Geronimo Stilton, Draw, Read and even Write an Article for the Rodent's Gazette, the newspaper that Geronimo Stilton runs.
Which is better? Geronimo Stilton Books or Geronimo Stilton Comics?
You will have to see for yourself then don't you?
- Here is a sample of a Geronimo Stilton Book and how it looks like.
- You can also read and excerpt of a Geronimo Stilton book here.
- Here is a sample of a Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novel.
Where can I get the latest inside scoop from Geronimo Stilton's Rodent's Gazette?
You can find The Rodent's Gazette at Scholastics. Here you can meet the Staff of the Rodent's Gazette and receive breaking news about Geronimo Stilton plus you can get free printables, activities as well as listen to audio clips of some of your favourite Geronimo Stilton books for example: The Temple of the Ruby of Fire (Audio Clip). Parents, Teachers and Educators can get a Geronimo Teaching Guide too.
There are so many books in the Geronimo Stilton Series. Where do I start?
The Geronimo Stilton book is a chapter series book. This is great to encourage reading because the child is encouraged to read on. There are basically two types of series books. The first is where each book is the continuation of the previous. Something like the Harry Potter series. The Geronimo Stilton series on the other hand falls in the second category where the story does not continue but the characters are the same. So each new book has a new story using the same familiar characters.
What this means is you can start anywhere. You don't have to read from the beginning. However, reading the first book is always a good introduction to the characters and the entire series. This is what I recommend.
The Geronimo Stilton Box Set Vol 1-3 (As an introduction to the series)
The Geronimo Stilton Christmas Box Set (Just nice for the Holidays)
The Geronimo Stilton Box Set Books 1-41 (If you can afford it and don't have any in your collection yet)
Geronimo Stilton Book No 49 - The Way of the Samurai (Latest in the series at the time of writing)
Geronimo Stilton DVD Volume 1
Geronimo Stilton DVD Volume 2
The Geronimo Stilton Christmas Box Set (Just nice for the Holidays)
The Geronimo Stilton Box Set Books 1-41 (If you can afford it and don't have any in your collection yet)
Geronimo Stilton Book No 49 - The Way of the Samurai (Latest in the series at the time of writing)
Geronimo Stilton DVD Volume 1
Geronimo Stilton DVD Volume 2
These are my recommendations, but if you don't like my selection, you can always choose your own Geronimo Stilton Books here. They will make great Christmas Gifts for a boy or girl this year. I find that the Geronimo Stilton Books are not gender specific as they are enjoyed by both boys and girls.
I am sure that Geronimo Stilton and his fabumouse family are on the wishlist of many fans this Christmas Holiday Season. Check out some of Geronimo Stilton's Christmas titles below:
I am sure that Geronimo Stilton and his fabumouse family are on the wishlist of many fans this Christmas Holiday Season. Check out some of Geronimo Stilton's Christmas titles below:
Monday, October 31, 2011
Shoes with Laces
Recently my boy went on a school day trip. This dunce of a mummy let him wear shoes with laces on them. He can do his own laces but sometimes he is a bit slow. So, I tied up his shoelaces extra tight and sent him on his way with a new cap bought just the night before for his trip because he had outgrown his old cap.
We had a good time choosing his cap and boy, this little one was fussy. He wanted the navy one which made him look 'handsome' and no other even though his parents advised him that he may be hot because of the thick material of the cap.
Anyway, back to his shoes. What I didn't expect was he had to remove his shoes! I vow never to let him wear shoes with laces again for a day trip. Silly me.
I had thought that he would have been happy and excited to tell us about his trip. Instead he appeared dejected. So we had to question him and this was the reply...
We had a good time choosing his cap and boy, this little one was fussy. He wanted the navy one which made him look 'handsome' and no other even though his parents advised him that he may be hot because of the thick material of the cap.
Anyway, back to his shoes. What I didn't expect was he had to remove his shoes! I vow never to let him wear shoes with laces again for a day trip. Silly me.
I had thought that he would have been happy and excited to tell us about his trip. Instead he appeared dejected. So we had to question him and this was the reply...
- Mummy, it was so hot, I was sweating like mad! And the Cap made me sweat even more. (See, I told you son?)
- Mummy, it was hot outside but so cold in the bus. Hot Cold Hot Cold
- Mummy, I was scolded because I was slow in eating
- Mummy, the vegetables we ate for lunch was worse than the ones you make at home
- Mummy, I wanted to buy something but I didn't have enough money because I only saw it later. I got these. Here's the change. You can keep it. I don't want to waste money.
- Mummy, I went to the toilet. I had to walk down steps to go to the toilet and there were other big boys in there who were not in the trip and they disturbed me. They were noisy and threw things at each other. The toilet was soooo dirty!
- Mummy, I had to remove my shoes and it took me some time to tie my shoelaces back.
We told him that it was a good thing he went for the trip and he learned some important lessons in life. That outside, sometimes, you have to fight for yourself and it isn't always so comfortable as at home or as safe the way mummy and daddy try to make sure whenever he goes out with us.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Halloween Gift Baskets for Kids
Halloween Gift Baskets make the perfect Halloween Gift. Here are a few great Halloween Gift Baskets filled with treats for little ones. The decorative items used to create the Halloween Gift Baskets can be saved up and used for your Halloween Decorations or Halloween Crafts. Here are some of my top picks for Halloween Gift Baskets for Kids for 2011.
Bat Theme Halloween Gift Basket
This Bat Theme Halloween Gift Basket is filled with yummy treats and snacks for little ones
Jack-O-Lantern Halloween Gift Basket
This Jack-O-Lantern Halloween Gift Basket is filled with chocolate for chocolate lovers! It has been named Choc-O-Lantern! You can use the cute O-Lantern Bucket for future Halloween Decorations. Great as a party favor. Just place one or two of these in a several parts of your house for your guests to help themselves during your Halloween House Party.
Halloween Treats and Activities Gift Basket
This Halloween Gift Basket is perfect for Kids during a Kids Halloween Party. Not only does it have Halloween treats and snacks, it includes Halloween Theme Games and Activities
Too Cute To Spook Halloween Gift Basket
This Halloween Gift Basket is as its name suggest meant for little cuties! Scary stuff are meant for older kids, little kids need just the right touch of spook with lots of treats of course.
Happy Halloween Jack O Lantern with Teddy Bear Gift Basket
This Halloween Gift Basket is just right for kids who love teddy bears ... and adults too!
Halloween Gift Basket for Tween Girl
This Halloween Gift Basket is suitable for a tween girl. It has sweet, treats and little novelties for the tween girl including Halloween Charm Bracelet, Halloween Tattoos and Halloween Nail Art!
Witches Theme Halloween Gift Basket
The Witches Theme Halloween Tote Bag can be used as a Halloween Treat Bag year after year in this Halloween Witches Theme Gift Basket.
Happy Halloween!
Search For More Halloween Gift Baskets For Kids This 2015.
Bat Theme Halloween Gift Basket
This Bat Theme Halloween Gift Basket is filled with yummy treats and snacks for little ones
Jack-O-Lantern Halloween Gift Basket
This Jack-O-Lantern Halloween Gift Basket is filled with chocolate for chocolate lovers! It has been named Choc-O-Lantern! You can use the cute O-Lantern Bucket for future Halloween Decorations. Great as a party favor. Just place one or two of these in a several parts of your house for your guests to help themselves during your Halloween House Party.
Halloween Treats and Activities Gift Basket
This Halloween Gift Basket is perfect for Kids during a Kids Halloween Party. Not only does it have Halloween treats and snacks, it includes Halloween Theme Games and Activities
Too Cute To Spook Halloween Gift Basket
This Halloween Gift Basket is as its name suggest meant for little cuties! Scary stuff are meant for older kids, little kids need just the right touch of spook with lots of treats of course.
Happy Halloween Jack O Lantern with Teddy Bear Gift Basket
This Halloween Gift Basket is just right for kids who love teddy bears ... and adults too!
Halloween Gift Basket for Tween Girl
This Halloween Gift Basket is suitable for a tween girl. It has sweet, treats and little novelties for the tween girl including Halloween Charm Bracelet, Halloween Tattoos and Halloween Nail Art!
Witches Theme Halloween Gift Basket
The Witches Theme Halloween Tote Bag can be used as a Halloween Treat Bag year after year in this Halloween Witches Theme Gift Basket.
Happy Halloween!
Search For More Halloween Gift Baskets For Kids This 2015.
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