A good night's sleep starts with a good pillow

Having a good night's sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Yet, many of us struggle with getting a good night's sleep. Some tips for getting a good night's sleep include having a relaxing before bed schedule, making your room dark and comfortable with just the right temperature and not to mention having a good pillow. 

Recently, I had an opportunity to test out the Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow. This pillow is voted as one of The Best 8 Pillows in Singapore. Having gone through dozens of sleep trials, more than 10 different product tests and 100 density changes before being marketed, The Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow is designed by a team of experts in Germany.

The pillow feels bouncy and soft yet firm and with good support at the same time. I like the feel of the tencel cover case. Tencel is a a new age cellulose fibre. Tencel is smooth, gentle on the skin  and anti-bacterial. It feels luxurious. I find that it provides good back support if you prop it up because it is firm. My current pillows are the kind that can be punched into any shape. This one stays firmly in shape. Takes a little bit of getting used to for me.

Where to buy the Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow?

The Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow is available at Origins Malaysia which also markets the award winning Origin Hybrid® Mattress. Founders Shaun and Gee started Origin Mattress to give Malaysians more comfortable sleep at lower prices. Origin products are designed in Germany and made in Malaysia for Malaysians. You can buy it online and have it delivered to you with no shipping charges.

Credit for image: Express Photography

Giveaway for Blog Readers. 

Thank you for following and reading our post. To enter this giveaway, complete the information in the form below. You will be required to fill in your name, email address, FB username, visit Mumsgather Finds FB page and share this post on your FB timeline with public setting. Sharing is not compulsory but it will earn you more points! This giveaway ends at 12am 26 Oct, 2020. It is open to Malaysian readers only.

Prize: 

2 winners will win one (1) Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow worth RM400 each. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

References for this article:

- Origin Mattress
Website | Facebook | Instagram

- Best in Singapore
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Coding Learning Box for Kids

One of the most frequently asked questions on our platform is "Where to buy Educational Toys for my child?"  Kids love to play and have fun, and if they can learn something useful at the same time that would be a bonus for the parents. This is even more so now during this pandemic period when kids are stuck at home. 

EDU:BIT Project Kit for Children to Code • Play • Learn

Introducing the play-and-learn EDU:BIT Project Kit

Today, we're going to talk about one such educational toy or learning box. It is the EDU:BIT Project Kit for children aged 7 and up. The EDU:BIT Project Kit is an all-in-one complete kit for kids to learn coding and electronics as they play in a fun and engaging way. The projects also help the children develop creativity and foster problem-solving thinking skills.

With coding being an essential skill in education these days, as basic and important as your 123s and ABCs, it is good for kids to get a head start and practice these skills from a young age. Coding is now included in many school curriculums all over the world including Singapore and Japan. In Malaysia, coding is introduced in the new KSSR syllabus under the subject Design and Technology for Y4, Y5 and Y6 students.. Coding need not be a dry, boring or difficult subject to grasp for kids. It can be fun and creative play too. Children can learn coding skills as they play with this educational learning box.

What is included in the EDU:BIT Project Kit?

The graphics below show what is included in this Educational Learning Box. The most important component in this box is the EDU:BIT board which is the heart of it all. (See item 1 in the graphics)

The EDU:BIT board comes with the BBC micro:bit board. The micro:bit was designed by BBC to get kids actively involved in coding and making projects.

Beginners can easily learn to code using Microsoft's Makecode with simple drop and drag modules while more advanced users switch to Python or Javascript to programme.

Since this learning tool is specially designed for young kids and beginners, a step-by-step colourful guide is included on how to complete up to 10 projects using the Microsoft Makecode platform to code. By following the guidebook, kids can turn early childhood games like rock, paper, scissors or snakes and ladders into fun digital projects. Cute cutouts are included for this purpose.

 

Younger kids may need supervision but older kids can self-learn on their own. 

Where to buy the EDU:BIT Project Kit for Children

Looking for a gift for your child or a friend’s kid?

UPDATED: FULLY FUNDED ON KICKSTARTER, YOU CAN NOW PURCHASE AT RM199 FROM CYTRON WEBSTORE

Get EDU:BIT now at a discounted price on Kickstarter.
Only US$35 (RM145) now - (NP: RM219) 

Pledge a Reward to get this at RM145 on Kickstarter

Here's how to get a set for your child. 

The EDU:BIT Project Kit for Children is now available on Kickstarter. Pledge a Reward to get this educational learning box for your children before Christmas. Here is a video on how you can back the project by pledging a reward to get this educational kit for kids age 7 and up at USD35/RM145. 

As some of your may know, kickstarter is responsible for launching many of the coolest toys and games available in the market today. You can pledge a reward for an early bird discount to get this one. The team has already secured the funding they need to produce this product, so all you have to do after pledging your reward is to wait for them to contact you at the end of October to get your shipping address. Your credit card will not be charged till the kickstarter campaign is completed on 22 October. The kits will be shipped out in November, in time for Christmas 2020. You can read up the risks and rewards of pledging a reward on kickstarter.

Parents Workshops, Storytelling Sessions and Kids Speaking Workshops at British Council Malaysia

 

This is a guest post by British Council Malaysia

[Update – 12/10/2020]

Given the recent rise in Covid-19 cases, the British Council has taken the precautionary measure of postponing both the parent workshop on 17 October and the Secondary Speaking workshop on 17 and 31 October to a later date in November. We thank you for your interest in our events and hope to inform you of the new dates very soon.

Our new teaching method combines face-to-face classes ‘in-centre’ and guided learning that students do independently online at home to prepare for class. The guided learning is made available to your child on a safe and secure platform.

What is Guided Learning?

Guided Learning:

-  is designed to keep your child motivated, it includes fun quizzes and games based on the topics they’re doing in class
         

- gives your child the space to practice and improve their reading and listening skills and vocabulary

-   is child-friendly and easy to use, so they can work independently

Your child’s progress is tracked, scored and presented in a personalised dashboard so you can both track progress.

How does the new guided learning component benefit your child?

We believe this approach gives your child a more rewarding experience. When your child completes the guided learning in advance, they will arrive in class feeling:

- engaged, motivated and confident to express themselves because they are more prepared

- connected, inspired and ready to share their ideas with classmates. Classes are more productive, with more time spent exchanging ideas and opinions and less time spent reading

- more in charge because they’ve had the space to work through related activities at their own pace

- a greater sense of progress and ownership for their work

During class,  teachers focus more on sparking discussion, supporting students individually and giving them personalised feedback. At the end of the class our teachers encourage your child to reflect and evaluate their progress. Ultimately it helps them build good habits for life and feel more confident –like they’ve pushed through barriers and reached a new personal best.

 

Want to learn more?

Attend our free GuidedLearning workshop, on 10 or 17 October, where we will introduce the new structure of our Primary and Secondary courses to understand how they help your child excel and what you can do to support them. There will be a free storytelling session for your kids to attend while you’re sitting in our workshop too.

Alternatively, if you have a 12-15-year-old who’s ready to experience the British Council’s way of teaching but not ready to commit to a full term, sign them up to attend our one-day Secondary Speaking workshop, on 17 or 31 October, at only RM50 per student.

Attend either one of our workshops and get the chance to register for our January 2021 intake at a special rate of only RM799 (NP: RM940)! Terms and conditions apply*.

More details available on our website, so hurry and book your spot today:

-          Guided Learning workshops (for parents) and storytelling sessions

-          Secondary Speaking workshop for 12 to 15-year-olds

-          Early bird registration for January 2021 intake (use promo code ‘MG880’)

Terms and conditions:

1.       The special rate of RM799 is only valid for new enrolments. Only a maximum of 10 enrolments at the special rate is allowed.

2.       Parent(s)/new student(s) must have attended the workshop in order to be eligible for the special rate.

3.       Enrolment must be done on the same day as the workshop attended.

4.       After the special rate has been fully redeemed, our course fee will revert to early bird pricing of RM880 which is valid from 31 October to 30 November.

Online English Classes for Kids and Teens at British Council Malaysia

Hi parents, did you know that your kids can now attend English classes at the British Council online? With existing infrastructure and materials to conduct online lessons, British Council was quick to put together online classes for their students during the MCO. 

Now that the RMCO (Recovery Movement Control Order) has been extended to 31st December 2020 and life has gone back to a new normal with some students returning to their regular classes, the good news is you can still opt for online classes if you prefer. This is also good news for students in other states for example Johor, Melaka, Sabah etc. Now you have the opportunity to attend British Council Malaysia English classes from anywhere in Malaysia!

What courses are available online?

- Primary Plus Online - English for kids aged 6-11 *

Primary school students can attend the Primary Plus Online classes. Classes are interactive with a specialist teacher. There will be team work, in pairs or groups. In addition to learning English, your child will learn communication skills and essential digital skills too. Virtual lessons are conducted once a week with online self-study materials for the rest of the week before the next class. Parents can monitor their lessons as each student will have their own personal dashboard.

- Secondary Plus Online - English course for 12-17 year olds *

The secondary years English lessons will prepare students for success in school exams and international universities. They will be exposed to a variety of real-world topics like artificial intelligence, gaming, ethical food and climate change. Classes are small, allowing students the opportunity to practice with fellow classmates and get support from their teacher. Students will work in teams in exciting tasks that will encourage them to think creatively.

* The Primary Plus and Secondary Plus face-to-face lessons have resumed at the British Council centres at Kuala Lumpur, Mutiara Damansara and Penang for parents who prefer this option. Face-to-face lessons are conducted once a week with SOPs in place, online self-study materials are available for the rest of the week before the next class.

What you will need to attend online classes

- a good wifi connection
- a microphone (headphones with built-in microphones would be best)
- a speaker and a webcam

How to sign up 

Malaysia Day Special! Sign up for the virtual English courses for kids for only RM600. Offer limited to the first 20 registrants. Terms and conditions apply. Use code MD600 when you contact the British Council Malaysia to sign up for the online English course at RM600. 

Click here to sign up.  – British Council Malaysia will be in touch via email with more information regarding your selected course. A free online consultation will also be arranged to discuss your child’s needs and motivations so that the right course is found for your child.

Teaching centre	Duration of course	Number of students per class*	Price
Online	10 weeks	Max. 10 students	RM620
Kuala Lumpur and Damansara (Face-to-face classes)	10 weeks	Max. 10 students	RM990
Penang (Face-to-face classes)	11 weeks	Max. 10 students	RM860

*Class sizes are limited to maintain online delivery quality and SOPs in place for face-to-face classes. Please enquire to check if your desired course for your child’s level is still available for online or face-to-face delivery.

Sekolah Sri KDU Virtual Info Day 2020

 

We are in the Recovery MCO phase now and life has gotten back into some normalcy with a new normal routine. Students have gone back to school while parents continue to look for better school options and opportunities for their children. The one positive aspect about the MCO is the fact that students, teachers and schools were fast tracked into the new digital learning environment. 

Schools like Sekolah Sri KDU can move seamlessly into the new normal with their existing infrastructure. Students were able to continue learning from home and now busy parents can even attend the school's 'Info Day' from the comfort of their homes. Parents can view the school premises virtually and ask questions during FB live sessions. 

Sekolah Sri KDU Virtual Info Day 2020

If you have always wanted to find out more about Sri KDU as a school option for your child, the virtual info day is an excellent opportunity for you to do so.

Who should attend the Sekolah Sri KDU Virtual Info Day 2020?

Parents with children going to or currently in primary or secondary school who are looking for private schools doing the Malaysian National Curriculum with emphasis on Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin.

Here are 10 things you should know about the Virtual Open Day

1. It will be held on Saturday, 5th September 2020 from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.

2. There will be LIVE CHAT sessions 

3. You will be able to learn more about the school through a VIRTUAL TOUR

4. School preview sessions will be done LIVE on Facebook

5. You can join Parents and Students sharing sessions on Zoom

6. The Sekolah Sri KDU Primary school Live Preview is at 12.00 pm

7. The Sekolah Sri KDU Secondary school Live Preview is at 10.00 am

8. You can enjoy a *rebate of 50% off the Registration Fee when you register during the Sekolah Sri KDU Virtual Info Day *Terms and Conditions apply.

9. You can ask questions about Sekolah Sri KDU's curriculum which is the Malaysian National Curriculum supplemented by the Cambridge and/or Singapore curricular for English, Maths and Science

10. You can learn more about Sekolah Sri KDU's trilingual focus on Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin proficiency

Interested in attending the Sekolah Sri KDU Virtual Open Day on Saturday,  5th September 2020?
RSVP here