A Kiasu Parent, or a Competitive One?

My daughter, Kai Xuan, who is now 3.5 year old, is getting more vocal and independent by the days. From a tender age, I have been reading to her books everyday, hoping to cultivate a good reading habit in her. Back then, it did not come to my mind that she must be ahead of others, or to excel in whatever she does. I just hope that she learns well that would benefit her the road ahead.



 

From the start, Kai Xuan has been doing plenty of writing with her triangle-grip pencil that enables her to learn the correct way to hold a pencil and writing technique. I started her off with writing upper case of ABC, followed by lower case. Then, she moved on to doing numbers, number and letter recognition, counting, matching, etc. It could be that she has been exposed to such worksheets for so long that she is pretty much used to it. Having said that, Kai Xuan is not able to write all the numbers and letters yet. Only  a few that she is confident in. Furthermore, I have done some simple research online on what a preschooler should know.

 

Maths - measurement, counting, pattern, time, addition, subtraction, shapes, sequence

Phonics - reading, sight words, upper/lower case, identify sounds, vowels

Language - description, professions, tell own name, age, recite poems, sing a song, tell a story, differences between a human and animal structure.

Everyday Skills - Veg, fruits, insects, domestic animals, motion of insects, fasten a button/zip, thread beads and buttons, draw lines, shade within contour of a picture, differentiate between left/right hands and legs.

 

The benefits of Phonics would be in the aspects of spelling, literacy, reading and comprehension. In school, the children would be taught to read short, easy books, read letter sound and works repeatedly. At home, what parents can do is to encourage the child to read daily, boost their comprehension by asking them questions like "What do you think will happened next?". Parents may also re-visit familiar books, and read aloud with different voices to narrate the characters in the story. It is also important to visit the library or bookstore often.

 

I am just like any other ordinary parent - kaisu. To date, Kai Xuan has already completed a lot of writing books, and there is still many more to go. Of course, she is not going to complete everything within a short time frame. I usually plan her course work on a gradual basis, according to the school's curriculum. I felt it is important to plan accordingly to the school's pace, as it is essential that children builds on the foundation and have repeated exercises to strengthen it. Otherwise, more books would only confuse their little minds. It is equivalent to going for extra classes without having first, to understand what has been taught in school. Extra classes are good, only when the child is proficient and fully understood the fundamental concepts of textbooks, and is ready to take on tougher and challenging questions. 

 

 

Completed books - Alphabets, Numbers, English, Mathematics.

 

More to do - Chinese, Science, Mathematics, English, Numbers and Alphabets.

These books are purchased from Popular Book Store, Singapore.

 

The first thing that Kai Xuan was trained in, was writing her name. The teachers in school feedback to me that she is the only one not being able to write her name. Due to this, she had nightmares, and phobia in writing. Luckily, with constant encouragement and practice, she is now able to write her own name. Indeed, an accomplishment for her and I am proud of it.

 

At the beginning of year 2015, I have enrolled Kai Xuan in a piano class with Vienna Music School at Seletar Mall, next to Fernvale MRT, hoping to train her left and right hand brain coordination. Hence, her Daddy invested in a SGD $1,810 Kawai Digital Piano (with stand) for her to practice at home after her lesson each week (below picture). I really hope the money is well invested, actually. Monthly fees is SGD $130 for a half-hour lesson. I tried engaging a private tutor for her, but unfortunately, she does not like it as the tutor was a little boring in her teaching. So, we discontinued with the tutor. She likes the school teacher better. I need to re-enroll her with the school again... it means...

 

 

An 88-key Kawai digital piano with ivory-touch keys, weighing at 10kg.

It fits just nice in this corner of the living room... with all the lesson and theory books.

www.fishpond.com.sg offers a wide selection at lower costs and free shipping.

 

DIY music charts for learning.

 

 

It is not easy to maintain the interest of a little girl in terms of learning, especially when their attention span is so short (15 minutes or shorter). I am no professional pianist, neither have I learned playing a piano before. I did self-study during my school days, and could only manage the basic chords. I have constantly look out for materials and teaching methods on the Internet, in order to introduce the simplest and easiest way to teach. Through singing songs, clapping, and playing games on the piano, makes the session a whole lot more easier.

 

The note chart to the left in green is an introduction to the 3 basic notes - Semibreve, Minim and Crotchet. Beneath it is an illustration of 'escalator' or 'steps', if you preferred to call it, that showed the sequence of the notes on the keyboard. On the right hand side is another chart that looks like a small group of black and white keys. The purpose is to show the notes represented on the individual white keys. These 2 charts are colorful so that Kai Xuan is attracted to learning.

 

 

I am still in the process of researching better ways to teach at home, and if I can do it, so can you!

 

Signing off,

Serene Chen

www.fairyangelshop.com

 

My Girl in new school - SchoolHouse by the Gardens (Jan 2015 highlights)

For the whole year of 2014, Kai Xuan has been with Kinderland, until we decided to change her over SchoolHouse by the Gardens located just beside it. There are several reasons why we made the choice.

 

1. High turnover rate of the principal, teachers and administrative staff, despite fast replacement done. This signals to us that Kinderland could be facing some management issues that resulted in the high turnover rate.

 

2. Higher ratio of foreign teachers compared to local. Meaning - the school hires mainly non-Singapore nationalities. We were hoping for more Singaporean teachers but could only see a few.

 

3. Poor communication. We always have this issue of communication with the school regarding fee payment, events, or even reported cases of diseases such as HFMD. The flow of information seemed late and last minute for parents to react. We could not accept this.

 

4. High school fees but low quality of service. Given the amount of school fees that we paid for ($759.50) per month, we expected a high level of service from the school, but unfortunately, it was a disappointment.

 

After persistent and sincere communication of our wishes to the Principal, Ms.Angie, on our hope to transfer Kai Xuan to SchoolHouse by the Gardens, we finally got a place for her starting Jan 3, 2015. Without further delay, we paid for the deposit and miscellaneous fees, and got the uniforms. We have been to the school for a tour around, and found the environment to be pleasant, though not as spacious as Kinderland. What mattered to us most was the type of teachers and staff the staff engaged, and the passion and sincerity portrayed when we converse with them. They were so helpful and patient to attend to our enquiries. Needless to say, the teachers diligently check the communication notebook on a daily basis for any instructions of notes written by the parents. For this, we are thankful and what we need.

 

Besides, the school builds a good rapport with the parents, through face-to-face, and Facebook page.

 

 

In-door classroom activity - Hoola Hoop. Do you see a rabbit hopping?

 

N2 outdoor activity - seed planting. Kaixuan is the one on the left, handing a spade and pouring some mud into the rectangular pot.

 

Watering the plant after planting the seeds and covering them with mud.

 

1st Gloobaloo lesson on 4 Feb 2015. An enrichment programme for the development of speech and movement.

 

What are they mimicking?

 

Playing snake and ladder?

 

Or scissors-paper-stone...?

 

 

First few days of school in home attire - climbing the ladder of the slide.

 

Reaching and getting ready...

 

Sliding down!!! Wheez...!

 

Learning Chinese - match and paste, and character tracing.

 

 

Through the photos uploaded by the school onto the Facebook, we are able to see how Kai Xuan is progressing in school. Seemed like all is well and taken care of. We hope the change of school with better teachers and curriculum is positive for her learning.

 

Way to go, Kai Xuan!

 

Signing off,

Serene

www.fairyangelshop.com

 

 

 

 



The Fearful Hand Foot Mouth Disease (Final)

Finally, we have got clearance from the Doctor two days prior to air travel to Malaysia, just in time for the Chinese New Year. Otherwise, we would have forfeited the amount paid for the air tickets. Fortunately, Kai Xuan's HFMD was not as bad as we thought it would be, due to treatment received early. She had some obvious spots/ blisters on the toes and sole, but they dried up and subsided very fast. All thanks to the anti-viral medicine. It was miraculous!

 

Now, it become a practice to use hand sanitizer as and when required at home and outside. Washing hands regularly had also became a good habit to cultivate for everyone at home. Sometimes, it is only after a round of torture, that, we all learned the importance of hygiene and cleanliness.

 

So, mommies, do stand-by a handy bottle of hand sanitizer in your bag whenever you are outside. Not only can hand sanitizer be great to instantly stop mozzie itch, it can also get rid of stubborn stains on skin. Have a great day ahead!

 

Signing off,

Serene

www.fairyangelshop.com



The Fearful Hand Foot Mouth Disease (Episode 2)

It is only the second day of the battle, and my bones are aching already. After a night of sterilization of toys, bed sheets, pillow cases, table tops, play mat, sofa, I'm dead beat. Kai Xuan woke up in the middle of the night crying, choking on her own saliva and vomited. I had to stay vigil by her side till this morning to ensure that she is fine. With my bulging tummy (yes, I am expecting too), laying down on the hard mattress is a torture for me. No matter which side I turned to for better comfort, the little one inside would be protesting.

 

My day started at 7 a.m., when Kai Xuan woke up asking for a bottle of feed. I could not make a warm one as it would cause more discomfort to the already painful throat of hers. Then we both fell back to dreamland. The second half of the morning is taken care by my hubby, where he fed Kai Xuan with medicine. I literally woke up at 9 a.m. to see to everything - prepare porridge for Kai Xuan, change her diapers, mop the floor and wash the clothes. By 10:30 a.m., I was exhausted. Despite me like a bee buzzing around at home non-stop, I also need to keep my sight on Kai Xuan, to remind her to drink water and not to place her fingers into her mouth.

 

Luckily for now, Kai Xuan is still able to swallow plain porridge with Marmite as flavoring while she watched 'Frozen' (her favourite). After her shower, and a nice bottle of milk, she is also able to nap soundly, which she needs plenty of rest at this critical period to recover fast.

 

 

 

Other than practicing strict hygiene at home through frequent hand wash and sanitization, I needed to watch on the type of food to serve to Kai Xuan. Whatever she consumes now must not even be luke warm. All has to be at room temperature and smooth in texture. This is to avoid triggering the discomfort of the ulcers at the back of her throat. I have prepared chilled packet milk and yogurt, in case she is hungry, or to numb the throat a little before having her meals.

 

 

 

The doctor prescribed 3 medicine for Kai Xuan to combat HFMD. I really hope that she would recover fast. On top of that, we have also bought Chinese herb called 'Ling Yang Si', or 'Antelope Horn', to reduce the heat in her body. Unfortunately, I am not able to drink due to my pregnancy.

 

 

There are different grades available at Hock Hua Medicine Hall, price ranging from $3 to $30. Try not to buy those with very thin and frail-looking strands, as the effect would not be as good. I used the double-boiling method, a little jar or pot to boil in a larger pot for at least half an hour over low heat. This is to retain the nutrients and to prevent over boiling till the water dries up. The first boil would always be the most concentrated, followed by a second or a third which would be as plain as water.

 

I can only update till here for now, and I need to rest my aching bones already...

 

Signing off,

Mummy in combat with HFMD

www.fairyangelshop.com

 

 

 

 



 

 

  



The Fearful Hand Foot Mouth Disease (Episode 1)

Throughout the first three years of Kai Xuan's childhood, my family (parents and hubby) has been diligently dealing with the possible illnesses that may have hit her, regardless contracted in school or at home. From mild to severe cold and cough, to persistent viral fever at a tender age of 8 months old, I am proud to say that "Yes, we survived and is stronger than before." However, it is only until recently when Kai Xuan started her full day at the child care centre in January 2015, that her immunity finally conceded defeat to the fearsome Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD).

 

Kai Xuan's child care center is by far, a good environment in terms of learning, social interaction, exposure, accompanied by a couple of responsible and diligent teachers. As much as the school worked their way to utmost hygiene and cleanliness, it still could not ward off the viruses of HFMD spread by infectious children, and risking a mere percentage of the viruses lurking around on toys, furniture or any unseen corners.

 

On Tuesday (10-02-15), all parents were informed via the communication booklet of the confirmed cases of HFMD, but no details were given on the group whom the children came from. Having the benefit of doubt that the children infected was not from Nursery Two (Kai Xuan's group), we continued to send her to school as usual. Next day morning, Kai Xuan was spotted with a mild fever, and we brought her home to rest. Her fever persisted till Thursday and Friday. She felt restless, tired and lack of appetite. There were no signs of ulcers in her mouth and throat, no red bumps on her hands, feet and joints at that time. Hence, we could not be sure if she has gotten HFMD.

 

On Friday (13-02-15) during dinner, Kai Xuan could not swallow any rice or water. She told me that her throat felt pain. Though I could not see any ulcers in her mouth or throat, we decided to bring her to a doctor for a thorough check. True enough, the doctor confirmed her to have come into contact with HFMD. As the incubation period is usually 2-3 days before more symptoms can be spotted, and around 10 days to fully recover, we could not help but felt worried. It is nearing CNY, and we had booked for air travel to Malaysia on the 19th, just like what we had been doing for the past few CNY.

 

Can we continue with the plan, or let hubby return home by himself without us? I am not sure. Kai Xuan would be still highly infectious, and air travel would pose imminent risk to other young passengers on board. It is only responsible for us to remain at home, not to mention wasting the money spent on the air tickets. Hubby still hopes to travel as a whole family, but is subjected to changes. We can only come to a conclusion after a review with the doctor on the 18th.

 

Signing off,

Tired mummy

www.fairyangelshop.com

 

 

First Words

Before the age of one, babies would be happily talking to you in their most expressive language such as 'boo-boo', 'baa-baa', 'daa-daa', that we adults, may not be able to fully comprehend. As they reach 12 months of age, babies would have learned to say 'Pa-pa' or 'ma-ma'. Further at 18 months, they should be well able to quite understand parents' or their care givers' instructions in simple words and sentences. They may also be able to communicate to you in simple words as well, depending on how exposed they are to the daily used expressions.

Teaching toddlers to speak is not an easy feat, but can be made easy with love, patience and of course, the appropriate methods. I would not use the word 'right' in the adoption of teaching methods, as every child deserves to learn at their own pace, given their ability. My daughter is an example - she is taken care by my parents 70 to 80 percent of the time due to the working schedules of both my husband and myself. Since we are unable to often coach her to speak words, we have to rely on my parents to teach her simple daily used words, and this can be easily done by daily conversation and activities such as bath time, nap time, meal times and play time. 

You would be amazed at how fast toddlers learn. My daughter at 26 months now, though not able to articulate in full sentences, have learned a pretty good range of vocabulary.

I am expecting more words to be learned, but would allow her to do so at her own pace. As we know learning a language takes more than just exposing children to reading, they need to practice too. 

How then do my husband and myself coach our little one despite our busy work? 
Simple.

1. Whenever we take the lift, we would get her to repeat after us, the numbers displayed on the digital display. 
2. As we walk along the car park, we read out the brand names of the cars. 
3. when we access to the mail-box, we would let her have those keys and open it for us, at the same time getting her to recognise that keys are required to gain access to the mail box.

These are some examples of what can be done daily. When we have more time, we would also sit down with her to read some flash cards, identify numbers and letters. Of course, bed time stories are equally important and is encouraged that parents read to them every night. You would be amazed at how much they would have absorbed. This activity also fosters parent-child bonding.

Advice to all parents - do not feel guilty that you have little time to spend with your little one. More time does not mean quality time. It is how well you have spend that little time squeezed out from your tight schedule that matters.

I know you can do it, and would eventually get better! 

Signing off,
Fairy Angel Shop
www.fairyangelshop.com

Food For A Healthy, Happy Baby (Part 2)

The last update on Baby Food and Health was when my daughter was barely 8 months old.
Am feeling so guilty for not being to update more often on this topic.

As a full time working mother, I am not able to prepare dishes for my daughter who is now 21 months old. I have to rely on my own mother to do. It is only during the weekends that I am able to whip up something for her, but nothing fanciful. Really.

Usually, instead of the common staples such as rice or porridge, I do try to engage my daughter to try out Soup Macaroni and Pasta with ready-made Tomato sauce. Any kind of dishes that I prepare for my child, I would definitely include her favourites - Broccoli, Wolfberries, Pumpkin, Fish, and occasionally Carrots. Yes, perhaps what comes across your mind would be 'wouldn't it be boring and not nutritious enough to be having the same ingredients daily?'

Well, honestly speaking, it can be BORING. I admit. At the moment, my daughter hasn't yet has many teeth, but is still sprouting, I cannot stuff her with all the harder foods that older toddlers can chew at ease. I need more time.

Taking a closer look at Soup Macaroni, I would mix in all the favourite ingredients, with Ikan Bilis stock as soup base. Quick, easy and nutritious. Firstly, this would give the dish a savoury taste, and secondly a high calcium and protein. Broccoli, needless to say, contains Vit A, C and K, Fiber, Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium. This powerful vegetable would help kids in their vision, skin health, and boost immunity, keeping infections at bay. It also helps prevent bone loss, maintain good nervous system, and overall well-being. Other ingredients are also good for maintaining good vision, strengthening bone mass and overall health.

As for Pasta with Tomato sauce, kids may love to see some sliced or diced mushrooms, and some of their favourite toppings. Sweet and filling, they would sure love it. Preparing this dish is also quick and easy, depending on the soup base to be used. For me, Ikan Bilis is the simplest and tastiest. 

So, why not try them today. It would also be great if you can share some of your recipes with me. 

Signing off,
Fairy Angel Shop
www.fairyangelshop.com