Bedtime Reading: Five Little Monkeys play hide & Seek

I borrowed this week from lib last week, thinking to have a change of bedtime story from our usual Goodnight moon. Not sure whether Missy will like this.

LGG started reading this week before we put missy to bed. hey, she loves it.. she even learn to say "Monkey" cute ! Glad she likes it.


The story is about a baby sitter playing hide and seek with 5 little monkeys:
Mama's out dancing, and Lulu, the babysitter, is in charge. The Five Little Monkeys are supposed to go to bed, but they convince Lulu there's time for just one game of hide-and-seek first . . . and then another, and another . . . until they discover the ultimate hiding place. Lulu is frantic; where can those monkeys be?
Vibrant, expressive illustrations in Eileen Christelow's signature style accompany a catchy rhymed text that's great for reading aloud. The refrain invites children to join in; as Lulu counts to 10, 24, and finally 104, young listeners will count along with her. And what little monkey can resist the idea of mischief at bedtime?

more wordsss

This morning missy woke up saying.. "two three four FIVE !!!" i thought i heard wrongly.. so i asked LGG, did you hear what i just heard ? he said yes.. we were again.. have a delightful morning surprise by missy..

her vocab is filling up fast.. so i keep telling her "one".. she will continue the rest,.. wow.. !!*impressed*

and she will said " hao chi" means nice to eat in mandarin today.. her one words has now evolving into two words and more.. string of words soon..

Way to go my girl !!

BFIR - GoodNight Moon

We have been reading goodnight moon/Corduroy/let's go for a bear hunt since February:

Goodnight Moon

So far, Missy loves all three of them. I think it's about time we start some of the book's related activities as suggested by BFIR programmes.

Got to find some time and effort to prepare the activities.. maybe we will do the age-appropriate activities by spreading it into a week's time.

Will update our activities here soon !

Arts and crafts

I've got lots of ideas from many mummies's websites/blog which i really thank them for sharing all the wonderful activities involving arts and crafts and baby/toddler activities to keep the active mind occupied and satisfied.


One of the most recent website shared by a blogger mummy, which i really like their activities and i think they are easy to be carried out at home with my missy.

No Time for flash cards
I find it amusing that this mummy choose this title. I believe in card flashing though. But, i don't intend to flash cards ONLY in my missy's entire toddlehood. It's just part of her daily activities.

Shall start some of the activities soon !

Rhymes - Months

So far, some of the counting rhymes we have done:

1. 1,2 buckle my shoes ...
2. 1,2,3,4,5 one i caught a fish a live ...
3. This is a beehives.. Let's count 1,2,3,4,5.. buzzz..

she is not so good a the counting rhymes yet..cos i seldom sing with her actually. shall do that more often. and maybe add in the months rhymes which i think help her remember number of days in months.. good one

Thirty days have September,
April, June and November;
All the rest have thirty-one,
excepting february alone;
And that has twinty-eight days ckear
and twenty-nine in each leap year.

Im not sure the rythm.. shall just recite like nursery rhymes like that..

and today i saw in the goosemother's nursery series.. i found th actual rhyme for r"rain rain go away". it;s a short one :

Rain, rain, go away
Come again another day
Little Johnny wants to play..

haaaa.. usually we just say "rain rain go away, come again some other day" i guess it serves the same purpose.. cos whenever raining, missy will remember this rhmyes and carrying umbrella action.. and the word "rain"

Nursery rhymes is good to help baby/toddler in developing their linguistic skill. they learn subconsciously. before you know it, they know many words .. when you recall, it's actually from the nursery rhymes we sing to her or songs..

Just like pussy cat . whenever the rhymes starts (from CD), she will tell me miao.. haaa.. cute.

My Big Girl potty

Besides physical toilet training which involve bring her to toilet on time for her pee & poo.. and keep reminding her to tell before she wants to pee and poo..

I borrowed the Potty book for Missy to have a better idea of why she needs to go to toilet/potty before she needs to let go..




She loves this book and refuse to let me return .. sigh.. but she still pee and poo on diaper/nappy..

How to teach ?? Lost..

Speak more

Missy always surprised us with new words daily..

this morning she wakes up and said "pampers" while holding her diapers..OMG.. since when we teach her this ? we do always say pampers (instead of diapers) when we use it.. haaaa..

ok.. more updates:

68. pampers

69. eat

70. up

71. cheese --> another surprise when she first said it


i simply cant recall but i think there are more..this is my missy's sensitive stage for language.. thus it has proven.. she picks up fast now..

Flash Cards Topics - May'09

These are my May topics:

210 cards per day now..with Dots programme in between. we are starting addition yesterday. *hardworking*

(1) What time is it?
1 oc’clock;10 o’clock; quarter past 11; twelve o’clock, half past two; quarter to 4; 4 o’clock; half past 5 ; quarter past 6; 8 o’clock.
(2) Mathematics : Addition
1+1; 2; 1+2;3;1+3;4;1+4;5;1+5;6
(3) Actions
Crying; diving; dancing; drawing; fishing; cycling; singing; jogging; skipping; swimming
(4) Places
Bakery; Bus stop; fire station; Gym; Hospital; Hotel; Pet shop; Police station; Temple; Post office
(5) Food
Banana; Hamburgers; Tomatoes; Strawberries; Sandwich; Bread; Cheese; Egg; Pizza; Broccoli
(6) Clothes we wear
Belt; Blouse; Shoes; Cowboy Hat; Gloves; Jeans; Shirt; Scarf; Socks; Pajamas
(7) Prepositions
Above; Behind; Below; Between, In, In Front Of; Below; Between; In; In Front Of; Into; Next To; On; Near; Out Of; Under; Over
(8) Seasons and weather
Sunny; Rainbow; Windy; Cold; Hot; Snowing; Summer; Spring; Winter; Fall; Lightning; Tornado; Raining; Cloudy; Night
(9) Emotions
Cry; Nervous; Angry; Shock; Confused; Happy; Tired; Sad; Bored; Scared
(10) Mammals
Giraffe; Camel; Dolphin; Fox; Koala; Polar Bear; Squirrel; Tiger; Rhinoceros; Lion; Bison; Whale; Orang Utan; Reindeer
(11) What shape is it?
Circle; Square; Rectangle; Oval; Trapezium; Parallelogram; Triangle; Pentagon; Hexagon; Heart; Cross; Octagon
(12) Basic Sentence Structure: Opposites
The girl is happy; The boy is sad; The elephant is heavy; The mouse is light; The ice cream is cold; The soup is hot; The watermelon is sweet; The strawberry is sour; Today is sunny; Yesterday was rain
(13) Vehicles
Car; Bus; Taxi; Lorry; Monorail; Train; Motorbike; Bicycle; Ambulance; Aeroplane; Helicopter; Cable Car
(14) Basic Sentence Structure
I brush my teeth; I drink milk; I take a bath; I go to school; I learn counting; I eat my lunch; I go home from school; I play ball with my friends; I eat my dinner; I go to sleep
(15) Human Body
Eyes; Nose; Mouth; Ear; Hair; Neck; Finger ; Hand; Leg; Foot; Toes
(16) Numbers
1 balloon; 2 cupcakes; 3 strawberries; 4 mugs; 5 balls; 6 lollipop;7 presents; 8 candles; 9 flowers; 10 stop watch
(17) Pets
Dog; Cat; Rabbit; Mouse; Hamster; Parrot; Turtle; Fish; Chicken; Bird
(18) Classroom objects
Pencil Case; Pencil; Pen; Eraser; Ruler; Crayons; Glue; Scissors; Book; Pencil Sharpener; Calculator; Bag
(19) Musical instrument
Piano; Tambourine; Saxophone; Clarinet; Violin; Guitar; Drums; Harmonica; Zither; Flute
(20) Sports
Baseball; Badminton; Soccer; Tennis; Rugby; Hockey; Basketball; Cycling; Golf; Boxing; Wake boarding
(21) Occupations
Doctor; Dentist; Police; Teacher; Scientist; Pilot; Singer; Pediatrician; Nurse; Soldier; Sailor; Barber

Got to think of another 20 topics in June09. we are suppose to retire the topics in 1 month's time.. some change it weekly which is hard for me.. i do it monthly.. good enough.

How to Flash Cards

Extracted from some websites, which i find it very clear and useful and they are using Shichida method. Just what im looking for :

How to Flash Cards

What are Flash Cards?

Flash Cards are cards with pictures, words, numbers, concepts or illustrations used for learning. Flash cards are simple, versatile, stimulating and fascinating for most children. The size of the card does matter, especially for earlier years because bigger cards are more attractive. For this reason our cards are “bigger” and come in 2 sizes:
Dot cards (number cards): 30cm x 21 cm
Flashcards (illustration cards): 21cm x 15 cm

How to use Flash Cards?

According to many experts, such as Makoto Shichida, from the Shichida method flashcards should be shown as fast as possible. When speed flashing, the information shown will be unconsciously absorbed by the right hemisphere of the brain, in other words, it’s a training exercise for the right brain. Learning becomes automatic, natural and rapid. This exercise can activate photographic memory.

Presenting information slowly and repetitively exercises the left brain, while flashing information to a child quickly stimulates the right brain. The right and left brain hemispheres function as opposite, complimenting each other.

Another way of showing flashcards is to use the multi-sensory method. This implies, that rather than reading aloud a word card, you can follow the word card with a picture card that represents the meaning of the picture. You can also try a sound, for example, show an elephant and make the sound of the elephant. Try this to add variety or a “fun” break to your flashcard time with your child.

Most of our flashcards are picture cards, and for each one the parent or educator says aloud the word written in the back. By speed flashing cards (showing each card for no more than 1 second) you are helping your child develop his intellectual capacity and teaching him new concepts in a way that’s both educational and fun, it doesn’t get any better!

More importantly, when flashing cards to your child, you should do it in a loving, fun environment. It is true that it only takes three minutes to flash 200 cards, but go further and bond with your child. Use this activity to create a habit of “this is my time with you” and make a routine out of it. Flash when your child is happy, enthusiastic and relaxed. You can practice some breathing and visualization exercises before starting. Do not push your child, remember this is a learning experience, it should be fun for both of you!

How to flash

1) Before showing flashcards to the child practice handling them standing before a mirror, until you become confident and cards are steady, not falling from your hands.

2) Make each presentation a positive experience. Show your love and enjoyment.

3) The child needs to be in a receptive mood. Do not attempt to have a session with a child that is tired or sick.

4) Prepare the environment by eliminating distractions such as TV, radio, stereo and phone.

5) Good lighting is essential.

6) To ensure continuing interest, always stop before the child's interest starts to faint.

7) Enthusiastically announce that it is time for flashcards. Occasionally, let them choose categories.

8) Hold the cards between 40-50 cms away from the child at the child's eye level.

9) Be lively in your presentations.

10) Compliment your child after each session. Make sure they know how wonderful he or she is doing and how much fun you're having.

DOT cards

Dot cards are large cards ( 21cm x 31cm) where numbers are represented by random dots. For example number 5 shows five dots, instead of the number 5. In the back of the card there is always the number.

Small children can perceive quantity without counting, that’s why a child can distinguish between a 54 and a 55 dots card after training with dots cards. If this ability is kept and nourished, children grow to be able to do complex mathematical equations without a calculator. If I ask you to think of number 8? What do you think? 8 or actually 8 things. The second answer is a more appropriate visual answer, as to 8, is a representation of what the number really means.

Our Dots cards are very special and unique in the market, there are no other flash cards like ours, because we allow you to customize!. That is, instead of having red dots you can choose from our menu and have a car, a princess, a sun, fish, turtle, and many others. Replace the red dot to bring variety and fun to your child. You can customize in subsets of ten. So really, when you build your own box, there might not be another one like it! It all depends on what your child likes, and this is the beauty about our cards!

Right Brain capabilities

The right brain controls the abilities to visualize images and the realization of those images physically. One thing that almost all successful people have in common is image visualization. As the left brain develops, that is, as the child grows older, it becomes harder to develop natural abilities of the right brain. If the child's brain is stuffed with knowledge, it becomes very difficult to exercise and develop the right brain. (Note: This is where Shichida has a different opinion from Glenn Doman teaching). The Shichida Method believes in not over-emphasizing on knowledge education, and that the cultivation of the child's ability to learn on his own is of utmost importance.
 Also the right brain is related to emotions, so if parents and educators fail in providing a loving and fun learning environment first, the results will be lost or may even be negative. Again, we will never stop repeating: first love, then fun and learning becomes natural.

The senses of the right brain are the ability to see, hear and sense things through waves translated into images. When these abilities are released, a person becomes capable of seeing images as motion pictures.

Right brain capabilities that every child has and that can be stimulated through exercise are:

The ability to see images in the form of motion pictures.

Photographic memory.

The ability to do complex mental calculations.

The conversion of images to words, numbers, symbols and the reverse

The ability to receive information on an intuitive level, and to use that information accordingly.

The ability to learn and master foreign languages easily.

The ability of photographic speed-reading.

The ablility to develop unique creativity.

Finger Play

Finger Play the Shichida way..


April'09

This is the Bee Hives,
Action: clasp one hand , right hand, making a bee hive
Where are the bees ?
Action: make the asking gesture with left hand, while still closing the right hand
Hidden Away, where nobody sees
Watch, it will come out from the hive
Action: ask child to look at your 'beehive'
Let's count..

1..2..3..4..5..
Action: start opening out your fingers of your right hand aka beehive

Buzzzzzzzzz...
make flying action with both hands.. sideway..

May'09

Clap you hands,

Touch your toes,

Turn around and touch your nose;

Flap you arms and stretch them high,

wiggle your fingers and touch the sky !

Action: as per the words suggest.

Language more updates

Missy can speak more words now.. she even have two words together now such as "Bu ya" aka "Don't want " in mandarine - well, very obvious her terrible two is revealing soon, they will say "No" to most things.. and last night she said " o o want" means she wants her pillow which she call " o o"

words she can say now, that i can recall, at 19th months:
43. ground --> for playground

44. plan --> for airplane

45. drink --> when she wants water, instead of "you"

46. yes --> with very obvious "s"

47. corn

48. book

49. draw

50. pig --> from her pig softie & the story of three little pigs

51. flower --> not that accurate yet

52. ter --> for water

53. fish

54. light

55. ring ring --> for telephone

56. ah yee --> for my sister

57. aunty

58. uncle

59. okto --> her favourite channel.

update : 11th May 09

60. open

61. brush teeth --> not very accurate yet, but she started two words now

62. Bu yao --> don't want in mandarine

63. flower

64. door

65. rice

66. Onion

67. shoes


She recognises all face organs like eyes/nose/ears/mouth/teeth/eye brow/hair/head in both english & mandarine. she can say them in english too. She knows tummy, fingers, toes, leg and hand. she can do mirror image meaning when we ask her where is mummy's nose ? she will point at my nose instead of her own nose.*Great job*

she recognise giraff, elephant but cannot say them yet.

She calls me mummy now.. * ohh...*

she can imitates our words very accurately sometimes and she repeated our words.

Great job my girl !

Flash Cards

Yesterday finally created 8 sets of flash cards, so now, i have 14 altogether:

Titles of flash cards i have now:
1. Numbers
2. Types of vehicles
3. Human body
4. Basic Sentence structure
5. Sentence Structure -Opposites
6. Pets
7. Objects in classroom
8. Musical Instruments
9. Sports
10. what time it is ?
11. Mathematics : Addition
12.Places
13.Animals
14. Actions

10 cards in each sets, so i have 140 crads now.. still 60 cards short from 200 cards per day. gotta make some more today.

Ganbate !!

Home Practises

I've started the 65 days Dot Programme with Missy since Sunday ( 3rd May 09 ). we started with:
Day 1: 1-10 cards
Day 2: 5-15 cards
Day 3: 10 -20 cards
Day 4: 15 -25 cards.

Till yesterady, Missy never show much interest to the dots cards. *sigh* but i got to be persistent and continue as it is. anyway, if the first 65 days cycle she does not show interest, hoping * really hoping* that she will give me more attention and interest on our 2nd 65 days cycle so on and so forth.

Besides our that 1 min 10 dots cards per day, i did some flash cards to her too, am still trying to speed up the flashing.. always got so clumsy even with the thumb rubber on.

She loves to see me flashing the cards though comparing to dots. which is a good thing. so far the topics i have are:
1. Numbers
2. Types of vehicles
3. Human body
4. Basic Sentence structure
5. Sentence Structure -Opposites
6. Pets

All 6 sets with 10 cards so totak of 60 cards per day. Parents are advised to flash with fast speed (0.1sec) per card, 200 cards ( 20 sets) per day. I am still trying to accumulate more topics and the topics should be retire in a month's time, we can reuse the card but not repeating the themes/title/topics.. *tough*

I still have these topics to be created into the flash cards: (plan to do yesterday but headache thus delay)
1. Objects in classroom
2. Musical Instruments
3. Sports


However, i have created my own flash cards for :
1. what time it is ? (clock with time)
2. Addition ( 1+x.. this can go on for many.. 2+x.. 3+x) now i limit it to 10 cards.

Somehow i find it motivated when Missy is giving me some sign of interest. *hee* Mummy too needs encouragement.. maybe a 8 sec hug from Daddy ?


Besides speed flash card which is the essense of the Shichida method, i also do some HSP games with Missy ..

HSP donw with Missy on Monday (4/5/09)
i will take our two cards, face down. and i tell Missy that im thinking of one card in my head, then i make the "to tu to tu" sound to send signal to her and touch her forehead * she loves this part*.. and then ask her to choose the card that mummy is thinking. She got it right the first time, as i try to do the second time, she seems to be distracted by the cards now instead of playing along with me.. so she got it wrong the second time. But, good try. She gets a 8 sec hug

For Monday & tuesday (4/5 & 5/5) we did the photo memory games.
I show her one picture for like 10 sec (usually i will ask her "ok ?" she will nod, then i take the picture away) then i show her two pictures with a slight difference. like one with sun one without, the rest are the same. then i will ask her "which is the picture mummy show you just now ?" Sometimes she choose the correct picture, sometimes incorrect.

This is suppose to train her sharp observation , which most young toddler has. and we just enhance it.

I plan to do some linking memory to her soon and more photo memory games.

Apart from Shichida games. i insist on arts & crafts activities with missy. hopefully on daily basis. besides having fun with all the mess, it's good to cultivate her creativity and fine/gross motor skill and we did a lot of pretend play at home (felt game/animals)

I read to missy on daily basis, yesterday we read Cordurot & LGG read "Goldilocks & the three bears" now, i will let Missy choose the book she wants us to read. e.g take out two books for her to choose. we should limit the selection and by letting to choose thier favourite can help to boost their confidence and help them in making decisions later in life.

It's fun to be able to do activities with Missy especially when she enjoys it. But lways limit each activity below 20 minutes , cos that's how long their attention span can stretch. It will get better when they get older. Our activities in class too are very fast. * right brain stimulation, everything has to be shown fast*

Now is input input input time.. hope i've given Missy lots of good input. except the part when i lost control of my temper.. *shake head*