Board books -gift from Yee Yee

Ordered these two board books online from the Homelibrary. It's suppose to be birthday gift from missy's yee yee.

God Night Moon:


Our all-time favourite. i used to borrow from library. since sis said ask me to choose books for missy, so i decided to get one instead. board book is smaller in size, and easier to flip for little hand. Good buy. we can bring it along when travelling too. Missy is asking for thie book every night. and she starts to say good night to things in room. cute.

The Hungry caterpillar


Missy used to like this book when i borrowed from library. But this round, she seems to have less liking to this book. mm.. but, it's a good book to tell her about how a small ceterpillat evolve into a beuatiful butterfly and also day in a week, and food the caterpillar eat daily in increasing numbers.

I think i may get another board book, The bear hunt, which missy loves a lot whenever i borrowed from library.

Happy reading ! Good habits start young i guess.

Bedtime reading: Slowly slowly slowly said the sloth

This week we have been reading Eric Carle's "Slowly slowly slowly said the sloth"
I must say LGG is good at reading books, i myself enjoy the reading so does Missy. she likes it whenever LGG starts with slowly slowly slowly.. heee..

Some short outline of the stories:
All the other animals in the rainforest want to know why the sloth is so slow, so quiet, so boring and so lazy. The sloth's reply is a good and surprising one - a philosophical statement in favour of slowness! Eric Carle is back, this time taking on this endangered creature in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.


Good book ! shall have our new book next week. Besides our weekly new book for our bedtime story, we still continue with either Good night moon, corduroy (books that missy is familiar with)

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?

Book: Entertaining and Educating Babies and Toddlers

Just completed this book. A very comprehensive books with suggestions on activities from birth till 2 years plus.

I just adopted some of the activities over the weekends with Missy. one of them is the flour mixture. Not bad

Eric Carle Books

Decided to introduce Eric Carles' book to Missy now. We have been reading Good night moon (she pick up words like night night, mouse, kittens, balloon (she used to call balloons ball)), We're going on a bear hunt ( she picks up words like tip-toe, bear and the excitement of running away from bear), corduroy ( she picks up words like bear, hug, bed )

eric carle's books are very popular. but i personally (adult's view) don't find it interesting esp the hungry caterpillar. but i read many reviews. and i guess i should try to introduce his books to missy to see if she likes it.

here's some i've borrowed from library.0 My very First books of:








Also this The very lonely Firefly. maybe missy will pick up the word firefly


Shall update missy's progress.

Book: Playful Parenting

Got playful parenting as well as Raising babies (my previous post) from lib just now. Happy !

Playful Parenting

Shall update my comments after reading. Hope it gives me good tips.

After-tots:

i do pick up some tips. but the book has too much words and the example seems almost the same.. yawn.. never finish.

Raising Babies - Should Under Threes Go To Nursery?

Im interested to read this book recommended by one SAHM.

Shall get from library.

If environment allow, i would not want my missy to go to nursery that early. but on the other hand, i want her to socialise and learn things from playgroup. Too bad im no a SAHM, and i dont think i can be anyway. so, i guess in Spore, we will all go to playgroup/nursery or even pre-nursery due to most of family with both parenst working.

Shall find out more about what is discussed in this book though.

After-tots:
well. the books drag a lot.. the only message i get is that when in childcare it's their duty to look after our children but not their duty to shower our child with love. one example the book gives: you don't expect the childcare giver to sing songs lovingly to your child during diaper changing. But, mother or granny will do that.

i do agree on the above, other than that, i'm open to children mixing around, socialing and learning in groups. this book do not encourage that. maybe it's how the parents see the childcare. You don't reply 100% on them to educate/care/love your child.. you should use childcare as a medium to pick up new skills (social/learning) while you shower your child with loves at home..

BFIR- Books list

I try to read as much to missy as possible. Been lazing recently. never read much books to her. just engage her with drawing and scribbling. Shall not stop reading.

Am still interested with Before Five In a Row (2-4) book list:
http://www.thehomelibraryonline.com/?page=shop/browse&category_id=1018&CLSN_2260=123424998922602ea59fd4e655143f7a

This blogger homeschool her 3 kids age 8/6/4 and one coming on the way. amazing woman. which i dont think i could and i can. so i will just adopt some of the books to read to my girl.

managed to get these books from library near my workplace. many others in other library which i dont think i will get.

1. Jessie Bear - i have 4 books
2. Goodnight Moon by margaret Wise Brown - Tampines lib JP English BRO


3. Corduroy by Don freeman - tampines lib JP English FRE


3. We're going on a bear hunt by Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury- tampines lib J English 428.6 ROS



Shall read for my missy these few days.

Happy Home schooling.

Book: Positive Discipline A-Z

Positive Discipline A-Z: 1001 Solutions to Everyday Parenting Problems (Positive Discipline Library)
By Jane Ed.D. Nelsen, Lynn Lott, H. Stephen Glenn


Am reading this now. First few pages seem good as it keeps me reading on.

Product Description
As a parent, you face one of the most challenging—and rewarding—roles of your life. No matter how much you love your child, there will still be moments filled with anger, frustration, and, at times, desperation. What do you do? Over the years, millions of parents just like you have come to trust the Positive Discipline series for its consistent, commonsense approach to child rearing. In this completely updated edition of Positive Discipline A–Z, you will learn how to use methods to raise a child who is responsible, respectful, and resourceful. You’ll find practical solutions to such parenting challenges as:

- Sibling Rivalry
- Bedtime Hassles
- School Problems
- Getting Chores Done
- ADHD ·Eating Problems
- Procrastination
- Whining
- Tattling and Lying
- Homework Battles
- And Dozens More!

This newly revised and expanded third edition contains up-to-the-minute information on sleeping through the night, back talk, and lack of motivation as well as tips on diet, exercise, and obesity prevention, and new approaches to parenting in the age of computers and cell phones.

Book: How To Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way

I find this book is easy to follow with photos and all. Im keen to start montessori at home. There are changes to make even with my home decor/furniture arrangement as montessori stress on respect for all,. children should have their children-friendly furniture and racks that is of their height that is reachable.. my understanding of montessori is an approach that nurture children in a peaceful and safe environment and at the same time dissolve problems with very controlled manner.

I like the idea of montessori but whether it's workable is another story. Im not montessory raised. so im not sure if this experiment will be successful . haa.. but, hey no harm trying it out since it's all about GOOD parenting !

Creative all the way

I wanted to get hold of this book..
http://www.amazon.com/D-I-Y-Kids-Ellen-Lupton/dp/1568987072/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product

From the amazon description, it gives a lot of ideas how to create things from basic.. got to ask my sis's favour as library near my home/work place do nto carry this book.

Current Reading: Thinking parent, Thinking child

reading this book this week.

This week reading: Teach Your Child to Read in Just Ten Minutes a Day

Got this book title from a mummy which she shared this method works for her son ... Shall read through and see how i can apply this method to my missy.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0773760350/ref=cm_rdp_product_img

Remarks:
Gave up half way as the techniques given in this book seems not interesting. it's teaching using phonics. maybe Leap frog is more exciting.

This week reading : The Creative Family

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Family-Encourage-Imagination-Connections/dp/1590304713/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221113842&sr=8-1

Finally, i found this book from library. I remember the call number wrongly that's why until now then i realise the correct call number is 749.XXX and not 371.XXX. today quickly go & grab it.

Shall start reading it tonight.

It seems like a MUST-Have or at least MUST-read book for all mummy. Even mummies in Oz take this as "hand-book"..mmm.. interesting.

After-reading Thoughts:
I'm so inspired by this book. Im inspired in the sense that i determine to create a very "creative" environment for my child to grow up in. Soulemama said, parents learn creativity from their child, as children is so pure and they just do things the MOST creative manner..

Shall try to do some "Creative" stuff at home, start bit by bit.. muahaha..

my head is so full of things.. wonder why i did not learn to sew /knit earlier.. sigh.. now i feel handicap, cos i wanted to do many things, but i don't have the basic skill to carry it out. shall find some time to pick this up ! i always think seing or knititng is so "aunty".. mm.. so i think im walking into this auty stage..but im happy i do now.. than later.. heee

Will bring missy to more nature places..see more hills.. sea.. sand.. just thinking of me make me happier.. haaa..

Good book to read for all mothers or i should say parents.. !Thumbs UP ! You can actually just visit her blog to be inspired more..

Montessori:The Three period lesson

one of the approach in Montessori is the three period lesson, which i touch on in my previous entry on the book i Read esp in sensory development. I think i will blog in more detail on this approach for my future reference.

The three period lesson has 3 stages:
Stage 1
take 3 objects. Place one of the objects in front of child and say its name clearly. Do the same for each of the other two objects.

This stage is characterised by the words "This is a.."

Stage 2
Place all thees objects together and ask for one of them by name. Once your child has identified the object you want, mix all three up together and ask for another one. repeat this until she is able to identify the objects swiftly when you ask for them.
Encourage her to repeat the name of the object after you from time to time, but don't at this point ask her to try to remember the name.
Keep this stage interesting and fun by varying the requests you make and keep them short so that her attention is not distracted by the command.

This stage is characterized by the words "Give me the ..Show me the..Put the..Hold the..Touch the..Point to the.."

Stage 3
Point to one of the objects and ask child if she knows its name.Do the same for the other two objects. Repeat this step a few times until she is really convinced that she knows the names of the object.

This stage is categorized by the words "What is this? Do you know what this is ?"

The lesson follows a logical process, which helps children associate objects and ideas and, through a more flexible application, it can also be used to great effect in learning any new knowledge.

The first stage clearly sets out the parameter of what is to be learned.

The second stage gives your child time to actively connect the new information to her own experience, If you don't give this phase long enough she may not have had enough time to gain the new knowledge. If she is unable to remember the names of the objects during the third phase, this usually means she has not spent enough time learning them properly in this stage.

The third stage helps your child to identify what she now knows that she didn't know before. To know that you know gives confidence. She may use her new knowledge to extend her ideas and experience .

mm.. maybe i should start with fruits like apple/orange/pear with my missy ? since she now knows orange is on the altar and apple is in the poster..shall try out.

Current Reading: Montessori Read & Write

Do some quick reading during Missy's nap time.

Some guidelines to develop concentration in children:
1. cut down the number of Tv/videos programmes that your child watches
2. if you are playing a game, try to have the table or floor clear of other distratctinf item
3. Make sure you have everything you will need to play before starting
4. When your child is concentrating on an activity, try to avoid interrupting.

Still reading the book

Current reading #2 : Teaching Montessori in the Home: Pre-School Years:

Teaching Montessori in the Home: Pre-School Years: The Pre-School Years (Teaching Montessori in the Home)

http://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Montessori-Home-Pre-School-Years/dp/0452279097

Another Montessori reading.. just got this book from col who help me to borrow from woodlands library.

Sort of glance through the whole book.

Summary of the book, extracted. Will make a copy of the detail of activities to be done in this book, follow the montessori way.

Montessori early years education ( 2- 6 )
- focus on precious formative years from birth to 6 years of age.

(1) Sensitive periods:

Birth - 3 years absorbent mind; sensory experiences
11/2 - 3 years language development
12/2 - 4 years coordination and muscle development; interested in small objectes
2 - 4 years refinement of movements;concern with truth and reality; aware of order sequence in time & space
21/2 - 6 years sensory refinement
3 - 6 years susceptibility to adult influence
31/2 - 41/2 years writing
4 - 41/2 years tactile sense
41/2 - 51/2 years reading


there are some misunderstanding with Montessory method due to her writing, as she stresses "word" instead of learning.

(2) Practical-life exericises:
For many parents, this mean asking their kids to do housework in school ?

opening & closing drawers - 21/2 - 4
busy board or dressing frames - 21/2 - 5
pouring rice - 21/2 - 5
dusting 21/2 - 5
carrying a chair - 21/2 - 5
folding a napkin- 21/2 - 5
setting a table 21/2 - 5
washing dishes - 21/2 - 5
washing hands - 3-4
washing a table 3-4
sweeping the floor - 3-5
polishing silver- 3-5
shining shoes - 3-5
lcaing a shoe- 31/2 -5
tying a bow - 4-5
bead stringing- 11/2 -4
bottles and tops 2-4
using a dropper 21/2 -5
cutting 3-5
painting & coloring - 3-5
working with clay
doing puzzles
sewing
nature study
geography


(3)Early sensorial exercises

three period lesson: ( repetition required)
first perioed : recognition of identity - make association btw the object being shwon and its name
second period : recognistion and contrast - to assure the child understands
third period : descrimination between similar objects - see if the child remembers the name itself


The tower - 21/2 - 4
cylinders & solid insets - 21/2 - 5
fabric basket - 21/2 -5
thermal bottles - 21/2-4
button games 21/2-3
rough and smooth boards 21/2 -4
silence game 21/2 -5
walking the line 3-5
basic tablets 3-5
mystery bag 3-5
sound bottles 3-5
color tablets 3-5
scent bottles 3-5\geometric insets 21/2 -5
geometric shapes 31/2-5
naming the colors 41/2-5

(4) reading and writing exercise
sandpaper letters- 3-5
command cards 3-5
pictures and sounds 31/2-5
the movable alphabet 4-5


(5)Arithmetic exercises
number rods 3-5
the spindle box 3-5
sandpaper numbers 3-5
writing numbers 4-5
number progression 41/2-5
measuring exercise 4-5

Current reading: Montessori Play And Learn

http://www.amazon.com/Montessori-Play-Learn-Parents-Purposeful/dp/0517591820
Montessori Play And Learn: A Parent's Guide to Purposeful Play from Two to Six

Im still reading this book. borrowed on Sunday.

Some Maria Montessori's background learned from this book:
1. She was an italian born in middle class family.
2. She was a doctor and was educated in ROME
3.She started her first school for age 3-6 , The children House in Italy.

The essense of the Montessori Method:
1. All children have "absorbent" mind
2. All children pass through "sensitive" periods
3. All children want to learn
4. All children learn through play/work
5. All children pass through several stages of development
6. All children want to be independent

The Absorbent mind
Mind that soak up all information unconsciously - eg language learns from parents
fisrt 6 years of life

The Conscious mind
Second phase 3-6- mind still absorbent, but now consciousness begins.

The Sensitive periods
6 sensitives periods:
1. Sensitivity to order
2. sensitivity to language
3. sensitivity to walking
4. sensitivity to the social aspects of life
5. sensitivity to small objects
6. sensitivity to learning through the senses

Children want to learn
Learning begins from birth and that the fundamental processes of how children learn are laid down very early in life. To start with, they learn through play, through experimenting with things in the world around them eg, water is wet, it can be cold and hot, it can be poured from one cup to another etc.

Learning through play
Play is enjoyable, voluntary, purposeful and spontaneously chosen activity. It is often creatuve as well, involving problem solving, learning new social skills, new language and new physical skills. play is important to the young children to help her learn new ideas and put them into practice, to adapt socially and to overcome emotional problems eg imaginative games

Stages of Development
Stage one : Birth to six
birth to three - unconscious/absorbent mind
Three to six - develop conscious mind , remain absorbent

stage two : six to twelve
childhood

stage three : Twelve to eighteen
adolescene

Encouraging Independence
exercises of practical life activities

Lots of activities given in this book. I have make copies of them for future reference.

Weekend reading- Baby Read-Aloud basic

I managed to finish this book during this weekend, due to backache, i have to rest on bed and have the luxury to do some reading ..Thanks to MIL for helping me to entertain my little missy


I started reading to missy when she is around 5-6 months..i started flashing her flash card earlier.. as early as 2-3 months..as i think what's the point of reading to an infant who does not even have clear vision..haaa.. seems like im very wrong..

The book describe how important and useful, later in a child's life if we start reading to them earlier, as soon as she is born..this book introduces stages from 0 2 years old..

Summary of this book:

age 0-2 months - The listener
age 2-4 months - The observer
age 4-8 months - The coor
age 8-12 months - The babler
age 12-18 months - The word maker
age 18-24 months - the phrase maker

my bb is now 10+ months.. she is still in the babaler stage. suggestions on types of books to read to her:
1. homemade books about baby's first birthday
2. books with rhymes with repeating words
3. word books with label of objects
4. books that explore concepts : in/out/under/inside
5. books that illustrate action -running/jumping
6. books that flaps and noise buttons


Im thinking of making a family book with photos of her closer family member so that she remembers everyone..

and im thking when she is 1 year plus, i shall make small booklet with pictures for every places we visited, e,.g zoo, bird park, beach.. etc.. so we can always refer to these books for things we have done, such as in zoo, we see tiger/monkey.. we play sand on beaches..swimming in the pool.. we see peacock in bird park..mm.. lots of ideas but have to get it out first..

Busy mummy..

This week Reading - Gymboree Play

Found this Baby Play (Gymboree) book from lib. Interesting as it gives pictorial sample of activities to engage with baby of each month.

Shall try out some.

There are many activities to play with bb.. some that i wish to do woth missy as below:

1. Bubbles for baby - watching bubbles float: cause and effect/eye-hand coordination/visual development

2.Surprises Inside - wrap toys and let bb unrwap - fine motor skill/problem solving/tactile Stimulation

3. Little Drummer baby - pots/container for her to play as drum : cause & effect/eye-hand coordination/listening

4.How puzzling - big wooden puzzle pieces with colorful pictures - bought these matching puzzles some time back, it's about time to introduce to missy : fine motor skill/problem solving/size & shape discrimination/visual discrimination

5.searchlight - use torch light to let her search the direction: balance/eye-hand coordination/gross motor skills

6.Pouring Practise - play with sand - im thinking on her 1st birthday we shall go beach : eye-hand coordination/fine motor skills

7. Boxed set - give her few boxes with things hidden inside for bb to search : fine motor skill/problem solving/size& shape dirscrimination/spatial awareness

8. Rhymes with action -itsy-bitsy spider/The wheel on the bus

That's about all for bb's age activities.. shall continue to exploe more games for little missy


Games for 1 year-old
1. fun fileed jars - learning to remove lid and take out toys : fine motor skills/language development/social skills

2. Shake it up, baby : playing with handmade instruments

3. sand skills : sand is wonderful for artistic exploration. grasping and releasing the sand and using tools to manipulate it exercises toddler's fine motor skills and stimulate senses of touch

4. photo fun - help children sharpen memory skills by filling her world with images of familiar faces and intriguing objects

5.crayon creations: grasping and using a crayon build fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination. it also helps to identify colours and express herself by choosng her colours and scribble in her way pleases her..

6. Shape to fit - classifying skills/eye-hand coordination/fine motor skills/size & shape discrimination