The Importance of Reading to Young Children
Children of all ages benefit when parents read to them. Reading aloud stimulates the growth of a child’s brain and equipped them with the ability to acquire language skills. In fact, it is the fundamental way of teaching your child how to read. Exposing children to reading opportunities at an early age develop fluent readers than other children who are not read to.
A baby enjoys hearing the parent’s voice even when they do not understand the word. Books with lot of rhyming words are comforting and interesting to them.
A toddler learns how to hold the book and flip pages. They also begin to notice details in the books and relate experience similar to theirs.
A preschooler listens to books with more words. They enjoy following through the sequence of events that happen in the story and enjoys funny stories.
A kindergartner memorize the story before they begin to read. They enjoy retelling or enacting the story to others.
Reading should be a pleasurable activity to children. Reading to your child daily when he or she is in a good mood, is one of the best ways to cultivate your child’s love for reading. When more reading opportunities are provided for your child, you are on your way to cultivating a fluent reader.
Some strategies that parents can adopt:
1. When reading a book with large print, point at each word as you read it. Your child will understand that the word being spoken is the word she sees.
2. Read a favorite book over and over again.
3. Read stories with rhyming words and lines that repeat, and have your child join in.
4. Read from a variety of children’s books, including fairy tales, poems, and non-fiction.
5. Creating a quiet, special place in your home for your child to read, write, and draw.
6. Keeping books and other reading materials where your child can easily reach them. Having her own bookshelf or small bookcase will not only make her feel special, but will also communicate to her that reading is special.
7. Reading books, newspapers and magazines yourself, so that your child can see that reading is important.
8. Limiting the amount and type of television you and your child watch.
(Adapted from Brainy Child)
Choosing a good book can inspire children’s reading; widen children’s knowledge and creativity; and aid them in becoming lifelong readers and writers. Furthermore, reading together is a fantastic bonding activity for families.
Why wait, start reading to your child today and enrich their life!
Dec 31, 2010
Nov 26, 2010
Nurturing Your Child’s Creativity
Creativity is in every one of us, it needs to be nurtured and developed to their full potential so that we can become productive individuals in life.
In this new age of living, creativity is important for one to survive in the society as one needs to be able to generate new ideas and respond creatively to a wide range of circumstances.
It can strengthen the child’s ego, allow for independence, and help the child confront and cope with many things in life.
However, children nowadays are facing with great demands from adults and they grew up being told what to do by adults. Being creative is not about what children knows; it’s more about their ability to process, innovate and transform the knowledge gained into something positive, new and better.
So how can we help to nurture creativity in child?
- Valued the process more than the product. Encourage children to play with ideas and explore solutions rather than pressure them to do what you want. Value and validate your child’s ideas without trying to fit them to yours.
- Discuss ideas with a spirit of fun and laughter to make the experience pleasant for your child.
- Respect and listen your child’s voice. This helps to build your child’s confidence of taking risks and being original.
- Encourage creative thought and artistic expression. Establish a free, open atmosphere where self expression is encouraged and valued. And provide a variety of materials and keep activities open-ended, it encourages them to explore and express themselves without rules.
- Support physical creativity with role playing and movement. Be the role model for your child, join in the fun and have imaginary play or music and movement activities with them.
- Ask your child open ended questions or give comments that will stimulate them to think and nurture the creative atmosphere. Examples, “It’s fun to try it different ways”, “Tell me more about it”, “Let’s try it anyway”, “Have you thought of any ways?”, “I see you are having lots of fun”, “What do you think is going to happen?” etc.
- Always create a positive environment. Sometimes you may be surprised by your child’s ideas and think that it is not possible or he/she is wrong but do not put their ideas down. Tell them “Wow what an unique idea, I did not think of it before. Let’s try it out or let’s think if there are other ways to do it.”
Ideas to boost your child’s creative juices
- Invite your child to invent his/her games and play with them.
- Bring your child outdoors and have cloud watching together. Ask your child what he sees. Example “The long and curvy one looks like a snake”. Create a simple story with the ‘things’ he sees.
- Provide a tape or audio recorder and have him create his own commercials, songs, or stories. Playback and listen together.
- Give a blank journal that your child can write in everyday and design the cover page of the journal.
- Dig your closet and play dress up with your child. Encourage a world of make-believe and pretend.
- Tell a story and stop before the ending. Encourage your child to change the ending to his own.
- Kitchen stomp! Bring out your pots and pans for your child to create music and different ways of playing.
- Have your child put his hands and ideas to create a kite together with you and watch the creativity soar up high in the sky.
Nov 25, 2010
U Family Baby Loves Disco!
Date: 19 Dec 2010, Sunday
Time: 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Venue: Zouk, Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim Street, Singapore 169420
Parents, remember those good old days when you could go out, dance the night away, and have a good time? If you thought those days were long gone, think again! There's a new reason to go to the club, and now even your kids can get in on the act!
Come and join U Family’s FIRST Hippest child proof disco party! Make no mistake, this is NOT the Mickey Mouse club, and Barney is Banned! This event is a Christmas Party theme afternoon dance featuring music spun and mixed by DJs blending classic disco tunes on Mambo, R&B and Top 40s, guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving!
What’s more, U Family Baby Loves Disco is a community event that brings kids and parents together with other families, offering you the best time you will ever experience at a kids’ event!
The fun spills from all corners:
Bubble machines
Baskets of instruments
A chill-out place (with tents, books and puzzles)
A full spread of healthy snacks and drinks (no pork/ lard) with LOTS of dancing
Entertainers will be around to keep your toddlers very busy
Areas for stroller parking, bag drop off and diaper changing will be provided
Event Theme: Christmas Party
Fees:
Adult (NTUC Members): $27 per pax
Adult (Public): $30 per pax
Child (NTUC Members): $9 per pax
Child (Public): $10 per pax
* Children aged above 7 years old will be charged Adult Fee* Admission is free for non-walkers (children aged below 1 year old)
*NTUC member must register under your own name to enjoy NTUC member rates. (Please refer to below NTUC Member Card Faces).
10 Low Cost Ideas for Families to Have FUN Together
Countless of research have placed strong emphasis on the importance of spending quality time together as a family. When families spend quality time together, they are building stronger bond and relationship. Furthermore, spending time together contributes to the well-being and development of the holistic child.
The underlying message here is quality and not quantity. Which means, spending a whole day watching TV programme does not contribute to quality time spend together. On the other hand, spending quality time together does not mean explicit and expensive activities like going to theme parks, going for a getaway etc. In fact, spending quality time together does not always mean spending more money. Here are some great ideas for family activities that will not burn a hole in your pocket!
1. Pot-luck with friends and family
Invite friends or neighbours over to your place for a gathering cum lunch/dinner session. Ask each person to bring food items to contribute to the mini-party. If you don’t want everyone to turn up with salad or junk food, have a organized list that states what food item is each one bringing so as to avoid having people bringing the same item. Since every family is only responsible for one item, it won’t cost anyone much money. Families can get together to talk, watch great movies, embark in games or any other fun activities.
2. Hitting the beach
Countless of fun can happen on the beach! In fact, kids just love hanging out at the beach, building sand castles, burying daddy and mummy, playing in the water, running about and so much more. All these funs does not cost a single cent! Singapore does have a lot of beaches around the island such as East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park, West Coast Park etc. Just a little effort spend in packing all the necessities such as toiletries, water and sand play equipments and some snacks. Never forget to bring sun block lotion for you and your child too!
3. Cooking/Baking session
When family hangs out together in the kitchen, whipping up a delicious meal collaboratively is not just a simple chore anymore. In fact, it is a great opportunity for bonding and to teach your child some basic cooking techniques. Cooking and preparing meals together may take time, effort, patience and a lot of cleaning up especially with younger children, but all these hard work is worth the effort after all. Experts have said that it is a great way to keep your child interested in trying a variety of food, including healthy food that they usually avoid. Adding on, all these positive cooking experiences help to build up a positive and confident child. It is also a great way for parents to spend quality time together with the child.
Do check out this websites for simple recipe:
Easy Kids Recipes & Cooking with Kids
4. Teach your child a new skill
Why wait, when you can start teaching your child some new skills such as riding a tricycle/bicycle, skating, swimming, photography, baking and more. With an early start, it may inculcate a love and mastery for the skill as the child grows. Spending an afternoon to teach your child a new skill can be a tiring process, but it may be worth all the effort after all.
5. Serve the Community together
Have a free afternoon? How about volunteering and helping out at a Home for the Elderly or the under-privileged with the family? It is definitely a great and meaningful way for you to give it back to the society and to also teach your child the act of giving and be kind of all. The opportunity to render some form of help and care to the less privileged will instil love, values and charity in your child’s heart. In fact, whenever you have the opportunity to display charity, do it with joy in front of your children and encourage them to be a part of it. Years later, they might do it on their own!
6. Have a family game day/night
Setting a family day to have simple and yet fun activities at home will help to bond with the family. Select a favourite game – Board games like Scrabble, Mad Magazine and Monopoly; card games like traditional Happy Family card and Uno; or others like Bingo, Jenga, Pig Pile and more, for the family to have fun together. Playing these simple games will condition your family to look forward to simple and less-expensive ways of having fun.
7. Travel around and explore Singapore
There are tons of great places around Singapore that families can explore together, be it nature parks like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Fort Canning, Mount Faber, Japanese Garden or Sungei Buloh Nature Park; museums like Asian Civilisations Museum, National Museum of Singapore, Peranakan Museum, Singapore Art Museum; exhibitions or the different historical buildings and attractions like Geylang & Katong, Chinatown, Changi Village, Little India and more.
8. Picnic at a park
A picnic at the park is something that most family enjoy. Indulge in some sandwich and fruits, fly a kite, play a board game and read a book together. After the whole family have their fun time together, It is a good way for Dad and mom to relax with a good book or conversation while the kids play some games. Some great place to have picnic includes Botanic garden.
9. Head to outdoor playgrounds
Indoor and outdoor playgrounds are basically everywhere, at every little corner of Singapore. However, outdoor playgrounds and play equipments provide better form of fun, fresh air, and exercises for children. Furthermore, these play equipments are specially designed to foster peer interaction and collaboration between the children and adults playing at the playground, which will also heighten children’s holistic development. What more, all these fun does not even cause a single cent! Some great playground recommendations include – Pasir Ris Park, Tiong Bahru Park, West Coast Park, Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden and more.
Check out here for a list of playgrounds around Singapore
10. Ask your kids for ideas
Before you start planning, you may consider having your child play an active participant in the decision-making process. You can put a list of possible ideas in a jar and have your child pick one or two activity for the day, or simply, have your child decide what he or she want to do for the day.
The underlying message here is quality and not quantity. Which means, spending a whole day watching TV programme does not contribute to quality time spend together. On the other hand, spending quality time together does not mean explicit and expensive activities like going to theme parks, going for a getaway etc. In fact, spending quality time together does not always mean spending more money. Here are some great ideas for family activities that will not burn a hole in your pocket!
1. Pot-luck with friends and family
Invite friends or neighbours over to your place for a gathering cum lunch/dinner session. Ask each person to bring food items to contribute to the mini-party. If you don’t want everyone to turn up with salad or junk food, have a organized list that states what food item is each one bringing so as to avoid having people bringing the same item. Since every family is only responsible for one item, it won’t cost anyone much money. Families can get together to talk, watch great movies, embark in games or any other fun activities.
2. Hitting the beach
Countless of fun can happen on the beach! In fact, kids just love hanging out at the beach, building sand castles, burying daddy and mummy, playing in the water, running about and so much more. All these funs does not cost a single cent! Singapore does have a lot of beaches around the island such as East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park, West Coast Park etc. Just a little effort spend in packing all the necessities such as toiletries, water and sand play equipments and some snacks. Never forget to bring sun block lotion for you and your child too!
3. Cooking/Baking session
When family hangs out together in the kitchen, whipping up a delicious meal collaboratively is not just a simple chore anymore. In fact, it is a great opportunity for bonding and to teach your child some basic cooking techniques. Cooking and preparing meals together may take time, effort, patience and a lot of cleaning up especially with younger children, but all these hard work is worth the effort after all. Experts have said that it is a great way to keep your child interested in trying a variety of food, including healthy food that they usually avoid. Adding on, all these positive cooking experiences help to build up a positive and confident child. It is also a great way for parents to spend quality time together with the child.
Do check out this websites for simple recipe:
Easy Kids Recipes & Cooking with Kids
4. Teach your child a new skill
Why wait, when you can start teaching your child some new skills such as riding a tricycle/bicycle, skating, swimming, photography, baking and more. With an early start, it may inculcate a love and mastery for the skill as the child grows. Spending an afternoon to teach your child a new skill can be a tiring process, but it may be worth all the effort after all.
5. Serve the Community together
Have a free afternoon? How about volunteering and helping out at a Home for the Elderly or the under-privileged with the family? It is definitely a great and meaningful way for you to give it back to the society and to also teach your child the act of giving and be kind of all. The opportunity to render some form of help and care to the less privileged will instil love, values and charity in your child’s heart. In fact, whenever you have the opportunity to display charity, do it with joy in front of your children and encourage them to be a part of it. Years later, they might do it on their own!
6. Have a family game day/night
Setting a family day to have simple and yet fun activities at home will help to bond with the family. Select a favourite game – Board games like Scrabble, Mad Magazine and Monopoly; card games like traditional Happy Family card and Uno; or others like Bingo, Jenga, Pig Pile and more, for the family to have fun together. Playing these simple games will condition your family to look forward to simple and less-expensive ways of having fun.
7. Travel around and explore Singapore
There are tons of great places around Singapore that families can explore together, be it nature parks like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Fort Canning, Mount Faber, Japanese Garden or Sungei Buloh Nature Park; museums like Asian Civilisations Museum, National Museum of Singapore, Peranakan Museum, Singapore Art Museum; exhibitions or the different historical buildings and attractions like Geylang & Katong, Chinatown, Changi Village, Little India and more.
8. Picnic at a park
A picnic at the park is something that most family enjoy. Indulge in some sandwich and fruits, fly a kite, play a board game and read a book together. After the whole family have their fun time together, It is a good way for Dad and mom to relax with a good book or conversation while the kids play some games. Some great place to have picnic includes Botanic garden.
9. Head to outdoor playgrounds
Indoor and outdoor playgrounds are basically everywhere, at every little corner of Singapore. However, outdoor playgrounds and play equipments provide better form of fun, fresh air, and exercises for children. Furthermore, these play equipments are specially designed to foster peer interaction and collaboration between the children and adults playing at the playground, which will also heighten children’s holistic development. What more, all these fun does not even cause a single cent! Some great playground recommendations include – Pasir Ris Park, Tiong Bahru Park, West Coast Park, Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden and more.
Check out here for a list of playgrounds around Singapore
10. Ask your kids for ideas
Before you start planning, you may consider having your child play an active participant in the decision-making process. You can put a list of possible ideas in a jar and have your child pick one or two activity for the day, or simply, have your child decide what he or she want to do for the day.
Nov 18, 2010
Message of hope from Nick Vujicic
Dear baby J, when life throws you obstacles and you trip and fall, may Nick Vujicic always inspires you to never give up.
Nov 15, 2010
5 Recommended Iphone Apps for Children
Technology is no doubt a part of us, even for our little ones. If you are troubled over the endless list of Iphone apps for children available, here are 5 recommended applications on the Free list suitable for young children!
1. First Words SamplerFirst Words Sampler: helps your little one learn letters, sounds and even words. Coupled with interesting graphics and animation, your children will be kept entertained while learning something new.
This educational game is suitable for children, 2 years onwards, for independent playing. Alternatively, you can engage them in meaningful conversations about the words. If your child enjoys this sampler, you can also download FirstWords: Animals and FirstWords: Vehicle at a reasonable price.
Promote: Language Skills
This educational game is suitable for children, 2 years onwards, for independent playing. Alternatively, you can engage them in meaningful conversations about the words. If your child enjoys this sampler, you can also download FirstWords: Animals and FirstWords: Vehicle at a reasonable price.
Promote: Language Skills
2. Baby Piano LiteWish: to expose your child to a variety of experiences? Baby Piano Lite allows you child to play on a piano while on the go. Users are provided with the choices of either playing it freely or following the piano keys that light up to play a song.
This app is suitable for children 1 year onwards as they will enjoy the music they produce with just a tap using their fingers. You can also play songs and sing along together with your child =)
Promote: Music
This app is suitable for children 1 year onwards as they will enjoy the music they produce with just a tap using their fingers. You can also play songs and sing along together with your child =)
Promote: Music
3. Baby Flash Cards: is an engaging and entertaining app for very young children at no cost! The colorful flash cards (with picture and word) change with a single tap. Flash cards are categorized into Animals, Food, Fruits, Musical Instruments, Numbers, People, Plants, Shapes, Transportation and Others which can be turn on or off in its setting mode.
Suitable for children as young as 9 months old. Begin by going through the flash cards and reading aloud the words together with your child. Does your child really learn from looking at the flash cards? Find it out in Quest mode which shows the picture before the word.
Promote: Language Skills
4. Rush Hour Free: The Iphone version of the Traffic Jam puzzle brought to you by Think Fun. Your child will be challenged to drive the red car out of the parking grid by shifting the blocking cars out of the way. 35 challenges, ranging from Beginner to Expert, will keep your child entertained and thinking. Hints are available to help in times of frustration.
This game with simple rules is suitable for children 5 years old and above, promoting their thinking and problem solving skills. Encourage your child to play independently and praise when appropriate.
Promote: Thinking Skills, Spatial Awareness
5. Shape Builder LITEShape Builder: LITE is a puzzle and language game all-in-one. Move the shapes to complete the puzzle and learn more about the letter or the picture with interesting sound effects.
Suitable for children 3 years old and above. Join your child in doing the puzzle and talk about the color of each shape. Download the full version to enjoy even more puzzles!
Promote: Fine Motor Skills, Language Skills, Spatial Awareness
Tips: Despite the educational factor in these games, do set time limit with your child prior to their usage so as to prevent them for becoming over-involved in electronic games.
Suitable for children 3 years old and above. Join your child in doing the puzzle and talk about the color of each shape. Download the full version to enjoy even more puzzles!
Promote: Fine Motor Skills, Language Skills, Spatial Awareness
Tips: Despite the educational factor in these games, do set time limit with your child prior to their usage so as to prevent them for becoming over-involved in electronic games.
Article taken from http://www.todaysmotherhood.com/2010/07/iphone-apps-for-children/
Nov 14, 2010
We No Speak Americano ft. Cleary & Harding
I think these moves will entertain any kido @ the dinner table while they wait for dinner to be served...
Nov 11, 2010
Top 5 Places for Outdoor Learning in Singapore
Children are keen learners and naturally curious about everything around them. Our natural environment has so much for children to explore but in this era of high technology entertainment, opportunities for outdoor activities are greatly reduced. Here are 5 outdoor play areas for kids to allow them to interact with and appreciate our natural environment.
Take your time to observe the butterflies, birds and millipedes which are part of the natural environment. Monthly scheduled nature guided walks and workshops are available for children above 5 years old. For more information, please go to the website provided.
Address: Cluny Road Singapore 259569
Opening Hours: 8.00am – 7.00pm (last admission at 6.30pm)
Closed on Mondays (except on PH)
Admission: Free. The Children Garden is open to children up to 12 years old and have to be accompanied by an adult
Tel: +65 64719961
Website : http://www.sbg.org.sg/
#2 Hort Park
A one-stop gardening hub catering to the needs of gardening enthusiasts, amateur gardeners and even people who simply want to enjoy the flora and fauna. Children love the Recycling Garden where they spot household equipment that is now used to house the plants.
Learn more about common herbs and spices using your five senses at the Herb and Spice Garden. End your trip at the HortMart by buying gardening-related products home.
Address: 33 Hyderabad Road, Off Alexandra Road
Opening Hours:6am – 10pm daily
Admission: Free
Tel: +65 64715601
Website : http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
#3 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
A 500m long boardwalk provides visitors with an insight of the mangroves and the array of creatures that live within. Three other routes, ranging from 3km – 7km, provide opportunities to observe aquatic pond plants, traditional prawn pond, freshwater ponds and also migratory shorebirds/waders which are usually spotted between September to March.
Free guided tours are also available on Saturday at two timeslots, 9.30am and 3.30pm, on a first come first serve basis.
Refresh yourself after a walk in the reserve at the café near the entrance.
Address: 301 Neo Tiew Crescent Singapore 718925
Opening Hours:7.30am – 7.00pm (Monday to Saturday)7.00am – 7.00pm (Sunday & PH)
Admission: Free entry except on Saturdays, Sundays, PH and School Holidays$1.00 per adult, $0.50 per child/student/senior citizen
Tel: +65 67941401
Website : http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
#4 Chek Jawa @ Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin, a small island at the north east of Singapore, houses a popular tourist attraction, Chek Jawa. With a wide variety of wildlife marine creatures, you will continually be awed.
Children love spotting the fiddle crabs and mudskippers that are common in the mangrove. It is recommended to check timing for low tide to avoid disappointment. Guided tours are available at $60 (maximum 15 people per group). Bumboat ride from Changi Village jetty to Pulau Ubin costs $2.50 per passenger.
#5 Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
The nature reserve, with walking trails of varying difficulties, contains more than 840 flowering plants and over 500 species of animals. The reserve’s playground, surrounded by these flora and fauna, is a lovely place for children. Free guided walks are available every 1st Sunday of the month at 4pm.
Note: Due to the relative natural environment, do apply insect repellent beforehand to prevent mosquito bites.
Alternatively, walks in the neighborhood can be made more interesting by making occasional stops to look at the plants, flowers, even the insects and talking about them. Equip yourself with magnifying glasses to take a closer look at these lovely living things. Just simply allocate 5 minutes daily and you will be amazed by how much you can discover with your child at these outdoor play areas for kids.
#1 Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, situated at the Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Garden, is designed specially for children. Interesting features include Tree House with slides and ladders; Floating Platform; Trunk of a 100-year-old Pometia Pinnata; Sensory Garden; Waterplay Area and a Changeable Maze.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, situated at the Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Garden, is designed specially for children. Interesting features include Tree House with slides and ladders; Floating Platform; Trunk of a 100-year-old Pometia Pinnata; Sensory Garden; Waterplay Area and a Changeable Maze.
Take your time to observe the butterflies, birds and millipedes which are part of the natural environment. Monthly scheduled nature guided walks and workshops are available for children above 5 years old. For more information, please go to the website provided.
Address: Cluny Road Singapore 259569
Opening Hours: 8.00am – 7.00pm (last admission at 6.30pm)
Closed on Mondays (except on PH)
Admission: Free. The Children Garden is open to children up to 12 years old and have to be accompanied by an adult
Tel: +65 64719961
Website : http://www.sbg.org.sg/
#2 Hort Park
A one-stop gardening hub catering to the needs of gardening enthusiasts, amateur gardeners and even people who simply want to enjoy the flora and fauna. Children love the Recycling Garden where they spot household equipment that is now used to house the plants.
Learn more about common herbs and spices using your five senses at the Herb and Spice Garden. End your trip at the HortMart by buying gardening-related products home.
Address: 33 Hyderabad Road, Off Alexandra Road
Opening Hours:6am – 10pm daily
Admission: Free
Tel: +65 64715601
Website : http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
#3 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
A 500m long boardwalk provides visitors with an insight of the mangroves and the array of creatures that live within. Three other routes, ranging from 3km – 7km, provide opportunities to observe aquatic pond plants, traditional prawn pond, freshwater ponds and also migratory shorebirds/waders which are usually spotted between September to March.
Free guided tours are also available on Saturday at two timeslots, 9.30am and 3.30pm, on a first come first serve basis.
Refresh yourself after a walk in the reserve at the café near the entrance.
Address: 301 Neo Tiew Crescent Singapore 718925
Opening Hours:7.30am – 7.00pm (Monday to Saturday)7.00am – 7.00pm (Sunday & PH)
Admission: Free entry except on Saturdays, Sundays, PH and School Holidays$1.00 per adult, $0.50 per child/student/senior citizen
Tel: +65 67941401
Website : http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
#4 Chek Jawa @ Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin, a small island at the north east of Singapore, houses a popular tourist attraction, Chek Jawa. With a wide variety of wildlife marine creatures, you will continually be awed.
Children love spotting the fiddle crabs and mudskippers that are common in the mangrove. It is recommended to check timing for low tide to avoid disappointment. Guided tours are available at $60 (maximum 15 people per group). Bumboat ride from Changi Village jetty to Pulau Ubin costs $2.50 per passenger.
#5 Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
The nature reserve, with walking trails of varying difficulties, contains more than 840 flowering plants and over 500 species of animals. The reserve’s playground, surrounded by these flora and fauna, is a lovely place for children. Free guided walks are available every 1st Sunday of the month at 4pm.
Note: Due to the relative natural environment, do apply insect repellent beforehand to prevent mosquito bites.
Alternatively, walks in the neighborhood can be made more interesting by making occasional stops to look at the plants, flowers, even the insects and talking about them. Equip yourself with magnifying glasses to take a closer look at these lovely living things. Just simply allocate 5 minutes daily and you will be amazed by how much you can discover with your child at these outdoor play areas for kids.
Nov 9, 2010
Cheap & Exciting Activities to do with your Kids during the Holidays!
Holidays are COMING!....
Clueless what to do with your kids?
Don't have NEW ideas to engage your kids?
Want to try something NEW & EXCITING, but on a shoe-string budget?
What are some fun but also educational activities for your kids? The good news is that kids are fairly easy to entertain so there’s no need to go out and spend a fortune or turn your house into an amusement park.
Here are a few fun & easy ideas!
Go for a nature walk – Educational yet lots of fun. Your kids will love exploring and collecting different treasures to bring home. Point out big leaves to him or different colored plants or flowers. Collect opposites such as a small leaf and a big leaf or a small stick and a big stick.
Take your time and have fun. Don’t worry if you don’t live near a nature reserve or park. A simple walk around your neighborhood will be sufficient. Your kid won’t mind and there will still be lots for him to see.
Have Fun With Water – Fill a small tub with water and give your kids several containers of different sizes. Let her pour water from one container to the other and you can even add some bubbles for extra fun. This is a fun activity that also helps build hand eye coordination. You can also place different objects in a tub and show your kid how some of them float and others sink.
Start a Photo Album – Make a photo album and fill it with pictures of your kids, your family and extended family as well. This is especially good if your kids has relatives that live far away. Talk about who each person is and where they come from or where they live.
Paper Tearing or Cutting – Find a couple of old magazines or catalogues and let your kids tear pages out, try to get her to tear small shapes or just let her have fun. If your kid is a little older you can teach her how to use child-sized scissors to cut out shapes.
Toddlers are constantly learning. This is the perfect age for you to have fun with your child while helping them learn. And don’t think you have to do something too elaborate. Toddlers are easily pleased and will find wonder and amazement in even the smallest of things. Enjoy these years.
Bake Cookies – The bad news first, things will get messy. The good news, cooking is both fun and educational and even children as young as 2 can get involved. Depending on your kid’s age let her help and don’t worry too much about how the final product will look or even taste, concentrate on the actual putting it together part.
http://on.fb.me/royal-cookie-party
As you’re mixing the ingredients tell your kids what you’re doing. Name out each ingredient and measurement out loud and once you finish enjoy your delicious homemade treats.
Baking with kids can be one of the most joyful quality time with your lovely kids. You will enjoy great conversation, wonderful learning, and some precious memories too. Even though you're not a master baker yourself, I'm sure your cookies will turn out pretty good ~ come on, it's baked with love!
http://on.fb.me/royal-cookie-party
So this holiday season, why not bake with your kids and do something together that can make your holiday extra merrier? Hari Raya Haji, School Holidays, Christmas, New Year - so many opportunities to make this festivals extra SPECIAL!
p/s The Royal Baking Queen is looking for Royal Families to teach her Royal Baking Secrets. Find out how you can be part of the Royal Kingdom. Royal Seats are LIMITED, so you better HURRY!! ~ http://on.fb.me/royal-cookie-party
Clueless what to do with your kids?
Don't have NEW ideas to engage your kids?
Want to try something NEW & EXCITING, but on a shoe-string budget?
What are some fun but also educational activities for your kids? The good news is that kids are fairly easy to entertain so there’s no need to go out and spend a fortune or turn your house into an amusement park.
Here are a few fun & easy ideas!
Go for a nature walk – Educational yet lots of fun. Your kids will love exploring and collecting different treasures to bring home. Point out big leaves to him or different colored plants or flowers. Collect opposites such as a small leaf and a big leaf or a small stick and a big stick.
Take your time and have fun. Don’t worry if you don’t live near a nature reserve or park. A simple walk around your neighborhood will be sufficient. Your kid won’t mind and there will still be lots for him to see.
Have Fun With Water – Fill a small tub with water and give your kids several containers of different sizes. Let her pour water from one container to the other and you can even add some bubbles for extra fun. This is a fun activity that also helps build hand eye coordination. You can also place different objects in a tub and show your kid how some of them float and others sink.
Start a Photo Album – Make a photo album and fill it with pictures of your kids, your family and extended family as well. This is especially good if your kids has relatives that live far away. Talk about who each person is and where they come from or where they live.
Paper Tearing or Cutting – Find a couple of old magazines or catalogues and let your kids tear pages out, try to get her to tear small shapes or just let her have fun. If your kid is a little older you can teach her how to use child-sized scissors to cut out shapes.
Toddlers are constantly learning. This is the perfect age for you to have fun with your child while helping them learn. And don’t think you have to do something too elaborate. Toddlers are easily pleased and will find wonder and amazement in even the smallest of things. Enjoy these years.
Bake Cookies – The bad news first, things will get messy. The good news, cooking is both fun and educational and even children as young as 2 can get involved. Depending on your kid’s age let her help and don’t worry too much about how the final product will look or even taste, concentrate on the actual putting it together part.
http://on.fb.me/royal-cookie-party
As you’re mixing the ingredients tell your kids what you’re doing. Name out each ingredient and measurement out loud and once you finish enjoy your delicious homemade treats.
Baking with kids can be one of the most joyful quality time with your lovely kids. You will enjoy great conversation, wonderful learning, and some precious memories too. Even though you're not a master baker yourself, I'm sure your cookies will turn out pretty good ~ come on, it's baked with love!
http://on.fb.me/royal-cookie-party
So this holiday season, why not bake with your kids and do something together that can make your holiday extra merrier? Hari Raya Haji, School Holidays, Christmas, New Year - so many opportunities to make this festivals extra SPECIAL!
p/s The Royal Baking Queen is looking for Royal Families to teach her Royal Baking Secrets. Find out how you can be part of the Royal Kingdom. Royal Seats are LIMITED, so you better HURRY!! ~ http://on.fb.me/royal-cookie-party
Babies and Television
Should babies be allowed to watch television? There are two schools of thought on this. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 2 not be allowed to watch TV. Other child experts believe that limited amounts of high-quality educational TV can be beneficial, especially when accompanied with adult interaction.Assuming you decide to let your child watch some TV before age 2, there are three main points to bear in mind to ensure that television watching remains a safe and beneficial activity for your baby. They are: content, quantity, and supervision.
Questions to Ask
Not all television programs for babies are created equal. While moderate viewing of high-quality educational programs can be beneficial, there is nothing beneficial about letting your baby watch an entertainment-based program. Cartoons, for example, may be designed for children, but they are really not suitable for babies.
To judge the quality of a program, ask yourself the following questions:
Is there a high degree of language content? Babies probably don't learn much from watching ink swirls set to music, or from hearing characters speak a cutesy made-up language.
Is the action slow-paced and easy to understand? Some experts believe that seeing rapidly shifting images could be bad for the brain during this sensitive period, making children more likely to develop attention problems in the future.
Is my child smiling and engaged? Looking away frequently or seeming unduly transfixed are both signs that content may be unsuitable for your child.
Many parents find that high-quality educational TV programs complement interactions with their children and facilitate learning. Baby Signing Time and Your Baby Can Read are good examples. The Your Baby Can Read DVDs show parents how to read, repeat and talk about the words their child is learning. For parents teaching sign language to their baby, Baby Signing Time's Rachel de Azevedo Coleman clearly demonstrates how to model signs – a big help and a confidence boost to parents learning sign language along with their child. The songs that accompany the show are fun, catchy and masterfully written, with babies' (and parents') enjoyment of the DVDs increasing as they get to know the music.
Nov 3, 2010
EdVenture Books Year End Sale YES
EdVenture Books will be having their Year End Sale (affectionately known as YES!) next week!
Details:
Date: 2 (Tue) - 13 Nov 2010 (Sat) Closed on Sunday
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10am - 6pm.
Open on Deepavali.
Venue: Showroom 61 Kaki Bukit Ave 1 #06-10 Shun Li Industrial Park Singapore 417943
Discounts:
Enjoy fantastic discounts of up to 50%, card members get to enjoy up to FURTHER 13% discount.
Highlights:
Rigby Literacy : from 10-40% discount (Members get FURTHER 13% discount)
Sunshine Phonics : from 10-30% discount (Members get FURTHER 10-13% discount)
Rhymes, Songs & Plays : 40% discount (Members get FURTHER 13% discount)
Sunshine Non-fiction : 40% discount (Members get FURTHER 13% discount)
National Geographic Windows on Literacy : from 10-15% discount (Members get FURTHER 13% discount)
JOY Readers : 50% discount
…and the list goes on!
New Product – Sunshine Classics:
Sunshine has just released their new Sunshine Classics. Immerse in a new reading experience with the interactive software and real books- giving your child the ability to read, adapt and compose his/her own version of award-winning children’s author, Joy Cowley’s classic stories. There are fun pac-man style phonics games which allow the parent/teacher to customise!
Details:
Date: 2 (Tue) - 13 Nov 2010 (Sat) Closed on Sunday
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10am - 6pm.
Open on Deepavali.
Venue: Showroom 61 Kaki Bukit Ave 1 #06-10 Shun Li Industrial Park Singapore 417943
Discounts:
Enjoy fantastic discounts of up to 50%, card members get to enjoy up to FURTHER 13% discount.
Highlights:
Rigby Literacy : from 10-40% discount (Members get FURTHER 13% discount)
Sunshine Phonics : from 10-30% discount (Members get FURTHER 10-13% discount)
Rhymes, Songs & Plays : 40% discount (Members get FURTHER 13% discount)
Sunshine Non-fiction : 40% discount (Members get FURTHER 13% discount)
National Geographic Windows on Literacy : from 10-15% discount (Members get FURTHER 13% discount)
JOY Readers : 50% discount
…and the list goes on!
New Product – Sunshine Classics:
Sunshine has just released their new Sunshine Classics. Immerse in a new reading experience with the interactive software and real books- giving your child the ability to read, adapt and compose his/her own version of award-winning children’s author, Joy Cowley’s classic stories. There are fun pac-man style phonics games which allow the parent/teacher to customise!
Oct 24, 2010
Top 10 Family And Kids Friendly Shopping Malls In Singapore
1. City Square Mall
Address: 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Nearest MRT Station: Farrer Park Station
2. VivoCity
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, VivoCity S(098585)
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Nearest MRT Station: Harbourfront Station
3. Jurong Point Shopping Centre
Address: 1 Jurong West Central 2, Jurong Point Shopping Centre, Singapore 648886
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Nearest MRT Station: Boon Lay Station
4. North Point Shopping Centre
Address: 930 Yishun Avenue 2 Singapore 769098
Opening hours: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest MRT Station: Yishun Station
5. Suntec City Mall
Address: Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard 038983
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Nearest MRT Station: Esplanade Station
6. AMK HUB
Address: 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 S(569933)
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Nearest MRT Station: Ang Mo Kio Station
7. IMM
Address: IMM Building 2 Jurong East Street 21 #04-60, S(609601)
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Nearest MRT Station: Jurong East Station
8. United Square Shopping Mall
Address: 101 Thomson Road United Square Shopping Mall Singapore 307591
Opening hours: 10.30am to 9.30pm
Nearest MRT Station: Novena Station
9. West Coast Plaza
Address: 154 West Coast Road Singapore 127371
Opening hours: 11.00am to 9.00pm
Nearest MRT Station: Clementi Station (Free shuttle bus available from clement station)
10. Downtown East Shopping Centre
Address: 1 Pasir Ris Close, 519899
Opening hours: Varies (check out website for more information)
Nearest MRT Station: Pasir Ris Station
More information on http://www.todaysmotherhood.com/2010/10/top-10-family-and-kids-friendly-shopping-malls-in-singapore/
Oct 18, 2010
A paradise of lights
WALK through an enchanted garden filled with colourful giant-sized plants and flowers, or reach out and grab one of the glowing jellyfish floating in the night sky.
More than 20 light art installations will illuminate the city skyline at 'i Light Marina Bay'- Asia's first sustainable light art festival.
Made from recycled materials like plastic cups and paper umbrellas, the light works were designed by local and international artists from countries like France, Australia and Switzerland.Some of the sculptures are even powered with bio-fuels from used cooking oil.
The event was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Friday, Oct 15.
Organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Smart Light Singapore, the aim is to raise awareness of energy-saving lighting technology.
The 'i Light Marina Bay' festival runs from now till Nov 7. Opening hours are from 7.30pm to midnight, admission is free.
By Amanda Wong (ST)
http://razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/news/55534.html
More than 20 light art installations will illuminate the city skyline at 'i Light Marina Bay'- Asia's first sustainable light art festival.
Made from recycled materials like plastic cups and paper umbrellas, the light works were designed by local and international artists from countries like France, Australia and Switzerland.Some of the sculptures are even powered with bio-fuels from used cooking oil.
The event was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Friday, Oct 15.
Organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Smart Light Singapore, the aim is to raise awareness of energy-saving lighting technology.
The 'i Light Marina Bay' festival runs from now till Nov 7. Opening hours are from 7.30pm to midnight, admission is free.
By Amanda Wong (ST)
http://razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/news/55534.html
Oct 17, 2010
Oct 9, 2010
Oct 6, 2010
i wish i could collin raye
I Wish I Could
Artist : Collin Raye
Looking out my window
See you playing in the leaves
It’s amazing how a little girl
Means all the world to me
When I tell you that I love you
I love you more than words can say
Smile, say cheese pretty-please
I wanna take your picture
How’d you ever get so big
I gotta take your picture
Hold on to the memory before the whole thing slips away
I wish I could save these moments
And put ‘em in a jar
I wish I could stop the world from turning
Keep things just the way they are
I wish I could shelter you from everything
Not pure and sweet and good
I know I can’t, I know I can’t
But I wish I could
When you kiss me for no reason
It goes straight to my heart
When I feel your arms around me
I almost fall apart
It’s time for bed you whisper
Daddy, we forgot to pray
I wish I could save these moments
And put ‘em in a jar
I wish I could stop the world from turning
Keep things just the way they are
I wish I could shelter you from everything
Not pure and sweet and good
I know I can’t, I know I can’t
But I wish I could
And when I watch you sleeping
All my worries fade away
A little bit of heaven glows on your angelic face
I wish I could save these moments
And put ‘em in a jar
I wish I could stop the world from turning
Keep things just the way they are
I wish I could shelter you from everything
Not pure and sweet and good
I know I can’t, I know I can’t
I know I can’t
But I wish I could
Oct 5, 2010
Right-Brain Learning
Most people have a dominant hand, a dominant foot and a dominant eye. And so it goes for the brain, and for most of us, the left hemisphere is dominant.
The school system generally rewards left-brained individuals, who think in a logical, linear fashion, and learn best through hearing. Right-brained people think in a non-linear, intuitive fashion, and learn best through seeing and feeling. At school, right-brained children will often be marked down for not showing the working used to reach their answers. What their teachers fail to realize is these children don't have the usual working to show, having reached the correct destination by an unorthodox route.
According to right-brain educators such as Glenn Doman and Makoto Shichida, accessing the right brain not only enables a child to learn more efficiently, it can even unlock genius-level abilities. It is not that right-brain teaching will give you a genius baby, but rather that there is a genius already inside every baby - if only we can access the abilities of the right brain.
What kind of genius babies are we talking about? Children with talents like speed reading and photographic memory - and the seemingly limitless powers of recall associated with them. Kids with the ability to produce an accurate drawing of something only once glanced at, or tell instantly that the number of items being shown to them is 97 - and not 98 or 96. Prodigious musical talents and the ability of perfect pitch also rely on the use of the right brain.
Till next time, happy teaching!
Sep 28, 2010
Going Beyond Breast Milk; Introducing Solids
Month-by-Month Recommendations:
Age(Month): After 6
Cereals: Iron fortified rice cereal
Proteins: Pureed meats
Fruits: When your baby is tolerating cereal and meat, add softly cooked apples, pears, mashed bananas
Veggies: When your baby is tolerating cereal and meat, add softly cooked sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, pumpkin and green leafy vegetables
Dairy*: Follow-on formula
Age(Month): 6-8
Cereals: Rice, oat, barley
Proteins: Chicken, turkey, tofu
Fruits: Add: peaches, plums, papaya, pumpkin
Veggies: Add: carrots, peas, pumpkin
Dairy*: Yogurt (not fresh milk)
Age(Month): 8-10
Cereals: Add: wheat and wheat germ, multi-grain crackers (no salt or low salt) pasta, bread
Proteins: Add: egg yolk, beans, legumes (split peas, lentils), lean beef
Fruits: Add: melon, cherries, blueberries, and kiwi
Veggies: Add: broccoli, white potatoes, cauliflower
Age(Month): 10-12
Cereals: Noodles, pastas, bagels, wheat cereals
Proteins: Add: fish (white), whole egg (at 12 months)
Fruits: Add: berries, grapes, citrus
Veggies: Add: corn, spinach
Dairy*: Add: follow-on milk (at 12 months) other cheese: gouda, provolone, muenster
*Do not introduce fresh milk until your baby has reached 12 months of
Age(Month): After 6
Cereals: Iron fortified rice cereal
Proteins: Pureed meats
Fruits: When your baby is tolerating cereal and meat, add softly cooked apples, pears, mashed bananas
Veggies: When your baby is tolerating cereal and meat, add softly cooked sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, pumpkin and green leafy vegetables
Dairy*: Follow-on formula
Age(Month): 6-8
Cereals: Rice, oat, barley
Proteins: Chicken, turkey, tofu
Fruits: Add: peaches, plums, papaya, pumpkin
Veggies: Add: carrots, peas, pumpkin
Dairy*: Yogurt (not fresh milk)
Age(Month): 8-10
Cereals: Add: wheat and wheat germ, multi-grain crackers (no salt or low salt) pasta, bread
Proteins: Add: egg yolk, beans, legumes (split peas, lentils), lean beef
Fruits: Add: melon, cherries, blueberries, and kiwi
Veggies: Add: broccoli, white potatoes, cauliflower
Age(Month): 10-12
Cereals: Noodles, pastas, bagels, wheat cereals
Proteins: Add: fish (white), whole egg (at 12 months)
Fruits: Add: berries, grapes, citrus
Veggies: Add: corn, spinach
Dairy*: Add: follow-on milk (at 12 months) other cheese: gouda, provolone, muenster
*Do not introduce fresh milk until your baby has reached 12 months of
The Science of Early Learning
Your baby is born with most of the brain cells she will ever have, but during her first 12 months in the world, her brain will become increasingly complex. By the time she reaches the age of two, her brain will already be 75 percent of its adult weight. By the age of three, it will have reached 90 percent of its adult weight.
Almost 50 percent of the brain cells your baby is born with will wither and die during the first few years of life. This process, known as neural pruning, organizes the brain and makes it more efficient.
The brain learns through experience. Events in your baby’s life trigger electrical impulses to the brain, establishing neural pathways. The more a pathway is used, the more established it becomes, making it less susceptible to pruning.
Just like a muscle, the brain works on the principle of "use it or lose it."
How Your Baby's Brain Develops
Humans are the only animals whose brains triple in size during the first two years of life. If it were any larger at birth, a baby’s head would not fit through its mother’s pelvis. Any smaller, and the baby’s survival would be in jeopardy. The brain grow to 75 percent of its adult size by age two, and 90 percent by age three.
But just how does infant brain development occur? When your baby is born his brain weighs about 350 g (12oz); by his first birthday it weighs 1 kg (2.2 lb).At birth, the brain already has some 200 billion neurons (nerve cells) – about the same number as it will have in adulthood.Each neuron responds to stimulation by growing a network of dendrites (branches) and synapses (connections) between itself and its neighbors.Each neuron ends up with dendrites leading to an average of 15,000 synapses.
Dendrite formation becomes more complex over time, with third- and fourth-tier branches appearing by 6 months of age.The more stimulation the brain receives, the more sophisticated its dendritic networks become.The frontal lobe (the part of the brain that deals with emotions) becomes highly metabolically active from 6 months of age.
By 18 months the neural foundations of your baby’s emotional intelligence are laid.Between 2 and 4 months old, the number of synapses in your baby's visual cortex increases tenfold to 20,000 per neuron.By 12 months, neurons that distinguish native language have found their permanent position.
At 18 months the brain's language center experiences a massive synaptic spurt, producing an explosion in grammar.During the first eight years of life, and in particular the first three, there are a number of critical windows for acquiring specific types of intelligence. Once these windows have closed, learning is much more difficult, if not impossible. Babies are particularly open to learning during their first year, as outside of the brainstem (which controls critical life-sustaining processes), very few neural pathways have formed.
Sep 21, 2010
The Goodness of Pumpkin
A pumpkin is a type of squash and is a member of the gourd family (Cucurbitacae). This family also includes squash, cucumbers, gherkins, and melons. Pumpkins are actually fruits.
Pumpkins contain some of the best nutritional compounds ever. They are highly loaded with Vitamin A and beta carotene. Beta Carotene is one of the plant carotenoids that when eaten and digested, turns into Vitamin A in the human body. Beta Carotene may reduce the risk of cancer as well as heart disease. It also may be responsible for combating or putting off the degenerative effects of ageing. Beta Carotene is also responsible for "Orange Babies".
Pumpkins are also good sources of potassium, protein, and iron. Pumpkin seeds also contain a good amount of protein and iron so eating the seeds does provide some nutritive value. We don't recommend that you offer your baby or toddler pumpkin seeds however. Pumpkins are wonderfully low in fat, low in calories but high in fiber.
PUMPKIN: (one cup - cooked) | |
| VITAMINS: Vitamin A - 12230 IU Vitamin C - 11.5 mg Vitamin K - 2.0 Folate (important during pregnancy) - 22 mcg Niacin - 1.01 mg | MINERALS: Potassium - 364 mg Phosphorus - 74 mg Magnesium - 22 mg Calcium - 37 mg Sodium - 2 mg Iron - 1.40 mg Also contains trace amounts of zinc, manganese and copper. |
When can my Baby eat Baby Food Recipes with Pumpkin?
Babies may begin to eat Pumpkins from 6 months old. You may feed your baby plain pumpkin in pureed form or mixed into homemade cereals, yogurts, and even in meats such as chicken. Adding a dash of cinnamon to pumpkin gives baby a first exposure to the wonder of spices.
You may also bake pumpkin as you would a butternut or acorn squash and serve the baked pumpkin in small dices as Baby Finger Foods. Rub a wee bit of butter and a bit of cinnamon on the inside of the pumpkin prior to baking for a tasty nutritious treat.
Read more on this article @ http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/pumpkin-babyfood-recipes.htm
Baby J has tried avocado, carrots, sweet potatoes, rice cereals... she loves it most when she is eating real food, finishing half a bowl of food in less than 15 minutes (wow!)... going to try pumpkin next, and after that, I will introduce potatoes to her before moving on to apples, pears and bananas. What a good start thus far.
A Recipe for Success
If you thought teaching your child meant simply giving lessons - think again! In fact, there are several special ingredients that you will need even more than teaching materials, programs or a lesson plan.
Method
Mix all the ingredients together. The great thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t matter what order you add the ingredients. You can even be a bit loose with the quantities – just so long as you make sure everything’s included!
Before you know it, you and your children will be having the time of your lives playing the wonderful game of learning.
Mix all the ingredients together. The great thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t matter what order you add the ingredients. You can even be a bit loose with the quantities – just so long as you make sure everything’s included!
Before you know it, you and your children will be having the time of your lives playing the wonderful game of learning.
Making the Right Choices on Toys
Undoubtedly, children enjoy playing with toys. Through exploring, manipulating, and eventually sharing, children learn valuable skills as they play with their toys. However, we should never overwhelm our children with too many toys. Nonetheless, on occasions when you need to purchase toys, you may find these tips on how to select the appropriate toys for your child handy.
#1 Your child’s age
If toys are too advanced for your child’s age, they might get frustrated easily or may even result in injuries. E.g. Small parts in toys are not suitable for children below the age of 3. On the contrary, purchasing a toy made for children of younger age group may cause them to get bored of the toys too quickly.
#2 The toys’ materials
It is always important to check the material before purchasing. Do check if the smell of paint is too strong as it may affect children’s respiratory system. Toys should also be sturdy enough to withstand multiple times of playing, throwing and hitting.
#3 Playing methods
Some toys such as blocks and Lego can be played by children from 3 – 7 years old and are therefore more worth buying. It is important to consider if the toys will be able to be played by the child after they grow older. A toy with endless possibilities of playing will also be more appealing to children as compared to toys that can only be played in one particular way.
List of toys for different age groups
From birth to 1 year old
Rattles, large interlocking plastic rings or keys, cloth toys, musical and chime toys, push and pull toys, shape sorters and stacking blocks, pop-up toys, toys with reactions when squeezed.
1 year old – 3 year old
Ride-on vehicle, push and pull toys, small climbers, blocks, Lego, stacking toys, sandbox tools, puzzles, dolls, play household items, pop-up books, bath toys.
3 year old – 6 year old
Construction toys, dolls and stuffed animals, puppets, puzzles, books, plastic figures (animal, dolls), dollhouses, arts and crafts materials
6 year old – 10 year old
Sports games, building kits, art and craft materials, puzzles, books, musical instrument, plastic figures (animal, dolls), electronic games, construction toys, science sets
Sep 18, 2010
Awareness of Toes
This activity develops
- more awareness of the toes and other body parts
- listening
- enhancing of the sense of touch
Touch the baby's bare right foot. Use good voice inflection to maintain the baby's attention. Even though you will be using the right foot, the progression will be from left to right. Begin with the big toe and move to the little toe and say the following rhyme.
This little piggy went to the market. (Touch the big toe)
This little piggy stayed at home. (Touch the second toe)
This little piggy had roast beef. (Touch the third toe)
And this little piggy had none. (Touch the fourth toe)
This little piggy cried, "Wee, wee, wee," all the way home. (Touch the little toe)
Say the rhyme several times and repeat it many times in the future. The baby will soon begin to play with her hands, feet, fingers and toes. The tactile sensation of touching each of the body parts will assist the baby in associating the body movement with the body parts. The baby will delight in watching the different body parts move, and will soon realize that she can initiate and control the movement of her body parts.
Awareness of Fingers
This activity develops
- listening skills
- observational skills
- an awareness of associating finger movement with the words of the finger play song
- a further awareness of fingers
- more awareness of left and right
Hold the baby's left hand and touch her thumb. Say, "This is Thumbkin". Touch the forefinger and say, "This is Pointer." Touch the middle finger and say, "This is Middleman." Touch the ring finger and say, "This is Ringman." Touch the little finger and say, "This Pinky."
Use both hands to carry on the conversation with the left and right fingers as you sing the song below. Start the finger play song with the left and right hands in the fist position. Each finger should appear and disappear to correspond to the words. (L) represents the left hand fingers. (R) represents the right hand fingers. The words are:
Where is Thumbkin? Where is Thumbkin?
(L) Here I am. (R) Here I am.
(L) How are you today, sir?
(R) Very well I thank you.
(L) Run away.
(R) Run away.
Repeat the song for each finger and substitute the correct finger for the word... "Pointer", "Middleman", "Ringman" & "Pinky". Repeat this several times. Then place your hands behind you and sing the words as you move the correct fingers forward to correspond to the song. This activity will serve to interest the baby and at the same time enrich her learning.
More Awareness of Hands
This activity develops
- more awareness of hands
- listening skills
- an awareness of rhythm and rhyme
- observational skills
Hold the baby in your lap and encourage him to watch as you place your hands together. Move your hands apart and then together again. Repeat this several times so that baby is aware of what you are doing. Continue to do this as you say...
"Pat-a-cak, pat-a-cake, baker's man.
Bake me a cake as fast as you can.
Roll it and put it and mark it with B,
and out it in the oven for Baby and me."
Repeat this several times and observe the baby. Does he appear to be interested? Does he attempt to clap his hands to play Pat-a-cake? If not, encourage the baby to copy the pat-a-cake hand movement. If you substitute the initial letter of the baby's name and use the baby's name in the rhyme, he may listen more attentively.
You may need to gently hold the baby's wrists and assist him. With practice the baby will play Pat-a-cake spontaneously.
Remember that babies enjoy and need much repetition.
Nursery Rhymes
This activity develops
- language enrichment
- listening skills
- an interest in repetition
- an interest in rhythm
Buy or borrow a nursery rhyme book from the library. Choose some of your favourite rhymes and read, recite or sing these rhymes for your baby to hear. Repeat each one several times. The nonsensical words of these 'catchy' rhymes will entertain the baby as he listens.
Show the baby the picture that corresponds to the rhyme. The brief glance at the pictures will serve to develop beginning associations of pictures and words. Rhymes and rhythms are useful in developing early listening skills.
Repeat the recitations of the nursery rhymes whenever possible. The baby will learn to listen. As he begins to talk later, he will recite parts of his favourite rhymes spontaneously.
Sep 12, 2010
INTRODUCING SOLIDS TO BABIES
SUGGESTED FOODS TO TRY FIRST:
• rice cereal • potato/sweet potato • carrot • pumpkin • avocado
THEN INTRODUCE:
• apple • pear • banana • peaches • yoghurt
AND THEN MEATS:
• meat • chicken • fish
• rice cereal • potato/sweet potato • carrot • pumpkin • avocado
THEN INTRODUCE:
• apple • pear • banana • peaches • yoghurt
AND THEN MEATS:
• meat • chicken • fish
I've started introducing avocado to baby J. I must say I am happy to see that baby J shows keen interest in it. She's also able to use her tongue to bring the mashed avocado into her mouth, followed by smooth swallowing reflexes. Well done baby J. No constipation, no allergy. Yey! Next food to be introduced would be carrots, after giving her avocado for 4-5 days.
Mass Lantern Walk
What is the event about
Walk This Way
If you want to stretch your legs and soak into some culture at the same time, this event is perfect for you.
Lanterns which are an ever-present feature of the glittering Mid-Autumn Festival will also play a role in the conclusion of this Festival with a Mass Lantern Walk.
As part of this walk, participants will carry colourful lanterns in a procession under the moonlit sky. Everyone is welcome to dress up and bring your own lanterns to join in the walk. Just look out for the flickering of candlelight in the open field beside Outram Park MRT Station on 18 Sep at 7.30pm.
The route runs will take you from the heart of Chinatown, down Eu Tong Sen Street, to the banks of the Singapore River, near The Central at Clarke Quay. You’ll pass through festive lights and heritage shophouses, catching a glimpse of a side of Singapore not often seen by visitors.
7.30pm, 2 hours 30 minutes
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