Understanding Work and Exploring Education

Since the return from London, our family has been kept very busy. In thoughts, in resolution, in understanding how we as Christians are to live in the world which God placed us in. June Camp provided me a precious opportunity to work out my own personal manifesto of work. The process itself was revelatory. And at the end of the week, I was impassioned with what I needed to do with the life that God gave. And in doing so, work out my priorities in life as well as consider more concretely, what my secular education as well as spiritual education has "undone" me for.

Believe it or not, we were almost ready to uproot ourselves from our four wall flat to an open area where the children could explore and run freely. That is another story at another time. Well, although that eventually didn't work out [much to my disappointment] but it hasn't really squelch our resolve to live our life as we ought to. 

One of the more significant manifestations of the manifesto has been to relook at School of Tots. We had so much fun and the kids all learnt much. But, as I grew to understand my physical limitations all over again and my priorities and my focus, it seems like for the time being, School of Tots will take a long recess. And like all forms of recess, I think it is time to undertake some reform until we are all ready to take it up again and perhaps relaunch with new vision and goals to support our children's education for the long term as well as financially.

But in the meantime, Sarah and Sammy is walking along their journey of learning.

A note on learning the Alphabet - The kids have been learning their alphabet through various sources. For one, thanks to Auntie CC, Leapfrog Letter Factory has made learning phonetic sounds a painless and fun process. I think the kids mastered the sounds after a quick 2 weeks. This phonetic learning is reinforced very effectively with www.starfall.com. This is an interactive and free resource I stumbled upon searching for resources that teach kids how to learn to read. The kids enjoy their computer time with this site and I try to schedule computer times during the waiting times, such as in between baths and in between bedtimes. Besides phonics, sight words are also important. For that, I use Peter and Jane as well as suggestions from "The Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading" and Meet the Sight Words DVD from the National Library Board. Sammy was able to read the words "my", "to" and "go" unassisted much to my astonishment. As for Sarah, she was able to figure out "pat", "fat", rat", "hat" and "mat". But of course, this was done with continuous practice. And for the past few nights, Sarah has been trying to read Peter and Jane 1A and 1B on her own. I do look forward to the day, when the kids can read independently because that would mark the start of their own learning.

Lapbook and the Letter B: Blueberries for Sal

In the meantime, I have started Sarah and Sammy on some lapbook and unit studies [in the loose sense of the word]. We call it Lapbook Time and they like the opening song cos they get to be whirled around, and I become dizzy after whirling them around. I decided to continue with the use of award winning children's literature, and we have moved on to "B" - Blueberries for Sal. The book is readily available in our National Library and there are plenty of free resources from the net. I will post some links soon. My most useful craft material are adhesive felt sheets from Daiso. So for this book, I concentrated on counting from 1-5, number recognition and the letter "B". Along the way, we looked at the life cycle of a bear [triggered off by hibernation] and we did a blue and letter B collage for the front cover of our lapbook. It's still pretty art and craft at this stage and I hope to move on to engaging the kids in some simple discussion. I am convinced that learning is not rote but understanding, questioning, clarification and engaging one's mind.  At the least, Sarah could engage me in a very simple discussion on hibernation.

The Letter C - Corduroy

The next book we looked at was "Corduroy". We looked at the letter C and it was good to continue with the bear theme. Only this time, we played "toy shop". Sarah was given 5 coins which she had to use to buy toys. Flashcards of numbers 1-5 were used to connect her sight and sounds of numbers. At the end of our 15 mins of play, I must say, she was pretty competent in numbers 1-5.

A Study of Africa
This week, inspired by the free concert of Watoto Children's choir at Trinity Christian Centre, we looked at a study of Africa. The continent of Africa is made up of many countries and Uganda, where the choir came from was one of them. It was an educational study because we learnt that there are many kinds of children that God created and He loves every child. Sarah and Sammy learnt how to make the flag of Uganda, they learnt how the map of Africa looks like and they stuck safari animal stickers onto their brown felt strips of dessert. The climax of the choir concert was a very enjoyable one. The children literally turned their praise and worship session into a song and dance concert. God's word "I will never leave you nor forsake you" was an anthem of hope and life for the kids, many whom were orphaned by HIV. At the end of the concert, sammy was moving to the beat and so was Hannah.

Here are some good books that were picked out at the NLB that I found particularly engaging because it made use of a narrative as well as shapes and alphabet to introduce the kids to a new foreign culture. 

Special Note: Lest any young mothers are getting stressed over my posts, take heart because these posts are not meant to do that. During my lapbook sessions which I have with Sarah and Sammy, it's always intersperse with Sammy running off and trying to dig out his cars or lego, Sarah saying she is tired or some other distractions. It is definitely challenging but those bursts of learning and sparks of ingenuity that they emit unexpectedly have kept me keeping on. 

On a lighter note, our usual Friday trip out was thwarted by the heavy rains in the morning last week. So, at the prompting of Sarah, we went  out to play with the puddles. A new dimension was added to their puddle fun - Toad Hunt. The croaks by the bullfrogs were unmistakable that morning. So, decked in their raincoats from Lyme Regis and wellingtons, they went on a Toad Hunt. And I think we all secretly pleased that we didn't see any jumping out into our faces, although we heard a few really loud toads.

More of London

Sarah still talks about London and how she wants all of her extended family to go with her. Well,perhaps we would head there again...It was truly a great trip and here are some reasons why we all love London.

Of course, we did the touristy things and visited the National Gallery, the Science Museum, Trafalgar Square, Bath, Stonehenge etc. But our holiday only begun when we travelled down South and we visited quaint little towns, devoid of tourists in the South. Mevagissey was special with all its unique bric-a-brac. 

Bosinver was our base as we explored the South. It was an award winning farm stay that had everything to make a family holiday relaxing for the parents and fun for the kids. A playroom that never closes, animal feeding and huge pasture and many climbing structures. www.bosinver.co.uk

We drove to Plymouth to visit the site where the Pilgrims set forth on the Mayflower towards America. It was a surprisingly beautiful and developed place that held much historical significance in the development of Christianity. 

A stopover at Jamie Oliver's Fifteen on Mother's Day was refreshing. The restaurant overlooked Newquay beach and it was a lovely and comfortable place to dine. 

We had a chance to visit Dan's Auntie at Mapperton and her garden was teeming with many wild bluebells.

Sarah playing dress up at the Museum.

The magical part of our trip has got to our stay at Lyme Regis. I have never heard of Lyme Regis before this trip and we only went there because a beautiful beach fronting apartment was available due to a last minute cancellation at half the price:) It turned out to be the coolest place on our itinerary - magical, I would say. It was inspirational to know that Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy travelled to Lyme Regis to get inspiration to write their novels. It was thrilling to hear names like Sir David Attenborough [ I was a documentary fan] because Lyme Regis is well known as a fossil site. For the kids, seeing the endless beach was a welcoming site for them and they hit the beach in their winter wear at least thrice a day. Everyone had a whale of a time, eating ice cream, rockpooling, visiting the award winning museum and our climax there has got to the the 2.5 hour fossil walk where we met unassuming geologist Paddy Howe. I didn't realize that he is quite a big name in paleontology till I googled him back in Singapore. The kids had a great time with teacher Paddy, especially Sarah. 

Orphanage at Ashley Down

As we moved to Webbington (our final stop in the South), we went in search of people who were instrumental in shaping the history of Christianity. We drove to Bristol and tracked down George Muller's Orphanage at Ashley Down. The building was already an integral part of the architecture there and it has been converted into a university. We were glad to see the building. We headed the next day to George Muller's House. Daniel wrote in to the person in charge and he was kind to take us around the house. 

Next day, we headed to the heart of Bristol to visit the world's oldest Wesley Chapel. These sights left us with much thought about the perservance of the saints and God who brought all these to past. 

Our trip ended with a drive to South Wales where we saw the ruins of Tintern Abbey. I never thought much of ruins but being confronted with Tintern Abbey, I was awestruck. The place was so serene and peaceful and the air was filled with floating dandelions. I have perhaps used the word beautiful many times in my description of UK..but it is indeed beautiful. I love the overexposed shots of Sarah blowing the dandelions:)

As we bid farewell to South London and headed back to London, we drove through Cheddar Gorge at Mendip Hills. It was a deliberate drive because Cheddar Gorge was legended to be the inspiration for the hymn "Rock of Ages". As we drove through the towering Gorge, Daniel blasted "Rock of Ages" in the car. I enjoyed that drive very much, especially since Rock of Ages is one of our favorite hymn. 

We left London with much to remember and reflect. Truly our God has been faithful in this great nation!

Our Dear Samuel - Our Tiny Tim

Samuel is a special one - that's how he is made to be, since his conception, to his delivery and to his existence. Many times, I feel like I am just a custodian who stands afar, and watches God unfold His grace in this boy's life. As many people look at Samuel and comment on his long eyelashes, his handsome looks and his cheeky demeanour, I can only nod readily not because I nor Daniel gave him his good looks...but we know surely that Samuel is God's special creation and thus His honor and glory alone. 

Looking at Samuel reminds me poignantly of the words that Tiny Tim uttered in the Christmas Carol. Tiny Tim had hoped that when the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, Who made lame the walk and the blind to see. The very same way, it seems that God has placed a reminder through Samuel to all, those who know Him and those who don't, that there is a Divine Being, greater than all His creatures. God is the one who shielded this little boy from the effects of chemotherapy and God is the one who formed his inner parts. Sammy is my reminder of a God who is real and a God who is sovereign and a God who is loving and a God who is powerful. What a wonderful God we serve!

He is turning two in a week's time and we are still praying for the Lord to preserve him from childhood diseases. 

A Very Belated Post

Some of you are probably wondering if this birthday party mommy forgot to celebrate Sarah's birthday. Well,we did but in a small scale this year as it was just 2 weeks before we flew off to London. Sarah would not allow mommy to forget this important occasion. It was a small family celebration at Triple Three [no pun intended] and we are thankful for the thoughtful staff who gave us a private room and even doubled up as my event manager for the day. 

Sarah and her balloons which she specifically requested are a must-have at her party.

The cake that she couldn't stop nibbling at.

Ah Gong, Ahma, Duayi, Uncle Henry and Cousin Belle Belle.

Grandpa, Grandma, Shu Shu David, Auntie Chiao Chyi, Shu Shu Darrell and Cousin Hannah and Cousin Josiah.

Grand Auntie Fung, Grand Uncle Mark, Natalie and Emily

Dear friends, Josh and Jan and Jojo.

Grand Godpa Chua and Family.

More surprises that evening with the Ikea Kitchen which Auntie CC took hours to fix

Shu Shu Darrell and his gift of roller skates to Sarah.

Duayi and Uncle Henry's Birthday Bicycle to Sarah.

*Our Heart Melt Moment*

This happened a couple of weeks ago when we returned from UK.

Daddy: "So Sarah, would you like to go to London again or stay in Singapore?"
Sarah: "I want to be with Daddy and Mommy." 

For Sarah to be able to communicate with us is a joy. For her to communicate to us with such sweet and honest words are truly a blessing.

As I busy this week with some camp preparation and the daily responsibilities, I continue to return to www.sheepdogger.blogspot.com and it was more tearful reading as I am directed to http://www.theelishafoundation.org/blog/ which tells more stories about parents who are 'bestowed' with special needs children. Many of these kids cannot and never will be able to tell their Daddies or Mommies, "I love you" but the parents plough on in this mostly unreciprocated relationship. This reading always puts my feet on the ground even as I get carried away with lofty ideals for my children. This reading also always directs my gratitude to the Lord for my kids. God glorifying words dispels discontentment, strife and unhappiness but encourages gratitude, brokenness and humility in the Lord. 

A most fitting song as we think of children, abled or disabled:

Jesus loves the children

ALL the children of the world.

Let the Children Play!

Will Sarah and Samuel ever be tired of play? Haha...I am afraid not. As children, their propensity to play is tremendous. And I thoroughly enjoy watching them play, laugh and jump with no holds barred. The simplicity and genuine-ness of their hearts and mind give way to the fullness of the joy they experienced. Let the little children play in gay abandon - till the cares of life and the complexities of mankind take over.

The Necessary Kids Travel Checklist for UK

I am constantly fine-tuning my travel packing list, particularly when it involves packing for 2 tots. This trip to London, have ranked some things high on the priority list. A pram/ double pram is great especially when you are doing extensive walking in London, through the parks or visiting museums. It was great when we visited museums because Sarah and Samuel were fast asleep during that time, and it meant some good quiet time of studying the exhibits. But did I forget to mention that the Underground in London is probably the most child unfriendly mode of transportation for families in London. Dan and my father in law did a fair amount of weight lifting as they carried the double pram with its full load over the many steps and the execution of perfect timing as we tried to bounce out of the tube in time, with kids, pram and grandparents all in tow to avoid the doors closing in on us. Haha...it was harrowing but truly memorable. 

With the erratic weather of London, cold air, chilly winds and the sudden drizzle, it can truly knock the socks off any Asian who is only too used to tropical weather. Always, always bring along a rain cover for the pram. There were times when we had to brave through the drizzle, and Sarah and Samuel would be howling because of the cold rain. The faster we push to reach to the shelter, the colder they felt as the pram pushed through the cold rain. Poor kids:(

I was glad the day before I left, I rushed to buy woolen thermal underclothes for the kids. It proved real handy. Perhaps, I should have bought 2 sets because I recycled the only one set I had for them for a full 21 days:) And of course, 2 sets of beanies, gloves, scarves and a good windbreaker [with hood] should be able to greet any sudden change in weather. 

My mother-in-law was wise enough to pack a bag of instant oats and marmite which became a rather regular meal for the kids in UK. Potatoes, chips, pies and pasty just doesn't seem to go too well as their dinner. A food thermos flask is especially useful to keep food warm in the cold weather. 

Wellingtons, many pairs of socks and a good handy pair of crocs proved to be all the footwear they need for play, fossil hunting, rock-pooling and horsing around. 

For Samuel, his little pillow was packed all the way from Singapore and it was definitely a life saver during those long road trips and for him to adjust into a new holiday home and a new bed everytime we moved. 

Notwithstanding the long list of things to bring, I would bring an empty luggage the next time to pack in all the wonderfully inexpensive organic food and snacks and toys from ELC UK.

The Best Comfort of Being Overseas...

is being able to catch up with Family and Friends. One of the most memorable parts of the trip was being able to meet up with friends and family, albeit physically or virtually. We met up with Rachel and had a sumptuous crepe dinner with her. We met up with the kids' Godpa and Godma, Uncle Jonathan and Auntie Karen at least 4 out of 7 days we were in Central London and we enjoyed every minute of it. We met up with Auntie Ching and her family in her home and that was also very priceless. Family and friends are truly God's comfort to every individual - whether we return home from a friendly or a hostile environment. 

This picture of Sarah and Samuel, obviously enjoying their google chat with Hannah, Auntie CC, Shu Shu David and Shu Shu Darrell sums it all up.