Draw a Story

Before a child learn to write, he can draw a story and tell it aloud. He can create his own story characters and add in interesting scenes before he knows how to spell words. When he picks up phonics, help him blend and add in simple keywords to the picture. If he's into comics, add in thinking or speech bubbles to the characters.

The story need not be complicated. It can even be nonsensical. Depending on the age of the child, ask him "why, where, what" questions. Respect the reply from the author and ask "what if" something else happens, would the ending be different.

This builds up the fundamentals of composition writing without words. The next step would be to write simple sentences that link the story.

Co-creating the Environment

Nothing beats learning in the environment created by the child himself. Depending on the child's age, ask him for his opinion where to position the furniture. Give him 2 choices and ask him why he chose 1 over the other. Tell him it's his table where he writes & draws. Provide accessible writing materials near the table.

Start a home library. Bring the child to choose his own books or ask him what books he likes to read. Involve the child to arrange the books from biggest to smallest or arrange according to titles.

If the child is going to have his own room, let him be responsible for cleaning up the room. Discuss where he should keep his toys and books after use. Use the walls to display his writings and drawings. Discuss how often he wants to change the exhibits or whether he wants to set a theme for the display and help him work towards his goal.

By co-creating, he will feel the ownership of the environment and instill his sense of responsibility towards maintaining it.

Practice makes perfect

Our boy is quite a perfectionist. When he's doing something well, he tends to want to do it again and again to improve himself. He will continue until we ask him to stop. That explains why he draws the same picture everyday.

On the contrary, if he sees a challenge ahead, he will pout and scream at himself. To encourage him, we need to break the task into achievable bits so that he can see the "results" as parts to achieve the goal. When practicing piano, he needs to practise the more challenging phrases many times until he gets it before playing the whole song. When he plays a note wrong accidentally, he will start from the beginning.

This is a double-edged sword. It has been difficult to motivate him to start something new unless he is confident he can do it. He used to watch others playing at the playground before he finally went up the slide. Mei was exactly the opposite. She will go up the steps and slide down immediately.

But once he's into something, it's guaranteed that he will not give up easily. He will motivate himself to perfection and attempts more difficult tasks at his own pace. Mei, on the other hand, tries everything that comes in the way and gives up as when she thinks she's lost interest. For eg. She requested to drop out from art class to attend ballet class.

While the 2 children approach challenges different, the key is practice makes perfect. We always encourage them to put on efforts to practice be it writing, drawing, dancing or public speaking. We may not be good at the 1st attempt, but we will be better.

Peer Learning

Being the first born, my boy was surrounded with adults. In fact, I am the next youngest in the family. There are no children in the family until his arrival. He had no playmate at home and he found it difficult to communicate with children his age.

When mei was born, she has a big brother to look up to. She follows whatever he does. She learned to walk and talk faster. She can play with other children easily.

Children learn by observing others. We often joke about our boy is actually an old man wrapped in a boy's body. He sits like a coolie and eats peanuts with tea as he spent much of his younger days with his grandparents.

In school, children learn from peers. They pick up good and bad habits from schoolmates. They talk about what their friends have done and make their own judgements and imitate if they find it "cool". They compare themselves with their friends. They start to have their own social circle as they know more people.

Given the correct environment, peer learning should be encouraged. In class, they form project groups to discuss their research work. They share information and learn from one another. In disagreement, they learn to resolve disputes. In agreement, they reinforce their beliefs among friends. They build confidence through the process.

Among the group, there are natural leaders and followers. Each child is different. In class, the teacher tried to rotate the leadership role so that everyone has a chance to lead and take on responsibility.

At home, we are generous with praises. When a child has done well, we praise him/her so that the other child learn to do better. We recognize the strength of each child and hope the other is encouraged to work harder. With 2 children, we want to simulate the positive environment that encourages peer learning at home.

The Road Sweeper

When I was a child, my mum told me if I don't study hard, I will become a road sweeper. Coincidently, at that age, I enjoy sweeping the floor and thought I could become a good road sweeper one day. It was one of those myths that I grow up with. I grew up believing police catch naughty children & I was picked up from the rubbish dump.

Few weeks ago, we passed by a green field where some foreign worker were dismantling the tentage after a community event. My boy asked me why all the workers were foreigners. I could have adopted the road sweeper analogy and tell him to study hard. But I didn't.

The foreign workers left their homelands in search of livelihood. They take up low-waged jobs which Singaporeans are reluctant to do. They use their blood and sweat in exchange for bread and butter just to be remitted home miles away. Whether they are construction worker or domestics helper, they are contributing to our economy. When the rubbish truck came by our estates and the children find it smelly, we reminded them the cleaners have the endure the odour the whole day at work.

In today's context, there is an increased influx of foreigners compared to my time. I hope my children can grow up respecting others, regardless of their background and occupation. Meanwhile, I will find other ways to motivate them to study hard.

Child-led Activities

The learning environment must be equipped with accessible materials for the child to explore at all times. When they were younger, activities need to be closely supervised, especially those involving cutting. Now that they can use the scissors safely, we have designated areas for art supplies and stationary within reach.

We don't start with a specific theme but discuss what is to be done and what materials are required. Parental intervention is left to the minimum unless the child needs help in a specific area.

Yes, we keep a constant supplies of toilet rolls, tissue boxes and bottle caps. They are about the most versatile materials which can be used to make about anything the child can imagine.

When they were younger, I had to research on themes and simple instructions will be given. If the task is technically too challenging, they can follow standard "templates" and add colours and decorations to their creations.

The artwork are usually displayed for a period of time until a new piece takes over. Before they are thrown away due to limited storage space, we take photos to document the art pieces. The children enjoy looking through their archives of artwork. It is surprising how much they can remember about the process and the thoughts behind even if it was done sometime back.

Our children have started formal school with structured curriculum. Home activities are meant to supplement and enrich their learning experience. They can decide what they want to explore and learn in a relaxed environment, instilling independence as well as collaboration depending on the activities chosen. They learn to communicate their needs and ideas. They take ownership of what they have done and learned.

Our Community Library

Our weekend routine is peppered with occasional trips to the library. The community libraries are conveniently located in shopping malls which allow us to drop or pick up library books after our meals. We fill both our stomaches and minds.

The library has evolved much since I was a child in the 80s. The library was a solemn and no-nonsense place where the librarian will shoo you out if you make a little too much noise. Children are not allowed to wonder to the adults' section as well (at least that was the impression I've got). My memory of the library are Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio libraries which are 3 stories standalone buildings of book storage.

With technology advancement, physical books have been slowly replaced by e-books which are a click away. In the days to come, the need for the physical library may diminish but the desire for knowledge will increase exponentially. Knowledge should be at your fingertips even if it is not stored in your brain.

Our children are accustomed to both the physical and virtual way of acquiring knowledge. They are used to navigating both worlds simultaneously. They just need a library of EQ and soft skills to apply what they know.

Our Climate

We stay in tropical Singapore. We can't say our climate is extreme but it can be unbearably hot & humid. When it rains, flash floods are expected at low lying areas. We count ourselves lucky we don't have to brave through tornados & (real) floods.

In this climate, we have to reschedule or replan our outdoor activities & excursions when it rains. We need contingency plans to avoid disappointment. Our children need to know the plan to go to the playground or excursion to the zoo is pending weather forecast.

The weather teaches us to be adaptable as we need to adjust our expectations much like other things in life. As much as we can plan, our plans may not work as well as we anticipated. We need to learn to manage our temper and disappointment. Our children will be facing more climatic challenges in the days to come when the full effects of global warming may happen within their lifetime. They have to be equipped with the skills to succumb such adverse climate (in terms of weather or other aspects). At this point of time, we can only guide them along and hope for the sunshine!

What did you learn from Animal Kaiser?

My boy has a good collection of Animal Kaiser cards since he started playing the arcade game 2 years ago. On the game machine, there are violent animations of animal characters fighting each other using nonsensical stunts (with hilarious ramen & hamburgers squashing the animals at times). The player can scan his choice animal card and start pressing the button to get the higher score.

I always ask him what he learnt from Animal Kaiser and why it is not a waste of time and money:

Characteristics of animals

Behind the shiny picture of the animal character, there is a writeup of the story, how the character fights and their habitat. Quite informative at times, as there are new animals we rarely see

Drawing

He spent the bulk of his free time drawing animals and monsters. He flips through his card collection for inspirations to draw. He designs his own animals and cards

Organization

He spent sometime arranging and rearranging his cards into different powerful combination of animal, strong and miracle cards. I'm not sure how he analyses the strength and power, but he can explain his reasons why a certain card should go with another. This trains his organization skills, I suppose.

Value of money

He knows each game is $2 and he gets a card back after the game. He also knows a bowl of noodles at the school bistro only costs $0.80. So a game is almost his pocket money for a day. Although he pouts when it's not "games day", but he knows the opportunity cost involved.

He will be doing his show & tell based on Animal Kaiser. Let's see what he says.

Music & Maths

There are many similarities between music and maths. There are many researches that show how music helps children grasp maths concept.

Patterning vs Phrases

In maths, the child is taught patterns like ABAB or AABAAB. In music, the piece usually comprises 3 or 4 phrases, in a similar ABBA manner. The child can appreciate the music piece, hence decipher otherwise abstract maths concept easily.

Notes vs Fractions

In music, a 4/4 bar is made of different notes of different time (quavers, crotchets, minim, dotted minim & semi breve), making up to 4 counts in total. This is equivalent to dividing 4 into different numbers in maths. Fractions can be explained in this way- crochets can be made of 2 quavers (1/2) or 4 semi quavers (1/4).

A toddler who can barely count to 10 can easily clap or sway with the rhythm of music. Hence, before we kickstart a child in maths, let them sing & dance!

Our Restaurant

Unlike electronic toys which usually come with instruction manual, open ended toys allow the child to interpret his play and defines his parameters and rules of the game.

Our toy kitchen is the most well-used toy we have bought to date. With the basic set, we can add on new utensil and food. We can even use other toys as ingredients eg. using alphabet magnets to boil alphabet soup.

We use the kitchen set to play restaurant. I'm usually the customer while the children run the restaurant. They have to discuss and prepare the menu including the price list. Thereafter, they will set up the table and usher me to the seat. I will pretend not to understand the menu and request the "waiter" to explain the dishes in details. I will also make special requests like "please add more vegetables" to "complicate" the game. The waiter will have to pass my order to the chef, who is usually the sister. She will prepare the dishes and serve it to my table. (I know, it should be served by the waiter, but it's ok)

After eating, I'll need to pay at the cashier. I'll ask for the bill and purposely give big notes for the cashier to calculate the change. Sometimes, I give them tips for good service.

As an extension from the restaurant game, the children develop "package deals" like hotel stay, air tickets or foot reflexology. They draw vouchers for me to redeem ancillary services which are irresistible!

Our Living Environment

Like more than 75% of Singapore population, we live in highrise apartments of floor area less than 100sqm. Our children do not have large play areas at home but is spoilt for choices for community facilities in the neighbourhood. Every inch of our Environment is our teacher. Let's explore!

Counting up & down

If you are taking the stairs, count the steps 1,2,3... For younger kids, restart from 0 at each flight. For older kids, add the total number of steps.
If you are taking the lift, count down from the floor you are staying 10,9,8...Blast off!

Social Etiquette

We will meet our neighbors along the way. Greet each other with a smile. In a lift, show your child how to hold the lift for a neighbor to come in. Say Thank You if someone holds the lift for you. Children learn by example. When they are older, they will do the same. Move into the lift as much as possible if the lift is crowded. Say Excuse Me if you need to move out from a crowded lift.

Reading signage

Our residential address are identified by block, floor and unit numbers. Show the child the 3 signage. While picking up the letter from the letterbox, show your child how the address is written on the envelop with reference to the signage.

If the child can read more words, read all the signage along the way and explain what the signage is saying. It may be a no smoking sign or a directional sign. Verbalise your journey and point to the word if it appears on the signage. Eg. Why is there a cigarette butt here when it is a non-smoking zone? (pointing at the signage)

Science

Why is it more strenuous to walk up the stairs than walking down? Why are there fallen leaves? Ask questions along the way and let the child ponder and explain in his own way. You are cultivating an inquisitive mind and imparting analytical skills. It doesn't matter if the answer is wrong! Put in some encouraging words before you reveal the answer. When the child ask a question, do not brush it aside. If it can't be answered off hand, suggest a session to research into the topic on Internet.

Playing along the way

The playground may be where we are heading but the play doesn't start there. A game a scissors paper stone at the doorway while waiting for daddy. Jumping from one colored tile to another in a "follow the leader" manner. With some imagination, the tile pattern at the lift lobby can become a pond (blue tiles) with petals (accent tiles). Make sure you step on the correct colour or you'll be eaten up by the crocodiles!

Screen Time Dilemma

Our kids are born Gen Z with Gen X parents. They are born in the smart phone era. They are conditioned to multitask & expect instant gratification.

When I was born, the only screen we had was the TV. Apple II computer came into picture when I was in pri school. There was no mobile phone to deal with. We can only watch TV when adults switch it on for us.

iPhone is both a friend & an enemy bringing up kids. It has many useful apps which the child can learn languages, maths & songs. There are even flashcard apps for babies. I must admit iPhone is one of most effective distractor to a whiny child. But I try not to use it too often as a babysitter. Most of the apps I downloaded are educational apps anyway. Starfall is one of their favorite apps.

With iPhone, they can search for songs & videos on the move. Mei learned many Disney songs on YouTube before we bought the CD which she listens in the car everyday. She can watch her favorite princess MTVs remixed with songs like Celine Dion's Because you love me. She can sing & dance to the tune like a pro.

I always feel that I should reduce their screen time and replace with more engaging activities. But the reality is, as a FTWM, I have little time to "prepare" materials. The alternative is stacks of paper and writing materials for them to write and draw. In fact, my 7yo has been asking for his own facebook account so that he can play games. I told him he has to lie about his age to register an account, which is of course not recommended. I "issue" them the iPhone with a "curfew" which they willingly promise and return at the designated time.

Now when they say "mummy, can I draw something?" I need to clarify if they meant the iPhone game or drawing on paper. Meanwhile, I will continue to monitor their screen time to ensure it doesn't affect their social skills in the days to come.

The Environment as the Third Teacher

In Reggio-Emilia approach to education, the Environment is the third teacher, providing space and opportunities for the child to explore and think.  As a partner of Reggio, I was keen to research more into my parental role to complement what my child is learning in school.

The Environment is not limited to the physical space.  In fact, it is defined by the people and events happening around us.  With technology advancement, the Environment has indeed extended into the virtual world which has untapped endless potentials.

I've decided to start this blog to share my intepretation of this Environment.  I'm not an educator by training.  My perception is from a parent's perspective, a partner who provides support to the Teacher or Researcher.   Being a trained Architect, I hope to extend my design knowledge on to this realm and share how the Environment can help mould the child, the Protagonist.

I hope to document the learning moments that inspire...