Category: Education

TMA Homeschool Parents Conference: Set them up for success

About two years ago, my husband and I have started praying about homeschooling our daughter. We’ve done so, albeit unstructured, unplanned, and spontaneous (well, isn’t that what homeschooling is about? =)

A couple of days ago, we have finally decided it’s time for our daughter to enter Kinder. But we have also gotten the answer to our question: should we homeschool or not? The answer was a huge YES! We’ve gotten ourselves a provider (finally!) for our peace of mind, mainly. And since I will be the main teacher-parent, I should equip myself, such as attending seminars like this:

 

TMA Homeschool Parents Conference on March 12. Register and use TKEATMAHS_1 on the Referral Code and receive a surprise from Touringkitty!
TMA Homeschool Parents Conference on March 12. Register and use TKEATMAHS_1 on the Referral Code and receive a surprise from Touringkitty!

 

If you’re also wondering what this homeschooling thing is, then YOU should attend! More details at this link:

http://manilaworkshops.com/events/2015-tma-homeschool-parents-conference-set-them-up-for-success

Decided to attend? Why not attend for FREE by joining this raffle?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Will announce the winner on the 11th of March. Join now!

~ Touringkitty

Aria’s 2014 Art Roundup

Last year was indeed a milestone year for my daughter. I could never been any happier with her biggest achievement–being behaved inside a closed theater venue!

My husband and I try to make every experience as enjoyable and educational as possible. She definitely enjoys traveling, something she got from her parents, definitely, who used to be part of active touring choral groups. She calls every trip outside a “field trip,” and since that’s the peg of every trip outside, we make them homeschooling opportunities.

We make sure to choose activities that will introduce her to the seven arts. Luckily, we live in a place surrounded by theaters, museums, and other places of arts. Likewise, this blog has taken me and my daughter to different events we both have enjoyed and learned from. She loves listening and making music, so no wonder we take her to concerts of various musical forms.

Here’s a roundup of art-related activities we have done the past year.

 

January

We took her to her first orchestral concert– that of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in an outdoor venue–Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium. That concert was a tie-up with the Far Easter University and I blogged about it here. We also chanced upon the Chang Kai Shek Youth Choir at the SM Aura for the Chinese New Year celebrations on the last day of this month.

cimg1392

 

February

Aria got a taste of some jazz music through the Euro-Pinoy Jazz concerts at the Maestranza Park in Intramuros. We also asked our cousin, Joy of iBake to make a cake decorating activity for Aria, who loves doing art works. We also passed by a Marian exhibit at the Mall of Asia organized by Radyo Veritas. They do this at least twice a year.

Aria was THAT small exactly last year? I cannot believe my eyes!
Aria was THAT small exactly last year? I cannot believe my eyes! With my cousin Joy.

March

Not much activity this month, but we caught the PPO again at the CCP for the Children’s Concert.

 

April

We spent Easter Sunday at Movie Stars Cafe (click here to know how to get a 10% discount when you visit!) and Beauty and the Beast was showing! Good thing because this prepared her for the musical which she was able to watch last January. This month was also a milestone for her–her first full orchestral concert inside the CCP Main Theater! She also watched Mommy conduct her Children’s Choir for the Madz et al concert.

 

One of our staunch supporters, Mons Bobby, who happily posed with us after the concert. Thank you, Mons, for supporting these kids as much as we do!

May

We supported Daddy and Leana, my niece, who performed in a concert of Ryan Cayabyab’s songs. She also watched Mommy and her choir again in San Sebastian Basilica for the Musica Sacra Festival.

She was on that phase of not wanting to have her photos taken, but she's past that now.
She was on that phase of not wanting to have her photos taken, but she’s past that now.

 

June

Aria was brought by Daddy for the culminating concert of the Madz’ 50th Anniversary. We caught the PPO as wellat the CCP and chanced upon a cool exhibit in the gallery outside the Little Theater.

 

July

Some friends from the classical music world, Ervin Lumauag, Krystl Buesa, and Alejandro Consolacion had a recital-concert at the Rizal Park. No rain stopped this concert of theirs. Then we also watched the concert of the famed Time Ensemble at the PICC Meeting Room. An intimate concert featuring varied repertoire. I was surprised Aria sat and listened well to each song, she was even dancing along the front act performers, the Voce Fich.

 

August

We went to two kids’ expositions, or expos– first was the Smartkids Asia expo where my blog won an award. Another is the Toy Expo of Toy Kingdom. Both events were held at the SMX Convention Center. Seeing new toys and stuff for kids is just a delight for the family.

 

Best Blog award went to Touringkitty!
Best Blog award went to Touringkitty!

September

I had the privilege of performing as woodsprite in the UP-produced Rusalka, an opera by Antonin Dvorak. According to my family, Aria was cheering from her seat every time I appear on stage. Thank God for daughters! Aria also attended the Manila International Book Fair, where we also sang for a book launch. Once again, there was a Marian exhibit called Mary and the Popes at SM Mall of Asia. We also visited Exploreum at MOA for the first time.

A blurry photo of the woodsprite, Aria, and Rusalka.
A blurry photo of the woodsprite, Aria, and Rusalka.

 

October

October was a busy month for Mommy, so Aria had the chance to tag along Mommy everywhere! First was in a choral conducting recital in a church in faraway Quezon City. She was well behaved throughout the recital! Proud of my little girl. Also, I took her to the culminating activity of the CCP Hands-on Choral Workshop, where members and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers served as conductors. Through this blog, I also got to bring her to Kids Workshop in Greenhills, San Juan City, a great place for kids to play, learn, and have fun. They intersperse storytelling and art activities while kids play in their big play area.

 

November

November was jampacked with activities for this blog. We watched the fashion show and launch of P.S. from Aeropostale. We also watched the Dancing Lights at Ayala Triangle and the concert of the PPO and the Ateneo Chamber Singers at Salcedo Park, both in Makati.

CIMG0142
Trying out the catwalk herself, before the show. Her DJ cousins at the back.

 

December

This month was a month of firsts for my little one. It was her first time to perform in public officially. First in the Christmas Party in Mathemagis, a Singapore Maths program she is enrolled in. Apparently, she volunteered herself to sing for the party. Then she also sang and danced as Youth animator at our church on Christmas Day. Went back to Movie Stars Cafe for their Frozen show. We were also fortunate to watch Cinderella by Ballet Philippines and the Madz’ Christmas concert.

 

With my Frozen fanatic.
With my Frozen fanatic.

February is National Arts Month. It is also the Month of Hearts. It is never too early or too late to introduce arts to everyone. As the Cultural Center of the Philippines puts it, “O ‘di ba, mas maganda kung may arts sa buhay mo?” (Isn’t is more beautiful if you have arts in your life?).

Art in the Heart Touringkitty
Art is in our hearts! Art by Touringkitty, made using Canva (www.canva.com).

 

Happy heARTS Month!

 

~ Touringkitty

 

 

Help Jeline Oliva win a scholarship in Mannes!

Maria Jeline Llorin Oliva is a young and very talented violinist. I first met her when I was a cultural worker two years ago, and have witnessed her simplicity, humility, and great passion for her chosen craft. She was mentored by Ms. Gina Medina-Perez and currently, by one of the foremost Filipino violinists, Mr. Gilopez Kabayao.

If you could still remember, she was this young girl who played violin, drums, and piano in the Grand Finals of Pilipinas Got Talent, a local talent show on television, in 2010. In 2011, she won the First Prize in the Strings Open Category of the National Music Competition for Young Artists, or NAMCYA. From hereon, she starts her journey as a classical violinists, being featured as soloist in concerts, and just recently, a concert all on her own at the Ayala Museum.

Time flies so fast and she’s about to enter college. And she is preparing to study abroad to further hone her skills. Knowing how expensive it can be, Jeline entered this competition for a scholarship at the Mannes College The New School for Music in New York, USA. And I would like to ask for a simple help from all of you so we could send this talented girl to NYC! She already passed the auditions, but she needs our help for the scholarship.

With just a LIKE and a COMMENT on her Youtube video, we can send someone to one of the prestigious music schools in New York, Mannes. So please visit bit.ly/SupportJeline, VIEW the video to know her journey, LIKE the video using your Youtube OR Gmail account, and write a COMMENT. Please also share it with your family and friends so we could all contribute to this with just a few minutes of your internet time.

Likes and comments for the competition will be counted until February 1st.

May this be our good deed for 2015, if we have not yet done one =)

~ Touringkitty

REVIEW: Peekapak: Curricula for your everywhere learner

Whether your child is in school, at home, or on the go, as parents, we want to make sure they learn something anytime, anywhere.

Where do you usually turn to? Do you always have books, pens, crayons and papers within your reach? Do you have the same old characters in those sheets? Worry no more, because this homeschool curriculum we will get to know has new illustrated characters, new story and concept.

You can STILL get it for FREE! Click photo to go to link.
You can STILL get it for FREE! Click photo to go to link.

Peekapak is a resource for original stories, all available for use in school, at home, or online.

From their website:
Developed by Peekapak and education experts, our home curriculum extends your child’s learning into the home. The curriculum integrates the Common Core Standards and support the development of the 4C’s (Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking & Creativity) while providing families with interactive learning opportunities through an engaging original story, creative projects, and discussions.

Here’s what I can say about the lesson we did, Tree of Happiness.

STORY, LESSON. The story is easy to read and understand. Characters are relatable and colourful. For the teacher’s materials: detailed, comprehensive, and flexible.

ACTIVITIES. A one page printable tree, perhaps? I think I saw a bigger one. Likewise, for the story, the happy phrases can be written on leaves or appear on fruits, rather than tags. I have not tried the activities here cos materials has to be printed out, so we shall do it some other time.

Since I did not have time to print out the big tree, I instead had a Q and A with my child about the story. Then I asked her to accomplish this work folder.

Aria's happiness folder filled with action words describing what makes her happy.
Aria’s happiness folder filled with action words describing what makes her happy.

The last word is “loving.” She said she is happy when she is loving Daddy and Mommy. My heart melted! Such a sweet little girl. To keep the happiness higher, we danced to Pharell Williams’ Happy, learned to spell Happy, and thanked the Lord that our family is happy that moment.

Overall, Peekapak is a great product and I will recommend to fellow moms who seek activities for their children, homeschooling or not. This is a great addition to resources we are already familiar with.

Visit www.peekapak.com to know more about their products and services.

~ Touringkitty

REVIEW: Educents: Educational resources made affordable

Educents
Click the photo to get a $10 credit in Educents.com!

 

For a homeschooling mom on the go like I am, I always look online for ideas, resources, and materials that would best fit my daughter.

Recently, I found a site which caters to just what I need: different subject areas, worksheets, lesson plans, books, even supplies, all in one website!

Educents was founded in 2013 by Kate and Kaitlyn, who are passionate about education. They believe that everyone should have access to education, and are offering really affordable yet quality products in their website.

According to their website, since its launch in April, 2013, Educents has saved educators over $15 million dollars and has helped more than 130,000 teachers, homeschoolers and parents gain access to affordable educational materials.

I tried it out myself, and here’s what I can say about the site:

1. Easy to navigate. Who does not love a website so easy to navigate? Clear, concise, and clean website. Easy to understand tabs, and you can even filter materials to your desired grade level. See example below:

See my shopping cart? I already got Snow Kids Color by Code because it's FREE!
See my shopping cart? I already got Snow Kids Color by Code because it’s FREE!

 

2. Different subject areas, in one site. I don’t have to browse different sites because I can get math, science, and art resources from this site alone.

3. Deals, deals, DEALS! Don’t we all love the words discount and free? You will often see them on the website.

4. They have a blog where you can read how the products, materials, and worksheets are actually used, and more teaching and learning tips. I was able to use one of their products–the Peekapak Homeschool Gratitude Curriculum and my daughter enjoyed reading and learning from the book (though we chose to read from the laptop at first). Get it FREE, only four days left! Sign up now.

Whether you are homeschooling or not, and looking for ways to teach your child at home, Educents makes education accessible, for fewer cents.

Sign up via this link and get $10 in credit to spend in the website! How does that sound to you?

 

“We aspire to provide affordable education to everyone. That’s the idea behind Educents. Imagine the possibilities.”

Connect with Educents via BlogTwitter and Facebook.

 

~ Touringkitty

 

Touringkittyps: 10 Gift Suggestions from The Mind Museum

Who says giving Christmas gifts are only for the young ones?

The Mind Museum gives us 10 gift suggestions this Yuletide season. You might think these gifts are only for science geeks, but with their wide array of museum activities and products from the Mind Museum Store, there’s definitely one for everyone.

1. The Scientific Date: How about a date in an artsy but science-themed gallery, or stargazing in cozy couches in a custom-made planetarium? Surprise your loved ones and the young ones with All Day Passes or gift certificates to The Mind Museum! With over 250 hands-on, minds-on exhibits and live experiment demonstrations that unveil the remarkable science behind living and non-living things, a date or two in The Mind Museum is definitely a unique and exciting way to spend time together this Yuletide season. (The Mind Museum tickets all day passes is sold for only Php750/php)

Back when we were dating, my husband and I love to visit museums, and now our daughter loves museum visits, too! Always a great date day for the three of us.

A visit in their outdoor park, Science in the Park during the middle of this year. Aria and Dad trying out the giant bubbles.
A visit in their outdoor park, Science in the Park during the middle of this year. Aria and Dad trying out the giant bubbles.

2. Name the Stars after Your Loved Ones: Do you know that you can literally leave your mark in The Mind Museum by naming one of their virtual exhibits? You can leave your names or your loved ones’ on digital exhibits found in the different galleries in the Museum, through a fixed donation that come with e-certificates. Imagine the delight of seeing your family’s name imprinted on the virtual stars that make up a constellation, or name a specific kind of dinosaur that inhabits a virtual era in history. What’s more heart-warming is that all proceeds for this program go to supporting the institutions’ project of giving free museum visits to public school kids. (Virtual exhibits’ price ranges from Php1,000 to Php5,000, depending on your choice of show. For more information, visit http://exhibits.themindmuseum.org.)

It might be interesting to have a star named after my daughter, Ariadne!

3. The Key to Endless Discovery: A year-round, all-day admission to the first world-class science museum in the country—how does that sound? Interactive exhibits, a thoughtfully designed planetarium, meticulously laid-out 3D shows, and exciting science demonstrations await your lucky gift recipient. The Mind Museum’s Unlimited Science Pass also gives free admission to over 300 worldwide science museums, discounts on travelling exhibition tickets, birthday packages, and purchases inside The Mind Museum Store. And because the institution always interlinks its efforts with expanding the knowledge of today’s generation, this unli-pass directly supports free museum passes for underprivileged kids. (For a group of four or more, avail the Unlimited Science Pass for only Php2,250/pax. Visit https://www.themindmuseum.org/science-alive/63/membership-program for more information)

4. All for Science, All for Love: To celebrate the holidays in a different, more meaningful way, why not sponsor a trip for public school kids this Christmas? You can even ask your family or friends to join you in spearheading this project to further enrich the sense of wonder of these young ones. Don’t worry, The Mind Museum’s doors are open to plan and accomplish this advocacy of embracing and sharing the true spirit of the season. (To inquire about this project, please send your email to inquiry@themindmuseum.org.)

Don’t forget to give! It’s nice to receive but definitely much nicer to give.

Want more? Here’s what’s in store at The Mind Museum Store.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines Arts Education Department (where I used to work) back in 2012 in one of our exposure trips. The Mind Museum Store behind us.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines Arts Education Department (where I used to work) back in 2012 in one of our exposure trips. The Mind Museum Store behind us.

5. If these shirts could talk: Let your friends “wear their wit” with these design shirts that are exclusively available in The Mind Museum Store! These shirts come in different colors and are tastefully designed with vibrant graphics and statements that will truly make science a cool fashion statement of choice this holiday season. (Prices range from Php379.75 to Php499.75)

My Mensan husband would looove these!
My Mensan husband would looove these!

6. Of Puzzles, Papers, and Pencils: Instead of those tired old notebooks or planners, try giving the young ones (or even your family and friends) these funky Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook! They’re, indeed, a safe space for random thoughts, important lists, or mind babbles. Here’s a tip: pair these notebooks with Puzzle Color Pencils and let its colorful tips become their wand to create their DIY-diary. (Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook are sold for only Php379.75, while Puzzle Color Pencils set is sold for only Php649.75.)

Love scribbling? Get these cool notebooks to unleash the science geek in you.
Love scribbling? Get these cool notebooks to unleash the science geek in you.

7. Own the Universe: While these kids are taking baby steps towards their dreams, you can show them the momentary short-cut in seizing the universe, literally, through the Star Planetarium! Projecting 3D stars, planets, and constellations, this amazing contraption also includes 3D glasses for a more mesmerizing virtual representation of what’s above and beyond the world we’re living in. (The Star Planetarium set is sold for only Php2,579.75.)

My daughter has a fascination with all things in the sky, so this will be a great gift to her. Calling Ninongs and Ninangs!
My daughter has a fascination with all things in the sky, so this will be a great gift to her. Calling Ninongs and Ninangs!

8. Unearthing the Dinos: Be a paleontologist and travel back to the era of dinosaurs with the special edition of Dino Excavation Kit. Dig for the bones hidden in the gypsum block, assemble them and enjoy your very own miniature dinosaur skeleton replica. Top it off by learning more about the fossils you have just uncovered. (The entire Dino Excavation Kit is sold for Php2,699.75.)

We love playing treasure hunt at home, so this will be a good introduction to   fossils and dinosaurs. So far, the big purple one only does the trick.
We love playing treasure hunt at home, so this will be a good introduction to fossils and dinosaurs. So far, the big purple one only does the trick.

9. Tricks and Treats: Put a little ease and fun in teaching kids using playing cards that are exclusively sold at The Mind Museum store. You can either get What’s GNU?—a 3-letter learning game deck or go for a game of speed and visual tricks with Hyperswipe! Grab these cards now, be the learning and game master at the same time, and let the enlivening game itself, too, serve as an added gift to these kids! (What’s GNU deck costs Php9,49.75 while the Hyperswipe set costs Php1,349.75.)

Family day will surely be more fun with these board games.
Family day will surely be more fun with these board games.

10. Build Your Own, Learn on Your Own: Teach your young ones the basics of gardening, without having to worry about landscaping your backyard, with these innovative plant miniatures! You can either let them grow the Sweet Leaf, which grows leaves that be used as a natural substitute for sugar; the Mini-Melons that will actually produce sweet mini cantaloupes in less than 2 months; or get really out-of-this-word with the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden that will even allow them to experiment right in their mini pots! (Sweet leaf and Mini-melons cost Pho829.75 each while the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden is sold for Php1,229.75.)

Start small and green! Let kids enjoy plant miniatures right in your own home.
Start small and green! Let kids enjoy plant miniatures right in your own home.

Whether you’re giving or you’re the one wishing, The Mind Museum caters to your needs. Happy shopping, and beat the holiday rush by doing it this early.

Visit The Mind Museum at the 3rd Avenue of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Check their website for ticket prices and schedules.

~ Touringkitty

The joys and benefits of homeschooling

My daughter is turning four next month, and a lot of people are asking me if she’s in school already.

For me it’s a strange question. It just shows some well-entrenched ideas about “traditional” schooling. And the answer is no and yes. No, because our daughter does not go to a brick-and-mortar school. And yes, because we teach her at home. We’ve been doing that for almost four years now.

Whether parents like it or not, they begin teaching their kids when they are born. Parents should ideally be their children’s first and best teachers.

I am happy that we’ve nurtured our daughter’s love for learning this early. It was a challenge for me and my husband as she is such hyperactive preschooler. But we were delighted with the early results. She started reading simple words when she was a little over 1 1/2 years old, or about 20 months, and was able to count up to 50, thought with a lot of pauses. At a little over 2 years old, she could read simple sentences and count up to 100, but still with a lot of pauses because she’s still easily distracted.

At almost four years old now, she can recall events that occurred long ago, what she did at that time, and who she was with. She has also memorized dialogues of educational videos and favorite movies and even conversations during videos taken on our vacations. She seems to have perfect pitch and rhythm, and she can read like a second grader now.

Did home schooling do all that? We have no idea. But it looks like any form of consistent teaching of discrete topics, done in a spontaneous and fun way, can help children learn better.

 

Why does our family love homeschooling? Here’s why:

1. We can do it anytime, anywhere. My daughter is more attentive in the late afternoon and evening, so most of our homeschooling is done during that time. Even when we go out, we make sure to make that input, like identifying colors and vegetables in the grocery, or counting and reading anything we see. We also try to explain to her what a certain word in a signage means.

2. It encourages creativity, both for the parents and the child. If I don’t have materials, I use whatever’s at home.

Fishing using magnets:

Ranger hunt, animal-naming, and spelling:

3. Our topics can be as simple and as complex as we want it to be. I have a child who is very open to challenges. So, as much as possible, I create activities that would make her think a little harder.

Classifying animals:

Doing rhythm using stick notation (Kodaly flashcards). Here is also the Filipino poem she’s memorized already:

Science workbook discussing the concept of matter and taste buds:

This is one challenging activity for her ears! Singing triads. Daddy sings Do (root), Mommy sings Mi(third) and our daughter sings Sol (fifth):

4. We could play silly, sometimes. Yet, she still learns.

Our daughter uses her Mega Blocks to form letters and shapes:

5. There’s a reason to shop! We purchased a lot of books, but probably not enough, according to my husband. When she was around two years old and was reading simple story books quite well, we were appalled to see her reading one of her favorite books backwards! She started on the last page and then read the words in the sentences in reverse order. It was a sign that we had to buy her more new books.

There’s a study that says that the more books you have in the house, the more that your child will become a reader. So I guess buying more books and other learning materials can help. You don’t actually have to buy brand new books. There are a lot of used children’s books at Book Sale or Books for Less too. You can also buy books on sale.

This shape sorter game is less than a hundred pesos!

All these book for less than P1,000!

6. We’re always on a field trip. Yes, since we’re homeschooling and we have free time, we can easily go to nearby museums or catch a weekday morning concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Our daughter enjoys watching choral and orchestral concerts, as well as musical plays. She learns best with music and she loves singing and dancing, so I try to put some variety on the things I present to her.

7. We get to play games on our computer or iPad. I know that some of you may think that exposing very young children to computers and other gadgets may be harmful. But in my experience, there are cool apps out there that really help young children learn. There are very good free apps too. You may also want to consider investing in some paid apps. There’s usually a trial so you can see for yourself if it’ll be good for your child. Here are some of the apps we’ve used:

Little Reader for iPad (http://www.brillkids.com/teach-reading/little-reader-touch.php)

Elmo Loves ABCs and 123s (https://itunes.apple.com/ph/app/elmo-loves-abcs-for-ipad/id426747278?mt=8)

screen480x480

Todo Math (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/todo-math-complete-curriculum/id666465255?mt=8)

The three we purchased after we’ve tried their free versions, so make sure you try them out first before purchasing.

There are also a whole lot of free downloadable flashcards and other applications. Smart Apps for Kids website has a lot of suggestions and free downloads.

8. No pressure on learning. One thing I learned about homeschooling is to just follow the child’s learning patterns. Like any other person, each child has his or her own temperament and moods at any given day. So if ever I prepared something and it does not go as planned, I am open to trying it out another time or in another way. Most probably it works after the second try.

For this year, we chose not to enroll her yet because we still want to explore her learning patterns. It also helped that I am only on part-time work now so I could guide her more. Our initial goal is to enroll her as a Kinder homeschooling student next year when she turns five, and to continue to homeschool her until she’s Grade Two. I’m looking for homeschool providers that would best fit our little learner.

Interested in homeschooling your child? Here are some things to consider:

1. Homeschooling is not “school at home”. It’s about taking away the traditional concept of “school.” Homeschooling takes away the structure we find in schools, that’s why our family loves it. Since my daughter is only four, I follow her interests while introducing her to many things.

2. There should be one parent who will dedicate time to homeschool. In our case, it is me. Her father also does some homeschooling when he gets home, usually reading and sometimes, keiko, or Aikido practice. She’s learned a few techniques already!

3. Pray for the grace (and patience!) to homeschool. Homeschooling is a new way of thinking and doing for the parents. And it may not be for everyone. That’s why I am really praying hard for the grace to homeschool, especially now that my schedule is getting busier by the day. A lot of patience is required, too, especially when you have a child as headstrong as ours.

4. One thing will not work for everyone. We have different learning curves, styles, and patterns. Experiment. That’s the only way to learn what will work for you and your child.

5. Take it one day at a time, but make sure to plan ahead. Today might be productive, but tomorrow may not be. It’s perfectly fine. But make sure to have concrete goals and work on them, slowly but surely.

6. Parents are the first and best teachers. Nothing will beat that. Children may learn a lot of things in life but the positive values and good moral behavior is first acquired from home.

With regard to social skills, and this is one thing other people worry about when homeschooling, my daughter is very sociable! As parents, we are there to teach her to respect others before anything else. Don’t forget that during the preschool age, our children should socialize with children their age. We supplement this by bringing our daughter out to play with our condominium neighbors, bringing her to church every Sunday, and sending her to play classes once in a while.

Whatever your decision, whether to homeschool or not, just remember that all of us parents have the duty to raise good human beings, not just smart ones.

Want to homeschool your preschooler, too? Here are some online resources:

I gather my homeschool activities on Instagram (follow @touringkitty)
http://www.kidsactivitiesblog.com/ – Activities from baby to elementary children.
http://www.pre-kpages.com/ – Materials and ideas for Pre-K teachers and students.
http://www.thelearningbasket.com/ – A Filipino blog about gentle homeschooling and also an online book store.
ABC Jesus Loves Me – Free curriculum for ages 2-5
Letter of the Week – Integrated activities for every letter of the alphabet

The School of Academics and Arts: Learning through the arts

TSAA integrates their lessons into arts activities.
TSAA is said to be the first school in the country to offer an Arts-Integrated Curriculum.

Last week, my daughter and I paid a visit to the The School of Academics and Arts. I was not able to make it to their bloggers’ event because I was out of town. I thank Ms. Dimples for arranging our visit.

We met Ms. Cherry Napala, the School Principal. I realized I was not able to take many photos, only because Ms. Cherry and I had so much to share about education and the arts! We talked while my daughter was outside with Cherry’s daughter, who was nice enough to play with the little one.

Aria spent much of her time in this playhouse outside.
Aria spent much of her time in this playhouse.

Here are a few pictures that I took:

As soon as we entered a room, she tinkered on the toys she saw. This was their Kinder Room.
As soon as we entered a room, Aria would examine the toys she saw. This is the Kinder Room.
One of their teachers decorating the bulletin board.
One of the teachers decorates the bulletin board. The tree was handpainted by one of them, too.

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Notice the shape of their tables?

The school, Ms. Cherry explains, believes that the arts is the best tool for learning. Unlike other schools which offer arts and music programs only after school hours or during summer, TSAA uses the Arts-Integrated Curriculum, a proven method backed by research used in other countries. The arts is used as a vehicle for learning, so that every day, there are activities in music, arts, dance, and others integrated with their lessons.

The school is the brainchild of Audie Gemora, a known theater and musical actor, director, and producer, who envisioned the school as a home for academically and artistically inclined students. Other partners of the school include UP’s Dr. Evalyn Hizon, and music teacher Emmy Cayabyab (wife of Ryan Cayabyab).

Here are some salient points that Cherry shared with me:

1. We have both left and right brains, so why not use both in learning? It’s not only the left brain we should nurture through memorization and drills, but the right brain as well by enhancing creativity and imagination. Contrary to the belief that artists are not smart, Ms. Cherry and I both agreed that this is not true. Artists can excel in academics as well.

2. Arts education should start at a young age. Kids need a good, solid, and proper arts education foundation. It’s much harder to correct bad practices later on.

3. Arts education should not only be done during lazy summers, but the whole year round. In TSAA, the kids will do lots of arts activities as they learn. Just like any other habit, arts should be done regularly. In the case of TSAA, the children experience arts every day.

4. Arts education entails a certain kind of discipline, which can be used as one learns academic subjects. One needs hours rehearsing a certain piano piece or song, and a lot of focus and concentration. I started playing piano at age four, and the discipline of practicing piano has given me the same concentration I needed to study other academic subjects.

5. As parents, we need to invest in arts education. TSAA may be a little expensive than others, but they make learning more fun with arts activities as they learn other academic subjects. Is it not that we learned our ABCs using songs? In the same way, learning about other subjects can be made more fun and in a more creative way.

The students will be happy to know that TSAA does not give assignments. They believe in work-life balance, which is essential for the holistic growth of a child or an individual. School work remains at school so that the students can have more time to rest and bond with their family. I wish it was like that in schools and the workplace!

Their class size is very small, at about 10 students per class, which ensures individualized learning.

As for exams and grades, Cherry said that they have a different system of grading through practical assessment. They follow the K-12 Curriculum and abide by the grading system of the DepEd, only their manner of grading is suited according to each student.

TSAA teachers are trained to integrate arts into their lessons. I have observed schools in other countries and they have a strong foundation in music and arts education. TSAA tries to follow that model.

If you want your kids to be future artists, they offer after-school activities, too. Cherry showed me their music studio rooms:

Rooms are sound-proofed.
Rooms are sound-proofed.

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I believe the arts is such a powerful tool for helping students to learn. With the ever dynamic world we have, families are looking for learning methods other than the traditional one for their children. TSAA is one option.

TSAA opened its doors in its new location at Davila Street, Makati City (near Shopwise Pasong Tamo). They offer programs for children as young as 1.8 years old. Visit their website, Facebook Page, email tsaa.makati(at)gmail(dot)com or call 0925.550.2766 to schedule a visit.

 

~ Touringkitty

Preschool Hunt: In search of my daughter’s preschool

I spent the whole of March searching for my daughter’s preschool. Though I thought it was still too early, I already started because time indeed flies so fast. My daughter’s turning four in August, and I want to keep options as open and as varied as possible.

Currently, we’re taking it slow on homeschooling, as you could follow my Instagram posts (Follow me!). We’re following an online program for math and reading and basically filling her day with coloring, tracing, and more reading. She loves to sing and dance and make music.

I checked on the following schools and systems and here’s what I have gathered:

1. Gymboree Preschool at Sofitel. Aria has been attending Gymboree classes since she turned one, though not regularly. We make sure we get coupons online or wait for discounts in their branch. We attended their open house and that was the first time Aria was left alone with a class and a teacher whom she was not familiar with. Tears well up both our eyes as we parted ways–I was just at the next room where the orientation took place. The teacher brought her to me and showed a well written worksheet of the letter A (note that she does not write yet). I was proud. But I knew it was not for us. It was just waaaaaay expensive. We enrolled her in their classes because I got another discount from them.

2. Catholic Filipino Academy. I attended their orientation and was inspired by the other parents there. I think I was the only one who attended alone, and the only one who had a preschooler. All of the others attended with their spouses, some even brought their children in tow, some are in highschool already. They have a preschool program which I can enrol Aria in and a reading program wherein you just follow a set of worksheets and activities without enrolling the child to a regular homeschool program.

3. Preschool homeschool workshop by The Learning Basket. This I have been doing for a couple of years already, and my daughter reaped its benefits. Especially that I stay at home most of the time, I get to supervise what should be taught, what interests her in a specific day, and what materials at home I can use. We do not have a specific program, but as much as I can, I try to put a little structure to her day, so eventually she will get the hang of a regular school, whether homeschool or brick and mortar school. It was fun meeting moms, dads, and kids that day, and ideas really can be endless.

4. Brick and mortar school. I was able to visit one in Taguig, a Catholic International school. And is the first of its kind in the country. I liked how the school is so small that everyone knows each other. It feels safe and secure. But then, they do not have preschool yet. They offer K-9 levels this year. I must check out other preschools then.

So, have we enrolled Aria? Technically, no. But she studies, at home, with me as her teacher. We will carry on with homeschooling her. As long as she is well fed, well loved, and growing up with the proper values, we are fine. She will go to school in the proper time. Try asking Aria if she goes to school. You’d be happy to know what her answer will be.

~ Touringkitty

Bilingual Toddlers: Yay or Nay?

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She just likes to learn a lot. She chose this book because she read the surname of the author: Graham!

I have been a believer that it is best to teach your child with your own mother tongue. That’s why at a certain point, I am glad that DepEd made this a priority until Grade Three.

But my husband is a firm believer that we should first teach our child in one language–that being English. So here he is buying books and materials and iPad applications all in English. And he is the one who talks to my child in straight English.

On the other hand, I prefer talking with her in Filipino. I sing the National Anthem to her and she can complete it albeit the gibberish words. She can recite the good ol’ a-e-i-o-u, babebibobu etc.

Though my husband and I are debating on this, unconsciously, we have successfully taught her on both languages. Here are a few of my observations:

1. She can follow commands on both languages. I use paki– or please so she will have the sense of respect this early, even the littlest things have to be repeated to her so she won’t miss out on saying please if she wants something.

2. The Filipino Opo has to be injected often also. She says ingat po when someone is leaving the house. But how will I inject this in English?

3. When she’s in the mood for it, she translates first the Filipino command to English before she follows me. Or she would describe what she does in both English and Filipino (like: higa, lie down, then she lies down).

4. She would read words in their alphabet pronunciation, NOT the phonetic pronunciation! When she was just starting to read, at 1.7 years perhaps, she confused the a [ei] for an [a] sound so she read bat [bat] as [beit]. Made me laugh and realized maybe we should have taught her the International Phonetic Alphabet instead.

5. She has an absolutely cute English twang, that she pronounces Filipino words in her cute accent! Sometimes we can’t understand her words that are Filipino.

Now that’s just two languages so far. I started introducing a third–German. She knows when to use Gesundheit and sings a German lullaby called La Le Lu. But I stopped there for now.

How do you introduce language to your children? Should I only teach one for now, or carry on while she can absorb as much? Share your thoughts on the comments section.

~ Touringkitty