Why Kids Need to Play for Real and Importance of Sensory Play

Having digital natives in our home, plus a techie daddy, make it really challenging to reintroduce organic games and active play, just like the games we used to play as kids. Gadgets have become a part of our daily lives so we are not depriving them of that. I can't even stop myself from using my gadgets, that's why I don't think I can tell them to stop either. But there is always a time for everything, and our kids know that. We all recognize the value of playing for real. Active sensorial play enhances a child's holistic development. That's a fact.

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Fun Friday: DreamPlay at City of Dreams Manila

Ahhh...DreamPlay! Three weeks ago, we brought the kids and their cousins to the newest interactive entertainment and play center in town. DreamPlay, located at the Retail Avenue of City of Dreams Manila, allows the kids to play, create, and learn in a fantasy world with the larger-than-life DreamWorks characters like Shrek, Toothless, the Madacascar animals, and Kung Fu Panda.

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Family Friday: Summer, Study, and 20 Questions

Summer break began just a little over two weeks ago in this household. The girl's school ended the school year late, while the boy has just started fourth quarter of homeschooling. You can say we're not on vacation mode yet. Far from it, if you ask me. But I eased up our study schedule starting this month so we can accommodate some fun for the kids, especially when friends invite them to parties or play dates.

I've enrolled both of them in a weekly art class and they're quite excited to be classmates for the first time. That class will also be credited and graded for the boy's art subject. Educational field trips during the break will likewise be integrated in his other subjects, if applicable. I need to plan this now.

I still don't have much to share about how our summer is going. Holy Week was just spent at home and Easter Sunday egg hunt at Century mall. The past two weeks of being home and meeting up with cousins and friends have been fun so far, and hopefully, we can breeze through Q4 studies and still have time to relax and enjoy what's left of the season. Until then, I can't really plan ahead for trips. An out-of-town getaway is possible.

While we're not officially on a break yet, we do get to chill on weekends and have some down time at home.  There's a mix of TV and movie watching, creative play, outdoors and gadget time.

I do feel guilty when I leave them to play with the iPad longer than the allotted time. Kasi, I also want more "quite" and alone time. Admittedly, the gadgets keep them pre-occupied and "behaved" temporarily while I take care of things. Then, I'll promise to bring them to the playground as long as they take a long break away from their gadgets. They can't refuse having outdoor time, kahit mag swing lang sila for 1 hour, happy na sila!. =)

Swimming is another pleasurable activity that they can't refuse. We are lucky to have relatives and friends who are club members and invite us as guests. The kids get to swim and use the facilities, providing hours of enjoyment.  We welcome those wonderful breaks from the routine, away from home.  It's a break for me too! =)

Then, there are times when we're left with nothing to do at home (which is quite seldom), but allow us to be more creative. They actually spent almost 2 hours just playing with clay and toothpicks the other night! Na-miss ata nila mag-clay.

I also introduced them to 20 Questions, but they didn't want to play.  So, I just revised the game and let them ask random questions about each other. I was not able to take down notes during the "game", like favorite colors, food, places to go, and just remembered the last question I asked them.

Me:  If you can meet anyone in the world, who do you want to meet?

Girl:  I'm still thinking… how about you?

Me:  Maybe the president of the philippines?

Girl:  Oh yeah! I wanna meet him too!

Boy:  Noy-noy A-qui-no!

Me:  Correct! What will you ask him when you meet him?

Girl:  What's the role of the president?

Me:  That's a good question.

Girl: I also want to ask the one who painted the Starry, Starry Night -- how did he create it and what inspired him?

Me: Ah, Vincent van Gogh! That would be interesting!

Boy: I want to meet the richest man of the Philippines -- Henry Sy. How did he become so rich?

Me: Good question too -- ask what his secret is, and maybe you can learn from him.

Girl: Yeah, and why did he think of making SM?!?

Me: He started with a shoe business -- SM means Shoe Mart.

Girl: Shoe mart? What kind of a name is that?!?

Boy: Ang-kong worked for him before. He told me.

I forgot how we ended this game but it was quite revealing, a fun learning experience for all of us. I got to see how they think, how they argue and exchange ideas. We should do this again!


So, how's your summer going?

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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What Happens When Jollitown Comes to Life?

I've only seen and heard of Jollitown at the kiddie parties of Jollibee. It's a fantasy playland with mascots having fun in a bright and colorful world. Well, imagine no more.  Jollitown came to life last October 26 at SMX to celebrate National Children's Month. Let me show you what welcomed us at the event.

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Fun Friday: Zip Line and Circle of Fun at Quezon Memorial Circle

Third Friday of the month:  Recreation / Entertainment / Leisure 

I've been a Q.C. resident until I had my second child.  I am guilty of not exploring the city where I grew up in.  For sure there are so many wonderful sites and destinations that I may have enjoyed.  Two weeks ago, we went to Quezon City Memorial Circle for the kids' last "field trip" before they go back to school.  It was their first time, while it's the second for me.  My first time was for a location shoot when I was still working in advertising.  Today, the place looks so much better.

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Family Friday: Date with the Kids

Second Friday of the month: Parenthood / Kids

I'm a full time homemaker and I consider myself fortunate to be able to spend a good amount of time with my children.  There are days I feel burned out and just want to escape and hide from them, or even have a quick snack date with J. Even taking a longer bathroom break is a good consolation if I can't have an hour of alone time.  We do recognize that we need to have regular dates with the kids, and more so, a one-on-one time with each child.

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Family Friday: School is Fun!

Second Friday of the month: Schooling / Kids / Parenthood

"It's fun!" "I like the toys there." "My favorite place is the playground and the library."
That's coming from the girl who seemed to be enjoying her school now, after the first week of having separation anxiety.

During her preschool years, the first month was a struggle for me and the girl when I bring her to school everyday.  She usually clings to me and didn't want to let me leave, sometimes crying as the teacher carried her or led her to join her classmates.  There were days she intentionally wanted to be late, so "there will be less hours left in school".  Ironically, when I fetch her after dismissal, she'll usually say she had a good day in school!

Naturally, on her first day in "big school", we expected it to be difficult again.  Before we left the house, I wanted to take a picture of her in uniform since this is the first time she's worn one, but she refused.  She wasn't even smiling in the car on our way to school.  Our only consolation is that she'll be with some of her former classmates, and her former preschool teacher is her class adviser again.

Even after seeing some familiar faces, there was still no enthusiasm to go to class and she hesitantly followed teacher and sat on the chair.  I waved goodbye, but she's clearly not too happy as I left the room - masama ang loob, heehee.  Look at this snapshot on her first day. 

"Mommy, school was not that bad after all! I had fun!"  This, coming from the girl who'd rather stay home and play. What a relief.

  

It's been almost two months since that first day, and I know she's learning so much and having a great time in school with all the wonderful stories she's been telling me everyday.  I don't even have to ask how her day was.  I think that's a good indicator of how well she's doing in school, her developing relationships with her peers and teachers, and how she copes with the day-to-day challenges and activities. 

Aside from her request to stay a few minutes on the swing after dismissal, she's also fond of borrowing new books from the library.

"I will not give you a hard time with assignments. I'll try to have all A... is A the highest grade, mommy?"

She sees me tutor her big brother, and she knows I get so frustrated at times while teaching the boy.  She often wants to do activities too while the boy does his homework.  One time, out of the blue, she said she won't give me a hard time when it's her turn to have homework.  So sweet!

"School is nice!"

That's coming from the daughter of OC Mom in Manila.  The girls are classmates and I'm happy to know they share the same sentiments.  Little OCmom even wants teacher to give them harder homework! =)

"I don't like school. I LOVE school!"

That is the clincher from A, son of Mothering Earthlings.  They're classmates too.  He's the charming boy who loves to chase the girls, try to smell their hair, and blow flying kisses at them.

M's successful escape from A's kisses is just one of the many funny stories I get to hear from my girl when she comes home from school.

It gives me so much comfort knowing that she enjoys learning and going to school everyday, just like her classmates.  She tells me she doesn't want to be late, that she has new best friends, and that she's learning Chinese and enjoys writer's workshop. =)  The teaching methods in her progressive school encourage analytical thinking and motivates the kids to learn from each other and interact in class. Kudos to the amazing teachers too.  We chose the right school for her. I just pray we can afford to send her there until grade 12!

There will still be "bad" days, for sure, but I know at the end of the day, she'll still have fun.  She will still go to class and say goodbye with a smile.

"I had the best day ever today!"
Enough said.

All dressed up during Writer's Workshop party in school

I can't remember being this happy when I was still studying.  

Did you have fun in school?

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
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Fun Friday: Play and Party at Kidzville

Third Friday of the month:  Recreation / Leisure

A kids' paradise, this whimsical play facility will surely keep children entertained for hours! Designed for kids 13 years old and under, Kidzville is a multi-level indoor playground which also features an interconnecting kiddie village meticulously designed to stimulate children's imagination, promote learning and social interaction.

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