Mom-Finds: Wonder and Amusing Grace

Last Friday of the month: Shopping / Books

Don't judge a book by it's cover.  Literally, and figuratively. These books here will prove that. But why am I reading? I've never been a voracious reader (and that's my loss). I rarely buy novels, or anything thicker that an inch, heehee! Seriously, you can't talk to me about books, authors, or popular novels, bios, business and philosophy books.  But I have my moments. Recently, I had two!

read more

Enlight KiddieTab - A Child's First Digital Teacher

I am first to admit that I'm not a techie mom, nor am I a gadget geek.  Yes, I blog and I'm active on social media - but it doesn't mean I'm techie.  I'm not the type who'd seek to acquire the latest gadget whenever a new one comes out in the market and not one to encourage the kids either.  But this new gadget made me appreciate the benefits of tablets for kids.  Introducing Enlight KiddieTab, locally developed for young kids as a learning tool.

read more

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!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow @mymomfriday on Twitter and Instagram
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
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!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)

read more

Family Friday: First Day of (Senior) Kindergarten

"She started school this morning,

And she seemed so very small.

As I walked there beside her

In the Kindergarten hall...

And I must share my little girl

With friends and work and play;

She's not a baby anymore -- 

She's in Kindergarten today."

(First Day of Kindergarten School Poem, author unknown)

Book project in school: Author's Page, from her book about birds

That poem above resonates with me.  First day of school is always bittersweet.
Next week, my girl will be in Senior Kinder (or whatever they're calling her level this year, due to the K+12 adjustment in school systems).  This will be her final year before going to the next (big school) level.

Her parachute experiment with the fan and a plastic bag

I have to confess... I'm the one who experienced more separation anxiety than the kids, especially during their first two years of going to school.  Before, I found myself lingering longer outside their classrooms, trying to take a peek though the viewing glass, wondering if they've settled in, or if they're still about to cry...those were the days.

My cousin, who's a pediatrician, once told me, "wag ka nang lumingon, umalis kana" (don't look back, just leave).  Therefore, I pass on the same advise to first-time "stage parents" when bringing your youngsters to school:  As soon as you bring them in, try to leave them as soon as you can, turn and walk away from the classroom, and don't look back. Oh yes, it's hard!

What I've observed is the more we linger, the more they cling and sometimes cry, knowing we're still there waiting and ready to take them away. You're lucky if your child is excited and quick to adjust to the new routine.  Eventually, they got older and know what to expect already. And I also got used to just dropping them off from the main entrance, or the gate! Hahahaha!

"Mommy, I'm not a baby anymore..." -- that's her standard retort as she smiles coyly, whenever I call her endearingly as "baby" or "baby girl". My reply is also standard: "I know... but you'll always be my baby girl!"

Moms and dads, have your little ones started school already?  How's your first day of school? :)


I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
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!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)

read more

Advocating Anti-Bullying in Schools

Second Friday of the month:  Schooling / Parenting


"Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior manifested by the use of force or coercion to affect others, particularly when the behavior is habitual and involves an imbalance of power.  It typically involves subtle methods of coercion such as intimidation. " - Wikipedia

(Taken from Reedley International School website; photo by Gerald Diocades)

read more

Vote and Empower the Youth with Unilab Ideas Positive

"Can your idea paint a healthier future for the Philippines?"
This is the challenge of Unilab Ideas Positive.

United Laboratories (Unilab) has initiated a project-based advocacy campaign to empower the youth, tap their creativity and social purpose in helping improve community health and wellness with their unique ideas and make them a reality through Unilab Ideas Positive (UIP).

This is truly a noble endeavor that deserves all our support.  College students from over 20 schools have participated, and now 11 semi-finalist teams were chosen and will need your votes on their videos.

• AweEIGHTS
• CIEMers (Community Involvement of Entrepreneurial MovERS)
• Ecobiz-Inc
• Green Minds
• High Five
• KaBaLiKAT
• PhataTeam
• Team Lypad
• Team MaNiKa
• Team SEND (Students Engaging on a New Direction)
• Timalaya

Watch their videos and VOTE here:  http://www.unilabideaspositive.com/videos.html
Authorize Facebook so you can choose and vote on the videos of your favorite UIP teams. But you can only vote once per video. 
Voting ends on September 7, 2011.

After the votes, the top 5 finalists will be selected and will then defend their projects on September 18 before a multi-sector panel of judges.

Unilab will award a total of Php250,000 seed fund to implement the winning teams' programs on their chosen community:

• 1 Winning team = Php100,000 seed fund
• 2 Runners-up = Php75,000 seed fund each

Let's vote and help make these socially responsible students' ideas transform and improve communities.

Learn more about Unilab Ideas Positive via their website and Facebook page.

Many Filipino youth want to make a difference in the country but maybe don’t know where to start and how. Unilab Ideas Positive is our way to enable them to get started so they will be motivated to do more, and together with fellow youth, make a concrete difference where it really matters. - Unilab

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
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!

read more