Valerie's 2nd day at school went like a breeze. Today after bringing her to class, she sat comfortably and started playing the toys on the table. She even tried to interact with the other kids around. After a while she turned and saw us still standing in the classroom. She stood up and pointed us to the door.
Aiseh... she didn't even want us around. Feeling both rejected yet relieved, we told her we'd go out for a while and come back. She nodded and continued playing. Ivan and myself went for breakfast, after that we went back to see how Valerie was doing.
As expected she didn't look for us at all but smiled when we're back. She was doing crafts, sticking stars and cirles on a hand-made party hat. She was clearly enjoying herself.
So I guessed we don't need to be around from tomorrow onwards. The transition was smoother than I imagined....
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Valerie First Day of School
Today was Valerie's first day of school. The thing we worried most was the 3 of us not being able to wake up on time despite our efforts of trying to sleep earlier the last 2 weeks. No matter how we tried, we have only achieved getting Valerie to sleep by 11pm (although we lights out at 10-10.30pm), and earliest she wakes up is 8am.
But fortunately for today, we managed to get her up by 7.30am and we reached Superfun at 8.30am (on the dot). We realised there were many latecomers (aiseh.. we didn't need to rush... ) But Ivan gave me the look, saying at least we're here on time and Valerie get to mingle around.
Valerie got into the 'Pink' Classroom under Teacher Chua. When we reached there, the class was divided into 3 coloured tables with 8 children each. On the tables there were many colourful toys. Since Valerie is always so playful, it was easy to get her to sit down and play. After a while, she walked back to where we were standing and held daddy's hand. Alamak.... I was worried that we have a long way to go.
After a few seconds, one of the assistant teacher came over n coaxed her back to her seat. Then she got her to play with other kids around. Once there she got herself a 'friend', she didn't look back anymore. There were some kids who cried loudly and refused to be consoled throughout the lessons. Surprisingly I find more boys were crying than girls. Does that mean girls are more brave? Haha...
Next, the teachers cleared off the toys and moved on to singing with actions. Valerie has always enjoyed singing and since she knew most of the nursery songs, she joined in and followed the actions. After that, they learned to queue up to go washroom. I didn't follow her to the washroom but later at home, she showed me the proper way to rub and wash her hands.
On and off when I felt she needed help to adjust her chair (cos her chair keep moving away from the table), I would go over and pushed it... and guess what? She turned around and say 'Mommy, zhou... (leave)' and then pushed me away. I was stunned. My daughter not only didn't look for me in class, she actually didn't want me to go near her? That seemed too good to be true.
Anyway that's about the first day, we're keeping fingers crossed for Day 2.
But fortunately for today, we managed to get her up by 7.30am and we reached Superfun at 8.30am (on the dot). We realised there were many latecomers (aiseh.. we didn't need to rush... ) But Ivan gave me the look, saying at least we're here on time and Valerie get to mingle around.
Valerie got into the 'Pink' Classroom under Teacher Chua. When we reached there, the class was divided into 3 coloured tables with 8 children each. On the tables there were many colourful toys. Since Valerie is always so playful, it was easy to get her to sit down and play. After a while, she walked back to where we were standing and held daddy's hand. Alamak.... I was worried that we have a long way to go.
After a few seconds, one of the assistant teacher came over n coaxed her back to her seat. Then she got her to play with other kids around. Once there she got herself a 'friend', she didn't look back anymore. There were some kids who cried loudly and refused to be consoled throughout the lessons. Surprisingly I find more boys were crying than girls. Does that mean girls are more brave? Haha...
Next, the teachers cleared off the toys and moved on to singing with actions. Valerie has always enjoyed singing and since she knew most of the nursery songs, she joined in and followed the actions. After that, they learned to queue up to go washroom. I didn't follow her to the washroom but later at home, she showed me the proper way to rub and wash her hands.
On and off when I felt she needed help to adjust her chair (cos her chair keep moving away from the table), I would go over and pushed it... and guess what? She turned around and say 'Mommy, zhou... (leave)' and then pushed me away. I was stunned. My daughter not only didn't look for me in class, she actually didn't want me to go near her? That seemed too good to be true.
Anyway that's about the first day, we're keeping fingers crossed for Day 2.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Parents' Orientation Meeting
Tonight we attended the Parents Orientation organised by Superfun. Basically it's to tell us what to expect, what parents need to prepare and do on the first week. Children were not allowed to the orientation so we left Valerie at grandma's house.
At the start of the orientation, there was a brief overview of what Fungates was all about. They practiced open class room concept, 3 classes running concurrently, so as to train multi-tasks children. They have theme-based teaching and also field trips to enhance children's learing. I can't comment more on this until I see for myself how the system works. But overall it looks pretty 'fun' (I hope).
The most daunting part was the list of things to prepare for Valerie. When we were shown 4yo need a schoolbag that can fit A4 size books, I could see parents glancing at each other. Then a 5-6yo need an even bigger bag! Gosh, how is Valerie gonna carry such a big bag. Nevertheless, the teachers sounded very experience and they seemed to be very sure of what they were asking.
They said most of their books are A4 size and we need a big bag to ensure can put everything in. Here are the list of things:
1. A set of cleaned clothes including undies in case of emergencies
2. Wet hanky or wet wipes to be placed on side pocket
3. Water tumble to be placed on the other side pocket
4. Food container for snacks
5. Front compartment to put apron
6. Dry hanky to be placed in the uniform side pocket
Everything is to be labeled with the kid's name to avoid confusion. Even the food container cover. There would be 2 homework a day where parents need to help kids to complete. A message book will be used to convey any messages from teachers to parents and vice versa. At this point, Ivan gave me a nudge and asked if I'm sure about this.. we can still ask for refund if we have second thots... I'm so ignoring him....
Later there was the traffic control route, where we need to follow the one way traffic to drop of kids and leave. And punctuality is important, reach 5 mins before 8.30am. Ivan again gave me a funny look... I know I know... Valerie is still sleeping at 11+ at night and waking up at 9+ in the morning. :P
For the first week of orientation, parents are to stay with the 4yo kids for first 2 days and then accessed if more days are required. The classes will also end half and hour earlier. So this looks less scary for mommy and daddy. At least we won't need to disappear suddenly. Hopefully Valerie could cope.
At the end of the orientation, there was a Q&A session. Normally Ivan would pester me to leave, but because one daddy questioned on the fire drill security, he stayed on. I guess guys know how to ask guys questions. Seems they got everything covered. They have fire exit routes and drill routines on and off with the children.
So we left after an hour. There was a further briefing for parents who are extending their kids to daycare. Since we are still sending Valerie back to nanny's place, this is not our concern. I left the kindi, feeling a little apprehensive now. What if Ivan is right and Valerie is really not ready for this?
At the start of the orientation, there was a brief overview of what Fungates was all about. They practiced open class room concept, 3 classes running concurrently, so as to train multi-tasks children. They have theme-based teaching and also field trips to enhance children's learing. I can't comment more on this until I see for myself how the system works. But overall it looks pretty 'fun' (I hope).
The most daunting part was the list of things to prepare for Valerie. When we were shown 4yo need a schoolbag that can fit A4 size books, I could see parents glancing at each other. Then a 5-6yo need an even bigger bag! Gosh, how is Valerie gonna carry such a big bag. Nevertheless, the teachers sounded very experience and they seemed to be very sure of what they were asking.
They said most of their books are A4 size and we need a big bag to ensure can put everything in. Here are the list of things:
1. A set of cleaned clothes including undies in case of emergencies
2. Wet hanky or wet wipes to be placed on side pocket
3. Water tumble to be placed on the other side pocket
4. Food container for snacks
5. Front compartment to put apron
6. Dry hanky to be placed in the uniform side pocket
Everything is to be labeled with the kid's name to avoid confusion. Even the food container cover. There would be 2 homework a day where parents need to help kids to complete. A message book will be used to convey any messages from teachers to parents and vice versa. At this point, Ivan gave me a nudge and asked if I'm sure about this.. we can still ask for refund if we have second thots... I'm so ignoring him....
Later there was the traffic control route, where we need to follow the one way traffic to drop of kids and leave. And punctuality is important, reach 5 mins before 8.30am. Ivan again gave me a funny look... I know I know... Valerie is still sleeping at 11+ at night and waking up at 9+ in the morning. :P
For the first week of orientation, parents are to stay with the 4yo kids for first 2 days and then accessed if more days are required. The classes will also end half and hour earlier. So this looks less scary for mommy and daddy. At least we won't need to disappear suddenly. Hopefully Valerie could cope.
At the end of the orientation, there was a Q&A session. Normally Ivan would pester me to leave, but because one daddy questioned on the fire drill security, he stayed on. I guess guys know how to ask guys questions. Seems they got everything covered. They have fire exit routes and drill routines on and off with the children.
So we left after an hour. There was a further briefing for parents who are extending their kids to daycare. Since we are still sending Valerie back to nanny's place, this is not our concern. I left the kindi, feeling a little apprehensive now. What if Ivan is right and Valerie is really not ready for this?
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Valerie Speaking in Phrases
Valerie's vocab has been increasing rapidly in the last few months. She now could express herself in phrases and even argue with you. I find she mostly speaks in English when we are around, and Mandarin at nanny's place.
Because she speaks in English more, grandma and grandpa couldn't really catch what she's talking about and said she's talking gibberish. Comparing with her cousin brother, they still called her a late speaker. Oh well, I've resorted to ignore their comments :P
Here are some of the incidents which I could remember...
Scene 1:
Daddy driving and stopped at traffic light. After a few times of observation...
Valerie: Mommy, red is stop!
Mommy: Yes, Well Done... and green is go...
Valerie: (*repeats after mommy*) Green is Go!
The next time we stop at traffic light...
Valerie: Mommy... Red is Stop!
*When the traffic light turns green*
Valerie: Green is go arr??
Scene 2
Whenever Valerie wanted something from us, I always enforced her to say 'Please mommy' or 'Please daddy' instead of screaming to get her way through. It's a way to calm her down n teach her politeness.
One day, I needed Valerie to help get me a tissue...
Mommy: Valerie, get mommy a tissue from the table
Valerie: Ok....
*Valerie walked to the table and then looked back*
Valerie: Say please baby...
Mommy: Ok, please baby, get mommy a tissue
*Valerie took a tissue for me and smiled*
Scene 3
She was doing an activity but struggling...
Mommy: Come, let mommy help you.
Valerie: Come, let baby help you. (pushed mommy away)
Scene 4
Playing an activity together.
Daddy: Ok, it's daddy's turn. Let daddy play.
Valerie: No, let baby play.
Scene 5
In the car with her 10 years old cousin bro, Joshua and daddy stopped at red light.
Valerie: Mommy, red is stop! Green is go! Yellow is go faster! (The yellow is taught by her naughty uncle)
Joshua: No... Valerie, yellow is go slower...
Valerie: Yellow is go faster!
Joshua: No... listen.. yellow.. is... go.. slower...
Not happy, Valerie turned to mommy.
Valerie: Mommy... Yellow is go faster...
Mommy: Errr.....well....
Just then the left turn traffic light turned yellow and a car zoomed past....
Valerie: Mommy... look.. yellow is go faster!! (pointing to the car)
Mommy: Errrm... yes... yellow is go faster......
Oopsss.. :P
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Valerie is Enrolled to Superfun!
OK, I'm simply estatic. In fact for the last 2 weeks I was thinking if I should send Valerie to afternoon class instead. And somehow my nanny is so pro-Superfun that I don't know why. She said her neighbours kids attended the kindy and it's really good. Plus it's only 5 mins away from her home. When I said there's no more spot, she asked me to call the supervisor or principal to fight for a spot.
I'm like.. huh.. do I really need to do that? It's just preschool, not even going into primary school yet. I know we need to 'fight' for a spot in Chinese school later, but not now. Anyway I resorted to leaving this entirely to God and prayed, if she's meant to go to Superfun, He would make a way. Else, Valerie would start at 5yo. Ivan agreed too.
About 2 weeks later after our visit to Superfun, I received a call from the kindy. The lady told me there is a spot available for Valerie and ask if I'm still interested! I was sooooooo excited, and said 'YES!'. That afternoon itself I went to register and made the payment!
Later I asked her is it because the kindy is opening a new class for 4yo. She said 'No' and told me one of the parents are shifting away so there's a spot available. But I said, I'm not the first in the list. She said she contacted those parents and they have registered their kids in other kindies. So I'm the next in line. In fact, she showed me the long waiting list and said one parent even attempted to jump queue to get my 'seat'.
I was kinda pleased. As we were walking out to get our car, Ivan was telling me he couldn't believe his 'baby' is going to school already and asked if we made the right decision. But deep down, I couldn't help but to think this is part of God's plan. He really did make a way so I guess this should be the right decision. Even if I doubt myself now, I couldn't doubt God.
So... our next challenge is... how to get Valerie to wake up on time for school?
I'm like.. huh.. do I really need to do that? It's just preschool, not even going into primary school yet. I know we need to 'fight' for a spot in Chinese school later, but not now. Anyway I resorted to leaving this entirely to God and prayed, if she's meant to go to Superfun, He would make a way. Else, Valerie would start at 5yo. Ivan agreed too.
About 2 weeks later after our visit to Superfun, I received a call from the kindy. The lady told me there is a spot available for Valerie and ask if I'm still interested! I was sooooooo excited, and said 'YES!'. That afternoon itself I went to register and made the payment!
Later I asked her is it because the kindy is opening a new class for 4yo. She said 'No' and told me one of the parents are shifting away so there's a spot available. But I said, I'm not the first in the list. She said she contacted those parents and they have registered their kids in other kindies. So I'm the next in line. In fact, she showed me the long waiting list and said one parent even attempted to jump queue to get my 'seat'.
I was kinda pleased. As we were walking out to get our car, Ivan was telling me he couldn't believe his 'baby' is going to school already and asked if we made the right decision. But deep down, I couldn't help but to think this is part of God's plan. He really did make a way so I guess this should be the right decision. Even if I doubt myself now, I couldn't doubt God.
So... our next challenge is... how to get Valerie to wake up on time for school?
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Happy 3rd Birthday
We went around looking for a 'cute' birthday cake.
Turned out most famous cake franchises do not offer fanciful cake. They usually have those 'cartoon print-on cakes' or 3D cakes which were not what I wanted. So in the end we walked into one of those small cake shop and it seemed they are more creative / flexible with their cakes. We had to compromise on the flavours though.
The party turned out ok, nothing fanciful. We even dropped the idea of getting balloons due to not enough time although I think this is actually the age she would appreciate having balloons. Next time, no need to get balloons for 1st or 2nd birthday, too small to appreciate. Get balloons when the kids are 3 and above :P
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| Valerie with Daddy's side Grandpa, Grandma, Daddy and Mommy |
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| Valerie with Mommy's side grandpa, grandma, aunties and uncles |
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| Valerie with Daddy's side aunties, uncles and cousins |
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| Singing Happy Birthday song to Valerie, she standing so straight, not used to be the centre of attraction |
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| Blow candles time! |
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| Open pressies time. This year, she's better at opening presents |
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| Toys.. toys and more toys... |
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| Her favourite of the night - A Doll House. The minute she opened this one, she was engrossed with the figurines and furnitures. Barely saying bye bye to all the guests leaving. |
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Kindy for Valerie?
With the new baby due next March, I was contemplating whether to send Valerie to preschool next year or not. Since she's a year end baby, she would only be 3 years and 2 months, while following the academic year, she should be in the 4 year old class. I thought it would be a better transition for her to start early next year, before the 2nd baby comes along, rather than to juggle with having another sibling and starting school altogether mid of next year.
While still thinking, I've decided to check out Superfun Learners near my area as recommended by my sis-in-law. When we reached, the lady at the reception was very nice and showed us around and explained their curriculum. I have to say the classrooms are filled with many colourful activities sets around which I could imagine keeping Valerie occupied. I was amazed that 4yo class even included Science and Computer labs. Gosh, I'm so outdated. This seems to be a norm nowadays. And she told me they would be teaching English and Mandarin for 4yo. Bahasa would only come in at 5yo as to avoid confusion with Englsh.
Then we were shown their homework. Another shock for mommy. They already learning how to write A,B,C at the age of 4?? And numbers too? And I had in mind, 4yo kindy was more like a playschool, just singing and dancing. One of the teacher later explained it's better to start training the kids' to do writing and colouring, so as to strengthen their fingers. In fact, a lot of their activities set are also to train the kids to have good control of their hands.
After showing us around, she told us the morning class was already full and only afternoon classes are available. I was a bit dumbfounded. I've never known even for a 4 yo kindy, you need to be fast to register, like somewhere in August? And I thought there would be plenty of seats left and was still thinking want to send her to kindy or not. Nevertheless, I put Valerie on waiting list (3rd one from the list) and went home.
Some of my friends told me to check out other alternative like MRC or Q-Dees or Montessori. But I don't know why, I seem to have my mind fixed on Fungates. Simply because my nephew who attended the same kindy told me 'Go to Superfun, it's a really really fun place you know.. '. Well, what could be more convincing than to have a kid himself telling you he really enjoyed his kindy? I just wanted a place for Valerie to take learning as something fun, just like how I've adopted Heguru methods.
I've also met another colleague at the Superfun Open Day and he strongly believes in this system. He told me he sent his first 2 kids to Fungates at Brickfields and it's all about fun learning. He did switch his daughter halfway to another system but later found it was too academic based and too much homework. In fact, parents were scolded for not helping the kids to finish the homework. Then he switched back to Fungates. So I guess this looks like the most 'fun' learning system around.
So, we'll wait.. and hopefully, there may be a spot for her.
While still thinking, I've decided to check out Superfun Learners near my area as recommended by my sis-in-law. When we reached, the lady at the reception was very nice and showed us around and explained their curriculum. I have to say the classrooms are filled with many colourful activities sets around which I could imagine keeping Valerie occupied. I was amazed that 4yo class even included Science and Computer labs. Gosh, I'm so outdated. This seems to be a norm nowadays. And she told me they would be teaching English and Mandarin for 4yo. Bahasa would only come in at 5yo as to avoid confusion with Englsh.
Then we were shown their homework. Another shock for mommy. They already learning how to write A,B,C at the age of 4?? And numbers too? And I had in mind, 4yo kindy was more like a playschool, just singing and dancing. One of the teacher later explained it's better to start training the kids' to do writing and colouring, so as to strengthen their fingers. In fact, a lot of their activities set are also to train the kids to have good control of their hands.
After showing us around, she told us the morning class was already full and only afternoon classes are available. I was a bit dumbfounded. I've never known even for a 4 yo kindy, you need to be fast to register, like somewhere in August? And I thought there would be plenty of seats left and was still thinking want to send her to kindy or not. Nevertheless, I put Valerie on waiting list (3rd one from the list) and went home.
I've also met another colleague at the Superfun Open Day and he strongly believes in this system. He told me he sent his first 2 kids to Fungates at Brickfields and it's all about fun learning. He did switch his daughter halfway to another system but later found it was too academic based and too much homework. In fact, parents were scolded for not helping the kids to finish the homework. Then he switched back to Fungates. So I guess this looks like the most 'fun' learning system around.
So, we'll wait.. and hopefully, there may be a spot for her.
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