Tyan's Photoblog
Mummy,I want to do work
Posted by tyan (Singapore, Singapore) on 28 July 2008 in Miscellaneous.
I have pre-posted a few weeks worth of posts all in a shot. I will drop by if i have any energy left. It has been very hectic ever since Hub started his studies, the kids and I fall sick and it doesnt seem to end, for some strange reason, on top of lots of things happening. I have been trying to teach Caleb myself in a more structured manner too. I havent been in the mood nor find time to blog but since i have pictures, i thought i'll just post them. Will drop by when i can and please dont get offended if i dont get round to replying you because it is hard to reach the PC with a toddler and a preschooler clinging to each of my legs. I dont know what my third kid will hold on to if I have one.
******************************************************************
It is very strange but Caleb has been asking 'for work' when he comes home from school recently. He was never so earnest until this term when his teacher resigned and a new one came, and apparently, Caleb claimed that they 'play toys' and didnt seem to do anything else. I got a bit irritated though i suppose i should chill--c'mon--he is only 3!
Anyway,I am not sure his sudden enthusiasm for work is caused by the lack of it in school or he enjoyed it in school so much that he wanted more. Since he seems to have a love for learning, i got into a 'worksheet-making' frenzy. I scoured through preschool books for ideas, invested in some craft materials, asked the teacher what she is teaching in school and make about 2 worksheets every night after the boys sleep and let Caleb do one worksheet a day.
Caleb loves the worksheets and i really like looking at his earnest-ness as he attempted the worksheets; his gripping of pen very tightly so that he can write properly and his wide grin when i praised him and gave him a big star for the good work done. Then i also made a big notice board for him to display his work.
And i started to entertain the possibility of me compiling all the worksheets i made into an activity book which will be published one day. I might just become famous you know. Will keep you informed then.LOL
@Rags: the ropes are getting a bit too thin and my hands blistered but i am trying!:(
@Xinyi: the next time you see me,i'll be wearing a cape and my underwear outside,LOL!
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
You are such a wonder of Motherhood, raising your children, teaching your children, teaching other children, writing scholar material for your children and future children, and then there's the cooking, the cleaning, the comforting, the, the , the I'm EXausted....XINYI said it: YO SUPER MOM!!!
28 Jul 2008 10:09am
@Lorraine: you are so kind Lorraine,i always feel high after reading your comments,its like eating chocolates,LOL.Thanks!:)
sinchy from Singapore
Hey I think you should compile your worksheets. I can put you in touch with a publisher of assessment books - interested? :)
28 Jul 2008 10:34am
@sinchy: ok!You will be instrumental in helping me get famous then! I'll reserve my first encyclopedia for Isaac,FREE!:)
Judy from Brooksville-Florida,, United States
Harness that enthusiasm when it's present - they're so teachable at this age and if he loves it, there isn't a better activity out there. I love what Lorraine wrote!
28 Jul 2008 11:08am
@Judy: thanks for your kind and wise words,dear Judy,no wonder Jesus says the kingdom is for children as this.They are just so teachable and earnest at this age!I wonder why they do not stay that way as they grow up.
@May Hsin: 真的？‘第一顾客优惠’---第一本送你，你生一打（12），我给你买一送一，再给一个20%总折扣！thanks to your encouragement,i'll dream on..LOL
ManuelaR from Hainburg, Germany
.... well if you compile them, just let me know, I could well use them in my language school too ;)
They look like fun!! They are just like sponges at that age, ever so curious and full of energy.
28 Jul 2008 1:00pm
@ManuelaR: really?!ya i agree,they are so adorable and so keen in learning now.I wonder if its us adults who pressurize them so much that they slowly lose that love for learning over the years....
Viewfinder from Bradenton, United States
This is really cool tyan. That Caleb is this eager to learn and be challenged is every parent's joy for their own child. I think your making worksheets for him is a great way to support his desire to learn and grow. Bravo, m'lady!
28 Jul 2008 2:50pm
@Viewfinder: thank you very much for your kind encouragement,Uncle VF.So are you going to buy my recipe book and this assessment book too?:) For your future grandkids.:)
Nancy from Singapore
You are fantastic! Can still do worksheet for Caleb...and the worksheet really look so inviting. And Caleb can write very well for a 3 y/o. Robyn is still doing her drawing and she's not too confident in writing. Always saying she doesn't know....:p
28 Jul 2008 3:07pm
@Nancy: i was surprised Caleb could write.he still goes off tangent though..I didnt know until i tried. I can make some worksheets for you.I actually like doing it!Maybe i caught him in a good mood.I dont force him,some days like these few days he is sick and cranky,i just let him chill..but i need to work on his chinese though,hahahaha
bwee from Singapore
Wow! u r a hardworking mama! u really inspire me - never thought of doing activities like this for faith. Most of the time, my mind is preoccupied with all the housework chores I hv to do and the meals I hv to prepare. :/ I think I shld start do something for her otherwise I will not be much different fr a domestic helper! *LOL* btw, I think Caleb has good fine motor skills! Did u get him to paste the pictures as well?
28 Jul 2008 5:36pm
@bwee: I was quite inspired from the work and art you showed on your blog that Faith brings home,actually that was one of the things that got me started!Cos i suspect Caleb's teachers not doing their job leh!So kiasu mama is here trying to make up for it,LOL.i dont know how much he will absorb from it,but it made me feel better that i did sth abt it,haha.We can always share resources,ya?I do it after they sleep,so i try to do as many as i can each time cos recently i have been dozing off instead!No i didnt get him to paste,he just mainly write.good idea,maybe i should get him to paste also!:)
Ronnie 2¢ from London, United Kingdom
The sudden emergence of the joy of learning is one of those golden moments! Wonderful.
28 Jul 2008 10:00pm
@Ronnie 2¢: thanks Ronnie!:)
Tracey from New Port Richey Florida, United States
get to them now. once they get older youre going to be begging them to do work. mine are 10 ,11 and 16. i'm lucky if they open a book. LOL
29 Jul 2008 5:40pm
@Tracey: yes i have a funny feeling what you say is universal,HAHA,so while they ask for work,give 'em!:)
Rabbit from Richmond, United States
Your 3 will grap an arm.... EEEEP! Sounds like you don't have a leg to stand on *giggle* love the colorful worksheet he gets to fill out.
31 Jul 2008 5:25pm
cookie from Singapore
Caleb writes very well for his age!!! I love your colourful worksheets. U inspire me to make some too :) FY is still only scribbling nonsense... sigh!
7 Aug 2008 11:17pm
@cookie: to me it was quite 'sudden'..he was also scribbling until this term,he just started holding his pen seriously and colouring within line boundaries!I can share my books with you for reference:)
