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What does it take to raise socially responsible kids in Singapore?

May 16, 2013 2 Comments

Do you want your child to learn how to be socially responsible?

To be more aware of social issues, be able to think of ways to achieve a better way of life, and take the appropriate action?

Enter the Design for Change (DFC) School Challenge.

Organised in Singapore by social enterprise SoCh in Action (an abbreviation for social change in action), all components of the programme are designed to empower 8-14 year olds to make a positive change in society. Now in its fourth year, some 45 schools, and 1200 students have gone through the DFC programme.

Madhu Verma, Founder of SoCh, says, “The interesting thing is that we begin by asking the children what bothers them, and then get them to go out and fix it themselves. By enabling children to take charge of the issues that affect them, we are inculcating a life-long habit where children assume responsibility instead of waiting to be told what to do.”

I had a chance to speak with Madhu to find out more about the DFC Challenge. Here are snippets of our conversation…

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1. What inspired you to start this movement?

I believe that social change and connecting to society should be a way of life. There are many simple things that one can do, and it doesn’t mean you have to build houses or plant trees. Even small little action steps can be taken to bring about positive change.

I’m a mother. My son was 9 years old when I started this. I drew inspiration from my desire to help my child be more socially conscious, and learn to give back. I found out that when a child is around 8-9 years old, it is prime time for them to understand and explore this concept of giving back.

I also felt that there was a gap. There were many programmes for youths to make a difference, but nobody was asking the child these questions: What issues bother you, and how can you make a difference?

In the Singapore education system, we tend to celebrate the smartest child. But we don’t really celebrate the one who’s the most kind, empathetic, and generous.

2. How exactly do you guide the children to contribute to society?

We meet with the students in a series of workshops, in which we provide tools for the students to perform and do their project.

1) We inspire them by sharing stories, connecting them to society/issues, helping them identify causes they can relate to.

2) We provide them with the tools to implement their ideas. It’s based on a design-thinking process – that is employed through creative thinking and problem-solving activities.

3) We empower them through the process, and as a result they are able to have a real social impact in their community.

After these workshops, they are ready to implement their project. They submit it, and at the end of the year, there is an annual event, where these projects are showcased in Singapore. The event serves as a celebration of their work and ideas.

When I started working with children, it was an amazing journey. I saw that this platform actually presents an opportunity for them to act on something that is close to their hearts, and empowers them to go out to do it.

3. What are some of the more interesting projects you’ve come across?

There are many different social causes. Some are concerned about genetically modified food, or other environmental issues.

One particular child (from Clementi Primary) was bothered about how teachers and parents “make a monster out of PSLE.” And because they make a monster out of it, it becomes a monster for us! (Those were his exact words.)

This boy went on to craft a message: that PSLE is not a monster. And that we can have better attitudes towards it.

At the end of the day, while we can’t really measure the impact he made with that project, we saw how much this student himself actually changed.

It’s all about the attitude.

There was another project on showing respect for elderly cleaners. Often, we don’t know the names of these people who clean our tables every day. We barely acknowledge their work, and they are generally not respected in the community. Through this project, students became more aware of these cleaners and more started clearing their own plates after a meal.

So, it’s about stopping and thinking about the world around you. When we gives children an avenue to think, and not just be told by others what to do, they actually start to own the problem it and be empowered by a spirit of “I can”.

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The DFC programme crosses socio-economic and racial barriers, and is tailored for every child.

SoCh will be offering holiday programmes at the end of this year for the first time. If you’d like to be updated, please email Madhu at: contact@sochinaction.com. Do also watch out for the Be the Change Exposition 2013 that happens in November.

I’m heartened that are such programmes available to help our kids grow in an area that is easily overlooked. Yet at the same time, I’m also sorely aware that social change and responsibility begins with us parents, and our children will first and foremost learn from our own attitudes and behaviour.

Which is why I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read this inspiring post by fellow blogger Elisa, who started A Litter At A Time. Let’s a lot to learn from her experience and exemplary behaviour.

Do you have a heart for a special cause? How would you rope your children in to contribute towards this cause?

Filed Under: Education, Learning is fun Tagged With: children, Singapore, social change, socially responsible

Sleep no enough

May 13, 2013 12 Comments

Sleep is almost always a big huge thorn in the butt for parents. Most of my friends with newborns or young babies are usually asking about sleep, naps, schedule, tactics, strategies, and the rest of it.

Javier was a rockabye baby. I remember when he was two to three months old, I felt like my arms were dropping off from all that rocking, so I turned to the yaolan for a few months. It helped because I could train him to settle into a reasonable routine (inspired by Gina Ford with a few of my own personalised tweaks). And when night came, I just made sure that he slept in his cot.

Overall, he was a better sleeper compared to Vera. Less yelling and fussing when sleepy-time came. More disciplined after feeding so he would unlatch and sleep when he had had his fill. I once thought he was quite the dream baby actually.

Then he reached his one-year milestone, and somewhere between that and 18 months, things went downhill. We saw periods of bad sleep, interspersed with some good “miracle” nights. But unfortunately, bad was the norm — He woke multiple times in the night, always needing some rocking and cajoling before going back to sleep.

When he started childcare at 20 months, his sleep remained pretty bad, partially due to the onset of flus and fevers, we think. It wasn’t till after 2 months had passed that we saw the light, which was just about time as I was starting to tear my hair out and scream, “What are we doing wrong?”

His nap was a good solid 1.5 – 2 hours, and he had a bedtime routine. Apart from sometimes running around playing with his sister, and getting a bit too excited because of that, I just couldn’t identify anything that could be the culprit. He was eating well at dinner-time (which was a clear two hours prior to bedtime), and having his milk before bed. We even tried to give him some bread with his milk for a time, just to eliminate hunger as the issue.

Then one day, hubby had a revelation. He suggested turning on the aircon for Javier at night. I felt dubious, but went along. We had nothing to lose, barring some increase in PUB bills.

Guess what? It worked like a charm. That first night with air-con, Javier slept and slept, with only a stirring round about midnight, and slept and slept till dawn. And for subsequent nights too.

Today, a few weeks from his second birthday, he can fall asleep on the bed without needing to be rocked, but with me (or grandma) beside him of course. (Of course, that didn’t just happen, you say? But it did. Daddy just asked him to sleep by himself on the bed one night, and it happened…Like a flick of a switch.)

Till now, I still wonder if it was a fluke on our part. That Javier was developmentally ready to sleep through peacefully, and we just happened to push him over the edge (or enhance the sleeping environment for him) by turning on the AC.

Whatever the case may be, I’m just glad to have a normal life back.

What I find funny is this — we crack our heads and spend half our zombified days fretting and trying to find a solution, and then suddenly the answer just appears, like a door you never saw. (I don’t like to generalise, but men sometimes have their moments of brilliance like that…)

And now I’m thinking that maybe just maybe it’s no use fretting and trying all ways and means to solve this and that problem with our babies. Maybe just maybe, it’s not really a problem per se.

No, I’m not saying that we leave them to their devices completely. But if you’ve tried and have left no stone unturned, then maybe it’s time to give it a rest. Maybe it’s okay to walk away from it all and process it when you’re able to do so without an emotional overload.

Maybe just maybe, they will be ready and do it all by themselves one day.

Maybe just maybe, despite all the best intentions of the Gina Fords, Elizabeth Pantleys and Tracy Hoggs, sleep is just a real mystery, one that needs time to unlock its secret keys…

But what do you think about children’s sleep? How do you cope with tiredness and lack of energy?

Filed Under: Family, Parenting Tagged With: developmentally ready, parents, problems, Singapore, sleep issue

The best mother’s day gifts I could ever receive

May 8, 2013 6 Comments

This mother’s day, I am not expecting any presents. (Mainly because the hubby is away. Also because we managed to enjoy a movie and a nice brunch before he left.)

But I’d like to give myself some very important gifts.

Some of you may have read about my recent HFMD episode.

After recovering from that, I was ill again a few days later, falling prey to the flu bug.

Though the flu was a lot less painful, I was still feeling pretty down, almost wading in a pool of self-pity at times.

I found myself spending those silent pre-slumber moments telling God how much I really want to be well again. That I don’t want to be a grouchy and tired mama anymore. And that I really want to be able to enjoy my days with my family and friends.

Life is often unpredictable, and a big part of me wants to have it controlled, known, predictable. So that I know what’s going to happen next. Now I know that’s not fully possible, but I sure know now that the most important thing I can do for myself is to exercise, eat well and stay healthy.

So…I’ve taken some baby steps back to a healthy physical state. I’ve signed up for a pilates class running at a nearby community centre. And I’ve also been making sure I eat more fruits and drink more water (less caffeine too *ahem, still trying*) a day.

I’m also relooking my schedule of committed responsibilities and trying to see where I can “trim the fat” so to speak.

In place of things I’m choosing to remove or cut down on, I’m penciling in rest for mama, and favourite me-time activities like reading, swimming, and exploring new cafes with girlfriends.

I’m also looking forward to spending more time with God, and to reclaim those lost moments eaten up by distractions of every sort.

Something I’ve learnt during the recent “downtime” is that when we’re rushing about from activity to activity day by day, we tend to lose sight of the big picture, of the goals that we’ve set for ourselves.

But when life hits the pause button, I’m able to reflect on my life, the things that I’m doing well or not so well as a wife and mother. Somehow, my heart is free to explore and give voice to the dreams and purpose that God has deposited in me.

It’s all too easy to fill our lives with the humdrum of activity and busyness. But like how recent focus has been placed on returning pockets of empty time for children to play, create and allow their imagination to run wild, so it is with adults. We too need time to unwind, reflect, and create.

This mother’s day, I’m giving these gifts to myself:

The gift of less yelling, and more understanding.
The gift of a healthy and joyful life.
The gift of a restful life.

Of course, a hundred big hugs would be nice too…

A special treat for mums:

Focus on the Family is hosting a mother’s day contest on their Facebook page. Just hop over to this post and share how you rest and relax. You stand to win a hair treat or dining voucher. (Winners will be announced on Monday, May 13.)

Filed Under: Encouragement, Health, Motherhood Tagged With: best mother's day gift, healthy, relax, rest, wellness

Home alone (with two)

May 6, 2013 9 Comments

Daddy’s gone overseas for reservist for three whole weeks. This means I’m pretty much home alone with my two little darlings for the next three weekends.

Cue Macaulay Culkin’s shaving cream slapped on face scene.

Haha, I jest. But only slightly.

Well I’m thankful that now I’m pretty much able to handle the kids by myself, on most days at least. They’ve reached a bit of a sweet spot, and have started to play together, or at least be doing their own thing in the same room. Some days, I wake up at 8am (instead of the usual 7am) to find both of them awake and playing by themselves outside.

No, wait…Who am I trying to kid?

Such pockets of bliss happen but there’s also the ugly side.

As he nears the age of two, or the age of un-reason, Javier’s temper tantrums have started to reach a peak. At the same time, Vera’s displaying a new emo-ness. It arises whenever her little bro snatches her things or destroys her possessions. Or when she’s eating something she finds “messy” or when there’s “too much food everywhere”.

Whatever it is, she’s been needing a whole lot more attention and affirmation. I’m aware that she’s four and she’s entering a new phase, but I haven’t quite got a good grasp of its full nature and how to help her cope better.

By and large, it is a challenging period. One that we’ve managed to scrape by with a few time-outs, a few hell-knows-no-fury-like-a-two-year-old confrontations, some timely distractions, and paddle whacks on the hand or behind. (Oh and let’s not forget that trusty pack of raisins I carry around in my purse to diffuse some of those meltdown moments.)

Thankfully, there’s the nearby park/playgrounds/library/malls. I’ve also recently tried letting them hang out at a nearby foodcourt, where there is an open space and I can park myself at the nearest table where I can see them full view, and…hear this, actually be able to READ A BOOK! (No doubt it’s distracted reading because I need to keep looking up and down, but reading no less.)

I’ve also prepared for the worst by asking for help. One Saturday morning is already filled with a swim date. And a kind couple who stay nearby have even offered refuge in their home.

If all else fails, there’s always ice-cream.

I’ve picked up a few play ideas from attending a Parenting with Confidence workshop (while sitting in and preparing myself to facilitate the workshop one day). Here are some that’s on my to-do list:

Throw paper balls into a bin
Hide & Seek Biscuits – Hide biscuits in foil and let the kids hunt for their snacks

Oh, I’m also going to make short clips of the kids having fun or saying something sweet to send to daddy over whatsapp. (Shh, don’t tell him!)

But apart from having to entertain the kids, I think I have a bigger challenge on my hands…It’s having to answer this question that I’m sure will be asked 2,829 times a day.

Filed Under: Discipline, Family Tagged With: coping strategies, Home alone, rivalry, sibling fights

A camp with a purpose – Camp Simba

May 3, 2013 8 Comments

Camp Simba is a kids’ camp with a purpose – to give the gift of hope and friendship to children aged 7-12 years old, whose parents have cancer or have passed away from cancer.

As grown-ups, we have various sources of support, but the simple needs of these children are often overlooked. Through fun activities such as art and craft, beach games and scavenger hunts, the camp and its volunteers aim to help children put aside their sadness and just be children again.

Thus every year, students from the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine will come together for this common objective.

Tessa, who was a facilitator last year, shared with me that the main emphasis of the camp is really just to have fun.

When asked if she would be involved in counselling the kids, she replied no. “Our aim is not to bring up their unhappiness and dwell on these things. However, if a child voluntarily talks about it, we will provide a listening ear.”

The committee brings in a psychiatrist to train the facilitators prior to the camp, to equip them with listening and counselling skills.

I believe every child attendee has a unique story to tell.

And the best part about the camp is? Well, let’s hear it from them…

One camp participant shared that the camp really helped him to build up his social skills, and that it was a great opportunity to make new friends — friendships he would cherish for life.

Another participant said, “It made me less shy and I learnt to work in a team and cheer each other on.”

The friendships and support found lasts well beyond the 3 days. Through the year, the medical students also organise numerous reunion trips to help maintain the friendships forged during the camp, allowing the children to know that they are never alone should they need someone to be there for them.

Let’s also see it through pictures…

Building sandcastles

Water war!

A hug of friendship and gratitude

This year, Camp Simba will be held at Sentosa, from 7-9th June 2013.

Where: Cultural Hotel
When: 7 – 9th June 2013
Theme: Amazon!

Participants will have to fulfill the following criteria:
(1) Aged 7 – 12 years old
(2) Parents/immediate family members undergoing cancer treatment, in remission, or deceased.
(3) Able to understand and speak English
(4) Physically and emotionally healthy

If you know a child who would benefit from Camp Simba, do encourage him/her to sign up. Registration ends 15 May.

Filed Under: Just for fun Tagged With: Camp simba 2013

Growing up with a nanny in Singapore

April 30, 2013 4 Comments

I was brought up by my nanny when I was a wee little baby. She was introduced to my mum by a close friend and plop into her arms I went.

As a few other babies were also in her care, I picked up social skills (you know, jealousy, toy-grabbing and self-defence), and apparently got so good at it that in the end she gave up the other babies and only continued to take care of me. All the way through the middle primary years.

You can tell I said that with a hint of pride.

So as the months and years passed, my nanny – originally envisaged to be a temporary carer – became my grand-godmother (“grand” simply because she was already advanced in age and her daughter had took on the position of godmother in my life).

I was sticky-tape close to the family, perhaps more so than my own in those carefree growing up years.

They never pressurised me through school. I just cruised by somehow. At that time, school was a breeze also, right?

I grew up in sunday school singing kiddy songs about Jesus, colouring worksheets, acting in plays, and learning about the world. Although I disliked waking up early, I was pretty much made to do it. No excuses. I reserved the right to be grumpy and dislikeable the whole morning though.

I don’t know how I would have turned out if I had not come under their care. At that time, my family was quite dysfunctional and my parents were caught up in their own lives. I cried every weekend when I had to return to the place called “home”. Not that I was abused or anything, I just didn’t feel loved all that much.

It’s funny how as a child, the time and love invested by my nanny and godmother could have such a profound impact on me. I remember even as a kid, I could still love with a kind of fierce love. When my nanny was old and her bones grew weak, I can distinctly remember the feeling of helplessness and wanting to do all I can to protect and to help her.

She influenced me in ways I can’t fully express. I saw how she lived her life with two children, without her husband beside her. I saw how she endured difficult moments with family members, and how she persevered. She embodied strength to me, even when I was still too young to understand it.

Even though she’s long gone to a better place, she’s left an enduring legacy in my life.

My godmother now is heavily involved in my kids’ lives. Despite being close to 70, she’s also my friend on facebook, and continues to be my most ardent blog reader (I suspect).

The reason why I’m sharing this story is because some of you may have gone through similar situations. But there was that one kind soul, a family friend perhaps, who brought you out of that dark stubborn world you were in, and into the light. We may have struggled with the issues of feeling unloved or even unwanted, but you ARE deeply loved, by a God who knows you by name.

The other reason why I’m sharing this is because I’m struck by the different ways in which we leave imprints on our children’s lives by the things we do or don’t do, say or don’t say. Whether we are conscious or not, we are influencing and guiding our children by the way we live our lives.

May is the month we celebrate our mums. This mother’s day, I want to honour my godmother, and my nanny. I also want to thank my mum, who’s become the most essential grandparent and care-giver to my kids. (She often jokes that she’s repaying her debt now by taking care of my dynamic duo.)

Without these three special women, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Thank you for living out what this quote can only describe:

“But your role in your family will never end. You will never be replaced. Your influence and the need for your influence never ends. Even after you are gone, your children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren will still look to you as their parent or grandparent. Family is one of the few permanent roles in life, perhaps the only truly permanent role.”

- Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families

What were your growing up years like? Who had the biggest influence in your life?

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: godmother, growing up, mothers day, nanny, Singapore, stories

Diary of a mum with HFMD

April 28, 2013 16 Comments

Some of you may know that both Javier and I were down with HFMD over the past 2 weeks…We’re both alive and well now. Having gone through 10 days of pain, I think I can better empathise with any child going through HFMD. If it’s already so difficult to endure as an adult, what more a young child?

I also know how I’ve taken for granted the little everyday things like enjoying a meal, and talking normally (not like a lisping snail). This thing we have call health. We only miss it when we lose it, isn’t it?

Here’s an account of my HFMD days…and some lessons that I learnt from it.

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Day 01:

Feverish and worried. Oh no could this really be it? Fever persists through the day. I take panadol and rest. First signs of a sore throat.

Javier’s HFMD is at day 04 (counting from the day that his fever started) and crankiness and pain is at its peak. He’s been rejecting milk, and only eating oats, drinking honey, diluted juice, and the fruit juice popsicles I made for him.

Day 02:

As the day went by, the fever subsided. By evening, red spots have started to appear on my finger tips. Suspicions confirmed. Oh no…

Javier is taking some small meals now, consisting mainly of porridge or soupy stuff. He can’t take his usual fruits because they tend to sting the ulcers.

Day 03:

Throat is “pain pain” today. I see the doctor and am given 10 days MC, and medication for relief of inflammation, swelling and pain (all for the throat).
Am told I am now a statistic because it’s rare for adults to catch HFMD. Mainly because we tend to be exposed to the virus before and also because it’s mostly spread child-to-child (as adults know how to keep their “healthy” distance). Obviously I failed somewhere along the way.
Some itchy spots on arms and legs (could be hives?).
Also experience tingly sensation on the blisters on my hands, making simple chores like hanging clothes out to dry a sometimes painful task when the wrong “button” is pressed.
I go to bed with painful soles, like someone just rubbed chilli padi on them. I say a prayer and feel like crying.

Javier has started to take some strawberries, which is a good sign of the healing progress because the acidity of strawberries would have caused the ulcers to flare.

Day 04:

Woke at 5.30am feeling like my throat was on fire. Self-medicated with a teaspoon of Manuka and a drop of thieves essential oil, and tried to fall back to sleep.
I rest more while daddy entertains the kids. We all miss church today.
Meals consist of pork/fish porridge, cooked/bought. I can’t eat/drink anything hot because my throat is still on fire. Swallowing is a chore and I’m craving for a Magnum.
Because the blisters on the feet are more painful now, I try to minimise the amount of time I spend with only one foot on the ground, so as to reduce the pressure on the sores. I look a bit like a penguin with her underpants on fire.
Was teary all evening because the throat was so painful. I asked daddy and the kids to pray again, and after an hour or so, the pain went away. I realised it could be ulcers in the throat, because of the high intensity pain that comes and goes throughout the day.
The Magnum was a BIG mistake. I thought it would numb the pain but Nooo, the milk content stung the ulcers instead. I almost passed out on my dining table. (I found out separately from the doctor that it’s not always the case that ice-cream helps. At first contact, it always stings, and as it works to numb the sores, it starts to feel better. At the end of it, there could also be a “rebound pain.” )

Javier’s better since yesterday (day 06 for him) and less episodes of “pain-pain” cries. But we still have our hands full because he can’t fully communicate what he wants. And when that happens, he really loses it…

Day 05:

Woke up to a brand new day with the same ol’ pain. I wish this stupid virus would self-destruct and die.
I gargle my mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash, in a bid to avoid further ulcers from developing. I also down Manuka honey, avoid food and drinks that are too hot, and fruits / juices / milk because these can really sting.
The ipoh horfun (with less sauce) seems to work, some stings here and there but bearable.
When night came, my throat started to hurt really badly again. I couldn’t eat what my mum cooked, not even just rice and soup, so hubby made some cold soba for supper. I tried to down them as best I could. *gulp*

On the bright side, Javier is completely well, and happy as a lark on his day 07. Seeing him happy makes me feel a little better…There is hope.

Day 06:

I start the day jumping off my bed and onto my computer because of some urgent work. (Well at least, I didn’t start my day thinking about the pain.)
I swallow soft boiled eggs for breakfast, with some wincing and flinching. Plus some fish ball kuey teow. And then some fish mee sua for lunch. As you can see, this virus has taken away my joy of eating but it has done nothing to curb my appetite. (Which is like a double whammy if you really think about it.)
Hubby came home early to spend some time with me, even though there really wasn’t much he could do except for pray and make me honey drinks. When the pain got worse and I was lying in bed, he was there right beside me, just keeping me company. Days like these, I wonder what I would do without him…

Day 07:

Woke up to pain, again. I make a doctor’s appointment to see what exactly is going on, since I thought I would at least be feeling better by now. I find out that the ulcers were located at the base of my throat, right where the swallowing action takes place, and that is the reason for my pain.
The good news? That this too shall pass.
The bad? That there’s nothing I can do to ease the pain, except pop painkillers.
I learnt today the most comfortable food is still kuey teow soup or mee sua. A little warm is okay, just not too hot. I even managed to sip down some teh-si today. I asked for less hot, and let it sit while I read a book. Oh bliss…
I also did some work and some writing. It helps to keep my mind off things.

Day 08:

Good morning, pain. Go away already. I’m tired of seeing you here! (Okay, somehow that made me feel better.)
My stomach’s rumbling. I’ve been surviving on so little food, I’m probably losing weight. I guess that’s the good part.
I’m starting to feel nauseous, not sure if it’s due to the swallowing of saliva and air. I just can’t wait for all this to be over.
Terribly bored at home and distracting myself with a good book, and have had some quiet moments through the day. I can’t be grateful enough to mum and godmother for being around to help with the kids…

Day 09:

The pain is noticeably less, but nonetheless still there.
Found out that almond milk actually does not cause ANY pain. Oh jubilee! (My friend bought almond powder for me a few weeks back and now it’s come in handy. Suitable for all ages, and apparently quite nutritious too.)
At the end of the day, I realise that I no longer need the painkillers, and the peak of the pain has lost its blunt edge. Looking forward to a turnaround, finally!

Day 10:

I wake up feeling pretty much close to normal, barring the existence of an ulcer on my tongue.
I feel like popping champagne, and stuffing chocolate cake down my throat. Instead we head over to a nearby park and have a picnic with the kids.
I actually tucking into my meals for the first time in 10 days. The residual ulcer on my tongue feels stingy at times, but nothing like the pain from the past few days. I’m so glad this is over. So, so glad…

~~~~~~

Sometimes when illness or calamity strikes, it’s easy to get angry and lash out at others or God, and ask, “Why? Why?” Though it feels like God is silent amidst the pain, the faith that is in you tells you otherwise — that He is indeed very present and also by your side.

Then I came across this poem, and it helped me to see something new:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked God for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do the better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among all men most richly blessed.

~ author unknown ~

Filed Under: Faith, Health Tagged With: diary, HFMD, mum, pain, toddler, what to eat

Chengzhu Mandarin enrichment for kids – review and giveaway

April 24, 2013 40 Comments

Have you heard of Chengzhu or “成竹”? The name comes from the Chinese idiom “胸有成竹” (to have an image of bamboo in one’s mind), which illustrates the confidence that good preparation can bring when taking on new challenges. It also means growing up tall and strong like bamboo.

Chengzhu Mandarin Centre, located in Rochester Mall, is a unique and holistic Chinese cultural environment established by Julia Gabriel Education, dedicated to helping children build their Mandarin language skills through stimulating, meaningful and joyful experiences.

Vera attended a trial class there recently and she thoroughly enjoyed it.

Here’s what she liked about it:

there was a lot of movement incorporated into the 1.5hr class (especially when they were asked to “hide” under a table and the teacher had to call them out, as part of a dramatisation of a storybook they were exploring that day)

that the story-teller teacher was loud and dramatic and funny

that she could earn chops for reading aloud the Chinese words they were learning

that she could play at the playground before and after her session.

What I liked about it:

the traditional Chinese art displays that deck the walls and halls

the play-before-you-work philosophy

the environment – including the simple, spacious classrooms that were conducive for learning

the teachers – most of them are native speakers from China and they spoke well, are easily understandable, and are good with children.

the well-stocked and conducive library

the pro-active attitude towards parental involvement – when the lesson ended, the lead teacher stepped out of the classroom (before the kids were dismissed) and briefed the parents on what the words and story that were taught, and also gave suggestions on how to reinforce the lesson at home, through play.

And here’s what Javier liked about it:

that he could play (while waiting for the other kids to arrive and the class to start)

and play!

Verdict:

Two thumbs up for the class. I really like the way they covered not just the listening and understanding aspect of the language, but also the experiential (through the drama), speech, and writing. It was a very holistic learning experience packed in 1.5 hours!

It was fun, there was lots of laughter, and it was obvious to me that the children enjoyed being there and enjoyed learning the language! I think that’s the best part.

~~Giveaway ~~

Chengzhu Mandarin Centre is offering 1 trial session for each of the following programmes during the month of May, which is limited to 8 readers:

Adult Accompanied Programmes
1. PlayNest (6 – 8 months)
2. PlayClub (18 months – 3 1/2 years)
3. Bilingual PlayClub (18 months – 3 1/2 years) (combines English and Mandarin)

Preschool Programmes
1. Little Pandas (N1 to N2)
2. Language Learners (N1 to K2)
3. Cultural Arts (N1 to K2)

School Year Programmes
1. Language Skills (P1 to P3)
2. Creative Writing (P1 to P3)

To enter, just like our Facebook page (if you haven’t done so), and leave a comment here stating which class you would like to win, and the name of your child.

Hurry! Contest closes 30 April, 12 noon. The 8 winners will be picked and notified via email on the same day.

PS. There are a few classes scheduled at different timings each day, so not to worry, we can sort out preferred timings after the winners are announced.

Good luck and have fun!

***And here are the winners!***

Congrats, Angie, Carol, Cheryl, Joyce, Ooyyoan, Qiu Xian, Kathryn, and Marilyn! We’ll be in touch by email to arrange for the class. Hope your little ones enjoy it! And thanks for participating, everyone!

Filed Under: Learning is fun, Reviews Tagged With: Chengzhu, children, giveaway, mandarin enrichment class, Singapore