Small Kids, Big Dreams

10 Tips for Helping Your Kids Learn to Write

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:10:00 +0000

Writing is a vital communication skill that begins to develop early in life as young children learn to express themselves through gestures and spoken words. Early writing skills first emerge as a toddler’s scribbling. While these early drawings seem random and unintelligible, they are an important first step in writing. By the time they enter school, children recognize letters of the alphabet and begin to form letters. Writing skills continue to develop as children’s cognitive and fine motor skills advance.

By maintaining awareness and using a little creativity, parents can support their child’s writing development in a number of simple ways.

1. Make Reading A Priority

Children who are exposed to reading early and often are more likely to develop good writing skills later in life. Read together daily. Surround children with a wide variety of books, visiting the local library often to explore new books and subjects. Notice which classroom themes capture a child’s interest and expand on those themes at home with related reading.

2. Make Reading Interactive

When reading together, ask questions about the story or pictures. Discuss the characters and make predictions about what will happen next. Such interactive reading creates a richer experience that enhances learning and promotes a love of reading.

3. Provide A Place To Write

Be sure children have a place to write. A good writing surface is a smooth, flat table or desk. Make sure that lighting is adequate.

4. Provide Materials

Provide plenty of paper, pens, pencils and crayons. Note cards, stationary and notepads with fun designs are especially appealing to children. Materials should always be available and easily accessible for use during spontaneous play.

5. Encourage Writing Activities

Suggest that young children dictate stories. Composing their thoughts and expressing themselves orally is an important first step to writing. Telling stories through pictures is another great activity that promotes expression. Ask children to make lists, or keep a journal. Young children can keep picture journals. Give emerging writers words and sentences to copy.

6. Write Letters

Help your child develop a letter-writing relationship. Writing to a pen pal allows a child to practice writing with purpose about topics that interest them. Letters children receive help expand reading skills and allow children to learn about others. A pen pal living in another state or country provides an opportunity to discover information about new places. Children may feel more confident when writing to someone they know, so relatives and friends are ideal first pen pals. Even young children can engage in a pen pal relationship by drawing pictures and dictating letters to a parent.

7. Play Word Games

Many games and puzzles help build vocabulary along with reading and writing fluency. Most toy stores carry a variety of board and card games containing word play. Try working together on crossword puzzles and anagrams designed for children. Kids may also enjoy word games available online or designed for electronic game systems.

8. Be Responsive

Respond to the ideas a child communicate through writing, drawing or spoken words. Focus on what the child is expressing rather than on penmanship, spelling or other aspects of technique. Show interest and offer positive comments.

9. Check Homework

Help reinforce classroom learning by checking a child's homework for spelling and punctuation errors. Advise children writing reports at home to complete a first-draft, then help them check spelling, capitalization and punctuation before completing a final copy.

10. Take Time To Talk

Encourage kids to express themselves by talking with them about anything and everything. A great way to get kids talking is to create a jar of conversation starters filled with interesting questions and topics. Start a dinnertime tradition of discussing the day’s highs and lows. Spend time talking in the car or while cooking together. Practicing verbal expression will help kids learn to express themselves effectively in writing.

James’ vast experience has led to him becoming on of the head toner cartridge experts in charge of HP toner cartridges, when he’s not blogging for his employer.

Preparing for Your Kid's Education

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

As the cost of primary and college education continues to rise, no time is too early to consider the best way to prepare for your child's education. Since the best investment you will ever make will be the one for your kid's future, proper planning can be vital. Even the most detailed plans can go awry, so be prepared to implement income with an online payday loan when needed.

Reexamine Expenditure

One of the easiest ways to approach a viable plan for education funding is to examine your current spending habits. Inevitably, posing the "need versus want" question for all expenses will help you renegotiate your funds. Once you have the extra funding you will supply to your kid's education plan, you can put away a small savings that can become the education piggy bank for future use.

Get the Kids Involved

Although you can't expect them to contribute as very young children, once they are at working age, ask them for a reasonable amount of money to go towards their own college funds. Even five dollars per week for a couple of years can really add up to be a significant source of funding later.

Teach them Expenditure Responsibility

As your child is ready to enter a costly and higher education program, make sure they are aware of ways to protect themselves from excess spending, as well as other options for when things inevitably get rough financially.

Quick and Safe Short Term Loans

Educate them on options like an online payday loan. While in college, your child will be approached from many directions such as credit card companies, and larger more intensive and more expensive school loans.

Get Creative

If you or your kids have a creative hobby or something you think you can offer for a price, use those things to sell or create in your community for money. Don't be ashamed to ask for permitting from your town and hold a college education car wash. Get your kids friends involved to help out.
As long as you have shared important information with your child such as how to manage their college budgets, how to watch out for those who offer high percentage rate credit to them, and be sure they understand the importance of dealing with reputable sources, they should be able to complete their education with a little bit of help and advice from you, and a lot of creative budgeting.

Francis Turn

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:34:00 +0000

Francis is laughing and laughing while the therapist massage his feet. He is so ticklish!

Foot Reflex

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:23:00 +0000

Christoph is enjoying his foot reflex session with Ate Maricris. As usual, he has to be the first. Next in line is Kuya Francis.

Kids Power

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:07:00 +0000

When Daddy is not around, the kids overpower Mommy. I can't get to watch news or any station that I like. I have to watch Disney Playhouse, Cartoon Network or Nick Jr. Those are just some of the channels that my kids love to watch. Unfortunately, that's my life without Daddy so please come home now. We miss you very much!
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Kipling Christmas Party 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:56:00 +0000

Menino's Christmas Party 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:49:00 +0000

My "chubbilicious" son posed before the start of their Christmas party in
school. They were asked to wear a Christmas color like red, yellow and
green. Since he has a lot of red and I chose green. He disliked it but told
him, his teacher said him to wear green instead of red.

12/366 BPC: Meet and Greet With Santa in Limketkai Cagayan

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:07:00 +0000

This is surely a late post but would like to post to document our activities
in Cagayan de Oro.

We arrived on 18th of December, a day after the killer flashfloods in the
city. Immediately after our arrival, we went to the river where hundreds if
not thousands of houses were built along the riverside that were wiped out
in seconds. It was not a pretty sight.

To lighten up the moods of the kids, they were shocked as well, we went to
Limketkai and luckily, the good old Santa was waiting for the kids.

Photo opps with Santa

Francis received a handful of candies/chocolates

Christoph turned for a photo session

Alexa was afraid of Santa so Ate Weng posed with her. Unfortunately, the camera didnt work well. :)

Sharing these pics for the 366 Blog Photo Challenge

Pretty Little Strawberry

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Here comes the darling of the family, the princess, the Barbie, the pretty little strawberry. :)

Attending A Costume Party

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:29:00 +0000

The kid were invited last December 11 to attend our neighbors son, my kids
friend. The birthday theme is a Cosplay and wearing a costume is required.
Luckily, the old Superman, Batman and Strawberry costumes still fit my kids.
These were their costume on last year's Halloween. We were not able to
attend any this year since we were in Singapore that time.

Alexa's 3rd Birthday "Barbie" Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:47:00 +0000

On December 10, 2010, we had a simple family celebration for our little princess. I purchased a personalized fondant cake from Project Happiness Bakehouse, a fellow PMC Mom whom I met during our second Grand EB. She is based in Bacoor, Cavite.

I ordered a Barbie inspired cake in Fairy Secret Movie. I was surprised to see her creative creations / artwork. The taste is just right, not too sweet ! And most importantly, cheaper compared to other fondant cake supplier in Cavite.

These cupcakes with topper is posted in her Facebook account, so to match with the Barbie themed cake, I also ordered for these cupcakes with bags and shoes.

Look at this pretty "Barbie" birthday girl? Ain't she pretty? Of course she is! She is my daughter!

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Without The Hassle

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:17:00 +0000

Buying insurance is a lot different than it used to be with the availability if the Internet. No one needs to go traipsing all over town or sit with a telephone book making multiple phone calls to comparison shop. If you compare car insurance quotes online, then you start saving money in gas and phone charges before you ever buy an insurance policy.

If you’ve Never Comparison Shopped For Insurance it's Not Too Late
It doesn’t matter if you have auto insurance already or are looking to make sure you are getting the best rates available the Internet is a twenty-four hour resource center. You can save a substantial amount of money by taking advantage of some of the comparison shopping web sites and you never have to say a word to anyone.

Words of Wisdom before You Start Auto Insurance Shopping
You can get quotes from individual insurance companies online, but a comparison-shopping site that provides multiple quotes are the most hassle free option. No reputable web site will ask for any upfront financial information. If you receive a request to provide it early in the process, go to another web site.

Even if you’re tempted to lie to get better insurance rates, don’t. The probability that it will come back to haunt you is almost certain if you ever need to file a claim. It’s likely that the insurance company will not pay claims if you give false information, the insurance company will probably cancel your policy and you may find it almost impossible to get insurance in the future.

Information the Comparison Site May Need for an Accurate Quote
Now that we’ve cleared up the temptation to be less than honest, locate a comparison web site to use and be prepared to provide the information they need. Supply personal information such as name, address, phone number, marital status, and age. Provide your driving history including the good, the bad, and the ugly. Some web sites may request an auto insurance record listing the policies you’ve had and claims that you've filed.

Now they are going to need your auto information including the registration number, make, model, and miles on the odometer. Some will ask how the car is used and how many miles it is driven and if you park it inside or out. Some will request that you provide a rough estimate of what your vehicle is worth, which is easy to find on the Internet. The more information that you provide the more accurate the quotes are going to be.

How to Make Sure You Get True Comparison Quotes
Make sure that all insurance companies giving you a quote using exactly same information. Ensure that the coverage you request from each one is the same, and that any applicable deductibles are the same amount. Otherwise, the quotes are not comparable. After you have filled in all the blanks, sit back and watch the quotes roll in. Choose the coverage that is right for you, read the fine print and save money and avoid the hassle of shopping the old-fashioned way.

Alexa's Handwriting

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 02:45:00 +0000

Alexa visited me in the office yesterday. So as not to disturb me from my work, I gave her a pen and a piece of scratch paper.

She wrote straight line and sleepy line uttering the words while writing. I was amused.

But still, she can't get enough of what she was doing, she still had to interrupt me a couple of times.

Preparation for Bilingual Education

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 02:04:00 +0000

Submitted on behalf of Primrose Schools: preschool education and early child care services by Emily Patterson (@epatt1062)

Every parent wants their child to have the best education to prepare them for the future and to become a successful adult. One of the things that parents look at and should consider is what it will take to prepare their child for the work world of the future and this future is almost guaranteed to be one that is highly competitive. While much of education today is geared toward holistic learning and inclusive teaching, competition among students, and ultimately competing workers, remains fierce. With a culture that is quickly becoming universally bilingual, integrating bilingual learning into early childhood education cannot be anything but an edge up for your child.

Bilingual Trends

As the world has become smaller and is in the process of becoming a truly global society and economy, the future is certain to continue to move toward bilingual communication skills. In the United States alone, a wide variety of diverse cultures and languages are represented, including Mexican, Russian, Mandarin, Vietnamese and countries from all continents and around the world. The fact that the United States is a country that has included and welcomed such a wide variety of immigrants has resulted in large bilingual language centers around the country.

As global economics continues to shift, knowledge of languages such as Mandarin, Hindi and others from around the world will continue to also grow in importance. The ability to speak at least one and even more languages will serve your child well as they develop into a successful adult.

Preparation for Bilingual Education

Historically, learning a second language has begun during middle or high school for students in the United States. However, recent research indicates that learning a second language can be much more effective when it is started early in a child’s education. It has been found that the best time for a child to learn a second or third language is when the language centers of their brain are developing and they are attaining and acquiring their first language. While it is possible to learn additional languages when a child is older or even when they are an adult, the easiest and most natural time for a child to become multilingual is during the early years of language development before the “window of opportunity” for language development closes.

Researchers at McGill University in Montreal state very clearly that children learn two or three languages very easily at a young age. Throughout the world, educators have known this to be true, especially in countries with multiple official languages and where the culture is multilingual.

Children learn best in an environment where the second language is spoken constantly and they are immersed in it. Children who live in families or cultures where multiple languages are spoken automatically pick up the language skills with little effort on their part. To them it is a natural process and as automatic as learning language in general. Even as adults, one of the best ways to learn a second language is in a total immersion language program, although the process is harder as an adult than it is for a young child.

If you want your child to have an edge for success in the future, one of the ways to accomplish this is to enroll him or her in a early childhood or preschool education program that offers language immersion programs.

Francis in Science Center

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:14:00 +0000

In the Science Center Singapore, this is the most interesting for the kids. It is sort of a table with mirrors. The person will go at the back side of this structure and the child stands straight in the middle of the table making your head as one yummy servings.

This is the most popular attraction here.

Science Center Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 07:06:00 +0000

This is one of the best in Science Center Singapore.. :)

Intramuros Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 06:49:00 +0000

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Kids Visited Intramuros

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Adorable and Beneficial Fijit Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:23:00 +0000

It is but normal for a child to play. Aside from having fun, playing has always been part of children’s learning and growing. It is through play that kids learn to cope and express their feelings. Of course, toys are mostly present in every play. Toys stimulate your kids’ imaginations and creativity thus helping them to develop socially and intellectually. That’s the reason why choosing the right toys for your kids is important.

Over the years, toys have changed with the advancement of the technology. They now come in various types, sizes and shapes and are made in different materials. Some toys remain simple while there are also others that have become more complicated with different features and effects.

Among the toys in the market nowadays, the Fijit Friends from the Fijit Shop attracted me the most. They’re interactive, colorful, so cute and cuddly! I’m sure they’ll be adored and loved by the kids of all age groups. Aside from talking and telling jokes, they can also play their own music and dance! Therefore, they do not just amuse your kids and help them learn new concepts; through the music and dancing, they also help your children’s development of body awareness, movement and coordination. They’re definitely the best gifts for your kids this Christmas so hurry up and buy now!

Pinocchio: A Live Marionette Musical

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:18:00 +0000

It's Christoph field trip today and now, we are on our second stop after the Sea Lion Show at Ocean Park. We are currently at St. Scholastica for the Pinocchio Show.

While waiting for the show, although camera with flash is not allowed, we still can't resist the temptation of taking some photos, anyway the show hasn't started yet.

After the show, we will proceed to our last and final stop : The Touch of Aura inside the Boom na Boom.

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Dentist Is In

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 06:22:00 +0000

Sunday today and instead of staying at home, why not visit our dentist and have the kids teeth check and possibly for extraction. Good luck boys!
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Dental Check Up

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:48:00 +0000

The two boys needs to go for dental check up soon. I have been planning for ages I know, but this time around, really have to fulfill it even if I have to drag the kids. lol

I am quite happy that I finally found a good pediatric dentist in SM Bacoor. It's a little pricey but it's worth it!

Consider this coming weekend - a dental check-up day!

A Cup of Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 07:39:00 +0000

Time flies so fast, its now September and in a few days, we will start to hear Christmas songs and carols. Are you excited? My kids are for sure!

But this month, I have to focus on school requirements, I need to pay the quarterly tuition for my two kids. Education is still the only legacy we can give to our kids. Land properties, buildings, houses, cars and other investment, if not manage well and if the dollar depreciation - one cannot tell what the future holds for these kinds of investment. Don't get me wrong, we also don't have these for now. But who knows? We simply cannot tell! I am checking on bonds tips and penny stock tips.

A stock broker is actually inviting me for a cup of coffee, should I give in? Do I have the funds now to invest? I guess I have to check first on the stock market. Thinking about it now, makes me crave for a cup of black coffee.

Our Darling Pet

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 07:55:00 +0000

This is our pet, a Jack Russel breed whom we fondly call "Cherry".

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Girlfriend's Pink Bicycle

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 07:22:00 +0000

Alexa has her own bicyle, the small one fit for tiny girl. But she loves to ride in Ate Nikko's pink bicycle. It is scary to see them riding but don't worry, this is just for picture taking.

This is my entry for Pink Friday and Pink Saturday. Happy Pink Weekend to everyone!