E's assessment day

Me and hubby went for the Ethan's Pre-school Parents - Teachers day last week. His school will have 2 assessment per year.

When i just arrived at the school, I was warmly greeted by the principal Teacher Eva.

I am caught by surprise, the first thing she said to me is : " You managed to have time to make Ethan's bread for his break? The teacher and student will gather around to look at his bread everytime. I have 4 children, but i never made them such nice snack box"

Haha.. I didn't know how to react at first, though I am happy they love the bento I made for Ethan. I just said I got to know how to make cute bentos from other mummy in the website.

From what i have noticed, it is not very common for parents in my place to make Charaben. Hopefully I can spread the healthy and cute bento culture here.

And back to Ethan's assessment, it was generally good. Considering he just join the preschool in July, it has been 4 months now.

His teacher shows me his work and writings at school, I am quite surprised that he can trace some letters quite well now.

I thought he does not know how to hold a pencil properly. We cannot under estimate our child. :)

He was taught other practical skills at school too; like folding clothes, cutting straight lines, making sandwiches etc..

The long school break will commence in mid November till early January, I am still thinking what classes and activities should I arrange for Ethan so that he will not be bored at home.

Bedtime Story

I have been reading Ethan alphabets or spelling books before his nap and story books during bedtime since 1 year old. And both of us enjoy the moment together.

Bedtime story is the best time for parent and children to communicate and to share some values.

Ethan loves to listen to story books during night time, I will let him choose the book he wants me to read. Sometimes, he want me to read to him twice or even three times.

Of course, I will read him stories as many times he wants. Before we realise, they have already memorise the words in their mind.

Sometimes before I end a sentence, he will continue for me.. haha.. that's where I found out kids mind are like a sponge, they can absorb so many things..

I remember my parents bought us a set of encyclopedia and educational books since we are young. We are encourage by them to love reading.

I want to pass it on to my children, I have ordered lots of books from the School. They have dicounted price reading materials for school children for order from time to time.

Can't wait for the new batch of interesting books to come in for Ethan.

My Boy loves to go to School

Ethan has started his pre-school for about 2 months now. He cries when he reaches school for the first few days, but he gradually accepted to go to school day by day.

Today is the first day of the 1 week school break for my boy. So he was asking : "why no school today? I want to see Teacher Shakhira. " (Teacher Shakhira is his class teacher)

I am so glad to hear he loves his school so much he wants to go to school even he doesnt need to.

This is a good sign, as he does not portray going to school as a routine task. I want my kids to love learning not just study by hard.

I found most of the education system in Asian countries are very rigid and too result orientated.

Hope my boy will have a healthy learning environment without much pressure on homework etc..

I have seen a lot of parents around us sending kids for tution since the age of 3, while I find it bit surprising.

A toddler already started to count , adding and subtract and do 20 questions per day.

Oh my, the world is changing..

However, I rather let my boy learn at his own pace, i would send him to Karate,swimming or music class if he is interested.