Spooky to Geeky- Mummies, Pyramid, Egypt & Pharaohs

1. Book: I am the Mummy Heb Nefert

We view mummies as what they are, wrapped dead bodies, haunting. The book speaks of the life she once led, how all things pass. I like the way it spoke, it touches the soul. I didn't expect death would be a topic the next day we read it. My daughter was asking how come she speaks when she has passed away?

2. Toys: 

To better get the idea, an actual toy is presented in a humorous way, we couldn't talk too serious about death to a three year old, could we? Hands on play and dancing like an Egyptian.

3. Crafts Ideas:

Mummify this cardboard guy with tissue.

4. Further reading:

We learned about Pyramid's purpose, way of living, how to make a Papyrus (first paper), and a lot about ancient Egypt.

5. Math Shapes: Pyramid

We did 3d drawing, hand drawing, clay making, paper pyramid.

6. Costume Day

Last day of Kindermusik class is Halloween dress-up (Trick or Treat). Reading and learning about Egypt made her appreciate our choice of character, Cleopatra.

Our greatest thanks to my mom who did all the sewing of the whole outfit and prepared the accessories. My participation would only be sourcing the crown.:)

Happy Halloween to all!

Adult Coloring Book Craze

Everywhere I look I see adult coloring books, several themes to choose from, different bindings and paper type. You'll get lost among the chaos of what is supposed to be a relaxing activity.
A recent book launch by Jomike Tejido has caught my eye. He has diverse works ranging from Banig Painting to Children's Books.

Illustrated are select works from his eight years of painting.

What is interesting is that it is Filipino in character, you see Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut), Maya (common bird found in the Philippines), Ibong Adarna (a mythical bird from Filipino Folktale), Vinta (colorful sailboats) , Butanding (Whale shark) and many more.

Here are our first try, my daughter and my work on the left, my daughter's solo work on their right. We used color pencil as our medium.

Shown above are postcards of some of his works. We got this freebie during the book launch.

We were lucky to have our copy signed.

I am posting some clips from the book, no copyright infringement intended.

All my reviews and selections are based on my honest opinion and is not sponsored in any manner. 

Book: Goodnight Bunny

1. Book: Goodnight Bunny

A very simple story, but it left my daughter laughing.

2. History:  Family Tree

There's an app for your family tree but making or having a picture of each family member will be a great activity for you and your child.

Discuss names we call our relatives, in Chinese every member is specific whether father side or mother side and 1st, 2nd, 3rd child and so on.

We have a big family tree,  we started with our immediate family members.
 I still have to call on relatives to have everybody accounted for.

3.Math: Counting Game

Practice counting , let your child count slowly, in several languages also.

Common Language spoken in the Philippines

This is a go-along book we used for ABC Bunny.

It is time to have annual family gatherings, try to make it more often, have fun!

ABC Bunny Activities

1. Book:ABC Bunny

We have been reading this Five days in a Row.

2. Writing

Practice one letter a day in a pad paper, to make it fun. We did a letter tree just like in the book.

3. Science: Weather

4. Music

We sang the book, notes are included in the book. (Music played and  available in Youtube)

We identified quarter notes.

5. Pre-reading skills

Play games with letter sounds.

6. Art: Charcoal Drawing

7. Art: The Starry Night by Van Gogh

Similar strokes to Vincent Van Gogh's famous painting, we have attempted to do, crayon as our medium.

Wool, Weave , Baaaa!

1. Book
We are currently rowing (reading five days in a row) Ask Mr Bear. A book to go along, we used Charlie Needs a New Cloak.

It is about the process of sheep shearing, weaving and making a cloth.

2. Practical Life Activity
Something as simple as weaving can have several benefits:
  - Development of fine motor skills, manual dexterity and manipulative skills
  - Development of concentration
  - Building self-confidence

We were aiming to weave a new cloak, we weaved a bracelet instead.

3. Art & Science
Dye a cloth.

4. Field Trip

See some Sheep , watch a sheep being sheared, or watch someone who is looming.

Be creative and make it fun, that is the time children learn most.

Make Believe!

Pretend play has a vital role in a child's developing mind.
Encourage your child to use his or her imagination, sail the seven seas, create a theme and live the story.

1.Book & Music: Rupert the Wrong Word Pirate

   Language: Practice making your own rhymes, play a game when in the car or waiting.

   Music: Listen and move to the same theme, it is easier for them to remember.

2. Math: Counting 1:1 correspondence
Count slowly and making sure that you count one item at a time.
Start with left to right to prepare the child for reading sequence.

I would suggest get real coins not a digital one.

3. Listening and Imitating
Since the book is about pirates, do some pirate languages for the child to say after you.
Ahoy there, Matey!

4. Science: Animal to See at the Sea
Show pictures and toy of sharks and whales, better yet, visit an oceanarium or go penguin watching.

5. Pretend Play
From Pirates to Princess, here is a craft activity. We made our own crown, pretend play has never been so sparkly!

See you in the land of make believe! :)

Children are Fascinating Authors

Children are witty, funny and thinks with no bounds. They have creative stories that we could record and recall later on.

Most of the days, my daughter and I pretend to be animals, like a kangaroo and a joey, which was inspired from last week's book Katy no-Pocket, but today is different. My daughter said she is an author with a pseudonym named Margaret Wise Brown.

In case you are wondering, George is a monkey,
 he is at the center, being held by two firefighters

I intended to write all her ideas and make some illustrations, but she took the initiative and drew, while referring to the cover of Curious George.

I was her secretary, she was telling her ideas, I write it down. I made some sketches in a separate paper as she renders her own version of it in her 'book'.

The monkey George is sitting in a vine up the tree

Well, the book launch was a success because my daughter assigned me as the 'buyer' of her book. She'll be making more she said --for daddy next time.

Read to your child, it inspires them in many ways. :)