Kidzania Trip @ October 2012

Thanks to free tickets from a good friend, we went to Kidzania for only RM35. Without the tickets, it would cost us at least RM125 extra.

Kidzania is one of the newest craze in town, where kids have the opportunity to try out the various occupations under one roof. We chose a public holiday to try out this new place. It was a bad move. Being a new thing and public holiday, you can just imagine the crowd.

The first station was the bank. Kids have to cash in some money to play. Jesslyn was wailing as she queued at the counter. How embarassing.
After that, we were so overwhelmed by the crowd and tried to find a station where the queue wasn't that long. One of the stations was the court. We persuaded Jerilyn to experience the court atmosphere. Because of her age (5yo), the person-in-charge tested her language proficiency. She managed to pull it through. She went in with a few older girls, some in their teens. Each kid had to play a role  - judge, lawyer, the accused, prosecutor etc...


lined up at the police station.. but had to wait more than half an hour.
wanted to make choc at the choc factory but they are too young. all the intersting stations had long bee lines. so, we chose those with short or even no lines at all. :p

1st Enid Blyton book

Jerilyn's first Enid Blyton collection. I had a hard time choosing an interesting one from the vast collection. Finally, the word ENCHANTED caught my attention. I remember liking Enid Blyton's Enchanted books, so I settled for this.

Just like anything new, she loved it and read a few pages. I asked if she understands the story. She replied "No. But I can read."

Random

Jerilyn's 5y 2m old

Jesslyn's work - 3y 3m old

This is what happens when she wants independence and authority

trying out new pose

Not pretty

After experiencing a few occasions where people tease and play with Jesslyn, Jerilyn begins to feel conscious of how she looks. She tells me that she is not pretty. When I deny it, she says "I know. I am not pretty." She has always wanted to keep long hair, just like her friend. But how can she when she sweats so easily! Even the length now looks messy when she sweats.

naughty Jesslyn... in process

I picked up the girls as usual from school yesterday and as usual, I would ask something about their friends when I see one.

So, I asked about this girl who is about 3y. Jesslyn told me that the girl doesn't know how to talk and only baby talk. She was sarcastic enough to add "She bleh bleh bleh.. like an idiot girl." I was again stunned by her remark.

4y 10m old

Sharp tongue

23 August 2012
Jesslyn just threatened me. She came across a colourful page in her Maths book and insisted me to teach her although I know she is not ready for it. Example of sum was 11+4, 9+3.... So, I ignored her. She got impatient and threatened me "Teach me. Faster or else, I'll simply write."

Later that day, she rode on her car and invited Jerilyn to go to the pasar malam (imagination). Her sis happily agreed but she replied immediately, "but no space wo. You stay at home with mummy ok?"

25 August 2012
Jesslyn was looking for me and when she saw me, she said "Eh, I thought you were lost." I answered "No, I am not lost." Very cheekily, she replied "I said I THOUGHT you were lost. I thought...." It's hard to win this girl. Very sharp tongue.

Apology

Since months ago, Jesslyn knows to demand for an apology. I have never made a record of it. Today, I heard it again while trying to put them to sleep. While it's still fresh in my memory, here it goes.

Jerilyn did something, which Jesslyn thought had offended the baby (Jesslyn's Mr Bean bear) and Jesslyn demanded an apology.

Jesslyn: Jie2, say sorry to baby.
Jerilyn: Sorry baby. (Loud)
Jesslyn: No. It's too loud. Say sorry again to baby.
Jerilyn: Sorry baby. (Loud again)
Jesslyn: It's too loud. Say 'Sorry baby'(soft).
Jerilyn: Sorry baby. (Loud again).
..

This ordeal repeated several times I began to think they were enjoying it. I stopped them after that or else it would never end.

Jesslyn still sings lullaby to the bear and cradles it like her baby.  She calls her bear 'baby' and if the baby is naughty, she scolds it. If the baby is scared, she puts it against her chest and pats its back while telling it not to be scared. There was once she brought a pillow, blanket and bolster down to the living room so that the baby could sleep comfortably. Jesslyn is usually a messy person. She throws things around as if my house is a huge garbage bin. I am surprised that she would put her baby cozily with blanket and bolster. Hmm.. Should I get her a real baby doll to play with? 

Development (in progress)

What the kids can do.
Jerilyn (5y6m)

1. 'recognise' words just by spelling it out to her. Sometimes, I try to communicate with my husband with them knowing it. Nothing obscene, just about some forbidden food when they are sick. So, one day, I spelt out 'N-U-G-G-E-T' and she knew immediately what I was talking about.
2. can do addition below 20. for example 9+5. How do children learn to do addition and subtraction? She uses her fingers. I seen some draw dots on the paper. I used to teach her that way but somehow, she has the habit of adding with her fingers.

Jesslyn (3y6m):

1. spell her own name and Jerilyn's name
2. spell dog and cat orally. She doesn't know how to spell the whole word she has 
3. read Peter and Jane book4
4. play Mary Had a Little Lamb on the piano by memory

Today, Jesslyn used a big word "Mummy, Jie2 DISTRACT me." I exclaimed "Wow! A big word." Jerilyn asked "Big word means the word is large?"

Racist

I don't know how but Jesslyn has always demonstrated discrimination towards the ugly, the blacks and the disadvantaged.

The first time she showed discrimination towards the ugly was about a year ago when she said this to her sister "eh! why your ugly face look so pretty today?"

The next incident was at a restaurant. She showed her displeasure seeing a down-syndrome baby boy "I don't like that boy." as she pointed at the boy.

After that, there were many other instances. For example, when Jerilyn was overly dressed, Jesslyn commented "Aiye, you look so Indian. I don't like it."

Today, the teacher took some photos of the kids at the Montessori. Jesslyn was reluctant to take photos with her own sister.  I asked her why. She answered "Because she is ugly."

I love to ask the girls about their schoolmates and Jesslyn loves to share her experiences in school. For a 3yo kid, she has quite distinct words to describe her friends. John is a naughty boy. Y is very beautiful. She likes to play with me. M is a quiet boy. They also talked about their teachers. Jesslyn said "I like teacher B but teacher B is black and brown."

first piano lesson

Date: July 3rd
Jerilyn's first official piano lesson went on pretty well. She was obedient. She paid full attention to the teacher. She showed nervousness as she did not look at the teacher (Ms Yap) when the teacher was explaining. She looked down at the keys instead. Other than that, she didn't show much response although the teacher posted the same question several times. She only managed to nod her head. She could play the pieces quite well. At the end, Ms Yap complimented "She understands very well and steady. Unlike some kids who tend to be restless and turn here and there. She is very 'Tong Xi'(knows stuff)."

Jesslyn wasn't bad herself. As it was the first time Jerilyn had her lesson, Jesslyn and I waited in the same room. Jesslyn was super quiet. She understands the seriousness of the event that she whispered with me. It was funny looking at her whisper and doing sign language.

Overdue posts

Finally, I can sit down and update my long overdue posts. I had to rush and make perfect my assignments til I haven't been updating my blog about the girls for ... let's see.... 2 months?
Just for memory sake, here are some of the quotes I want the girls to know when they grow up.

1. Although the girls don't come into contact with their Ah Yee much but the way they talk about Ah Yee sounds like they have frequent contact with her. For example when the girls fight over the ipad, Jesslyn sulkily said "I dont want to play your (mummy) ipad, I will play Ah Yee's ipad."
2. Jesslyn asked "Why Ah Yee never cry when the doctor take rachel out from Ah Yee's stomach?" [as if she was there when Ah Yee delivered her baby]
3. Jerilyn shows responsibility again when she said that she was late to return to her classroom after breakfast because she had to wait for Jesslyn to finish her breakfast. Jerilyn explained that if she didn't wait, Jesslyn would cry.
4. Sometimes, we encourage and boost the girls confidence by being ignorant. One night, Jerilyn explained something about how earthquakes work and Daddy asked "How do you know?" She answered "Of course I know." Daddy replied "But, I don't know." She answered smartly "Because some boys never use their brains."
5. Jerilyn was reading her knowledge book (she has interest with the solar system, the nature, science etc.) when she suddenly asked "Mummy, is ocean bigger or the sea bigger?" That caught me off-guard. 

On July 31st,
Jerilyn - 18.8kg
Jesslyn - 14.5kg

Piano Assessment

in June:
Since I started my Masters studies, I didn't have the time to teach Jerilyn piano. She was on her own. She hardly played her piano. Maybe once or twice a week. I realised that I could not let that habit continue so, I decided to enrol her into piano classes. At least, the classes will give her some sense of responsibility and she will practise at home.

I called the piano teacher and made an appointment for an assessment. The assessment was to determine which level should Jerilyn start her lessons. According to the teacher, children her age should start with sth called Mozart, which I wasn't very keen. I wanted her to play. So, there - the assessment. I was quite apprehensive about this assessment. What if she freaks out and doesn't play? What if she was so nervous that she makes mistake after mistake? What if the teacher isn't happy enough with her performance and insists that she starts with Mozart level? I was stress  and so was she.

When she first knew about the class, she cried. She didn't want to go. However, as the actual day drew nearer, she began to accept that she has to go. Still, she was restless the whole day. You see, the appointment was in the evening.

When it was time, we went and she played. She played very well. Better than her performances at home. So, the teacher said she can start with Pre-Grade 1 book 2, whatever that means. For half an hour lesson every week, the lessons cost RM60/month.

I went home feeling proud of my daughter. The teacher was impressed with her ability to read the notes without any theory lesson. Yah. I told her I haven't taught her any theory. There was another thing which I have forgotten. Let me think.

urgent post

Edited 6 August:
As the title said, it's urgent. Just to jot down some memorable quotes:

1. Jesslyn said sth smart in the car. I complimented that she has sharp eyes. Jerilyn said sth of the similar nature. I didn't say anything and she complained that I didn't praise her. So, I complimented her just the same way I complimented Jesslyn. She wasn't happy, she said "It's too late now."
2. Jerilyn told me yesterday that she promises me that she would be good and won't be noisy in school today. (No. I didn't say or do anything that prompted this). I just replied "ok". Today, after school, she remembered her promise. She told me she had been good and even added "as promised yesterday".

Breathing time

Jesslyn can read Peter and Jane book 3. Not sure if she can read book 4 tho.
She is quite unreasonable sometimes. If she has taken a sweet and i suggest to give 1 to jerilyn, she would say No. Don't finish it and give her reasons so that I don't give any to Jerilyn.
She is reading Peter and Jane now.  The sentence goes like this:
Peter is here.
Peter is here and Jane is here.
She asked "why is there no AND here?" pointing to the between the lines. In short, she is quite inquisitive too. Just like always, she reads, writes and colours faster than Jerilyn. I have photos of their colouring quality but... hmm.. when can I upload.
Things have been working like robots nowadays. Since I have started my Master education, all I think of is assignment, assignment and assignment. Luckily, datelines for 2 of the 3 assignments have been  postponed by 2-3 weeks. Only now, I can breathe and do my assignment with more gusto. Previously, it was all about meeting the dateline.
One day, Jerilyn came home from school and announced "Mummy, I plan to buy Lamborghini." I thought only my teenage students would have such dreams. Jerilyn explained that her friend, Ryan has one green Lamborghini. So, she wants one. I asked her, how big is it? "It's this big." putting up both her arms at half a foot's length.
Oh! Did I tell you about Jerilyn's jealousy? No. She is not jealous at home but away from home. While we were dining at a fancy restaurant, as usual, the waiters would play and touch Jesslyn's cheeks.... I think I have done this.
Let's go to the next. We were at a bridal shop to enquire about family portrait packages. The salesgirl was playing with Jesslyn and even had her on her lap, tickling her and made Jesslyn laughed. At first, Jerilyn only watched. Later she didn't look very happy and we all noticed that. The 2 salesgirls were discussing about it. 1 of them said "You have neglected the elder one. Look at her. She is not happy." (in Cantonese). The more they talked, the more Jerilyn was unhappy and finally, she broke down and cried. Daddy didn't even know what was going on. I don't understand why is she so 'touchy' as she doesn't portray such behaviour at home. She has never been jealous of Jesslyn at home. I carried her out of the studio and asked her what happened. Her reply was "I don't want to talk about it."

........

I  have been thinking.... what's a suitable title this time? I can't think of one. Maybe you can help.

When Jesslyn was born, she wasn't beautiful. In fact, she looked 'not pretty'. As she grows, she turns into a beautiful duckling. Hmm... maybe 'beautiful' is over-rated. Anyway, she does attract attention wherever she goes. Waiters especially would tease her, touches her cheeks and talks to her. She gets the attention because of her .... big round eyes? Friendly smile? cheeky look? China doll hair? I don't know. Maybe a mixture of the above. Jerilyn gets the attention because of her vivacious style. Overall, Jesslyn is the one who makes people stop.

Last Friday, we had an early Mother's Day celebration at Moven Peak's. This time, the special attention that she got was almost unbearable. The Bangladeshi touched her cheeks every time he came to our table. That was more than 5x. Daddy and I were so pissed off that Daddy told her loudly "Tell him not to touch you" when the waiter was within an audible distance. Jerilyn looked a bit offended and unhappy at first. Later, she asked "Mummy, why all the men like her?" To make her feel better, I answered "They know that you are tough and cannot be disturbed. So, the men dare not disturb you." I hope she does feel better after that and be proud of herself.

Trip to Petrosains

Petrosains KL - slideshow with music

Tooth Decay

For the past few days, tooth decay has been the main concern in my family. Daddy thinks that it's a crisis! So, who has tooth decay. Look at the picture below and take a guess.

After bathing the kids last Saturday, Daddy told me that Jesslyn has a hole in her tooth. The news was like a leaking bombshell (if bombs ever leak). He took photographs to show Jesslyn herself. Not only is there a hole, the two front teeth are brownish as you can see from the picture above. He threatened to bring her to the dentist. She said No. Otherwise, she had no feeling or showed any other reaction towards her decayed tooth. Daddy complained that Jesslyn took it too easy. I thought to myself "What does he expect from a 3yo kid who has never had her tooth checked  by a man in a white robe." The days after, we made her brushes her teeth twice a day. I wasn't strict with teeth brushing rule. Now, I am forced to. Coincidentally, hubs and I had our teeth scaled that very same morning. It was a 'teethy' day.

A Day at School

Paid the kids' school fees yesterday. As expected, the principal has lots to talk about. The first thing the principal said was "The two of them don't like dirt esp Jesslyn." Apparently, they did some outdoor painting and Jesslyn was careful with the paint. Yup! She doesn't like to touch paint with her bare hands.  At home, she only plays finger painting for 5minutes before she says she wants to wash her hands.


Next, the principal commented that Jerilyn has (too) high expectation from herself. The girl wants to be the first in class and cannot accept failure. The principal related one incident where she taught them insects. During the first few lessons, Jerilyn was quiet and didn't answer any questions posted by the teacher until later, when she was more sure, she started answering questions. According to the teacher, other kids gave answers although some were wrong. Her point is that it's alright to make mistakes.
My opinion: What's wrong with having expectations? Yes, Jerilym may be a bit tensed in case she gives the wrong answers but surely you don't want a kid who simply gives answers without thinking.

Thirdly, the principal asked me if I send Jerilyn to any classes because her colouring and painting skills are not good. She explained how Jerilyn used the brushes etc...
My opinion: So what if her painting and colouring skills are not perfect. It's not a matter of life and death. Like my sister asked "Does she want to be an artist?" Jerilyn has always shown more interest in science. I don't expect her to excel in every field although I hope she can be an all-rounder. I appreciate her concern but she doesn't have to make a big deal out of it.

Forth, it's about the girls schoolmates.
1. A boy named J. I mentioned that Jesslyn has been talking about this boy and she immediately said that the boy likes her. He tries to get her attention and always looks at her but my little girl doesn't like him. She avoids him and this frustrates the boy. The boy also told the teacher "... henn mei orrr...." with a love struck expression on his face.
2. A girl named MS. The principal said that her performance has dropped tremendously lately. The girl got '0' for a few spelling tests. She daydreams in class and doesn't do her homework. I was surprised because just 2 months ago, the principal said that this girl was her best student. At home, Jerilyn too told me a bit about the girl but I didn't believe her. I thought Jerilyn was just trying to put down her friend. Anyway, the reason behind the girl's poor performance is because she is addicted to Taiwanese, Korean Idol shows 'til she neglect her studies. She goes to bed late thus she couldn't concentrate in class. What is more surprising is the girl would comment "He is handsome" when she saw a (maybe handsome) Daddy comes to pick up a kid.

Situation 1
She came to me asking me to read her a story while I was already in bed. I said that I didn't have time to entertain her. She demanded "Say Sorry.". I didn't answer her. She firmly said "Mummy, say 'Sorry, I don't have time to entertain you'."

Situation 2
Jerilyn showed me some stickers her friend gave.I wasn't very happy. I told her not to take things from others. Jesslyn said "Mummy, I didnt take anything from my friends. Am I good?"

Situation 3
The girls and I love packing for holidays. This time, we plan to go to KL. Last Saturday, I told Jerilyn that we would pack on Sunday. I don't know how but at 7am the next day, she woke me up so that we could pack. I mean, every morning, we have to call them and shake them up for school and that's after 8. Does she have an alarm clock in her? I told her "Later. We have the whole day. Go back to sleep." She went back to bed only to bug me again after 5 minutes.
So, we have prepared 2 bags. Daddy suggested to use only 1 bag. Jerilyn answered him "It's happier to have 2 bags." (which I agree totally). Jerilyn definitely knows how to have fun more than Daddy.

Situation 4
We were in a car one day and Daddy & I were chatting when Jesslyn wanted us to change the radio to her favourite disc. We were so engrossed into our conversation that we ignored her. Actually, not only that. We hate it when she becomes bossy and doesn't take 'No' for an answer. After a while, she was quiet. When she became quiet... too quiet in fact, it was my turn to talk to her. I called her name. She said angrily "I don't want to talk to you. You two guys make me sad." We looked at each other. We wanted to laugh so much but if we laugh, the more irritated she would become. She would think that we are laughing at her.

Today, I scolded Jerilyn and she was sulking at a corner. Jesslyn joined her after that. When I called them, Jesslyn said "I don't want. You make Jie2 and I sad because you scold us." Sigh......

Situation 5
I was teaching Jesslyn to to fill in the crossword puzzle with colour words. Jerilyn was trying to be helpful by spelling out  'Yellow' for her but she was not very grateful. She asked "Did Mummy ask you to come? No right? Why did you come here? Go back there and do your work." Pity Jerilyn.

Luggage

Luggage.... Have I written about this? It's not exactly 'luggage' but what Jerilyn understands by luggage.


One day a few months back, she told me that her friends bring luggage to school. I didn't understand at first until she said that her friends pull their bags and their bags are pretty big. She added that she didn't want bags as big as that. I had a great laugh.

At the supermarket recently, those pretty pink disney bags attract my girls and they so wanted to bring home one each. They particularly like bags with wheels now especially Jesslyn. I gave excuses so they dont buy. I don't like the idea of them wheeling the bags in my bags and dirty my place. At least, not now.

Til then, they have to use bags without wheels.

Baby

Jesslyn calls this 'Baby'. She loves her (I presume it's a girl) very much, so much so that she has been talking to it since like ..... 2yo. Now, she also teaches the baby to read. Jesslyn would sit on the chair with the Baby on her lap and request me to teach the Baby. Moreover, Jesslyn herself would line-up her dolls in a row while she sits opposite them and asks the dolls to read. Sometimes, she insists that I feed it too while I feed the girls or do other very real stuff with her Baby.

All this is incomprehensible to me. I don't think I did that when I was her age. Neither did my sis. Jerilyn too doesn't talk to her dolls as if they were real. So, seeing Jesslyn treats her dolls like humans is quite 'refreshing.'

* Photo of the baby... later

Short Hair

"What am I combing? You see. So little hair. My hair is so short. I cannot comb my hair. It LOOKS LIKE I AM COMBING MY HEAD! Why am I combing my head?"
 [bang the bed with the comb] She was almost hysterical about the idea of not being able to comb her hair. There was once I threatened to bald her head when she looked so sweaty and untidy. She cried boo-hoo the moment she heard it.

What Jesslyn can do @ 3y4m old

These are what Jesslyn can do now:

1. spell her name as well as her sis's
2. read Peter & Jane up to Book 2. She can read pretty well actually.
3. identify and read all (the common) colours. However, she may get confused between black and brown
4. recite the suku kata without mistakes in 5 seconds eg B-A, B-I, B-O, B-U, B-E in a song like tune. You can give her any consonant and she would read them out like A, B, C. [I didn't know that she can recite the suku kata and suddenly, she is reciting all the suku kata from B to Y. Pretty impressive]

* Jesslyn is 95 cm and Jerilyn 108cm.

For the record, I am drilling Jerilyn with Mandarin. She has another 2 years before she joins Poi Lam where most of the subjects are conducted in Mandarin. I have never been so hardworking with learning Mandarin and I have to learn to like the language too. Sigh!

Baby

My kids are very fond of their Ah Yee's baby even before the baby is born.
Especially Jesslyn. Every few days, she would ask me questions pertaining to Ah Yee and her baby. For example:

1. Has the baby has come out.
2. Has the doctor take the baby out from Ah Yee's stomach? (She pulled up her blouse to show her tummy). Is it painful when the doctor take the baby out?
3. Why the baby is not out yet?
   
4. Why the baby doesn't want to come out?
   
5. Has Ah Yee left the hospital? (as if Ah Yee has delivered)
6. Mummy, I want to give this(potty, book, doll, dress) to the baby in case she don't have it.
   

Her consistent concern surprises me; like an acquaintance concern. It's not like she sees her Ah Yee. She doesn't know anyone who is pregnant. She definitely doesn't have experience. So, how does she know all these stuff? Why is it so important to her? Beats me.

Nevertheless, I am happy that my girls love their cousin so much.

Enrolment in School

I was at in dilemma for months, choosing between Ave Maria Convent school and Poi Lam school. My first choice is AMC. On the other hand, Poi Lam is not even in my 'My Wish' list.
Many misunderstood me for wanting Jerilyn to go to an 'A' school because it's, well, an 'A' school. No! That's not my purpose. The school's academic achievement is besides the point. I know anywhere Jerilyn goes, she would do well academically, unless of course the school doesn't teach at all. My purpose of wanting to enrol her into AMC is because of opportunities. More exposure to various activities such as cheer-leading. Moreover, students there are less naughty and many come from decent family background. To me, who a kid mix with is very important in shaping a young mind. They are vulnerable to influences especially bad influences. I don't want them to come back with vulgar words or crude habits.
However, I face a huge obstacle which is transportation. Our house is about 13km away from the school and there is no one to fetch the little girl EVERYDAY at PEAK hours. Therefore, we have no choice but to enrol her into Poi Lam school, which is only 5 minutes walk from my house. It's a new building, which means that my girl can enjoy all the new facilities here (1plus point). The school is shifting to this new building next year so by the time my girl joins the school in 2014, everything should be settled down. Forget about the reasons why I don't want her here as it's a sensitive issue.
I spoke to 2 ladies who were ex-AMC. One of them has school-going kids and both the kids are sent to a school near her house. The ladies opined that going to a smaller school (tho Poi Lam isn't small) in fact gives the kid more opportunities to join activities. In schools like AMC, they only pick 'The Best of The Best'.
I enrolled her into Poi Lam on 2 March, the second day schools open for registration. She was numbered 45. I saw that its enrollment has dropped over the past 2 years because the parents are willing to send their kids from town to this side of the city. This is another plus point. Small classes will do the students justice. They get personal attention from their teachers as opposed to classrooms with 40-50 children.

Little Pianist (Part 2)

I have recorded two videos of Jerilyn playing the piano.

#1 shows Jerilyn playing three songs without the help of books. Can you figure out what are the songs?


#2 shows Jerilyn singing while playing a song. She has just started doing this recently. I encouraged her to sing and play because she is not very good with timing. I figured that singing some of the known nursery rhymes might help with her timing. It doesn't help with all the songs but I am pleased that she could read the 'lyrics' and play simultaneously. It's not like she sings Mary Had a Little Lamb or Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. An unfamiliar song like this looks like a piece of cake to her.

Little Pianist

I never expected Jerilyn to love playing the piano because she always gives me the 'I am rough, rugged, impatient, therefore, I don't play piano' impression. She is also quite tone-deaf. However, I still introduced piano to her a year ago. We started with the birthday song.

Today, she hasn't played like a pro yet, but she plays with passion. Averagely, she plays 30 minutes daily without supervision and during each session, she spends between 5-15 minutes. I don't have to remind her to practise. She, herself has the initiative and interest. What really amazes me is she plays from page to page repeatedly. For example, she starts with page 10 today and she plays from page to page til the last page(pg 50). It could be tomorrow or day after. After that, she flips back to the first few pages and start all over again; playing from page to page til the last page. She is still playing the beginner's book I bought her. Other than this book, she has completed another book for beginners, given by her cousin.

I am not rushing her into Book 2. I have learned a lesson thru a colleague's story. My colleague was complaining to me that her daughter doesn't like to play piano so much so that the teacher complains to her every week. She has been playing the piano for more than 5 years but she is only in 2nd grade. She plays the same piece every week because she couldn't play it (well). At that moment, it struck me that I need to give my daughter time to practise each piece moderately well before introducing a new piece. I used to introduce a new song practically every other day, ignoring her ability to cope. I was too ambitious. In my time, I learned a new piece every other WEEK. Instead of giving Jerilyn week(s), I gave her only DAY(s) which was unfair to her. I must have gotten mixed up between weeks and days! :p

However, I believe an early start benefits a kid tremendously in the long run. A good foundation makes it easier for the kids to catch up later on.

Sore Neck

Jerilyn complained of having a sore neck while writing at her desk. At first, I thought she was giving excuses not to write. Then, she explained that she was talking to Ah Yee for too much. I didn't understand her 'til she added that she was also playing the pinball game for too long. I realised then that she was talking about a sore neck because of using the computer for too long. Nowadays, she loves exchanging messages with her Ah Yee in yahoo messenger although there is nothing much in the content as she takes quite long to form a sentence. She has trouble locating the letters on the keyboard. Anyway, the position or the height is unsuitable, thus, causing sore neck. I, myself have the same problem occasionally since my second job with Hovid Pharmacy. I told this to my dad.

My dad, in turn, told my aunts. Unfortunately, he told them not to believe her. :-(
He should sit in front of the pc with one hand on the mouse for an hour. He would understand then.

1st Essay

The above is Jerilyn's first essay of about 50words. I suggested most of the sentences and I helped to spell some big words. What I am sure of is I didn't suggest the last sentence. I asked her why she only mentioned Ah Yee and Yee Cheong but not us. The Gong Gong part was added later. She said that this is because we (Mummy & Daddy) are here with her but Ah Yee and Yee Cheong are far away.

She wanted me to send this essay to Ah Yee. She was so serious that she folded the letter inserted into the envelope. Maybe I should send to Ah Yee, shouldn't I?

Jesslyn's Reading Ability @3y2m

At 3y2m old, Jesslyn is able to read Peter and Jane Step 1. I tried introducing Step 2 but after the first page, she loses interest. She complains that there are too many words. Although it won't be difficult for her to learn as the author introduced words one at a time, the sheer number and smaller size of words just made her close the book. Other than Peter and Jane, she can read certain repetitive instructions from workbooks such as colour the picture, circle the answer. She can recognise words from father to sister, gender, simple 2-3 letter words and this and that.

She can't read Chinese at all. She can barely speak the language. Even though she uses them, she doesn't understand the meaning. She speaks for the sake of speaking. For example, she repeatedly said "Ni Hai Shi Wo" (in Mandarin) one day although no one had done anything to her. Obviously, she learnt in from school. Today, she came back with "Mummy, what is He Dour Dour Sui" . She often says "Wo Bu Shi, Ni Shi" for fun.

On the other hand, she is good with colouring and Mathematics. She doesn't need to count one-by-one to get total 3. She counts faster than her sister too. On the downside, being too confident and too fast causes her to miscalculate sometimes.

Weight

Jerilyn - 18kg @ 5y 1m old
Jesslyn - 14kg @ 3y2m old

Jesslyn's Masterpiece

This must be Jesslyn's first proper drawing and my first record of her drawings. She is 3y2m old. Unlike Jerilyn, Jesslyn seldom draws. In fact, she drew this because she saw Jerilyn herself was drawing.
Jesslyn called them two little monsters.
Monsters, they are.

Teacher's Comments

I never had a chance to discuss about the kids with the previous kindergarten but over here, the principal welcomes any questions from the parents. She knows her students like the back of her hand and shows interest in her students.

As I paid this month's fees, I took the opportunity to gather information from her. The first thing she asked me was "Did Jerilyn say anything?" I replied that she loves school. She then, 'complained' that Jerilyn is over-confident. I was speechless. The principal continued that Jerilyn said "Teacher, this is too easy. Can you give a something more difficult?" while teaching Odds and Evens. Upon hearing that, she tested Jerilyn by pointing to 27. She said Jerilyn couldn't answer and kept quiet after that. She quickly signalled that she might have hurt the girl. I was surprise that Jerilyn was daring enough to show-off to her teachers. I thought she only shows off at home.

As for Jesslyn, she likes to watch or observe others. She is rather shy. Another surprise because I thought Jesslyn would have opened up after 2 months here. She is usually tight-lipped at the beginning but once she is comfortable with the people and the environment, she is super chatty. At home, she is the big bully. She never gives in and possessive. She is more mischievous than her sister. Probably, arrogant and unfriendly are more suitable for her.

Let's see what the principal has to say next month.

Compare and Contrast

After studying at Montessori for two months, I notice that the lessons are done at a slower pace as compared to the previous kindergarten. Although I am more comfortable with fast pace (being a kiasu parent), I like the effort put in by the management for having their own printed exercises in addition to the books. Their lessons are more organised where they make sure each student has a strong foundation from tracing lines to colouring in 1 direction (4yo). Easy Mandarin words are taught instead of teaching by themes (old school). The disadvantage of teaching by themes is some words are just incomprehensible for young kids. Imagine, for someone who is new to Mandarin, learning Chinese characters of about 10 strokes is almost impossible.

Jerilyn's passion for Montessori has not subsided. Every once in a while, she would say that she loves school. I hope her passion continues til she joins other institutions. I chose Montessori because of their teaching method which is more learner-centred and focus on building character and confidence. If the child has passion to study and enjoys school, the school has succeeded. However, our system instills fear in them. So, I hope these 2 years in Montessori will do them good.

Not that I encourage her to say the below but here are some comments from her:

• Mummy, the two Indian girls don't know how to read. They are so *silly.
  
• Mummy, do you know why the teacher teaches the easy stuff again? Because some children do not know.
• The lessons are boring. I have nothing to do in the school.
  

* I forbid them from calling anyone Stupid.

Forgery

This Montessori has a habit of getting parent's signature after each test. Apparently, after the first test, Jerilyn forgot to get our signature. I was already in bed. Daddy told me the next day that Jerilyn came down after 12am to get his signature. You see, he was still working at that hour.

Today, she came back with with flying colours for spelling test. She asked for my signature, while I was busy sweeping. The next moment, I saw a head on the line where parent's signature was suppose to go.


This reminds me of my own wrongdoing when I was only Standard 2. [who am i kidding? Daughter is only 5yo]. I forged my mum's signature in my report card because I forgot to get her signature and when the teacher asked, I was too afraid to admit that it was me who signed. Well, it didn't do me any good as I was punished anyway. I had to move all my belongings including my table and chair to the corridor. The rest of that day was spent at the corridor. I remembered the hot breeze blowing the pages from my book and tussled my hair. I held my tears but deep inside, it was really hurtful and frightening. That day was one my worst days in school and the most embarrassing. Based on the severity of the punishment, imitating my mum's signature must be the naughtiest thing that I ever did in school.

I wonder, IF I told teacher the truth, what would the outcome be?

Gift or Theft?

Day 1
Today, Jerilyn came home with a secret. I didn't know what it was until hours later. Why was it a secret? It's because she showed Jesslyn the 'secret' but hid it from me.
Later that night, she told me that Ryan, a friend, gave her a pen and showed it to me. She praised him 'pan-nai' (pandai) because he befriended her. I wasn't very pleased because I don't like the idea of her taking things from her friends, with or without their permission. You see, a couple of days earlier, she came home with a hair clip which she picked up from the floor and today this. I warned her that day not to pick and claim ownership of things she sees on the floor. Now, she came back with things claimed to be given by friends.
She proudly said that the boy asked "Are you happy?" (for giving her the pen). Oh ya! You should see her face. She was on cloud 9. He also said that his mummy won't be angry if he gives a way his pen. Well, his mummy isn't but this mummy is!!!

Day 2
Jerilyn told me that her teacher asked her to return the pen to the boy. The teacher said something about having to ask the boy's mummy's permission before taking/giving the pen. I am not happy again.... Now, it looks like we are stealing from others. Excuse me, but the pen was given to my daughter. I didn't make an official complaint but I warned her not to take anything from others anymore. End of story!

Random

One fine day, Jesslyn was playing Lego while Jerilyn played Scrabble. At one time, Jesslyn dropped a piece and out of kindness, Jerilyn bent her body to pick up that piece, which was just at her foot. Jesslyn shouted "Hey, don't take. It's not your problem. It's my problem." She was screaming as if Jerilyn was snatching her toy away. This is how serious her level of possessiveness.

Jerilyn was telling about a girl who likes to pull people's hair and beat them. Jerilyn is one of the victims. I asked her if the girl has any friends and she said No. Jesslyn was quick to add "Like me lor. I don't have any friends."

Out of curiosity, I asked if my girls play or talk to each other in school. Jerilyn replied Yes. She said that when they meet at the dining area, Jesslyn would nod her head and smile at her. I think they handle this very maturely. How sweet.

UNO game

The girls must have a game of UNO everyday for the past week. As a result, both can 'sort of' play the game. Of course, they do make mistakes occasionally. Through this game, we identified some characteristics in the girls.

Jerilyn:
She is slow and takes time in discarding her card. She will decide when it comes to her turn. She pays more attention in arranging her cards than the cards on the table. Instead of playing seriously, she enjoys making monkey faces and getting all too excited about the whole idea of playing.

Jesslyn:
She is quick in making decision. Too quick, we feel. The moment she has discarded a card, she picks another card from her stack and ready to throw it. She is the one who tells her sis to be quick and she doesn't understand the fact that the pattern may change when her turn comes. She concentrates on the cards on the table more than Jerilyn.

Mini Orchestra

I recently stuck the letter stickers on the keys for Jesslyn. However, she has no interest in learning the proper way.

Tattoo

'I don love you'.
That's what on Jesslyn's head. How surprised I was when I wet her hair during a shower. I asked her who wrote it. Of course, she said Jie2. I asked Jerilyn why. She answered "to make her face beautiful."

Careful with words

Kids have a unique way of making the adults speechless. For example, I complimented Jerilyn today although she didn't exactly play very well with the piano piece. I said "That's very good. You have improved, Jerilyn." Jesslyn said immediately "How come Jie2 has improved already?" I replied "Because she can play better." Not satisfied, Jesslyn continued "But, I thought you said she she is not very good yesterday?"

My mood changes like the weather and so are my principles or instructions. I was busy when Jesslyn wanted to open a bottle of soft drink and I told her 'No'. After half an hour, I felt exhausted and needed a reward for myself. I opened the bottle and shared it with them. Jesslyn asked "Eh? I thought you said don't open, and now you said yes?" [Speechless]

When I bathed Jesslyn, I poured shampoo onto her palm. Jesslyn asked "Is this body shampoo or hair shampoo?" (her hands were about to touch her hair). Good question.

Sometimes, it is best not to know the source(the culprit), but find the solution or emphasize that the mistake should not recur. This is so because when the girls realise that I am not happy with their behaviour, they would start pointing fingers at one another. Jesslyn would say "It's not me. It's Jie2. Jie2 who's the one who did it" and vice versa. I would like to point out that I did not ask or even utter a word. The look on my face prompted them to blame each other. Therefore, now, I don't ask "Who did it?" that often.

* It's more difficult to teach Jesslyn about Sharing and Giving. She was watching youtube while Jerilyn was playing the piano. Naturally, Jerilyn wanted to watch too but Jesslyn pushed her away and commanded her to continue playing her piano.

CNY

CNY mood has been declining over the years. Less firecrackers, less gamble, less noise, less everything except cars. My first day is quite fruitful. Gathered with family members from both sides of the family. My girls have a whale of a time and get closer to their cousins.

Anti-social?

It's 23rd January today. Finally have the time and mood to write about this.
So, are my kids anti-social or rather, is my Jesslyn anti-social? Not exactly. I use this term because her teacher told me that she needs social development. In terms of studies, she has no problem catching up with other kids (as she is a December baby). However, her teacher commented that she doesn't like to study in groups. If the teacher teaches her individually, she is fine. She doesn't like to play with other kids too.
I was quite taken aback as this is exactly what I had in my mind the day before this conversation took place. I was worried that Jesslyn cannot mix with other kids. She is self-centred and pampered like a princess at home. She doesn't like sharing. She likes to be the centre of attention. Thus, I know that she won't be able to play with others unless they treat her like a princess.
I told her about her teacher's comment (she doesn't want to study in groups) and asked her why. She said that she wants the teacher to teach her only.

1210

I was clearing my photo folder for more space when I bumped into this photo. I tried and tried to recall what was the joke. I remembered posting it on Facebook but I don't have the record here in blogger. I gave up thinking about it as the more I think, the more I have less chances of remembering.

Only a few hours later, when I showered, it suddenly came to me.
I asked Jerilyn to write from 1 to 10 and she showed me this 1210.

I must jot it down before I forget again.

Feedback

After their first day at Montessori on Tuesday, Jerilyn succumbed to fever, which means she hasn't been attending classes since Day 2. To my surprise, Jesslyn is willing to stay in school when the principal requested my dad to take Jerilyn home. According to my dad, she did look slightly unhappy being left behind. She waved goodbye unwillingly. At least, she didn't cry her heart out.

Here is the feedback from Ms Ling, the principal.
Day 1: Jesslyn is fast (in counting). She can count up and down.(Yup. She knows counting backwards since 2months ago) However, she is confused in writing certain numbers eg 5, 2. (What the teacher meant was she writes certain numbers in the opposite direction).
Day 4: Jesslyn has low attention span. She likes to play with apparatus but doesn't like to sit and listen. For December baby , she is fast. She can read a few words. Jerilyn is good. She is very steady.

Below is the feedback from my girls:
Day 1: Both said that they are very happy there. They like it there.
Day 2: Jesslyn could tell me what she did that day which Jerilyn couldn't do although she was near 4yo when she started schooling. She demonstrated how she danced and told us that the teacher held her hands and twirled around. When she wrote number '2' that night, it is clearer that normal. Apparently, she practised in school as well.
Day 3: Jesslyn applied her knowledge from Montessori when she read to me 'OFF' from one of her toys. She showed off "Mummy, see 'OFF'. I can read OFF." She was also humming one of the tunes she learnt there. (I wonder why/how teacher teaches this word during the 1st week).
Day 4: (Morning, when I sent her to school) Mummy, I don't want to go to Montessori. (Why) because I don't like it. (Afternoon, after school) Ms Ling commented that she isn't very happy today. When I asked her, she denied "No. I am happy." The topic 'OFF' was brought up and she explained that she taught Opposites. (Ahh... my question is answered).

I was pleasantly surprised that Jesslyn could adapt and apply what she learns in school the very same day at home. In conclusion, I am satisfied with Ms Ling's sensitivity towards her students' needs and capabilities. This is what I have been looking for and I found it. Each student has a different learning style and pace and it is important that teachers are aware to it. I am sure my girls will benefit from her.

* Although Jerilyn had only have 1 day of lesson in Montessori, she shows great interest to study there as she was quite depressed when she was sent back home due to fever.

Bottle Free

All this while, feeding from bottle had never been an issue for me. I don't mind if they have to use the bottle 'til.... well, older. Did I mention that I hate cleaning up the mess they make while drinking from cups?

Anyway, as Jesslyn had ulcer on her tongue last month which caused difficulty in drinking from bottle, she refused to drink. She sipped from cup 'til she got better and started to drink from bottle again. I wanted to stop her from using the bottle. Unfortunately, she wasn't drinking much water from the cup, thus I had to revert back to bottle.

As for Jerilyn, there is no trouble in weaning the bottle. It wasn't a plan thing but since Jesslyn didn't use, naturally, I didn't give Jerilyn too. So, for 3 full days, Jerilyn didn't use the bottle. I even threw away her bottle on the 4th day. However, that very same day, I had to work and she had fever. That gave Gong2 excuse to open another new bottle for her. He complained to Jerilyn that I like to throw things. Sigh!! So, now, with him, she uses the bottle but with me, she uses the cup. If I were to tell him, he would say 2 things:

1. she doesn't drink much with cup.
2. she is still young, thus, she has the license to drink from bottle.

I did ask her why didn't she tell Gong2 that she can drink from cup. She said that she did tell him but he wasn't listening. :-(

Token of Appreciation

The above are little gifts for Jerilyn's teachers at Rainbow Kidz Childcare.

We had no idea what to buy. Daddy came home early from work on Wednesday night(28/12/2011) to shop for gifts at Parkson Grand. Daddy and I were busy finding for the right presents but these little musketeers were busy scouting presents for themselves esp Jerilyn. Jerilyn was pointing at all the unsuitable gifts like doraemon piggy bank, decorative hour glass, clocks, stationery etc.... As the time was running out (the shops were about the close), we settled for these cute pegs which we both like from the very beginning.

That's not the end. We went home and taught Jerilyn what to write and how to write. As she had to write 8 sets of cards, it wasn't an easy task. Daddy was in charge of writing on the small little bubble speech (as you can see from the picture above). We spent more than an hour to complete writing until Jesslyn dozed off. It was already more than 11pm. The reason why we spent more time than we should is because Jerilyn was giving us different and more names that came up to more than 8. We didn't buy enough thus we had to sacrifice 1 teacher; the teacher that she doesn't like. I asked her many times if she was sure she didn't want to give that teacher and she was 100% sure. Moreover, she wasn't sure of the spelling eg teacher Koo or teacher Khoo.

Oh! The teachers retuned her thoughtful gestures by giving her a card and daisy duck key-chain. Let me see when can I take a photo of it and upload.

Jesslyn's 1st Day @ Montessori

Jesslyn started schooling today, together with Jerilyn. This time around, there isn't as much anxiety as it was last year with Jerilyn. For 2 reasons, 1st, Jesslyn is quite a sociable person, so she can adapt easily. 2nd, she is not alone unlike Jerilyn who had to go to a strange place all by herself. Of course, having had the first experience, I know what to expect this time.

This time, I had the opportunity to linger longer at the montessori. I watched as the teachers urshered the kids to their respective classrooms. It was quite chaotic with children wandering around aimlessly. Teachers themselves looked unsure with what to do. A few parents were also seen waiting for their turn to have a word with the principal. I stood far away from my girls, away from their sight so that when it was time for me to go, they won't make a scene. As it is the first day, the children were given toys to play with, including my girls. Two of them were sitted together on the floor. They looked kind of bored. They were more interested with what was going on with another two boys who were playing with the guidance of a malay teacher. They are newbies in this montessori. I wasn't happy with the teacher who ignored my kids who were showing interest with what they were doing. The teacher should have invited the girls to construct whatever it was together. When it comes to my girls, I am more out-spoken. So, I got a teacher's attention and told her what I thought. She went over to my girls and talked to them. I think she asked the girls to join the boys. However, shouldn't she talk to the teacher instead? Anyway, I went home shortly after talking to the principal.

Spent 3 long hours spring-cleaning the house. I couldn't wait to hear about their first day at school. Picked them up at 12pm with grandpa. The principal commented that Jesslyn is quick in learning. She can count up and down (as in 1-10 and backwards). They have also tested her writing and commented that she was writing 'terbalik' for certain numbers.

So, in conclusiong, do they like the new learning environment? It's a big YES from Jerilyn and Jesslyn.

Phew!!!

2012 First Joke

The below is my first New Year joke:

I permed my hair this afternoon and Jerilyn likes my highlight. This is the first time she compliments my hairdo. Later in the evening, I scolded Jesslyn for being mischievous and this was what Jerilyn had to say "You are so beautiful, still want to scold people." This shut me up.