Category Archives: We ♥

Transitioning to Chapter Books

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Did you know that there are gentle and easy-reading chapter books for kids?

I didn’t!

I was not exposed to fiction books when I was Mia’s age. I also don’t have a recollection of anyone in our family reading novels. So you can say I’m pretty clueless on how to transition kids from picture books to text-filled pages with zero illustrations.

I actually almost missed the signs that Mia was ready for it. Have you recently checked if your children are ready too?

Here’s how we started out and it might be helpful to you in spotting for cues. Continue reading →

Our Quest for Early Chapter Books

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I am currently on the hunt for early chapter books and it has been extra challenging!

Having an advanced young reader is so much fun but it also means I always have to be meticulous in a way that I can’t just pick Harry Potter even though I know she can finish this in just a few days because the plot is still quite scary for her.

So I’m specifically looking for books that match my daughter’s reading capacity AND have storylines that keep the level of innocence of 6-year-olds.

I spent 2 hours at BookSale (I know, too long!) browsing through every shelf, checking subject appropriateness & grade level labels, and reading back cover summaries until the attendants started looking doubtful about whether I was really purchasing something. ?

Well, of course, I did! I was so excited for Mia because I think I found some really good ones.

Here are my best finds that I’m hoping she’ll enjoy. ? Continue reading →

Our Trip to the National Planetarium Museum

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It’s summertime! I know everyone’s excited to go out of town but we are going farther away. Our first stop – outer space!

We recently visited the National Planetarium Museum and you may want to check them out too while admissions are still FREE! Their shows are open to everyone (5 years old and above) ‪until May 31, 2017 and it’s a great summer activity for the whole family.

Continue reading →

On Stage In PJs

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Helloooo! I have been wanting to post about this since their recital day but the chores always keep getting in the way!

Okay, so without further ado, we took Children’s Theater workshops again last April and May and I’m so glad we did it for the second time around.

Set in a bedroom with a giant TALKING BOOK and toys that come ALIVE, Mia played the child in pajamas who witnessed all the MAGIC. It was entitled “The Best Toys” and I think everyone did great! Continue reading →

Choosing the Right Storybooks For Your Child

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Every once in a while, I would spend an hour or two in Booksale, looking on every shelf, reading cover summaries, and browsing through pages, to find books that would match our child’s interests and reading level.

It is quite challenging to spot stories that are not too lengthy for our 3-year-old but are stimulating enough for her growing vocabulary. Books that are not too complex but are interesting enough to keep her engaged.

If only I could explain that to the store attendants. Continue reading →

Finger Puppet Fun

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Our 3-year-old has always been fascinated with hands and fingers. I’m not sure why but she gets excited whenever she sees pictures or videos of writing hands, cooking hands, painting hands, or pointing fingers.

She would watch every version of The Finger Family Song and Where is Thumbkin on YouTube and would sing the songs over and over until I could already hear myself humming the same tune even when she’s not around.

So to make those videos come to life, Continue reading →

Children’s Theater: Our Trumpets Playshop Experience

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Remember when she insisted on singing with the show band of Bellevue Hotel earlier this year? This summer, we took the opportunity to nurture that spark. If you missed that story, here it is: I’m Taking Note Of Today. (Come back here after! 😉 )

March came and we started scouting for performing arts workshops. Which one to go with? We thought. There were so many to choose from! Many factors to consider too – fees, proximity, schedule, reviews, and the age group as most would only accept 6-year-old kids and above. Continue reading →