Happy Diwali!!!

Teachers Day gifts

"If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers." -Edgar W. Howe

:) Seriously... as a pre-schooler mom I always look forward for those peaceful 2-3 hours :)

Preschool teachers especially endure much more patience and hardwork ! A personalised thank -you note would be really nice on Teacher's Day

Here are some simple and cute teachers day gifts which even a pre-schooler can do...
Toddlers could try this cute bookmark ...
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/daisy-bookmark

Beautiful cards with some simple origami flowers (Can be made by 4+) and some peronsal note or picture (my son loves to draw stars)
http://funfamilycrafts.com/origami-tulips/

We made this one yesterday night...
http://easypreschoolcraft.blogspot.in/2011/10/easy-paper-flowers-craft.html

Older kids can try some paper flowers
http://easypreschoolcraft.blogspot.in/2012/03/eastermothers-day-hand-print-lily-craft.html

School going kids can try this cute basket - filled with some chocolates
http://www.origamimommy.org/2009/06/tiny-origami-basket-tutorial.html

or an handmade bookmarks with paper quilling
http://montessorimum.com/?p=7899

Understanding your child's Happy learning style

We all have our own style of learning. Children process information in various ways.
I always understood better if I drew or wrote while I am explaining something or vice versa.  That’s a visual leaner.
Remember, the last minute studies... we friends used to discuss some concepts aloud and we would remember them clearly during exams (well thats what mattered ;)). That’s auditory learning.
There is another style, where doing things practically makes you understand things clearly.
Like understanding the concept of floating and sinking....we all perhaps would learn better if we actually put a plastic mug and a soap in a bucket and see what floats and what sinks (tried this with my lil one).

So most of us, use combination of different styles in different situations.  However there may be some dominant styles.The whole idea is to understand, which style is most comfortable for your child, so we can adapt our teaching to that style…
Talking about vehicles… some kids identify vehicles more prominently by the sounds they make, or some by the colour or shape or some love to solve puzzles with them and identify.

Equipped with this knowledge,it will help you choose the best way to introduce new concepts. Is it through puzzles or cds or colouring books or touch and feel books or musical toys or role play toys and so on…

Understanding each style…
Auditory learners
Learns best by hearing

They prefer listening to explanations over reading them and may like to study by reciting information aloud. This type of learner may want to have background music while studying, or they may be distracted by noises and need a quiet space to study.

Kinesthetic learners
Learns best by feeling or experiencing

They learn by doing and touching. They may have trouble sitting still while studying, and they are better able to understand information by writing it down or doing hands-on activities.

Visual learners
Learn best by seeing

They process new information by reading, looking at graphics, or watching a demonstration. Children with this learning style can grasp information presented in a chart or graph, but they may grow impatient listening to an explanation.

Try this learner style test and see if its true for you...
http://www.brainboxx.co.uk/a3_aspects/pages/vak_quest.htm

Understanding our child’s dominant learning style might help you know what kind of approaches help him learn best. It might also be a good idea to share with his teacher
It is important not to label your child with one style. Moreover, a child’s preferred learning style may change as she grows. People who can learn in a variety of ways can more readily absorb information.

In the next blog we will talk about how to engage different learning styles

References: http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/826-what-is-your-childs-learning-style

Freedom

Celebrate the spirit of Independance...a lovely poem on "Freedom" by Rabindranath Tagore  

Ask your lil one, what is "freedom" to them and let us know what they think!

Independance Day activities

Its a long weekend this independance day and if are not going out anywhere ...you can definitely try some of these activities

Artsy Craftsy Mom Blog - is one place I surely find some very good activities
http://www.artsycraftsymom.com/2012/08/celebrating-india-with-putti-roopa.html
http://www.artsycraftsymom.com/2012/08/india-crafts-independence-day-special.html

My favorite ones..
The pulses flag

A Cute Tiger - our national animal

Beautiful Lotus & Peacock - our national flower and bird

You could try this quiz too...http://toyshare.in/india_quiz.php

and some more puzzles from kidsgen

Enjoy some yummy snack
http://www.chefandherkitchen.com/2012/08/tricolor-cocktail-idlisindependence-day.html

Friendship Day Offer

Bring in the patriotic fervour in kids

Today, when I saw the newspapers, I realised all I could see is "Republic day sale" supplements..will this what are kids grow upto...as the great sale day? The republic day news is very small.

Its upto us only to inculcate the sense of patriotism in them... right from now...

Today, Republic Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm all over the country, especially in the capital, New Delhi, where the celebrations start with the President’s speech to the nation. After this, he hoists the tri-coloured Indian flag and whole nation stands up to sing the National Anthem. To mark the importance of this occasion, every year a grand parade is held, which includes a march past and drills by the armed forces. This is followed by a pageant of spectacular displays from different states.

Medals of bravery are awarded to the people from the armed forces for their exceptional courage in the field and also to civilians, who have distinguished themselves by their different acts of valour. Children too who have shown bravery in a particular area are awarded by the President.

Listening to these bravery stories, would be something we would look upto when we were kids. 

The State parades were the greatest attraction. The "Shehanai Vaadan" by Padnit Bismillah Khan, can give you those goosepimples... 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U4WDIjbnpI

Listening to patriotic songs right from when they are small, is something that they recognise, even when they become older. These songs have the magic of generating patriotic feelings. My lil one particularly likes, "nanha munha rahi hoon", "hind desh ke nivasi", "hum honge kamayab". 

Learning and singing our national anthem is something they can always do..

Some of our recommended patriotic songs for kids..

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFj6Xc4N1PSaXNx1Sxjv0LPIV9SSmB21L

Listen to them with your kids

See the national parade and talk about bravery awards...

Dressing up specially in orange or white or green, will add on to the spirit. 

 Maa tuzhe Salaam!

Jai Hind!