Explorer Juniors - Shark VS Train workshop

I am a mother of two lovely boys ; the older one is obsessed with trains since he was a baby , and the other one is fascinated about the ocean every since he watched the movie "Finding Nemo." This workshop "Shark VS Train " seems to be literally made for them. The school holiday had just begun not long ago and I thought I should use this opportunity for them to spend some meaningful time at holiday workshops and this just came at the right time. Once the boys knew that the workshop is called" SHARK VS TRAIN ", both of them began debating excitedly who is more powerful than the other . It was rather interesting to listen to my preschoolers' not-so-logical analysis as they argue friendly about it.

This workshop is inspired by a storybook called "Shark VS Train" , by the author Chris Barton. The children will get to explore two different themes for this workshop. The first one is about "sharks", where they learn about their habitat and their characteristics before their hands-on activities that revolved around the sharks topic. The second theme is the "train",and the children learn by going through a series of tech-based activities and hands-on experiments. From there, they get to discover more about this transportation invention and learn the science concepts behind it.   

Here are some of the photo-sneaks taken during the 3 days workshop of "Shark VS Train"

Each child was given a shark figurine so they can visualize better when the instructor describes the characteristic of every parts of the shark's body. 

The children were engaged in a hands-on experiment to understand how sharks are able to stay afloat due to their oil-filled liver. All of them were eager to gathered around the pail to watch what happens when oil is mixed with water . This allows them to learn about density by determining the objects that can float or sink in water.

Next they moved on to a brief technology lesson of Code-a-Shark using Scratch Junior application. The children are paired up together and taught to design and build a maze using simple coding. Rboy used to attend Robotics and Coding enrichment classes, therefore he is very familiar with this coding part and wants to lead his partner. I've to remind him to give his younger brother a chance to play too.

The children also touched upon science and geography by creating these sharks' fossils that they can bring back home.

On and off, they were given simple worksheets to enforced what they learned during the lesson. This time , they are required to design their own shark cage. I didn't expect the boys to get any creative because in my simple mind , I myself visualized the shark's cage to be just a cage that's big enough to lock a shark in. However Rboy drew a cage that has a claw on top (same like the one from the toy machines in the arcade) to grab the shark , spikey wheels at the bottom and some other weaponry to ensure the sharks don't escape. 

When I saw BabyK drawing many vertical and horizontal lines on his page, I thought probably my this 3 years old doesn't understand what he was supposed to do. When I asked him what he is drawing, he explained that his shark's cage is a sticky spider web that is spread across the ocean to trap the shark. I was equally surprised by his answer. This shows that a child can actually think out of the box so much easier than an adult. 

The second segment of the workshop is about "Train". 

The children were exposed to the architecture of a train, to understand the logic and science behind the construction of railway tracks. 

A group project was assigned to them to build up a town from scratch, using the wooden blocks of train tracks and houses.This was an excellent time to cultivate their teamwork spirit as they learn to interact well and respect each other opinions and ideas 

Another one of their favorite activity is making a train model out of recycled items. 

BabyK has difficulty doing certain part of the construction , like inserting the rods and fixing the wheels onto the train. The patient instructors try to encourage him and guide him to do so by himself.

I was touched to see the determination of my 3 years old as he continued to try even after many failed attempts. Yes, never once did he give up or lost interest in his mini project.

So as part of the train construction, they were supposed to attach a balloon to it and when it is inflated and released, the train will move forward.

The older kids managed to succeed and started racing once another with their trains. 

It was pretty amusing to see my boys keep trying and trying...

They were eager for their trains to join the race too.

Next, the instructor did a demonstration that shows the magnetism power of a magnet and how they attract and repel. Because of their gasps and ooh and wows,  it was as though the kids were watching a magic show!

They then moved on to the MagLev train activity where they were shown how it can be moved through the coils of wires with the use of magnets.

After the fascinating demonstration, the children cant wait to lay their hands on it.

This workshop by Explorer Junior is designed to be structural , educational and sparks creativity to preschoolers age 3-6 years old.  It focuses on real world science and engineering practices that work to reinforce science concepts and methodologies. 

If you are keen to check out other interesting workshops by Explorer Junior, do click their website below to learn more. They have many children holiday workshops all line up for this December month! 

http://www.explorerjunior.com

My Mushroom Garden Grow Kit from Mushroom Kingdom

" Where mushrooms come from?" If one day this question is thrown to me by my kids, I guess I'll non-nonchalantly reply "ehh....in the forest...on some dead logs??.." (Isn't that what we always see in cartoons? )

But if I would to throw the same question back at them, their reply is definitely going to be, "Mommy, mushrooms come from NTUC supermarket.."

We have to admit that living in an urban country like Singapore, most of us face the same issue inherent throughout our food culture, losing the connection with whole real food. What we eat always come from the shelves in a store, in the form of packages , tins or jars. Children now lack the knowledge about food, where it comes from, how to grow and how to nurture and harvest. So it makes sense that if they have a chance to learn more about the origins of their food, it will change their perspective towards the environment as well as the ecosystem. In another words, they grow to become more appreciative and responsible to their food. And the way to do this is to first let them see how nature works, and I meant, gaining practical hands-on knowledge of growing their food. 

There was a mix of anticipation and expectation from my boys on the day we received our very first mushroom grow kit from Mushroom Kingdom .My goal for this educational project is to get them to understand the entire life cycle and to learn the growing process of mushrooms. I told them their job is to ensure they mist the mushrooms and to check for bugs. Not that it attracts bugs, but just to increase their responsibility for them to monitor and observe the mushrooms closely.

By following the simple 3 steps instructions behind, we can start to grow our own Grey Oyster mushrooms!

Step 1: Tear open one side of the kit and cut an "X" onto the grow bag

Step 2: Place the kit near a window and mist 4 times a day. Make sure that the kit is in a relatively cool place and not under the direct sunlight. Everyday, the boys have to check on their mushroom kit and ensure it gets enough water, and then nature will take its course over the next few days.

The morale of the boys went dipping low after going through the first four days which they claimed that they see nothing spectacular. It was until the 5th day then we start to see these little "pinheads" popping out from the surface!

It was such a thrill to the boys as every morning the very first thing they do is to run to check on the mushrooms and marveled at how these shrooms have doubled their sizes. They mist them, fondled them for a while and asked me for the 1000th time whether the shrooms are ready to be eaten. The irony part is, my kids are pretty picky eaters and have never been a fan of mushrooms. Still, they were so looking forward to taste the first mushrooms they grew.

And once the oyster mushrooms grew and curl out like this, it's time to be harvested!

Which is what the boys have been waiting for....to pluck them out!

Grey Oyster mushrooms have a delicate texture and a smooth velvety taste. They are also packed with loads of vitamins and minerals which made very good choice of ingredients to cook for children. I gave them a good thorough wash before throwing them into a hot pan with some minced garlic, oyster sauce and sesame oil.

A very simple dish to cook in five minutes. 

My Review Of My Mushroom Garden Grow Kit from Mushroom Kingdom

The mushrooms are of excellent quality and if you follow its concise instructions, you can get really great results. With this kit, you can achieve at least up to three more harvests by turning to the other side of the pack and repeat the whole process again. 

Growing the mushrooms yourself is really fascinating. My kids and I were totally enamored by the entire incredible process as we witnessed how these tiny mycelium gradually developed into these marvelous full-grown mushrooms. It gave us so much satisfaction each time we completed our last harvest. 

I just cant recommend My Mushroom Garden grow kit highly enough and best of all, it came with a very reasonable price tag of only $17.90.

Do visit the website of MUSHROOM KINGDOM to learn more or to get your very own kit today. 

Kyrian's 3rd birthday Party - School Celebration and An Intimate Affair

Nothing grand or fanciful for my younger prince, Kyrian 's 3rd birthday. It was the same month that we were shifting out to our new place and we were all so cooped up with the renovation, cleaning and the packing. Therefore I made a decision to just do up a simple celebration in his preschool with his classmates. That was already enough to excite him so much when we told him that his dada and I will be making a special appearance during his school assembly. So in the car we were all very amused when we heard our three years old chanting away "today my birthday,  today my birthday, today not your birthday because its my birthday...!"

Instead of a normal cake, I got cupcakes instead which I thought was easier for the little kids to get one each themselves. The theme was one of his all-time favorite movie, Finding Nemo/Dory. This is another beautiful job done by Sweet Perfection, the same place where I ordered my older boy's superhero cake last month. 

Since his older brother Reagan is attending the same school as him, we requested for him to join Kyrian during the singing of the birthday song, which he of course gladly enjoyed the limelight with his brother as well.

 (Somehow I feel my boys look so girly in their school uniform.)

Next is the group photos with his classmates and the kiddos were all so fascinated by the pretty cupcakes!

On the same week, I thought it'll be a good idea to do another mini celebration with him at his favorite place, the pool. but this time only with his family and friends .And because it was such an impromptu decision, I'm thankful to those who make themselves available for Kyrian. 

My darling boy who loves the water since he was a baby. He always tells me he wants to learn to swim like a dolphin. Well, I'm gonna consider swimming classes for them soon. 

Throw some water toys and water floats into the pool and the kiddos knew how to entertain themselves.

His 2nd cake was also one of his favorite Disney characters, Lightning Mcqueen from Swensen.  And this is when we asked him to close his eyes and make a wish. Isn't he adorable haha! I wonder what a 3 years old kid will wish for !

Opening up some of his birthday presents.

Lastly, hugs and kisses to all the uncles and aunties whom he always enjoy hanging out with because he gets all the attention he wants.

 

How My Children go Medicine-Free for One Year and still counting ( Oxyginberry and Millennium review )

Yes as shown on the title of this post, my 2 years old and 4 years old boys have already been free from doctors and medicine prescription for one year..and still counting. Yes they haven't been seeing a doctor (except for vaccination) for one whole year! That's a good record to break! No they are neither little Superman nor Ironman who never fall sick. They still have their occasional coughs, flu and fever, but ever since I replaced all the doctors' prescribed-medicine and over-counter drugs with good immunity food, their recovery rate has been so much faster and the frequency of them falling sick again has reduced tremendously. 

(My two cheeky boys! Staying healthy means they don't need to skip school and are in good health to celebrate the coming festive season!)

My first child was born prematurely and has rather weak health ever since he was a baby. I can never forget the first two years of his life filled with the tedious waiting time at KK hospital and all the colourful bottles syrups that filled up our entire fridge and cabinet. It became worse when we put him in nursery school because that was when cough , flu and fever took turns to attack him almost every week! He was so weak and vulnerable to all these viruses and often in a drowsy state because of all the prescribed drugs that we have to force-feed him.We understand that it is common and natural for a child to fall sick as it's also part of their growing up. I always believe that they become stronger each time they recover. However isn't it better if the kids fall sick lesser, recover faster and suffer less? 

Finally I made the decision to embark the journey of enriching myself with the knowledge of what is really beneficial to my children and how to improve their health. It was then I came to understand that

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Medicine for kids DON'T cure sickness. The drugs are used to temporary relieve the symptoms from the sickness but they DON'T cure. 

Your own immune system is your body's only best doctor. 

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When the child is having fever, the medicine that you feed the child (such as Ibrupofen) DON'T cure the fever. How it works is that it only temporary removes the symptoms of the fever (high temperature, flu, shivering) to make your child feel better for a while, but in this way it also PROLONGS the fever and drags their recovery time. During fever, the high body temperature is a sign that your body is doing its job by trying to "burn" away the virus inside. It is the child's body, their own immune system that is helping with the recovery. There are many truths that doctors didn't want you to know but I decided not to bored you with all the research and details here. I've given you the facts, go read up yourself if you wish to understand more. 

Now I'm going to share with you the ways how I improve my child's health and how I successfully go medicine-free for the past year. My belief is that sickness is prevented with good nutrients and strong immunity.

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Nourishing our body is necessary so our immune system is well-equipped to fight and recover from any viruses that came their way.

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(Oxyginberry and Millennium, the super immunity powder beverage )

Few months back I met a mom who shared her experience with Oxyginberry and Millennium from E.excel , to support her children's health. I'm the kind of mom who always approach new ideas and suggestions from others with an open mind, especially when it comes to something which I feel is beneficial to my children. Oxyginberry and Millennium are powder beverages that are recommended as premium superfood for kids. That's because they contain cactus, a premium ingredient which has 10,000 types of phytonutrients and is excellent in its healing, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

(I used to feed them with a large syringe but now they have got used to drinking right from the cup.)

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 Oxyginberry helps to nourish their skin and body organs and its high anti-oxidant and super immune ingredients work well to support a child's health. Millennium is my MUST-USE powder beverage whenever my kids are fighting a fever. It helps to prevent the fever from spiking and increase their recovery rate so much faster than before. It also seems to reduce the effects of the fever because after the use of Millennium, my kids somehow eat well and play well, showing no much signs of discomfort even when they are burning close to 39 degree Celsius. And since they don't suffer much from the symptoms of the fever, I am more at ease allowing them to self-heal naturally without the use of medicine. Most importantly, I noticed that with the use of Millennium, it seems to speed up their recovery rate. They used to suffer from prolong fever for up to 7-10 days, but now it takes only around 2 days for my child to recover from a fever. So now I believe that their body's fast recovery rate is due to the reduced usage of prescribed and over-counter drugs over the months. Which means that their body have been trained not to depend on medicine but to depend on their own immune system to naturally helps them to recover. 

Of course you also have to trust your mother's instinct and common sense. Eg.If the child is throwing a fit from over 40 degrees Celsius high fever then you gonna send the child to the A&E duhh !
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To maintain my kids' health, below are some of the health food , protocols or natural home remedies that I follow as well.
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Organic cold-pressed coconut oil - boost immune system, fights flu virus and helps body to better absorb vitamins from food.

Manuka Honey - contains amino acids which benefits a child's growing body, treats respiratory infections, protects liver and heal wounds faster. (But take note that no honey should be given to babies)

Green bean soup - relieve inner heatiness and clear body's toxin. 

Probiotics - helps digestion, reduce diarrhea and eczema and prevent gastrointestinal problems.

Homemade chicken essence (will share recipe soon)- high protein and nutrients to combat tiredness, improves concentration , support health and boost energy especially when child is sick and lost appetite. 

Epsom salt bath - to increase magnesium level, flush out toxic and promote sleep. I prepare this detox bath for my kids whenever they are not feeling well. 

Young Living Essential oils - apply Thieves oil under their feet before they go to school to form a protective barrier against germs and viruses. Apply Immupower oil under their feet or along their spine for immunity boost when they are falling sick. Diffuse Frankincense oil or apply on child to calm cough or generate body cells.

Taking care of our children and improving their health is always the top duty of a mom. There are so many other ways to boost their wellness, such as introducing more fruits and vegetables, engaging them in more physical activities, practicing good hygiene and the list goes on.  If you have any of your own special health remedy for kids, do share with me too!

(One last cute photo of my boys "yum-senging" with each other with their power beverage)

 

Kyrian's 2 Years old Birthday Party - MINIONS theme

Minions is one of the cartoon characters that I thought I'll never expose my kids to. I don't find them educational, they speak gibberish and they look more weird than cute. Despite that, I swallowed back my words on the day I witnessed a Minion advertisement made my younger baby boy laughed so hysterically tat he almost choked on his banana. And that's the beginning of his love for Minions. It then brings us so much joy to watch him dance or listen to him blabber after the Minion's tune, especially that "bababa..banana~" song.

So when he turned two, we knew the theme to select for his birthday party.

MINIONS THEME!

All the kids were invited to the party dressed in yellow and blue to fit the theme too. Yes, all the little minions are going to assemble here !

These are the minions party props (hats and goggles) for the kids and my customised table-top name display.

 Pre-packed party bags for the guests (Assorted Minions theme stationary).

 Simple decoration as our photo backdrop

Balloons decorations + Customised name table display + Party bags + Party Props + Pinata are all ordered online from TAOBAO.

Minions is a common birthday theme, so I managed to grab quite a lot of interesting loots from there.

As for the words pasted on the wall "Kyrian is two", I made them myself using coloured and glittered paper.

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Bouncy castle that Hubs arranged to bring back from his previous trip from China,. He got it at a good deal at around $200.

On the side note, most of the little guests asked if there was going to be a magician once they arrived at our place. They love the magic show at Reagan's birthday party which they attended the month before and was hoping to see it again at Kyrian's birthday. The kids have pretty good memory.

But the new bouncy castle didn't disappoint them either!

The party was held on Vesak's day, so we catered vegetarian food from Lion Kitchen, which was pretty good in my opinion, especially the yam paste , also the first to be finished up.

The kids took turns to hit the Minion pinata but it was not as easy to do so for their age. The parents were like yelling at the kids to "hit harder hit harder!" It was quite amusing actually, until babyK dropped the stick and went over to hug and "sayang" the Minion pinata~ !
I was taken by surprise. My innocent babyK must be wondering why everyone is being so mean, forcing the kids to hit his beloved Minion ! Aww...

Anyway with some help from the adults, the minion finally got ripped apart and all the goodies rained down on all the excited little sugar-craving scavengers.

The next surprise was the special appearance of the Minion mascot! 

What is a minion party without a minion?!

And yes that's my husband inside haha! He actually rehearsed a special birthday dance for BabyK but at the last minute he was too shy to perform in front of all the guests . So instead, he promised the boys to dance with them after the party. 

Our Minion distributed the goody bags to the kids and have a photo taken with them one by one.

Next our babyK's birthday cake is  from Nana Bakes , the same bakery that I bought Reagan 's train cake from. They managed to quote me a reasonable price for a 3D minion character cream cake in fruity lychee flavour. 

 Thanks to one of our lovely guests who managed to help us get these special fire-sparks candles at the very last minute again!

And lastly thanks to all who came to share this memorable day and got charmed by him at the party. 

Is hard to believe my darling baby superstar has reached the number TWO ! Where has the time gone seriously?!