MIBF 2013 and EDUCARE: A Young Child Conference

The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2013 is happening this September 11-15, 2013 at SMX, Mall of Asia. Expect discounted books, learning systems, teaching materials and even fun actitvities for kids.



I am actually eager to check out some Melissa & Dough educational toys. I know there are some kiddie instruments here (serious musicians might have to check out md 421 ii c at guitar center though) as well as teaching charts. I am also hoping to check prices already at shops I know so I can really get good deals. Happening around the same time is this conference on educating young children.

Check out http://www.manilabookfair.com/ for more details and see you there!

Adarna is also offering free printable tickets to the book fair.

Mindful Parenting Talk by Jake and Bella Tan

Get a different perspective on parenting and understanding our children better by attending this talk by premier anthroposophists in the country, Jake and Bella Tan, at Kolisko Waldorf School on August 24, 31 and September 7. E-mail kolisko.waldorf.school at gmail dot com asap because there are only limited slots available!

Making Math Your Friend

We are now at a day and age where most families require expert tutoring help with algebra for school and college students. The good thing about this happening now is that there are enough online resources and physical tutorial centers for such. This is especially helpful  if you're sending your kids to the usual mainstream schools where individual pacing, capacity and interests are seldom taken into account.

The bad thing, however, about that upside is that not all tutorials are created the same. Some actually go out of their way so that after a few months, your child has already been trained to help himself by knowing where to look for aid, what things to really consider and what sacrifices have to be made (like actually making the homework first). These tutorial centers help your child learn better and more efficiently and actually improves their quality of life despite the tons of homework and projects that needed to be turned in.

Most, however, become a crutch and your child is better off without them in the long run. These are the ones that are really only after profit and are exploiting weaknesses instead of empowering children to learn on their own. Parents must be vigilant about doing research and conducting interviews so that theirs will be money well spent... and their child's time and energy would not be wasted.

However, for those with very young kids, the video below may be helpful. I do not mean to promote Waldorf schools (though I am a fan) but I do wish parents would enroll their kids in schools where similar approaches are being undertaken by teachers to make difficult subjects more relevant, personal, engaging and approachable.

Make math fun from the very start. Incorporate stories, values, lessons, games in it and it will not be the source of headache and troubles it is for most of us.

Sta. Elena Fun Farm

I really wish I had known of this place earlier. But anyway, this post will be an offshoot of our Balik Bukid trip last weekend.

The Fun Farm is located inside the Sta. Elena Properties in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. This was where the Balik Bukid Country Fair was held and I will now post something about what you can expect when you visit:

 

obstacle course/maze made of bamboo and a truck... and yes, all that space

 

rope setups like these to challenge kids on their balance and grip

 

the sandbox area is housed and kids can freely (and safely)  play in the swing, play with the sand or hang from all those ropes

 

these little girls did a lot of climbing there :)

 

and the sandbox house is really great for avoiding the midday heat

 

tire swings by the duck pond

 

lots of inspirational banners like this one

 

duck pond and fishing area

 

toddlers can get into trouble following the ducks around, haha, for they might end up going in the pond too

 

the opportunity to fish, and have someone thread in the worm bait through the hook :D (you have to throw back the fish caught though)

 

for the brave... a rope bridge across the manmade lake where people go boating

 

farm animals like pigs, cows, horses, sheep, etc

 

animal feeding areas for rabbits and guinea pigs

 

horses you can ride on

 

and a leisurely carabao cart ride

 

don't you love this wash area?

 

and there's a turkey coop too (I didn't get to visit the Pigeon House)

 

part of the adult obstacle course area

 

and yes, the kiddos can really wash all the sand, sweat and grime away before you end your visit

There is a bike trail and you can bring your own bike. You can also freely bring in your own food because they encourage picnics and communion with nature. Each guest has to pay P300 though and need to  make an appointment to make sure the place isn't reserved for an event on the day of the planned outing.

The place is really well-maintained and clean (as nature goes) but expect bugs (mosquitoes, ants and other insects) so feel free to let your child enjoy the fresh air, the sound of birds (and their own laughter) and the freedom to move.

You can course inquiries and reservations through the following:
Holy Carabao - holycarabao@gmail.com
0918 8886588/0920 9131349

Sta. Elena - contact@staelena.com
02 886 8686/Mobile 0920 949 8260

Fun Farm Bookings - wilma.villoso@gmail.com

Balik Bukid Country Fair - November 2012

Warning... this will be a rave :)

Well.. the Sta. Elena Fun Farm proved to be a heaven for little kids to roam around in and just really enjoy nature and stretch their bodies. So, I will focus on the country fair instead.

We didn't get to really check each stall because we were there for the kids to play. not really to shop. But there was enough array of goods for everyone in the family. Beauty products and toiletries, food (pastries, ice cream on sticks, meals, pizza, etc), accessories (bags, necklaces, etc), furniture (wooden, antiques), art, toys, games, clothes... it's a bazaar that won't really overwhelm and most (if not all) are healthy and organic (Hecky's lechon isn't really healthy but they use organic pigs!).

The price range for the food was between affordable (like the inasal chicken and barbecue I bought) to expensive (P100/bottle of iced tea or dalandan juice!).

Registration went well... we each got blue bracelets crocheted from plastic strips

loved this pesto pizza from Pizza Morena

they have their own brick oven at the pavilion

seller of Waldorf dolls

seller of Waldorf wooden toys

when was the last time you saw horses made from newspapers??? :)  This cost P500 for a small one though so, I'm guessing the paints they use are plant-based

notebooks and boxes, anyone?

woven bags perhaps?

produce fresly picked from Holy Carabao farm (the neighbor of Fun Farm)

I didn't go near this shop because they were selling Advent wreathes,,, haha, and I might buy one

aren't these bunnies super cute???

some of the food booths at the dining area

the seller of this antique was a Lasallian hubs knows

these were his other wares

yup, there was dancing too

and storytelling by the Acacia Waldorf teachers (they also offered craft activities for parents and kids)

and games... sack race, coco shell stilts, jumping rope, dodge ball

the wash area is just beside this, and the bike trail (where you can borrow bikes or bring your own, not really for big bikes and motorcycle helmets though)

The usual entrance to the Fun Farm is P300 for all activities but Balik Bukid charged P350 for those (I guess, to cover the cost of the extra manpower in all stations). However, if you just want the festive air and to shop, you can get in for free.

I love that they insisted on people bringing their own eco bags and cleaning as they go. I love that it wasn't so loud, there were so many activities and it didn't feel crowded (despite the large number of families that went). Starbucks was there too :) And lots of celebs. And a photobooth :)

Ultimately, it's a relaxing trip to the farm without having to worry about bringing in your own food (but you can, and can even borrow picnic mats from them) or not having anything to do while the kids played. And personally, I prefer this to the usual bazaars that happen in the city.



Yes to Classic Crayons and Markers...

... and no to newfangled ones that cost more but do less.

Take for example two Crayola products: The Color Explosion 3D Kit and Crayola Color Wonder: Toy Story Coloring Book and Markers.

I forgot which specific Crayola Color Explosion 3D Kit we got (it has fast cars and crocodiles), and maybe they were really not suited for a 4-year old. Suffice it to say, we ran out of pens before all the pages were colored. My son used up all of what's in the 2 Color Explosion Slick Stix and the Color Explosion Marker seems to have run dry before he/we were able to color half of the book. So, we the rest as black pages. I've checked but they don't seem to be selling separate pens/refills for it. And I seriously don't want to buy yet another set and also end up not having enough marker power to color all the pages in those too.

And then there's the Crayola Color Wonder: Toy Story Coloring Book and Markers, where the markers seem to have invisible ink and will only color the pages in that specific coloring book. Our issue here is that we're done with all the pages, but now have no more use for the pens as they will only color special pages that will react to the magic ink. Again, reources are wasted...

... but the more important issue with such (and similar) products is that your child, no matter what age, is not really coloring/drawing. They are not really making art. The pictures have been colored and made for them. It doesn't matter if the 3D effect will be more metallic here, or more neon there, it's still just a child thinking he made art when he really didn't.

No magic there... and certainly, what a deceitful way to disempower a child from actually creating.

So, parents everywhere, Stick to the classic crayons and markers. In fairness to Crayola, we love their washable crayons and markers... because my sons' art find their way on clothes, walls, curtains, boxes and even their bodies. I also appreciate the non-toxic quality since my sons are prone to skin irritations... but haven't had bad reactions even if the markers sometimes end up as eyeshadow. Plus, the washable markers don't dry up easily... ours have been operational for almost two years and are still working.

Now, if only I can find Jumbo crayons in more colors! :)

Storytelling to Your Child

One thing we were reminded of at the parents' circle meeting at my son's school is that there is this misconception that storytelling is about telling a story from a book.

It's one way to do it, but there are other ways to storytell to your child.

For one, you can tell them about what they did for that day. For another, you can tell them about what you did as a child. Your child got a new pet? Then it's time for that story when you almost got bitten by a dog. Your child doesn't want to brush his teeth? Then it's time for that story when you first went to a dentist.

Then, you can also build anticipation for a trip. What will greet them at grandpa's farm? Is it a tree bearing mango fruits, or a dog tied to the fence?

Also, you can storytell about things they're interested in... like animals. For the very young, the story doesn't need conflicts to be resolved either. You can just weave a story about how a flower blooms, and as they get older, be more picturesque in your descriptions of how something looked like.

Books are lovely, precious things... but sometimes, what your child needs is a connection to what is relevant to him, and that includes your history and really, just you being in the moment with him as you share a story.

Soft Launch of Homeschooling Solutions

Homeschooling Solutions is having its soft launch of enrichment classes in Fun Ranch, Tiendesitas soon. :) Details in the photo. :D

Note that it said LIMITED SLOTS only... but this really is a great way for homeschooling families to come together and provide the stimulation, socialization and exploration their children need.

Harvest Rain for Home Use

In one hand, I guess it's really easier for those still just building their homes to install tanks and rain harvester/water recycling systems. If they take advantage of http://www.poolsupplyunlimited.com/">discount pool parts> and recycle rain water, that will be a lot of savings there to cater to entertainment and exercise. Or at least, you can utilize rainwater for toilet flushing, or doing the laundry (like we do at my grandma's house in the province).

But even those without yards can take advantage of the incessant rainy climate that has been plaguing the country for most of the year in recent years. Buckets can be placed in porches (or just anywhere outside) where collected water can be used to clean garages, roofs, porches and even the bathroom. The same water may be used for watering plants and maybe washing car tires at least.

This can save you some money from the rising charges of water companies (people from an e-group have been complaining of sudden increases in their Maynilad bills) and also provides an opportunity to be resourceful and helpful to the planet. It also makes for many teachable moments with your children.

15-DAY INTENSIVE BEGINNER’S COURSE IN WALDORF/STEINER EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 2013

Premier Philippine anthroposophists Jake and Bella Tan have just released the schedule for their "15-DAY INTENSIVE BEGINNER’S COURSE IN WALDORF/STEINER EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION for next year (2013)".

The course starts on January 17 and will be held every Thursdays-Saturdays thereafter for 15 sessions and will cover introduction to anthroposophy, Waldorf Education and activities integral to Waldorf Education (like playing instruments, wet on wet painting).

The course will most benefit teachers, parents, individuals interested in self-development or people at crossroads and wondering what to do next.

I took this course early this year and I credit it with a lot of changes that happened to me, and pursuits that I am into now. Yes, life-changing is how I will describe it. A lot about anthroposophy resonated in me... and it has helped me become a more intentional parent which is why I highly recommend it to everyone who can keep an open mind.

For more information... click on the  poster for details or contact us at rstep07@yahoo.com.ph / 3715688 / 09178386315. Thank you!

Cost-Saving Tips for Back-to-School Expenses

Most parents find themselves wishing they could avoid back-to-school expenses. Not everyone are rich enough to buy gold bars anyway, let alone all the required supplies some schools impose on. But there are some ways that can cut costs, big or small.

1) If investing in new uniforms, get a size or two bigger and just get a good seamstress to adjust them for you. Then, you can also just have them re-adjusted to accommodate growth spurts in the coming months or years.

2) Save the crayons. If some have been broken, that's ok. You can use a cheap cookie sheet or microwave-proof mold and just melt crayons of the same color (or maybe even create your own shades) to turn them into coloring blocks.

3) Go over old notebooks and get all the clean pages and bind them. Either they could serve as a new notebook or a scratch pad.

4) Plan a weekley menu of healthy snacks and lunches so you can include them in your weekly grocery shopping. Skip the junk and processed food that  may seem cheap to you but ultimately doesn't provide real nourishment to your child... some may even aggravate cavities. Good meals mean better health, and medical expenses are something parents sometimes forget in their menu planning and budgeting.

5) Insist on healthy breakfasts... so your child will also avoid snacking all day. It doesn't need to be really heavy, some slices of sweet potato or a hard-boiled egg are healthy enough without requiring a long eating time.

6) Use freebie canvas bags as lunch boxes instead of buying one.

7) Make it a habit for your child to clean their shoes and bags at regular times to prolong their serviceability.

9) Walk to school if it's only ten or so minutes away. The activity is also great for better health.

10) Avoid buying themed school supplies... because your child might insist they NEED the extra bag, strap, etc of the same theme. It's a lot cheaper if your child CAN use generic products instead of having to have a Dora umbrella to go with her Dora backpack.

11) Buy products in bulk if you know you'd need them all the time. For examle, parents will be wise to invest in a ream of bond paper since their child is sure to be submitting reports all throughout high school. Make sure they are used properly though, and not wasted.

12) Buy quality for regularly-used items, like bags or shoes. Having to buy another pair mid-year is an additional cost you don't want sprung on you.


A penny (in our case, peso) saved here and there may amount to extra money for extra food, transport fare or other project materials. Plus, it will teach your child that your pool of resources isn't limitless and should be therefore respected and managed.

Family Congress 2012: Building the Filipino Family

A step in the right direction for any society is reinforcing and fortifying the family structure. With the unique problems we are facing now, like the youth culture that shies away from responsibility and the gadgets creating distractions from actual communication and time together, the upcoming Family Congress 2012 is not just timely but necessary.

Happening on August 25, 2012 (from 8 AM to 5 PM) at Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City, the Family Congress is targetting:
1) parents -- who wish to improve their approaches to parenting
2) couples -- who wish to enrich their relationship, and
3) teens/young adults -- who are seeking for answers outside of their peer groups

Experts in various fields are coming together for this event to tackle the following issues while attendees can choose which session they want to attend for the morning and afternoon.

Morning sessions:

1A Migrating and Managing the Digital World by Queena Lee-Chua, Ph.D.

2A Handling the Bully and the Bullied by Honey Carandang, Ph.D.

3A Built for Forever: Preparing Singles for a Lifetime Relationship by Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

4A Teen Talk about Love, Sex, and Dating by Dan and Nabelle Caballes

5A From Wellness to Wholeness (for adults 21 & up) by Harriet Hormillosa, M.A.

Afternoon sessions:

6P Being Friends Forever in Marriage: Learning the Art of Fighting by Allan Dionisio, M.D. & Maribel Dionisio, M.A.

7P Teaching Parents to Talk to Kids & Teens about Sex & Relationship by Michele Alignay, M.A. & Aiza Tabayoyong

8P Managing Teen Emotions by Obet Cabrillas

9P Career, Relationship, and Life Plan for Singles by Pia Nazareno-Acevedo

10P Beyond the Tears: Griefwork by Cathy Babao-Guballa

Aside from attending two sessions, guests will also get to hear inspirational messages from Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle and motivational speaker Francis Kong.

Early bird rate is P1400 if you register before June 30. Regular rate is P1500 per attendee. Promo rate: 6+1 (pay for 6, get 1 free based on regular rate). Registration fee is inclusive of seminar fee, meals, and lots of freebies.

For more information, you can call 579-0100, 0917-8972903, 0922-2521896, email familycongress@gmail.com, follow them on twitter.com/FamCong2012 and like facebook.com/FamilyCongress.


I have said it before and will keep saying it.... parents who want to give the best to their children would do better to fortify their marriage and relationship with their children through attendance to such seminars/conferences. Nothing makes you more empowered than seeing others just like you, seeking answers, help and support... and getting it from experts

MV Logos Hope: The Floating Library that Rocks

To be honest, I did miss the fact that you could see the sea while shopping for books aboard the now retired MV Doulos. But MV Logos Hope was really nice. It felt like you were in a mall because the bookstore was really well-kept, well-lit and modernly-designed.

Docked at Pier 15 (it's near Manila Hotel but you enter at South Harbor, Gate 1, and try to find parking near the Coast Guard area), you might miss it because a huge Superferry ship is usually awaiting passengers in front. MV Logos Hope is anchored behind the Superferry ship and you'd have to walk the length of Eva Macapagal Terminal (outside) before getting a good glimpse of the floating library.

Entrance is P20 but children below 12 can get in for free (a perk of the enclosed bookstore, as opposed to formerly open-air Doulos that didn't let young kids on board). A Logos Hope bag sells for P50 and a donation of P100 gets you a button pin. And the books? A really wide selection!

Yes, some of the titles, you can get from the usual bookstore... and could even get for bargain prices at Booksale. But some were entirely new titles to me... There were even books on homeschooling and a lot of children's books that teach about religion and good values.

Their exchange rate for our country is 100 units = 100 pesos (since they can't really keep changing price tags for the books they sell).

Mv Logos Hope is here in Manila till March 13, and then will set sail for Subic. They are also open till 9 PM, which was great because at least we didn't have to contend with ship passengers and the heat when we went there. Parking was easy too.





bookstore


an anteroom with lots of reference books


something for the kids to play with


bring coins to enjoy this one


I don't know what you call this installtion but it depicts a modernized version of the Parable of the Prodigal Son


the cafe


toy area in the cafe


loved those bins!


One other thing about MV Logos Hope is their HIV/AIDS Awareness advocacy. For a donation of P50, you can even get a storybook about a child who has HIV, which she got from her mother, and how she suffered because other kids wouldn't play with her.

I believe they also hold a film showing of sorts on HIV/AIDS Awareness.

Let's support this ship that has brought together people of different nationalities in pursuit of God's will.