Education Profile of my Son going into 2015:
1. Green tree Montessori
2. Shichida
3. Gymademics
4. 'I Can Read'
5. Aikido
Contemplating these two:
1. Suzuki Violin
2. Buddhist Sunday Classes
Merry X'mas & a Happy New Year to all my dear friends out there.
I pray that this X'mas will be, for you,
a cheerful ending to 2014 and a great beginning to a happy 2015.
He's on his way home
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Thursday, August 21, 2014
I can read & Aikido
We have added two new programmes for our little son.
Now his weekdays are almost fully packed with one free afternoon, which my wife will bring him to places like the zoo, science park, gardens etc...
Weekends are still empty, reserved for re-generation and family time =)
1. "I can read" programme - to build up his English language skills. Both my wife and myself, our English are not so good, having been brought up in Mandarin speaking families. We both wish for him to overcome this language hurdle early on in his life, especially that we believe that this age is most conducive for language development =)
2. Aikido - unlike other martial arts, it is the way of peace & harmony. In other words, this is a martial arts that is based on a peace loving and meaningful philosophy. Excellent opportunity for him to learn some discipline, situational awareness and physical work too =)
Now his weekdays are almost fully packed with one free afternoon, which my wife will bring him to places like the zoo, science park, gardens etc...
Weekends are still empty, reserved for re-generation and family time =)
1. "I can read" programme - to build up his English language skills. Both my wife and myself, our English are not so good, having been brought up in Mandarin speaking families. We both wish for him to overcome this language hurdle early on in his life, especially that we believe that this age is most conducive for language development =)
2. Aikido - unlike other martial arts, it is the way of peace & harmony. In other words, this is a martial arts that is based on a peace loving and meaningful philosophy. Excellent opportunity for him to learn some discipline, situational awareness and physical work too =)
Friday, July 11, 2014
Montessori, Shichida & Gymademics
Having settled down back in Singapore, we have registered our son in the following courses in our bid to provide him with a holistic education:
1. Greentree Montessori - The nearest Montessori school from our home makes a natural choice. The child-centred approach to learning is, we believe, still the best primary approach for our child's education at this stage of his life.
2. Shichida method - They use right brain methods, which we believe is a complement to the more traditional Montesssori method.
3. Gymademics - The only early childhood enrichment centre in Singapore affiliated with the Institutes For The Achievement Of Human Potential (founded by Glenn Doman) in U.S.A.
All three believe in beginning a child's education at very young ages, where this is the best window of opportunity for them to learn, and that for the child, learning is fun and enjoyable. This kind of philosophy is in line with my personal belief in life long learning is what makes us human, that we are continually learning from the moment we are born to the moment we leave this world.
They differ in terms of their focus areas (with some overlap), based on my understanding: Montessori focus more on academic skills, practical life skills & learning to be independent; Shichida focus more on developing our mind beyond the 'normal linear thinking mind' that is associated with our left brain; Gymademics, based on Glenn Doman's methods, focus more on ensuring a balanced development of the body & mind.
1. Greentree Montessori - The nearest Montessori school from our home makes a natural choice. The child-centred approach to learning is, we believe, still the best primary approach for our child's education at this stage of his life.
2. Shichida method - They use right brain methods, which we believe is a complement to the more traditional Montesssori method.
3. Gymademics - The only early childhood enrichment centre in Singapore affiliated with the Institutes For The Achievement Of Human Potential (founded by Glenn Doman) in U.S.A.
All three believe in beginning a child's education at very young ages, where this is the best window of opportunity for them to learn, and that for the child, learning is fun and enjoyable. This kind of philosophy is in line with my personal belief in life long learning is what makes us human, that we are continually learning from the moment we are born to the moment we leave this world.
They differ in terms of their focus areas (with some overlap), based on my understanding: Montessori focus more on academic skills, practical life skills & learning to be independent; Shichida focus more on developing our mind beyond the 'normal linear thinking mind' that is associated with our left brain; Gymademics, based on Glenn Doman's methods, focus more on ensuring a balanced development of the body & mind.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Milton's Secret
A meaningful movie making effort with wonderful intentions, encouraging the raising of happier & more conscious children. Am contributing to their crowd funding campaign.
Milton Adams is stressed. It’s no picnic being 11 years old in a world that is growing more uncertain every day. Milton’s mom and dad argue every night as their careers and financial security unravel around them. Milton’s whole community feels in crisis and to top it off, he is tormented by the neighbourhood bully.
When his Grandpa comes to visit, Milton discovers that rehashing bad experiences and worrying about the future only makes things worse. With a little practice, Milton learns his Grandpa’s secret for coping with a world in crisis: most things have a surprising way of working out when you flow with the power of now.
Milton’s Secret is a thought-provoking family film based on the story by acclaimed spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle (The Power of Now and A New Earth) and Robert Friedman. Starring Peter Fonda and Directed by Barnet Bain, Milton’s Secret is the first of Tolle’s work to be exhibited as a feature film.
http://miltonssecretmovie.com/
Milton Adams is stressed. It’s no picnic being 11 years old in a world that is growing more uncertain every day. Milton’s mom and dad argue every night as their careers and financial security unravel around them. Milton’s whole community feels in crisis and to top it off, he is tormented by the neighbourhood bully.
When his Grandpa comes to visit, Milton discovers that rehashing bad experiences and worrying about the future only makes things worse. With a little practice, Milton learns his Grandpa’s secret for coping with a world in crisis: most things have a surprising way of working out when you flow with the power of now.
Milton’s Secret is a thought-provoking family film based on the story by acclaimed spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle (The Power of Now and A New Earth) and Robert Friedman. Starring Peter Fonda and Directed by Barnet Bain, Milton’s Secret is the first of Tolle’s work to be exhibited as a feature film.
http://miltonssecretmovie.com/
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Observation of a Montessori 3-6 Classroom
Today, I had an opportunity to sit in and observe a Montessori 3-6 classroom.
Amazing, it was the exact manifestation of what I had read previously about the Montessori classroom.
Each child was working on his/her particular little project (each with varied learning objectives), and there is strong evidence of self-directedness and enthusiasm in their learning.
For instance, take the little girl who was cleaning her table with such gusto that will put adults to shame.
For instance, the way they prepared and eat their morning tea break, so adult-like, mature and gentle.
For instance, how they put all their heart and mind into solving their little projects, like little scientists discovering some miracles.
I like what I see, am confident and assured of my decision to let my son continue learning in a Montessori environment.
Amazing, it was the exact manifestation of what I had read previously about the Montessori classroom.
Each child was working on his/her particular little project (each with varied learning objectives), and there is strong evidence of self-directedness and enthusiasm in their learning.
For instance, take the little girl who was cleaning her table with such gusto that will put adults to shame.
For instance, the way they prepared and eat their morning tea break, so adult-like, mature and gentle.
For instance, how they put all their heart and mind into solving their little projects, like little scientists discovering some miracles.
I like what I see, am confident and assured of my decision to let my son continue learning in a Montessori environment.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Montessori Method
I am currently sending my 2 year old son to a Montessori School and intend to continue to do so until he enters Primary One at 6 years of age.
Why?
The Montessori Method takes a Humanistic child-centred approach to early childhood education. I am impressed by its non-directive method, in which rather than the normal didactic teaching, it focus on facilitating the learning process. Believing in the child's innate desire to learn, the method mainly involves creating a nurturing environment for the little ones, so that they can learn at their own pace. I like humanistic approaches in general, as such approaches nurtures the 'whole child' rather than a narrow focus on cognition/academic skills.
For example, the method places quite a significant focus on practical life skills, where for instance it is interesting to watch how my son is able to prepare, eat a simple meal and clean up all by himself (crudely =P) which I previously am not aware that a 2 year old is capable of.
Given the very competitive nature and huge focus on academic stuffs in Singapore , I am very grateful for an opportunity to send my child to something more holistic. At least until he goes to Primary One =P
Why?
The Montessori Method takes a Humanistic child-centred approach to early childhood education. I am impressed by its non-directive method, in which rather than the normal didactic teaching, it focus on facilitating the learning process. Believing in the child's innate desire to learn, the method mainly involves creating a nurturing environment for the little ones, so that they can learn at their own pace. I like humanistic approaches in general, as such approaches nurtures the 'whole child' rather than a narrow focus on cognition/academic skills.
For example, the method places quite a significant focus on practical life skills, where for instance it is interesting to watch how my son is able to prepare, eat a simple meal and clean up all by himself (crudely =P) which I previously am not aware that a 2 year old is capable of.
Given the very competitive nature and huge focus on academic stuffs in Singapore , I am very grateful for an opportunity to send my child to something more holistic. At least until he goes to Primary One =P
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Zen & Parenting
Being a father of a very active 2 year old who doesn't listen to me most of the time, screaming and throwing tantrums, its hard to imagine "being Zen" in the midst of this kind of life isn't it?
Reframing this life situation a little, it presents the best opportunity for spiritual practice, working at where we are 'stuck'. There is also a very strong imperative to use parenting as spiritual practice, as my parenting will definitely have significant impact on the little one when he grows up.
Hoping that my little one will grow up morally upright & spiritually appreciative of life, it is critical that he has a head start through growing up in a spiritually nurturing environment. Also as with any other typical Singaporean parent, I also hope that I will equip him with the ample practical and academic life skills to do well in life and contribute meaningful to society.
It is therefore important that I make parenting an integral part of my spiritual practice.
And I will use this blog to refine and clarify my understanding and my practice with regards to parenting as I slowly bring him up.
Reframing this life situation a little, it presents the best opportunity for spiritual practice, working at where we are 'stuck'. There is also a very strong imperative to use parenting as spiritual practice, as my parenting will definitely have significant impact on the little one when he grows up.
Hoping that my little one will grow up morally upright & spiritually appreciative of life, it is critical that he has a head start through growing up in a spiritually nurturing environment. Also as with any other typical Singaporean parent, I also hope that I will equip him with the ample practical and academic life skills to do well in life and contribute meaningful to society.
It is therefore important that I make parenting an integral part of my spiritual practice.
And I will use this blog to refine and clarify my understanding and my practice with regards to parenting as I slowly bring him up.
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