Hello again!

It's been a while since I posted about our homeschooling journey here. Honestly, we have been skipping most of our lessons, the ones I try to plan every week for us, mainly because we've been yaya-less (no helper/nanny) for 4 months and counting now. It's harder to keep up even with a routine, because I have my 1-year old to look after and breastfeed while also cooking and cleaning around the house. 

Nevertheless, I make sure we do our read alouds and story time before nap time, and we do some worksheets or activities at least 10-20 minutes a day. And the one thing we never forget to do is our arts and crafts time, which we all love. Yes, sometimes my 1-year old joins in, she mostly just copies her kuya, hehe.

I previously shared about our simple approach to the Letter of The Week Curriculum, and how we enjoy doing our Art projects. I have also mentioned this in my article in The Learning Basket: Learning Through Play. I admit, I may have strongly influenced my children in my love for Art as we mostly do drawings and doodles, coloring and painting, and DIY crafts. Why not? It's a lot of fun! And it serves as distraction from my work and chores, hehe...

So let me share with you our complete Letter of the Week Projects.

You may notice how we tried different media and materials, because I want it to be something new every time we do our projects. We tried:

• Painting: with q-tips, paintbrush, fingers
• Cutting and pasting
• Drawing and Coloring
• Stamping
• Lacing (particularly with letter Y)
• Crafts

Alphabet introduction: finger painting letters

I also introduced his nickname, he had fun using stamps

Letter A involved cutting and pasting

Letter B butterfly and bee

Letter C cat and caterpillar

Our dotted D dinosaurs

Our Eagle on an Egg (made from eggshells) and elephant

Letter F fence (from popsicle sticks), finger-painted frog and a fly

Letter G Garden and grass. The small g grapes made from stamping bottle caps

Letter H house and horse. Kiel had fun with the house, and played for a few minutes with it, just because he was fascinated with the flap-open windows and door

Letter I island and indian. Kiel showed his early drawing skills here, he drew Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Captain Hook

Tried out crafts this time, with our letter J jellyfish and jack-in-the-box

Letter K kite, Kiel, and kangaroo

We gathered leaves and colored over them for letter L.
And made a little lamb craft with crumpling crepe paper

Letter M mountain, moon, mouse, and monkey

Letter N night and nest. Kiel insisted on writing the labels himself, and I just helped him by spelling them out

Letter O octopus and owl

Letter P pirate and penguin

Letter Q queen and quail

Letter R rabbit and rainbow

Letter S spotted snake and seahorse, with seaweed and shells

Our watercolor tree and tiger (outlined by pens)

Letter U umbrella and Up

Letter V vegetables and vase

Letter W watermelon and worm

X is for X-ray. We made a pretend one by tracing his feet and arm, and pasted q-tips as pretend bones

For Y, we tried lacing yarn

Letter Z zebra and zigzag

Art projects help develop fine motor skills in young children, which helps them further to develop the tripod grip (pencil grasp) so they can draw and write properly.

Plus, they also develop creativity and imagination of course! Other than that, I have observed that art projects improved my child's inquisitiveness and perseverance. 

Let me end this post by sharing this beautiful quote, from The Artful Parent's page:

(Source)

Like this post? Bookmark it or Pin it for later:

Follow Lique's board Letter of the week preschool art projects on Pinterest.

Hooray for Art!

Last week, I posted this picture of us making our own Kinetic Sand. If you don't have an idea yet of what Kinetic sand is, here is the WABA Fun website. Watch the video and you'll be amazed!

Ever since we started our Preschool Homeschool, I've been trying to find creative and fun ways to encourage learning through play with my kids. Sensory play is one of the many ways to have fun while learning, because children discover with their 5 senses (see, touch, smell, hear, taste). They also develop imagination and creativity during sensory play.

So anyway, Kinetic sand isn't available in the Philippines, so we have yet to get our hands on some. Being the Google buff that I am, I searched for DIY videos or articles on Kinetic Sand, and I found this...

I was so excited to make some with my little tots since the recipe is SOOO EASY! 

All you need are 3 simple household materials: 

• Baking Powder
• Baking Soda
• Dishwashing Liquid

Yes, THAT'S IT!

The original recipe stated to use 2 parts baking soda, 1 part baking powder, and 1 part dishwashing liquid. But I guess our dishwashing liquid seemed too concentrated that our first try turned out to be a gooey mixture.

To fix this, we added another part of baking powder to even it out.

Stir it all together and then get your hands in and knead until the mixture feels sandy and dough-like, but not wet and squishy.

My 1 year old played for a little while, since she wasn't used to it yet, I guess she found it yucky, hehe. My 3 year old, loved it so much, it kept him preoccupied for a good 30 minutes or so.

He pretended to build sandcastles and snowmen.

The mixture isn't really as similar to the WABA Fun Kinetic Sand of course, but it was close enough in terms of it being easily mouldable but still as loose as beach sand.

Besides, it was FUN! and that's the most important thing :)

We stored our mixture in a plastic container so it doesn't dry out.

You can find the original post about this DIY project HERE.

Cheers to sensory play!

Do you ever think about where to go or what to do during holidays and weekends...except the mall? Wouldn't you love to go someplace fun or try something new?

I've recently been looking at possible trips and go-to places for the family this summer. I have a number of places on my list, that I felt the need to share them (and take note of them) through this blog post :)

Mostly I am eyeing FUN but educational trips and activities, because I want to hit two birds with one stone, since part of our Homeschool Preschool is planning educational "field trips" from time to time; it also doubles as our family bonding time.

The ones listed here are a mix of places we've been to and planning to go to. I've also included some summer promos! Yay!

Museums

1. Museo Pambata, Manila

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The last time I've been here was ages ago! I honestly couldn't remember the exhibits here anymore, and I'm sure it's improved now, so I am eager to come with my children.

Why? Because...

Unlike traditional museums where facts and artifacts are displayed behind glass shelves only to be admired but not touched, Museo Pambata features hands-on exhibits that encourage children to explore and discover various concepts while they play.

They have Theme Rooms like Old Manila and Pamilihang Bayan among others, where the kids can explore and have a learning experience. They also have Collections, like a kite and doll collection, and Special Exhibits.

I'm planning a trip soon, because they have an ongoing 50 pesos OFF admission fee promo, good for up to five persons, valid from March to August 2015.

Just Save and Print this coupon below, and show upon entry at the museum on the day of your visit.

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More details:
http://www.museopambata.org/
Like on Facebook: Museo Pambata

2. The Mind Museum, BGC Taguig

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We've recently been to here just 4 months ago because we were able to purchase some Deal Grocer coupons. We had fun, and especially loved the Shadow Box, the Piano Stairs, and the Dinosaurs (Kiel was so into Dinosaurs that time, so it was worth it).

The Mind Museum has more than 250 hands-on, interactive exhibits. You can also get to witness actual science experiments and demos, and watch special shows.

I'd love to come back, because we didn't get to explore the place fully. I would like to try their custom-built planetarium and 3D mini-theater next time, maybe when the kids are a bit older for it too.

And the best part is, Deal Grocer has an ongoing deal again! An All-Day Pass for only 450 pesos, from the original price of 750 pesos! Valid until end of July, 2015.

Hurry and purchase some coupons now while there are a few still left!

You might also want to check out their Summer Offerings below... That Weekday All-Day Pass for 3 is a great deal for only 950 pesos (that's just 300+ per person)!

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More details:
http://www.themindmuseum.org/
Like on Facebook: The Mind Museum

3. Ayala Museum, Makati

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I plan to visit this with my husband, to be one of our not-so-typical date dates :) This is a great place to go to also when you have older kids. The exhibits are mostly about Philippine culture, or so I've read.

Admission Fees are as follows:

Basic Admission:
Regular Resident* = Php 150
Resident Student/Senior Citizen = Php 75
Regular non-resident = Php 350
Non-resident Student/Senior Citizen = Php 250

Full Admission**
Regular Resident* = Php 225
Resident Student/Senior Citizen = Php 125
Regular non-resident = Php 425
Non-resident Student/Senior Citizen = Php 300


*  Residents are Filipinos and foreigners with proof of residence in the Philippines.
** Basic admission covers Ground to Third Floor galleries, while full admission covers admission until the Fourth Floor galleries, which include pre-colonial gold and other special artifacts.
***  Teachers get free admission year-round upon presentation of their faculty IDs.

Or you could take advantage of this Summer Promo: For only 600php, get an All-Day Pass access to both Ayala Museum and The Mind Museum! (All-Day Pass visits can be done in separate days, good for one-time use at each museum)

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More details:
http://www.ayalamuseum.org/
Like on Facebook: The Ayala Museum

Theme Parks and Fun Activities

1. Manila Ocean Park, Pasay City

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I've always wanted to go to the Oceanarium, since I've never been to one. And I'm sure the kids would love it too. I'm sure Kiel would love to see Penguins, Dolphins, and Jellyfish. We're just thinking of the right time to go here, since I've heard it gets crowded and it's hard to appreciate it when there are lots of people.

Anyway, I am looking at their Summer Bundles, and the Deep Sea Rush 6 looks like a great deal :)

More details HERE

More details:
https://www.manilaoceanpark.com/
Like on Facebook: Manila Ocean Park (Official)


2. Philippine Science Centrum, Marikina

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I would love my kids to learn about Science the FUN way! I'd love to plan our trip here soon.

And I'm so happy that they have an amazing 50% discount on admission fees (from P130 to just P65) this summer! Valid until June 30, 2015!

More details:
http://www.science-centrum.ph/
Like on Facebook: Philippine Science Centrum

3. Art in Island, Cubao

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If you plan to go to someplace unique, Art in Island might be a nice choice. It resembles the Trick Eye Museum in Singapore, where you can marvel and have fun posing amongst 3D Art. Although you have you find the right angle and practice your poses, hehe. 

It certainly would be interensting to have a unique background in your pictures for a change right? I'd love to visit this soon, at least with the husband for a one-of-a-kind date day, or with the grandparents and my siblings in tow, so we can have group shots :)

Admission Fees:
Adult = 500php
Student = 400php
Children below 3 ft = FREE

Operating Schedules: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30am to 9:30pm (selling of tickets until 8pm only)

More Details:
Like on Facebook: Art In Island

4. Fun Ranch, Ortigas/Alabang

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Fun Ranch is every kids' dream! Oh to play all day, who wouldn't love it? We've already tried the Ride-All-You-Can Pass before, and now Deal grocer restocked this deal again! It's even valid even on weekends and holidays, it's perfect for bonding with your kids.

Get the Ride-All-You-Can Pass* in Ortigas for only 170php (from 340php) or Unlimited Indoor Playdium Pass in Alabang for only 195php (from 390php) from Deal Grocer HERE.

*RIDE-ALL-YOU-CAN RIDES:
Carousel
Ferris Wheel
Train Ride
Red Baron Plane Ride
Bumper Car
Kiddie Bumper Boat
Swing Ride
Roller Coaster
Balloon Flight
Pirate Ship

More details:
http://www.kidsrulehere.com/
Deal Grocer Promo: Ride-All-You-Can & Indoor Playdium Passes
Like on Facebook: Fun Ranch

5. DreamPlay, City of Dreams Manila

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DreamPlay is the newly opened attraction in the City of Dreams Manila. It has the well-loved Dreamworks characters, like Shrek, Po, and Toothless among others.

DreamPlay is a fully immersive, technology-rich entertainment space for the family.

We have yet to visit this, since I was informed that this is more for the older kids. My two toddlers can still come in free, but may not be able to enjoy the attractions and rides yet.

I'm including this in the list, so perhaps you can check it out, and leave me a feedback, please? :)

Here are the admission rates, and it looks like it would be best to come there on a weekday!:

More details:
http://www.cityofdreams.com.ph/entertainment/dreamplay

Zoos and the Great Outdoors

1. Sta. Elena Fun Farm, Cabuyao Laguna

L: Kiel feeding bunnies. R: Going on a Carabao ride

We had the chance to go here last year during the Dimayuga Family Reunion. If you want to spend some quality time with the family outdoors, this is highly recommended! It's in the name itself - it's FUN! For an entrance fee of just 300php, you can already do a lot of things in the Fun Farm:

• Mini Zip-line 
• Playground and sand house 
• Horseback-riding 
• Carabao-cart riding 
• Fishing 
• Boating
• Animal feeding (rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks)
• Obstacle course
• Organic Vegetable Garden
• Bike trail 
• Use of Pavilion and picnic grounds

The kids especially loved the Horseback riding and the Animal feeding. Kiel even braved the mini zipline, and he was just 2 years old then! You can bring your own food and have a picnic in the pavilion or in designated tables under the trees.

I definitely would love to go back here :)

Admission Rates:
Adults/Kids: Php 300
Below 2 years old: FREE
Senior Citizen with Valid ID: Php 240

More details:
https://www.facebook.com/balikbukid

2. Avilon Zoo, Rizal

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The last time I went to Avilon was during my college field trip. Yes, you read it right, college. I was a Landscape Architecture undergraduate, and we had to do a design proposal for the zoo improvement.

Anyway, we loved it there. the zoo was clean, well-maintained. And there were lots of animals to see. I'd love to take my children here next time :)

The 7.5 hectare facility located in Rodriguez, Rizal houses more than 3,000 specimens of exotic wildlife representing more than 500 species of birds, mammals reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes and invertebrates.

More details:
http://www.avilonzoo.ph/
Like on Facebook: Avilon Zoo

3. Ark Avilon, Frontera Verde, Ortigas, Pasig

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If travelling to Rizal is too far for you, you can visit Ark Avilon Zoo instead. It's just beside Fun Ranch, so you can visit those two attractions in one day.

ARK AVILON ZOO is the only indoor interactive zoo in the Philippines located in Frontera Verde, Pasig City. With a two storey building resembling the biblical Noah's Ark. ARK AVILON ZOO is home to various friendly animals that guests can interact with.

More details:
http://www.avilonzoo.ph/ark-avilon-zoo
Like on Facebook: Ark Avilon Zoo

How about you? I'd love to get some feedback if you've been to any of these places, or if you can suggest any other summer day-out, go-to places. 

Here's to a FUN summer!