Teaching tots about body awareness with Mat Man!

I introduced the twins with the Wooden Blocks from Handwriting without Tears when they were just 12 months.  I gave them 2 wooden blocks each to touch, tap, or just play with it.

Then at 14 months, I let them meet Mat Man! I started building him starting with his face alone. By using 2 big C blocks and carefully adding the ears with 2 small C's then the eyes (using Googly eyes I bought from the craftstore), a foam or pom pom ball for the nose, the mouth and finally end with some bits of hair.

I am Mat Man!

This was so effective that when my twin tots were at 16 months they know most of their body parts.  At 18 months, can build their own version of Mat Man with the wooden blocks independently and at 22 months can draw Mat Man. Right now at 24 months, they would grab the box and start building other shapes and letters with the blocks.

Here's a video on how my little 22 month little girl can also say the parts of Mat Man as she build them.

If you intend to do this, you can purchase directly at www.hwtears.com or through www.sonlight.com.  Or, you can just cut out and download the template shapes here on a cardboard (8.5 x 11in sized paper). Print 2 copies and you're ready to roll.

Ice's 7th Mad Science Party!

My 7 year old had a blast!

We had a blast with my now 7 year old son's Mad Science Themed birthday party!  It was really one awesome party that my son truly enjoyed.  I also love that the kids and even adults enjoyed it as well.

My birthday boy, loves to ask questions non-stop.  He loves earth science and Phineas and Ferb! So, I figured, he would love to have a science-themed party and still have Phineas and Ferb.

Sharing some of my ideas on our awesome party. Days after the party, the kids who went to the party wanted the same party for their next birthdays.

My son specifically mentioned he wanted a Phineas and Ferb cake.  So, I asked a very nice friend, Nikko of
Baked Twinkles to do this cake for him.

To complement the Science Themed party, I asked Nikko to design these cute science icons which are  wrapped in individual wrappers and curling ribbons! They are really yummy!

I also added to the dessert table mini vanilla cupcakes in orange and blue ! All from Baked Twinkles! 10/10 as my review for them!

I got Mad Science - Philippines to be my over-all entertainment for our party. Everyone was amazed at them, how they handled the event and even the way they talk and hosted the event was awesome.  They speak very clearly, definitely very professional and yes... they talk like a real fun scientist!

Our simple party favors which I personally designed. It resembles a  hazardous feel on each wrapper.  It says "Caution! Extreme Ice's Mad Stuff".  I made the other icons different as markers for favors for baby guests.

With our wonderful, really great Mad Scientist Host!

Mad Science dessert table and the Mad Science experiment tables on the stage.

The dessert table was adorned with flask like bottles which we added drops of food coloring of blue, red and  green. Then, we placed in my sister's baked Lava Cakes (moist chocolate goodness), Baked Twinkle's cake and desserts plus other candies! 

Some props from Mad Science-Philippines

Experiments started with some simple ones.  How did I book for them? I called them up thru Android Anna, then she sent me packages.  I requested to add a rocket launching to add some bit of excitements. Booked them early because I really want their activities and I know it was also an educational activity.

Everyone (kids and adults) were all eyes on every second of every experiments the mad Scientists  have presented.

Meet Big Momma! I was so amazed myself and have kept on wondering how on earth these things are done.  They are simply not magic-no tricks! They were all factual science stuff!

And they are just having fun!

Getting a dry bath!

Priceless!

Even my 2 year old is having fun!

Each kid gets to have experiment too - making their own goo smile! Mad Science includes this for 15-20 kids as part of their package. Cool huh!

So cool!

Even toodlers gets to join. My 2 year old, Callie with Ninang is having fun!

The birthday boy gets to ride the coolest rocket car! They also launched a rocket where everybody gets to try.

After all the fun things that day, my son blows his birthday candles! 

We literally had a blast! Thank you Mad Science for making this day special! 10/10 stars for you!

Visit Mad Science at https://www.facebook.com/madscience.philippines
Baked Twinkles for the desserts: https://www.facebook.com/bakedtwinkles
Home Made Lava Cake made by my sister.
Catered by Aling Teresing Catering Services: We're regular customers!
Photo and Video: Ninong Axel

All in all, the party was so memorable because kids were even talking about it days after. :)

My 101 Checklist to do with my toddler (and yours too)

Keeping and sharing this list so I know what other things to do next... Check means done with all 3 kids. As I read those we've done, it made me want to do them all over again. :)

1. Color - check!
2. Blow Bubbles- check!
3. Play Hide-and-Seek - check!
4. Peek-a-Boo - check!
5. Play Chase - check!
6. Do Finger-plays - check!
7. Sing a song - check!
8. Collect rocks in a basket
9. Make an obstacle course out of cushions and/or furniture - check!
10. Make a fort out of cushions and sheets - check!
11. Go for a Walk - check!
12. Make a Car out of a Box - check!
13. Read a book - check!
14. Go to the park - check!
15. Finger-paint - check!
16. Play with Play-Dough - check!
17. Toss Bean bags into a Bucket - check!
18. Play the shell and pea game
19. Dance to music - check!
20. Download games for toddlers from the Internet - check!
21. Practice putting things in and taking things out of boxes and bags - check!
22. Make a temporary slide out of a table leaf and your couch - check!
23. Roll a ball back and forth on the floor - check!
24. Scoop dirt or sand into a child's bucket (or use a serving spoon and bowl) - check! (just sand! what mess...)
25. Practice climbing by stacking boxes on top of each other (only with adult supervision) - check! scary!
26. Put on a puppet show - My next project!
27. Go fishing with a yard stick and yarn - check!
28. Make a Horseshoe game
29. Make a Shape Puzzle - check!
30. Play paper basketball - check!
31. Run through a Sprinkler - ooohhh! I want this!
32. Play with a bucket of water and a sponge (PLEASE WATCH CHILD AT ALL TIMES!)
33. Make a Drum out of an oatmeal box
34. Play with a kazoo
35. Wash windows together
36. Bang on Pots and Pans with a spoon - check!
37. Brush each other's teeth - aww... sweet!
38. Play dress-up with stuffed animals and your child's clothes - check!
39. Stack canned or boxed food on top of each other - check!
40. Let child stack mixing bowls inside each other - check!
41. Make a playhouse out of a large box
42. Let child play with a sticker sheet (make sure your child doesn't eat them!) - check!
43. Put stickers on fingers for finger puppets - check!
44. Play a musical instrument together- i.e.recorder, piano, etc. - check!
45. Go on a Smelling Hunt - check!
46. Frost Cookies
47. Plant a flower or vegetable plant together - check! (not yet with the twins)
48. Roll a tennis ball into an empty trash can or bucket - check! (did with marbles)
49. Draw on a mirror with dry-erase markers - check! (but with whiteboard)
50. Play hide and seek together- trying to find a stuffed animal or other object
51. Have a splash party together in the bathtub - check! (in a baby pool!)
52. Put a leash on a stuffed animal and walk around the house - check! haha! this was funny!
53. Record each other on a tape recorder (great for scrapbooks or journals!) - check! with Photobooth on my Mac!
54. Make and try on paper hats
55. Give a piggy-back ride - check! Had a weeks' back pain!
56. Play "Horsey" - check!
57. Talk into an electric fan (it distorts your voice) - check! oh my... we went crazy!
58. Play tug-of-war with a blanket -  - check!
59. Collect flowers (felt, artificial, real...) - check!
60. Make a camera and go on a Safari
61. Play games with frozen juice lids - check!
62. Disconnect your phone and pretend to make phone calls to relatives - check! even with fax!
63. Leave your phone connected and really make phone calls to relatives- let your child talk too - check!
64. String large beads onto or along a shoelace - check!
65. Squirt each other with squirt bottles - check! with spray bottles!
66. Glue shapes onto paper - check!
67. Make sock puppets - check!
68. Make paper puppets - check!
69. Fill an old purse with toys
70. Use a paper towel tube as a megaphone - check!
71. Make binoculars and go "Bird Watching" or "Stuffed Animal Watching" - check!
72. Put snacks in different fun containers (paper sacks, empty canisters, etc.)
73. Act out a story from a book - check!
74. Walk on a balance beam- use a 2x4 placed on the ground
75. Draw with chalk on the sidewalk - check!
76. Sketch an outline of your child on the sidewalk or paper with chalk - check! (on Manila Paper)
77. Paint child's palms with tempura paint and blot on paper. Makes a great card for loved ones! - check! almost everyday!
78. Put lipstick on child and kiss a mirror - check! even on my cheeks (only with the twins)
79. Make a puddle on cement and splash barefoot in it - check! (with Ice)
80. Let child decorate and eat an open peanut butter sandwich
81. Make a toilet paper barricade for child to go under, over, or through
82. Do the Hokey Pokey - check!
83. Make a super-hero costume out of household items
84. Do Knee-Bouncing Rhymes - check!
85. Play "Red Light, Green Light" saying "Go" and "Stop" - check!
86. Make a shoe-box train for stuffed animals
87. Make a pillow pile to jump on (keep it clear from any hard surfaces, including walls!) - check!
88. Make an easy puzzle with felt and Velcro - check! (I have the shapes on velcro!)
89. Make bracelets or collars for stuffed animals out of pipe cleaners and jingle bells - check!
90. Learn numbers from a deck of cards - check!
91. Play the matching game with a deck of cards
92. Make a domino chain - check! fun!
93. Have a picnic in the park, backyard, or living room!
94. Play dress up in Mommy or Daddy's clothes - check!
95. Make a tin cup telephone and talk to each other in it -
96. Make a nature collage
97. Mirror each other - check!
98. Make a "Mummy Mommy" with toilet paper - check! mess!
99. Make a tape recording of short music selections and instructions to move in different ways - check!
100. Make and walk along a toilet paper trail
101. TAKE A NAP! - check!

25 Manners Kids Should Know by Age 9

I saw this in an article in Parents Magazine (March 2011).  This is such a comprehensive list for kids, but then it would also be a good thing for adults to practice.

Just to prelude on manners which I'd like to add.  Someone told me to teach kids to pre-code phrases when they would ask to go to the bathroom for some bowel movement breaks.  I would teach my kids not to use the "pee" or "poo" word when we're out (especially in a restaurant) and they needed to go. Instead, they'd say  "I'll do no. 1" for pee or "No. 2" for poo.

I really do personally find it distracting to hear a 4 year old shouting to her mom "I need to poop, mom!" when you are about to indulge in a delectable brown saucy steak. But, if they say "Mom, I have to do number 2" it is a lot better.

Anyway... here are the 25 Manners Kids Should Know by Age 9.  Emphasis on the underlined. :)

Manner #1
When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2
When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3
Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4
If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5
When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

Manner #6
The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.
Manner #7
Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Manner #8
When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9
When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10
Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11
When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Manner #12
Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Manner #13
Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14
Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15
Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Manner #16
Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.
Manner #17
If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Manner #18
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Manner #19
As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20
If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21
When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22
When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23
Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Manner #24
Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25
Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed. 

On a side note: It is always a Monkey see, monkey do.  I myself do fail at times on this but well... we are still a work in progress with these manners.  Though, I do intend to practice this.  People appreciate good manners.

Our Tot School Activities

Wood Blocks teaches them about body parts.  Callista makes her own "Mat Man" face with googly eyes, pom pom nose and wood blocks.  Dashie is laughing when I asked her where her ear is, and she'd get a wood block and pretend to be Mat Man! (Twins at 22 months).  Wood blocks from Handwriting Without Tears (www.hwtears.com)

When you become a mom, you suddenly need to have all your creative instincts out!  It is the busy-ness of life that stops mommies from thinking of activities for their kids.

Motherhood is not a pageant of who gets to think of the nicest, decorative, elaborate, uberly creative crafts or activities for their kids. Simple things, a little time and a lot of love is all you'll ever need.

Sharing to you some of my simple (some, I have downloaded from the internet) activities for my tots!

Teaching Letters

Teaching 1 letter (for 2 weeks) at a time.  A is for apple.  I usually lay the materials on the table for the twins and prepare these printed materials I got from internet.
I have tried other washable pens, but Crayola washable is still the most washable of all markers!
Dashielle loves short, activities like this.

I bought these puzzle snake at National Bookstore.  I start with a few letters and let them try it out by giving them the next letter of the alphabet which they will try to put in the puzzle.  Of course, they haven't perfected this yet (they're 21 months)  I just enforce good grip.

Teaching Colors

Here's a video on how we do color matching activities.  I saw that Callista was very interested with color/shape sorting.  So, I printed a sheet with colors.  Placed those colorful PomPoms on a pallet and asked her to match it up. Callista @ 22 months.

I don't expect them to be perfect with any activity they do.  A lot of coaching and praises is what they need to hear.

Gluing Activities

Snip, Rip and Stick.  My twins love this activity (especially, Callista).  I let them practice holding the Crayola brand kids scissors (no sharp edges), and tons of colorful square mini notepads I bought from National Books Store and Office Warehouse.  I just let them cut (or rip - w/c they both love) and let them glue it on the paper.  I usually cut different shapes so they can enjoy it more.  This is how they learned heart, moon and circle shapes.

Stick the shapes on the balloon.  I drew a ballon (it's our B day) with shapes inside, cut out shapes and asked her to put it on top of the paper.  Don't do this in a windy area. Or perhaps, put sticky tapes at the back of the tiny pieces of shapes.  No need to perfect it if they can't.

Callista @ 20 months.  Dashielle didn't like this activity at all. :)

Writing Activities

Rolled Manila Paper on our living room table is a cranky moment quick activity.  I just grab their can of crayons for them to use.

Note: I prefer using regular gripped crayons than those fat ones.  I would actually cut their crayons because regular-sized crayons are always the perfect size for little hands.  Look at them holding the crayon in an almost perfect tripod grip.  Isn't it hard to write on fat gripped pentel pens than regular ones? I just find fat ones utterly useless for me.  I don't care less even if they break those regular sized ones into bits and pieces, anyway.  It simply means, they are learning!

These tempera watercolors are perfect.  It is cheap, easy to clean-up and just last longer than others.  Those pom pom balls are also used for textured painting.
 Callista is the one loving all our writing activities.  She can stay put for 15-20 minutes, while Dashielle lasts for 5 minutes only.  It doesn't matter if they are not interested, just keep them busy with playing! :)

Callista love writing.  When I am on my laptop and working, giving her a pen and paper keeps ber busy (from bothering me) :D  She's 16 months on this photo. 

She got moustache! Thank you washable pens! Making learning fun!

My little girl's work of art!

Writing on our hands doesn't make Mommy mad.

Other activities

Playing with empty boxes and jars. 

Find the baby of the Mommy - Learning animal and their sounds. Bought this at SM Storyland for P135.00

Puzzles is one of Callista's favorite activities! This used to be my 6 year old's puzzle toy I have kept for years.  Now, the twins are playing with them.

Our Tot School tools

Our activity shelf.  It has our Books, blocks, Zoobs, Board Games, Letter Blocks, Puzzles, Musical Instruments, Balls, Microscope (For my preschooler) and all our supplies!

This is my list of consumable and tot school items I would always have on our activity shelf which could also help you.  No need to rush buying them all right away.  This shelf is a special shelf where all our learning activities are stored.  The kids are not allowed to get anything (except books) without my permission since I don't want them to tire out on activities.  There should be a time and space for the activity (which doesn't normally have a specific time at all) haha!

• Googly eyes
• Pipe Cleaners
• Pom Poms
• Tempera paint
• Different paint brushes
• Crayons in regular grip sizes
• Washable markers
• Crayola Washable Glue (they are not runny! Perfect for crafts)
• Clear Pen-type glue
• Tons of stickers
• Dot makers (I got mine from the Bingo shop! I can't seem to find washable ones)
• Dot Stickers (Price tags kind)
• Rolled Manila Paper
• Construction Paper
• Small, square, colorful notepads in different colors (Perfect for Origami with my pre-schooler too)
• Crayola safety scissors (and a really good pair for my pre-schooler)
• 1 white Illustration Board (big and easy to store) for chalk writing!
• Dustless Chalks
• Tons and tons of scratch paper!

If this helped you in some ways, do show me your photos and how you and your toddler do your Tot School too. :)

Pure and simple art by my kids

My favorite artwork by Ice, when he was 4.
He made this when I was pregnant with the twins. 

Loving kid's art! The way little hands imagine things is simply amazing.  It's pure and real imagination.  Something you'd be amazed how kids see regular things in their perspective.

I have collected some of my kid's artworks, these are not just crafts that were made with things but paintings, drawings that have their own interpretation of the world around them.  Here are some from my 6 year old son.

This is my favorite! He interpreted the glass without muscles on the arm. The crossed glass meant glass is not strong because they don't have muscles. 

He loves to invent things.  When he learned about different stars and their colors (they all call them sun), he just can't get enough of it.

This is how he imagined solar storms.

He was able to interpret his own story just by studying his chili plant and how it bears fruit.

The slave ants

His dad was telling that eggs are good for him to make him healthy and strong.  Thus,  the story.

He's an innovator in the making, he prettymuch understand what satellites are for.

Because he loves astronomy so much.