Science Lessons: El Nino

February 28, 2015 Leave a Comment

While studying about the weather in Science, we have come across the phenomenon called as El Nino. The world has been experiencing severe weather changes lately. Global warming has caused the earth to have rising temperatures and drought can be experienced in different parts of the country.

Rainwater Tanks infographics - Copy

To alleviate droughts, rainwater collecting has been introduced and is recommended in areas where raining is frequent. Collecting rainwater for watering the plants, washing of clothes, flushing the toilet and other uses is really quite economical and helps our environment too.

Knowing more about El Nino can make us better prepared for the changes our climate is experiencing. Share your ideas for a better future for our children.

 

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World Read Aloud Day

February 28, 2015 Leave a Comment

Our family loves reading aloud together. Aside from the entertainment it gives us, reading aloud gives us a time where every body stops what they are doing and just comes together for a common activity. It has given us countless memories of families and characters we have met while reading together. We’ve discussed the different journeys each of the characters take and the outcome of each story. We learn together through new vocabulary words, how to handle different situations and experience new adventures together.

For the past 5 years that we have been reading aloud as a family, I have witnessed first hand the advantages reading aloud together.

– Reading aloud brings the family closer. We take time off from whatever we are doing and tune in together in a common activity. It is an intentional activity that draws us together.

– Reading aloud enriches ones vocabulary. Words, story and new adventures await us each time we read. It helps develop reading comprehension and correct word pronounciation.

– Reading aloud connects us to one another. In a fast paced life, family often don’t have anything in common to talk about. Reading together gives us this opportunity.

– Reading aloud brings the family to different places. It allows us to travel without leaving the house, and learn with our eyes and feelings.

As we celebrate World Read Aloud Day on the 4th of March this year, I encourage you to take a book and read with your children, even if they can already read on their own.

IMG_3214

You’ll never know just what sort of adventure awaits you!

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Science Lessons: Electricity

February 25, 2015 Leave a Comment

In Science, we have been studying about electricity for the past weeks. We have discussed where electricity comes from, how it gets to the socket and how much energy we usually consume. The kids find the topic very practical and informative. We are also learning about current electricity and static electricity. Volts, Amperes and Watts are also differentiated. We’ve been using Usborne Science Encyclopedia as our resource book.

One of the practical applications of our lessons was to find ways to conserve energy and I’d like to share this infographic we’ve found useful.

 

ACE Infographics

Knowing about electricity, conserving it and using it wisely are important science lessons our children should learn and practice.

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Read This Before You Give Up!

February 5, 2015 9 Comments

Today is one of those days. When I seriously consider if what I’m doing is helping my child become the person God has called him to be or am I just causing him to go the other way. When questions like “Am I forcing him to be someone he is not? Or do I see that he just needs that extra push? Am I becoming over bearing already?” fills my mind.

What do you do when your 8 year old son seems undecided, not exhibiting perseverance or diligence? When he seems to lack self-confidence whenever he is faced with unfamiliar situations? When these are the very reasons why we are homeschooling our child, because we want him to grow up with the fear of the Lord and so that he can be what God has called him to be. He will be a person of character and integrity.

But I don’t see any of that today.

My first thought was “I give up.” I immediately doubted that homeschooling is working for him. Maybe he needs to deal with it by himself, in a school setting and he might just find himself and his strength, just as I was raised. I felt like waving that white flag on homeschooling and just send him to a private school and not have to deal with these issues anymore.

After calming down, I realize that this is precisely the time NOT TO GIVE UP. These trials and challenges will one day be triumphs as God changes my son’s heart and my heart along the way.  I just need to develop perseverance myself.

Here are lessons I learned today:

I need to pray more and rely on myself less. Commit my son to Jesus and pray that he will grow up and be the man God has called him to be.  Realize that it is beyond my power to change his heart but I can keep praying for him.

I need to be more sensitive about my children’s emotional needs. Homeschooling is not just teaching, explaining and modeling but it is also empathizing with their weakness and  helping them overcome it and seeing their strengths. Now that my children are 8 years and above, parenting is not just about giving instructions and meeting physical needs but there is a whole new dimension that I need to learn especially in being a coach and a mentor as they face new stages in their life.

I need to adjust as every child develops differently. I should never compare the development of one child to the other. Spend more time understanding each child and appreciate them for who they are now and inspire them to become who they can be.

Don’t make decisions when emotions are running high. Most often than not, the decision you will make is not the right one. This is probably an old lesson and one that I already know well. But I just needed to remind myself of this today.

Have you faced similar situations yourself? I’d love to hear from you today.

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Thank You God

December 16, 2014 Leave a Comment

Dear Lord,
I just want to say thank you.

Thank you God…

… for another year that You have blessed me with..

… for the unfailing love yYu have showered me with..

… for being my best friend and being all that I ever need.

… for my hard-working and loving husband who is always there for me and the kids.

… for the wonderful memories we share  that I will forever cherish in my heart.

… for my sweet and loving daughter who taught me to see beauty in everything.

… for my happy and active son who reminds me to smile,

… for my parents and for all their love and unwavering support.

…. for my sister and for all her help and support.

…. for my brother and all the love.

… for my in-laws and all their love.

… for the church who prays and support.

… for the friends who remembers.

… for the provision that is always on time.

… for the inspiration to write and keep on writing.

… for the opportinities to be a blessing to others.

… for all the new experiences and  new words that I’ve learned.

… for 6 years of blogging and sharing and inspring.

 … for every struggle that makes me become more of who God wants me to be.

… for the grace that sustains me daily.

… for the love that brings meaning to my days.

… for the sunshine that warms my days.

…for the people that inspires and encourages me.

… for the laughter that brightens every moment.

… for the problem that needs to be solved.

… for the purpose and direction of life.

… for the new adventures at hand.

… for  giving us an opportunity to teach our children through homeschooling.

… for the warmth and comfort that our home brings.

… for change which brings growth.

… for the hope that springs eternal.

…. for the faith that perseveres.

… for the peace that goes beyond human understanding.

… for the forgiveness that I don’t deserve.

… for the wisdom that brings direction.

… for Your word rhat enlightens.

… for an abundant and  blessed life in Your presence.

 … for the gift of everlasting life.

Thank you Lord.
I love you.
Christine

Filed Under: reflections
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