It's true how zen-like things can be to children that they can be amused for a long period of time doing the same thing. Today, Sofiyya kept poking the circles from the foam counting cube while mummy kept putting the circles back in to see how long she can concentrate. She must have done it at least a dozen times.

It reminds me how Montessori observed a child who kept on working on the cylinder blocks despite being distracted. Sofiyya was finally distracted by mummy trying to take a photo of her working. Alas, she can never fail to want to pose infront of the camera.

Homeschooling

Today we are finally sending in the withdrawal letter for our kids to stop schooling at Iyad. Now, all that talk seems more real than ever.I am going back to homeschooling my sons.Period.

Honestly, I'm worried that I might not be able to do all that I've planned for them, but my pillar of strength, my husband, quoted verse from the Quran, which sounded something like: 'Then, when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).' - Surah Al-Imran: 159

So, I am trying to 'tawakal'.Next year, we have to make a bigger decision;whether Ihsan goes to a government school or continue homeschooling.I am just going to prepare all the formalities required for exemption from now, Insyaallah, cause a year can pass by so quickly.

So, if anybody out there would like to join me, I am more than happy for the company:)

The Number Garden

We are doing insects as part of our 'Animals' theme for this last quarter of the year.I found a great activity which can be the basis for a series of activities as well as a poster for the learning center.

Have a large piece of paper as a background. Draw in some plants, trees,clouds and the sun/moon or anything you'd like as a background.Make some insects using craft materials or colour paper and put in the concept of numbers as you make them.

For e.g.: If the number for the day is 5, make 5 segments for a caterpillar and ask your child to paste on the outline of the caterpillar.Ask him how many segments he can see or how many pairs of shoes he thinks the caterpillar needs? Does he think it will take a very long time to put all of them on?If yes, what should he do before going out so that he won't be late?The possibilities are endless.

If your child can read, you can even write sums for them on the poster to figure out.

Btw, I'm selling off my mamalove double/twin stroller cause we no longer use it and it's been sitting in my service balcony for months.Bought at $150, am willing to let go for half the price.It's less than a year old and in good condition.

Have Fun!

The past few weeks I kept questioning if staying at home is really what I should be doing more often than I usually do.You see, it's five years now since I left the workforce. So there I was like a tennis ball being shuttled back and forth between going back to work and continuing my semi-retirement.I finaly settled on staying home. This ding-dong will get me nowhere.I wasn't spending time productively with the kids nor am I working.

We are not living in luxury but we aren't actually depending on welfare.Though I sometimes wish SAHMs get a dole.I still have the privacy of my home with no one breathing down my neck on how I should raise my kids and manage my household.Plus my kids are still cute and huggable.So for now, I'm staying.

Since I took that decision,I find myself doing more things with my kids, especially the boys. Instead of running around with their toys aimlessly and fighting every five minutes, we share moments together through art & craft, playing with the montessori materials or just having a game of scrabble.

Maybe I'm gonna regret this five years later, but right now, I'm enjoying the bliss of motherhood....