Teaching Your Child At Home
I have been asked many times where I get my homeschooling resources from. Generally, I think I can divide them between physical (the learning materials themselves)and inspirational resources (how in the world am I supposed to teach these kids?). It is of course easier if there's a list you can tick off from but I prefer to have a list of questions to use when deciding whether an item is going to be beneficial to both my child and my limited resources. This of course differs from parent to parent depending on your beliefs but mine would generally be:
1. Does it engage the child in a manner that will lead to the development of a particular ability for that period of his life?
2. Does it develop his creativity and imagination? (those fancy gadgets usually don't)
3. Does it assist him in integrating his life into adulthood and the world around him?
4. Does it inspire an awe and wonder of life, the universe and all of Allah's creations? (this you can get a lot from nature actually)
5. Can it surpass the test of time (and siblings and age)?
The list is not exhaustive of course; I just like to have not more than five points at a time and depending on context, my questions change. However, mainly I have these questions in my head when I shop(having to think helps to shut out the whinings,complains and squabbles surrounding me).It is thus helpful to know your child's developmental stage as a guide and some theory of learning.
Ok, my close friends would know I am a Daiso fan; so with your questions just throng through Daiso stores and find stuff. For those in Jurong, you can also go to Japan Home at Jurong Point . I personally try to avoid Popular, it's so indoctrinated (although I am more agreeable with it's sister store, Harris)and if you've got more dough; go to Muji.
Of course you cannot forget art stores,and if you have very little time like me, go to Art friend. There is also an art store at Takashimaya near the Art Friend branch there which has good stuff, unfortunately I can't remember the name. The toy store beside it is nice too but the prices are steep. I believe it is at the level where the library use to be.
Then there is always the library, because I live in Choa Chu Kang, I frequent the one at Lot 1 which has greatly improved since they moved. I love story books that teach concepts.
They have a limited number of dvds though, and I go to Woodlands or Jurong West for this as they have a wide range of educational dvds. I don't like the Jurong East branch for psychological reasons, the children section is underground and gives me a claustrophobic feel and the architecture is cold.
Ok, this is all I can say for now, need to get ready for school .Next time, insyaAllah, I'll talk about more technical resources.
1. Does it engage the child in a manner that will lead to the development of a particular ability for that period of his life?
2. Does it develop his creativity and imagination? (those fancy gadgets usually don't)
3. Does it assist him in integrating his life into adulthood and the world around him?
4. Does it inspire an awe and wonder of life, the universe and all of Allah's creations? (this you can get a lot from nature actually)
5. Can it surpass the test of time (and siblings and age)?
The list is not exhaustive of course; I just like to have not more than five points at a time and depending on context, my questions change. However, mainly I have these questions in my head when I shop(having to think helps to shut out the whinings,complains and squabbles surrounding me).It is thus helpful to know your child's developmental stage as a guide and some theory of learning.
Ok, my close friends would know I am a Daiso fan; so with your questions just throng through Daiso stores and find stuff. For those in Jurong, you can also go to Japan Home at Jurong Point . I personally try to avoid Popular, it's so indoctrinated (although I am more agreeable with it's sister store, Harris)and if you've got more dough; go to Muji.
Of course you cannot forget art stores,and if you have very little time like me, go to Art friend. There is also an art store at Takashimaya near the Art Friend branch there which has good stuff, unfortunately I can't remember the name. The toy store beside it is nice too but the prices are steep. I believe it is at the level where the library use to be.
Then there is always the library, because I live in Choa Chu Kang, I frequent the one at Lot 1 which has greatly improved since they moved. I love story books that teach concepts.
They have a limited number of dvds though, and I go to Woodlands or Jurong West for this as they have a wide range of educational dvds. I don't like the Jurong East branch for psychological reasons, the children section is underground and gives me a claustrophobic feel and the architecture is cold.
Ok, this is all I can say for now, need to get ready for school .Next time, insyaAllah, I'll talk about more technical resources.
Comments
Did I hear DAISO!? I am going through a severe Daiso withdrawal - truly an addict astaghfirullah. I always wonder what ELSE they have :) We've found some real gems there ma shaa Allah. We also adore Art Friend - we have been painting wooden dolls :)
PS: Popular gives me hives.