Finalising the Right Kindergarten_2

It had been sometime since I last updated this blog. Very busy with my fulltime job and caring the children. But somehow in the beginning of this new year, I am making a resolution, to update a least a new post each month!

Well, currently my kids and I are busy adjusting to this new kindy and I thought I might share some researches and opinion in kindergarten searching. I believe new mums and dads are quite concern now, since we only have few kids and more demanding. So, last month had been a busy month visiting and surveying the kindergartens around Bandar Utama, Mutiara Damansara and Taman Tun Dr Ismail, and I had also listed a few criterias:-
1) Location and neighbourhood - good accessibility
2) Building Site and Facilities - well kept
3) Programme and Cost - Interesting (not conventional type)

Finally I had shortlisted 3 kindergartens:-
1) Peter and Jane at Mutiara Damansara http://www.musikgarten.biz/AMC_PeternJane.htm
A very impressive site but slightly congested on accessibility. Anyway parking is easy and this specially built kindergarten is rather friendly for pick-up/drop-off. Security is good as the main office is located exactly at the entrance and the entrance is quite control.

The staffs were friendly and actually brought us around the kindy. There's definately a lot of children and the open concept classrooms make the whole interiors happening. Teaching aids which applied montessary system was neatly arranged and appeared aplenty.
I quite like the atmosphere but the prices are definately very pricey. For a half day session, it cost nearly RM600 per month for just the tuition fees. Mandarin is only introduced in K1 (5 years old) and for additional mandarin, there will be 2/3 sessions a week (the fees is nearly RM800). These exclude trips, art material, uniform, lunch etc.

2) Fungates at Mutiara Damansara
I heard a lot of good feedbacks on fungates kindy since it was established by a Malaysian and it definately meets the needs of our cultures here. However, the location and site of this kindy is quite small - 3 and 4 years old at a corner linkhouse while the 5 and 6 years at the shoplots. Those kids who go for daycare will be transported to the linkhouse in the afternoon session.
Programme was quite interesting with a lot of different exploration and it has its own inhouse materials. Children will be exposed to some Christian songs and story which me and my husband was quite reluctant on this matter. Fees are cheep, at approximately RM300++ per month for half-day. Mandarin is taught in 4 years old classes and quite detail. Will actually considered this if not for the facilities and the Christian Song and stories.

3) Diyana, Taman Tun Dr Ismail
This is the biggest and most established kindy. Overall it look like a mini school which I guest my kids will not have problem to adjust to primary school environment. It has a big field, cafe, library, computer center, science corner, garden etc. The classrooms are separated but a little disdvantages as it is quite scattered and can get lost if you are not familiar as the compound is too big. I am quite worried of this especially on security issues.

The programme is montessori cum thematic which I think was quite fine. Teachers appeared friendly and there's really a lot of staffs helping out especially during the first week (both my kids are there now). The fees are slightly expensive but still I find it cheaper than P&J. What attracts us is basically a full Mandarin lesson in the afternoon.
After enrolling for a week, I noticed that one of the main issue is the traffic to the site. Rather difficult as parents had to park and bring the children to their respective classrooms. But on the positive aspect, parents get to meet with the teacher direcly everyday!
Parents can check up the website at http://www.tadikadiyana.com.my/.

Searching for the Right Kindergarten

Currently, I enrolled both of my kids, 2+ and 4 years old in a montessory based kindergarten. My girl previously was in "Peter and Jane" which I found was very good but due to distance, I need to look for one nearby in Bandar Utama and I also which it could emphasis more on Mandarin.

I actually survey 3 kindergarten inclusive this. The other 2 kindergarten actually applied the "multiple intellegence". As according to them, the children these days are more intelligent and demanding than our time. One is the "REAL kids" and an independent kindergarten. One principal told me that montessory is too old-fashioned! I heard from a colleague about her second son in "Smart Reader" in BU6 which is much less academic than REAL kids for her first son. However, the REAL kids at BU7 has been closed down a few months back. Last November, I went there with a colleague, the staffs there are dissappoiting and the so-called principle did not even entertain us, just let the teachers which appeared quite young to bring us around! And also, I worried by 4 years old become too academic based.

But what make me decide on this kindergarten is the principle saying that this so-called old fashion montessory based kindergarten actually lets the children to explore on their own and thus, allowing them to build their self-confidence which I find lacking in my children. "If they are confident, they will be able to cope with whatever environment given to them". Luckily this kindergarten of mine has additional mandarin reading class which I think is very beneficial. My girl can write simple chinese which I can't.

Lately, I found out about "fungates" which are really popular among Malaysians as it was started by Malaysian and a survey through the nets showed that a lot of parents are satisfied as they prepared their kids to go to Chinese primary school and they emphasis a lot on Mandarin, so that the kids will not get cultural shock in their primary 1. Comparing my 4 years old daughter in montessory and my 4 years old niece in a fungates kindergarten, my daughter is more carefree, no homework and no exams! Imagine, term tests for a 4 years old! However, the method of teaching like giving encouragement, selecting a "star" student in each month makes it sound impressive and what's more, this kindergarten has their blog which is very good for communication or announcement to the parent.

But should my daugther get more academic based kindergarten when she turns 5? I intend to survey more about these, perhaps for the next academic years. For the time being, I can't find any fungates kindergarten in Bandar Utama, the nearest is at Mutiara Damansara which I intend to pay a visit soon. I believe all mums turns to dilemma about this and I really hope my blog will provide a platform for sharing about kindergarten searching for parents.

Korean Fashion

I was introduced by my colleague to this facebook link on online fashion. After perusing all the models over the weekend, we actually ordered through email and banking.
Three days later, the order arrived and both of us shared the joy of opening the parcel and seeing the products.


These are some of the images that I abstract from the facebook link. Prices from RM29-39.

That was my first experience of online ordering and now, I am hooked to the net to look for more online boutiques...Trust me...the images are great, prices are cheap (normally from RM20-50). Definately, the quality is average but worth it for the price.

Now, browsing throught the net for fashion has become part of my entertainment especially when the children are sleeping. Please share with me if you have great website on these! I love it.

Introduction to Reading

This famous children reading series 'Peter and Jane' is really good. Just in a week, my 4 years old daughter can recognize the words and start to read sentences. I would strongly recommend to all parents who wish to introduce reading to preschool children.

It comes in series of set 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b,2c, 3a...but you can purchase individually, each cost RM9.90. Anyway, can always wait for sales sometimes up to 20% either at Popular or MPH. Check out!

Lazy Cupcakes

A very simple receipe shared by my sister. A must try for fun and health!





Ingredients:


1 1/2 cup plain flour (shifted)
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup milk
85g butter
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essense
1 egg


First, pre-heat the oven at 180C. Secondly, get all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use mixer with medium speed for about 3 minutes or until all mix well. Pour into the cups and you can get the children to decorate. They love it. Lastly, bake for 15 minutes.





Remember to snap the pictures. The cupcakes are ready to be served.

Junior Music Course

I just bring my 4 years old daugther for the trial class for 'Junior Music Course" conducted at Peony's Music, Centrepoint last weekend. And both of us enjoy it! I will definately enroll her this week!

Each lesson is about 3 months and she is expected to play a song only after 4 terms...Not bad, as they learn from very basic, listening and understanding keys and notes..But, mum has to accompany them which I find interesting, at least, I can learn together with her!

Garden for Busy Mum

I have never thought of gardenning until we moved to landed property. These days, everything is towards "green" and this motivates me to create a beautiful and adorable flower garden in our hot tropical climate! For working mum, I need something with low maintenance, low budget but can create fantastic look. I believe this will inspire all working mum, teaching our kids about nature and green.

First, I need the some equipments...to dig, shape and place the plants...and these are what I found to be useful.

Secondly, I just dig and plant and these are the effects..see the 1st picture below. After a while, I work out some design and wow...the outcome is greatly satifying. The rule is "design"...check out your aim for the garden...For me, something simple, spacious for the children to kick balls and run, some highlights for aesthetics and screening from street and neigbours...

Before, this is what when I first started...2 weeks ago...

Currently...with some planning & design, selection of decorative flower pots for textures, plants with different heights...and waiting for my garden to grow. Only 3 things...water, sun & fertilizer.

Thirdly, plant selection...I am still looking for suitable types...with correct heights, shades and suits the environments...hot and exposed to evening sun... less pruning but always in flower.

All the best of luck for me!