Kiddo Academy Christmas Party '08

Pre Party

This is little J's first school Christmas Party, mommy is more excited than she is. Few days before, we already purchased tons of childrens books for gift giving. Both for little J's classmates and inaanak. I was trigger happy with the purchasing of books. First because I have 20% discount and 5% rebate. Second, its because its books and when buying books it feels like its a very wise purchase rather than buying toys. Third, because I was warned by my mom not to buy anymore toys since when we last organized stuff at home we realized that little J, got so much of toys toomuch of it. I should not be surprised since I buy at least 2 toys a month, and little J is 3.5 yrs old already, so just do the math and you'll know just how much toys "junk" we have at home. I got the classmates gift done. Next would be gifts for the teachers. Little J is in nursery but she has a lot of teachers, and all of them deserve to receive an gift from us. They have been very considerate in taking care of her on extended hours. Their off should be by 5pm but most of the time, I get to pick up little J at 5:30pm or even later. So I opt to buy all of them gifts. Just a little token, saying thank you.

The day of the party

First, booboo, I didn't know about the exchange gift. Silly me, of course there is an exchange gift. Well, can you blame me? I'm a single mom, with full-time job, blogging at night and have an on the side business without a yaya. To cover up my act, I tried to buy gift and go to the MRT station which is 10steps from their school and hope that there are children's books being sold. Without luck we went to the tiange stalls and tried our luck there, nothing good enough, so I had no choice but o go to the last resort, just give cash. On our way back too school, I decided to just buy a box od donuts for the male teachers. It was really hard for me to buy somthing for them.

The school was chaotic, just imagine there are at least 75 toddlers age ranging from 2-6 with their parents, yaya and even lola. 7 very busy teachers and 2 clowns. It was chaos, but really fun. At first little J was eager to join the games but when the clown arrived she got scared and backed off. It was really fun, I had fun watching the little ones (and the coaching mommies) count the heads of the kids in the "boat is sinking" game. The clowns also have a prepared, guess what game, which I can say was really entertaining. The mommies played too, which was more chaotic.

At 11:30 we're given lunch, care of "Max's" which is really good. We both enjoyed it. The 3 or us, Lea, Owie and Me with the rest of our entourage decided to eat inside their classroom. The kids had a great time while we eat, the room is filled with toys. After lunch we went back to the AVR for the exchange gift. Little J was not happy with what she got. She received a can of Danish Cookies, she was so envious of the other kids who got toys.

To round it all up, the Christmas Party was fun, Teacher Liza and Ms. Jollibee also gave her a gift. She also got a sun catcher kit from "K", a box of brownies from Sasha and a puzzle from Gwen. I was really glad that her classmates really liked the pop-up books that we gave them. Little J personally wrote all their names on the gifts. She did very well, of course I had to shorten some name, insted of "Teacher Jollibee, I told her to write T. Jobi". She was tired and I was too, but the day was just starting next stop, Kids Ahoy.



Type rest of the post here

Sleep Over

I am both proud and sad tonight, littl J left to sleep over nang-nang's house. It was just a joke when nong-nong asked her if she would like to come with them, to our surprise she said yes. Even if I reminded her that I will not be by her side tonight, she said its ok she will sleep beside nang-nang and we will see eachother tomorrow. I'm sad that she's ok sleeping without me, but I'm also proud that she has the courage and can understand that we will still see eachother soon. She's growing up so fast, in all aspects, physically; she's looks like a 5year old already. Intectually;sometimes I feel that she speaks and comprehend like a 40 year old. She has so much maturity for a 3 year old. Emotionally, just like tonight, leaving mommy to spend the night with nong-nang. I think its much more harder for me that it is with her. I should be really proud, but I'm still sad. I'm so used to her, sleeping on top of my arms, hence the term "braso-braso". She always lays her head on top of my arms when she sleeps. Most of the time my arms get sore as we wake up in the morning, but I'm used to it. I love it that way, having her really close, feeling her hair on my arms, hearing her breathing as I sleep, most of the time I even get a hug.

First ever class card issuance

We went to school today to get little J's first ever class card. I still can't belive that I already have a daughter who goes to school. She did very well. I will right down her grades here, only because I'm too lazy to scan it and post it here.


Reading : A
Writing : B+
MAth: A
Science : B+
Language: A
Values : A
Computer
Education: A-
Self Learning
Activities: A-

Legend:

outstanding = 97-100 A+
Excellent = 93-96 A
Very Good = 89-92 A-
Good = 85-88 B+


Narrative Report:

Very friendly girl. Unlike her first days in Kiddo Academy. She now

Phone Pal

Last weekend, I asked Jea to dial the number of Nang Nang Pau, just for me to see if she already know the number, if she can already identify and read numbers. She pushed the buttons as I dictate it to her 4-0-0-8-0-x-x. And she did fine, for me I'm already proud that I know that she can read numbers already. Tuesday, when I went home, Tsang told me that Jea was talking to somebody on
the phone that morning. She dialed the number then talked to somebody named "Pinky". So I thought, she just dialled some numbers and it just so happened that she reached somebody named Pinky, who actually talked to her. Its funny, if you think about it. If you'll get a "wrong number" caller who has a soft and cute voice, that ask about anything and everything, not knowing who she is, but certain that she is just a kid playing with the telephone.

The next day wednesday, Tsang told me again that Jea was talking to the same girl 3x the whole day. So I thought Jea is just making it up, that "Pinky" is just an imaginary friend on the telephone. But this is the surprise. Pau actually called the house asking Tsang about the phone calls, apparently Jea was actually calling their house. I asked Jea to dial their number twice, just to see if she can read the numbers. Looks like I under estimated her powers again. She didnt just know which number is which but she actually memorized Nang nang Pau's telephone number. Pinky? Pinky is actually "jinky",Pau's house help. She has been calling their house and talking to Jinky, asking silly questions. They became phone pals... really funny, amusing, but at the same time.. Im so proud that she again, exceeded my expectations.

How Nang-nang found out? She actually answered the phone herself. This was their conversation:

Pau: Hello?
Jea: Hello?
Pau: Sino to?
Jea: Sino ka?
Pau: Nang-nang (she already recognized Jea's voice, but she still thinks that Tsang was the one who dialed the phone)
Jea: San si Pinky?
Pau: Sinong Pinky?
Jea: Yung katulong mo?
Pau: LOL


I didnt get the rest of the conversation.. I'll ask Pau about it this afternoon.. I'll just continue this next time..

One Step at a time

Its been almost a month since Jea started school in Kiddo Academy. For the first 2weeks, its really hard for me to leave her. She would cry as soon as I let go of her hands. Even if it is just to fix her hair. After that, slowly she learned that I will still leave her in school, even if she cry. I believe it was even harder for me, but I have to. As I go to the office, riding in the bus or walking to the building, the sound of her cry still lingers in my head. I'm glad that Kiddo Academy has CCTV, I can watch her as soon as I get in the oofice and logged in the internet. Most of the time, she's already playing or doing their activity.

Now, she cries sometimes. One time she cried, because she's hungry. So teacher Liza let her eat first before the lesson. The, there's one time that she is sad because she is not feeling well. Later that afternoon she got a fever. Most of the time she cries because she doesnt like teacher Franklin. She is afraid of men, the only men she know is Papa (Lolo) and Nongnong (my brother). MAybe this is one of the consiquence of not having a father. You see, im a single mom. And Jea never got to see her dad. So to Jea's father, Pam. This is what you did to her. hehehe.. She's fine. Just a little scared of men. I just wish she stays that way till her teens hehe.

I am also so thankful of the teachers of Kiddo, they have been very, very, nice to Jea. They adjust to the childrens needs. They even changed teacher assignement, so that teacher Franklin wouldnt be assigned to Jea's class. They even wait for hours if I am late in picking up Jea to school. They even carry and lull the kids if they want when their sleepy. So to the teachers of Kiddo Academy. Thank you so much. For taking care of my daughter, for staying beside her when she's crying, when she's sad, or not feeling well. Thank you so much, for really caring for the kids.

So for now, we are taking one step at a time. Jea, into getting comfortable in school. Me, in geeting comfortable that she is in school.

Litratong Pinoy #6 PAg-aaral

Kuha ito sa unang araw ang pag-aaral ng aking anak. Napaka bilis talga ng panahon at di man ako makapaniwala ay isang estudyante na siya.

Napaka saya ng kanyang unang araw sa eskwela. BAgamat sa unay natakot at hindi bumitaw sa aking kamay, kalaunan ay nagsimula na siyang makisaya at maglaro kasama ng kanyang kaeskwela.

Look ma, I got Stinky..I got dirty.. but see I had Fun!!!

We had a horrible typhoon last weekend. It rained for 3 days straight. Jea has been begging if she could play in the rain. I wouldnt want her to, because she might get sick. Bu I also wanted to because I know how much fun it is to play in the rain. I went to ahe rain countless times with my cosuins and playmates, and until now I can still remember those days since I had so much fun.

We live in sampaloc, and for those in the Philippines, its a commen knowledge that whenever it rains, we will always gonna have flood. Even though so many years has passed and, countless repairs are made in the drainage and streets of Manila we still get flood on rainy days.

That morning we just watched the rain from our window, but come around 11:00 am we her cousins went out to play in the rain. Its already flood and they were like swimming in the flood. So when Jea saw them, she begged some more so that I would allow her to play outside. I was hesitant at first but what the heck. They are kids, and they have to enjoy. They should know how to have fun. She may get sick or got hurt in playing in the rain and the dirty flood water but at least she experienced it. So I said ok, I even went with her to gpo play in the rain.

I put some oil to her backa nd body so that she would not get cold, then off we go. She is so excited, she was practically running down the stairs. As we went in, the fun started. She played and splashed water to her cousins. Nicole, LJ and Riza was all there playing. At first she wont let go of my hand, but when she realized that its safe enough she let go and run with them. She was laughing and laughing. They were catching ball and just running around.

The water was dirty but at least there is no "imburnal" now, not when we were kids. Now, sewer is really underground. I our time, the canal(sewer) was at the edge of the road, and you can literally see the "dirt" floating around.

So that was the first and hopefully the last time that I will allow Jea to play in the rain and flood. But, then again.. we'll see. I had so much fun too..

First day of school

ang unang araw niya sa eskwela. Bagamat sa simula ay takot pang bumitaw sa aking kamay sa kalaunan ay nakisaya na siya sa kanyang mga bagong kaibigan.. First day... ready for the adventure...
Watching the other kids as they sing and dance during circles. Hope next time she will join.
So behave in her classroom

Turning 3! part 1

We were supposed to go to Lamesa Ecopark but we opted to go to Manila Zoo instead since Papa suggested it and I would like to give importance to what he say. I dont know if he knows it but, I decided to follow his suggestions rather than to pursue the "birthday picnic" that I have planned and ready for Jea's birthday. I told myself, we could have much more bonding moments with Jea every weekend. But on her birthday which I'm sure the Papa will not miss, I want her to spend this day with Papa, on whatever way he wants to celebrate it. Although he missed the Lunch with us, I hope he had fun with the few hours we spent together. I know Jea did. It’s actually a good suggestion; Jea is looking forward to it. She's excited to see the animals. Hope there was a lot more.

Manila Zoo is a lot different from what i remembered it to be. It’s also a little nostalgic to go back there. It’s as if remembering my childhood. It’s not so clear though, but i remembered Papa pointing to the Elephant and I was as excited as what I saw in Jea. I remember him giving directions on how to pose as he took our pictures. I remember feeding the giraffe (I wish Jea can do that too). I remember the orangutan, yes, its the same orangutan that we saw when we are little. Its evident, the orangutan looks so old already; makes me pity him for staying in that cage all those years. I also remember that there was a lion, which we didn’t see on our last visit. There were about 3 or 4 tigers in a pit, but now they are all alone in their respective "homes". What awed me was the arapaima, (huge fish). I don’t remember seeing it in Manila Zoo. I only it this year in Oceans park, on Mama's birthday a few months ago. Its huge, even bigger than the one in Ocean Park.

I am a toddler

Mama suggested that I teach Jea a poem, so i looked in the net and I found one athat i like. I'll teach this to her and see whta happens..

I am a Toddler!
Submitted by: Scrapbknnapa
Author: Karen Burniston
I may be little,
I may be young,
But I have a mouth
and two healthy lungs!
Allow me to demonstrate
here on the floor....

I am a Toddler, Hear Me Roar!

I want what I want
and I want it now!
Listen to reason?
No way! No how!
In church, at the mall
or the grocery store.....

I am a Toddler, Hear Me Roar!

You may think that
I'm incorrigible,
But at times I am quite adorable!
You never know exactly what's in store....

I am a Toddler, Hear Me Roar!

-Karen Burniston

My little school girl

I still cant believe that Jea will go to school already. I think Im more excited than her and at equal amount more scared than her. This afternoon after enrolling her at Kiddo Academy we went to SM MAkati. We went through a lot of first today. First enrollment. First MRT ride. First shopping of school stuff. Just looking at the shoes, uniform, school bags instantly brings me to the fairytale land. As if seeing Jea in her first class. I think I will cry. I got teary eyed on her trial class. Im just too proud.

We rode the MRT from Boni to AYala. She always wanted to ride the MRT since she always see it. She really wanted to experience riding the train. So this is the day that we finally did that. Going up to station, she was so curious, im little scared since I know its a public place with lots of people. I dont know if her fare is free so we ask..and it is. Upon entering I asked her to go under the turnstile while we insert our card for access. She asked why she didnt get to use the card and I told her because she is still a little girl that her pass is free. Writing it now I should have told her that she is special and she doesnt have to pay...hehe.. We waited for a while foe a train to come, so shes so anxious asking every minute where is the train already why its taking too long. 5 minutes was as if an hour for her. When the train came, I carried her in. I didnt expect for it to be filled since its a satureday but it is, we're still lucky its not that packed. So as we go in I put her down and asked her to hold on to the bars like me. She asked why are we standing. I told her because all the seats are taken. The lady beside us offered her seat, thank you so much. So she sat there looking at me and holding on to my hand tightly. In minutes we already reached out destination, so when we get off she asked me why to we have to go down she wants too stay in the train. So told her that we are going to Mcdonalds. On our way out, she went under the turnstile again. She had fun I know she did.

Then we went to SM Makati, first stop was Toy Kingdom, i was looking at the school bags while she has her eyes on the bikes. But we left immediately to go to Mcdo, we ordered HAppy Meal chicken nuggets and 1 pc chicken. She got two toys. She's so hungry na pala. She didnt eat breakfast, just 3 pcs or cookies, didnt even had milk. Because of that she finished everything, the 1 pc chicken and 1 cup rice plus 3pc chicken nuggets. I got to eat 2 pcs of nuggets and a few bites of the chiken. After eating mama has to leave for her meeting so we are left to do our shopping.

First we bought socks. Very cheap, just Php12500 for 3 sets of Osh Kosh, another pair of Dora socks for Php 70.00. And of course after the socks we bought shoes. Also very cheap at PHP300.00 pesos only. I really like it, trying it on her send me back to the fairytale land again. Its really nice and she got to pick it herself. Good fashion sense. Then, we went back to Toy Kingdom, since I promise her that we will go back. We got her 4th Magneting sketh pad and some flash cards. She really wanted the Toaster and kettle but I managed to distract her. Thank God!

Kiddo Academy

This are some of pictures of Jea at Kiddo Academy on her first trial class. All of the pictures are inside the playroom. We can see that it has a huge playroom, but dont be mislead its not all play. She also had so much fun in class. She didnt even realize that she's also learning. I'll try to upload the "lesson" if i figured how to convert it since its in video.

Enrollment

We are going to Kiddo Academy tomorrow to enroll Jea. You see although its too far from home, it is still the best option. It has good facilties and the fee is affordable. I know that Jea is very excited. This morning she went to take a bath early and ate her breakfast. Usually she will be awake at 6am but would not get off the bed, she will just watch cartoons as she finished her milk.

She is so excited to go to school, that she cooperates to practice our early routine. She sleeps early and wakes up early. Get up and take a bath. She constantly ask if she can go to school already. Often times upon waking up she would ask if she can go too. I'll ask her, where will she go and she would always answer school.

I went to a lot of preschools from the class A to class E. Ive seen almost all kinds, traditional, progressive, eclectic. But when I saw Kiddo Academy I told myself that this is it. My parents doesnt agree with me only because its too far. We live in Manila and the school is in Mandaluyong.

Actually I found another good school near our area its Little Presidents Learning Palace in San Miguel, near MAlacanang. Its a 4 storey building that has complete facilities. Honestly, judging on the play equipment, and facilities I think its a really good school. The first teacher who presented to us did very well but the second one, had difficulty speaking in english and she's suppose to be the principal. From there as if the fairytale was gone. No matter how beautiful are the facilities if the teacher is not good enough it wouldnt do any good. It even cost twice as much as Kiddo's. Another thing that made me think otherwise is that they dont offer trial class. In my mind I was thinking that its just show off. They will present you all the good things at first but once your there you'll be dissapointed. This is just my opinion. I have nothing against LPLP, its is just what I have observed. Hopefully Im wrong.

Are we ready for school?

As I was on my way home last night, im thingking of Jea's first day at school. Will I able to leave her the whole day? Will she be ok? I plan to accompany her only in the morning then leave for the afternoon after lunch, then just fetch her at 6pm. Her class schedule is whole day. Kiddo's "intensive program" whereas the children can be left the whole day. In the morning Jea will join her regular class, and take a nap after lunch then some supplementary class after that, it can be reading, art or anything she likes.

I opted for a whole day class since, id like to be the one to fetch her from school. Kiddo Academy is far from our home, so it would be hard to fetch her at school by the yaya. I thought it would actually be good for her, instead of spending half day with yaya at home. Anyway, her class is only 3times a week.

Back to the topic, with all this considerations i was wondering if we can really do this. I will bring her to school at 8am, then go to office. After that, i'll fetch her agin at 5:30, bring her to mama, then go back to work. All this without decent transportation, we will just be depending on taxi cab and MRT. It will be really exausting for me, i hope Jea can take it.

First Class

April 24, 2008

First Trial Class
Kiddo Academy

The night before I already told Jea that she is going to school the next day. I thought it will not push through since she has high fever that night. She was so sick that she vomitted a few times. I was all eyes on her, I kept watch all night. I kept on telling her that she has to be well tomorrow if she wants to go to school. I kept her motivated so she would cooperate in taking her medicines, and she did. The next morning, I checked on her at 5am. She still has a little fever. But at 7am she was already active and so excited to go to school. So we prepared to go to school. I brought lots of clothes and milk good for 3 bottles. She had juice for baon. She was so excited that she wanted to go down as early as 8am. I told her that we still have to wait for Nangnang Pau because she will join us. But Jea insisted. Pau and Kuya arrived arround 8:30 and we got a taxi immediately.

It was s long ride, and Jea was so active and attentive. She wont take off her backpack for she said she might forget it in the taxi. She also kept on reminding us that we should hang on to our bags. We are all anxious on what will happen. When we reached GA Tower, Jea and Pau are already impressed by the lobby and we patiently waited for the elevator.

When we got in, Pau liked it already. Jea was a little quiet, maybe nervous of the new sorroundings. So we went to the office and I asked teacher Jo if she can have her trial class today. She said ok, but it will start at 10:30am pa, we arean hour early. So we headed to the playroom first. Jea likes it so much, she pretended to be chef sheffy. Buying stuff from the groceries then cooking it in the restaurant. I was a little busy with the phone since i will turn it over to the office that affternoon. Wish i spend more time playing with Jea, rather than being preoccupied with the phone. After some time teacher Jen told us that its time for the class so the 3 of us headed to the AVR. Apparently thats where they do their circles. At first there where only 3 kids then came the others. Jea wont join them. The whole school thing and playing with other kids are so new to her. So Pau and I joined the singing hoping she would join to but she cried. So we stayed with her but still singing with the kids. At the last part she also sang a few lines.

Then, next is the class. We send her in the classroom and at first she still wanted to cry. she wont go in, she wants me with her. But teacher Jen talked to her and showed the stamps and was able to convince her to sit. We watched from the glass windows and as I saw Jea sitting in the chair with teacher and other kids I realized that it is her first class. That indeed shes already a big girl. I got teary eyed at that point. So we watched her, paint all the macaroni answering the teacher and talking to the other kids. Slowly she got comfortable and started to have fun. She made Pink Macaroni necklace.

Preschool Hunt the Conclusion

Im on my way to Robinsons Pioneer on the MRT, when i saw the banner of a preschool. I was suppose to meet Owie for lunch and its was only 11am. So I went to visit the Preschool, the name is Kiddo Academy, inside GA Tower at Edsa cor Boni Ave. Mandaluyong. I was looking for a playschool that accepts once a week session only. So when I got it in im instantly impressed with the facilities. Its is very spacious, clean and complete with all the education toys. Its the biggest ive seen so far. The play equipment are the same as gymboree's and there are 4 classrooms for each level. An AVR with 3 computers a huge TV and a stage where the kids can do thier circles and performances. There is a huge playroom with all the make pretend play, its a village that has a hospital, restaurant, beauty salon, groceries and even gas station. Just like dave's fun house in malls. All toys are safe for children. In my head I can already imagine that Jea would love it here.

So I went to the office and inquired on how much it will cost. Teacher Jo is very accomodating and showed me around. She also briefly discussed on the curricilum of the children. In the office I already saw the CCTV Monitor, and again I was impressed. Of all the schools Ive been through, most are so expensive. None has CCTV cameras in every room, what's even better is that when you enrolled your kid you are also given a software and password where you can watch your child from the internet.

The best part is the fee. Its still on 20% discount. The tuition that should have been around 60k is now at 39k for 3x a week. So my initial plan of once a week is now on a 3x week session. They also have an intensive program where you can leave the child form 8am to 6pm. This is really the best solution. Since my problem is nobody will be able to fetch her after class, sending her to school for a full day is the best solution. Of course i took into consideration that she will be so tired if its a full day, but I realized it is still better to leave my daughter to a professional (teacher and nurse) all day where she can learn, than to leave to a yaya.

So there my hunt for a preschool has come to an end. Ive decided to enroll her at Kiddo Academy.

Preschool Dilema

I plan to enroll Jea for school this year she will be 3 by June so I thought its the right age to start. Although I planned this a long time ago, I saved up a little since I know its going to be expensive. I also try to train Jea into studying, to schedule a definite time for studying and making it fun for her so that she will not be shocked. I always tell her that she will soon go to school and she will meet a lot of friends. That there will be lots of toys and play. So I thought im already ready for it.

But, im wrong. I should have researched earlier. I should have visited the schools earlier. There are a lot of things that I didnt consider.

1. I thought there will be good school near our place. There are a lot of schools around, being in the university belt area, but this schools are all traditional and some i really dont trust. Even the facilities are not good enough or clean enough. Id like Jea to start in a Progressive school so that it will be more fun.

2. Although i saved up, i was still shock to know the rate of the fees for preschool. Its as if i will be paying for medschool already. But since im leaving my job now, transfering to another. All my tax incurred in my last work, will be refunded. I just hope i get it before school starts.

3. Since i already learned that there is no good schools in our area. I have to resort to finding school in the not so near area. Here came another problem. Transportaion. Who will bring and fetch Jea to school. I can ask my ever reliable father to do this but I believe he wouldnt agree in sending Jea to a far and expesnive school.

So here are my options:

1. I can just send Jea to the Traditional school nearby and spend 1/4 of th expense.
And just think that its going to be ok. Hay... im really scared that this will do more harm than good to her.

2. Another option is to send her for tutorial for kumon, 3x a week then enroll her to a play school for once a week session only. This way, she gets the theorethical schooling, where she will learn Reading and she also gets to play with other kids in the playschool. This solves the transportation problem since there is a Kumon center very near our place. An I can join her on wwekend for play school.
But when I computed the cost, this will also amount in the same cost as sending her to a good preschool far away.

3. To send her to a good far away preschool. My choices are Toddlers Unlimited, and clay and Potter. I know I should look for other schools pa, but for now this are my options. The cost would just be higher than my expected budget, and transpo is really a problem but I really want her to go to a goodschool. She is too intelligent to be going to am "ok" school. She is great and deserves a great school too.


I really dont know what to do. I think I can raise money for a "great school" but i really cant do anything about the transportation.