J's Lunchbox in July

School Time/Skoletid/上课时间

Duration: 6.30 - 7.45pm (1 hour 15 mins)

Today we worked on the alphabet. Today I tried to incorporate learning using the five senses - hear, see, touch and write.

Montessori Time:

Sound

Joshua requested to work on Leap Frog. We repeated with the phonics of letter 'a' by playing the leap frog and I sing along with it (actually it helps me too to revise the letter sounds as English isn't my mother tongue).

Touch

Joshua touched the miniature ants, while listening to the phonic leap frog as well as Mommy.

'C' is for Comb... and Joshua combing his hair...

We bought the Leap Frog from amazon:

Blanket Time:

We read only one book today - The 'a' Sound Box, as Joshua did not take his nap in the afternoon (We have a rule, if nap 3 books, no nap 1 book)

It is the 'a' sound box... and Joshua manupulating the ant...

and alligator to make the characters come alive and acted out some of the scenes... but he doesn't say much in English yet.

This series of books which go well with teaching phonics in a fun and relaxed way are available from Amazon:

Desk Time:

We practised writing the Big letter 'A'. Thereafter Joshua got tired and we didn't continue with practising writing the small letter 'a'. On hingsight, I should have started with the small letter 'a', since we have done big 'A' on dry erase before.

Joshua asked to do some Chinese workbook. He tried to draw some faces today:

We bought these English and Chinese books from Popular Bookshop in Singapore www.popular.com.sg

Bedtime:

It was time for bed. We said our night prayer in Mandarin today, recited one tang dynasty poem, sang our usual lullaby - the Singapore National Anthem, this time very fast, as it is way past bedtime and that made Joshua laugh. We ended with the Good Night song, but Joshua was still clinging on to me. I promised to wake him up to make him breakfast and to go and pick him up at the kindergarten tomorrow.

School Time/Skoletid/上课时间

Duration: 6.30 - 7.45pm (1 hour 15 mins)

I had no plans today, but Joshua picked on working on the alphabet. At 2 years old, he wasn't interested in the letters, but it seemed that at 3 years old, he was more keen on it now. It could be that we were at the English Sunday School in Switzerland, where he got to mingle with the American teachers and children, and suddenly English seems to be a useful and interesting language to him. Thus, I was very glad that we went to Interlaken for the summer seminars.

Today we worked on the alphabet. Today I tried to incorporate learning using the five senses - hear, see, touch and write.

Montessori Time:

I introduced fractions to Joshua using a toy cake. It was just for fun and I didn't expect Joshua to master it, just to get a feel of it at this age.

Joshua having fun with cutting and dishing out the cake...

You can get the toy cake from amazon:

Thereafter, he chose to work on the clock puzzle and I showed him how half past 6 o'clock looks like...

He chose to work on tracing letters next, which was a surprise to me, as up to now, he hadn't shown much interest in learning the letters. And he even completed tracing all 26 letters this evening.

He traced the letters mostly with his right hand, but occasionally with his left hand...

Joshua wanted me to take a picture of this "sandpaper" letter set. This set is really good in the sense that it shows the arrow and the sequence of tracing each letter. It was purchased from Popular Bookshop in Singapore www.popular.com.sg, but unfortunately it was not available from Amazon.

Blanket Time:

Since we had spent so much time on Montessori, we read only one story from the Rhyme Bible. Then I got an idea - I called out a letter and asked Joshua to identify it in the page. Joshua then improvised this game further. He went to look for his letter puzzle and looked for the letter in the page.

Joshua wanted to take a picture of me holding up the Bible storybook. We bought this book from Amazon...

Joshua requested for Leap frog and he worked through the whole set of letters, although it was getting really late for bedtime:

Desk Time:

As time was getting really late, we only did one page of Chinese workbook this evening, although Joshua requested for more.

Bedtime:

We said our night prayer thanking God a for good day and recited one tang dynasty poem. Joshua requested to sing the Singapore National Anthem. Daddy came over to join us, and we asked him to sing the Danish National Anthem. Joshua had a good laugh though because of Daddy's flat sleepy tone. We ended with the Good Night song, and Joshua fell asleep.

J's First Canoe Trip

Lyngby Sø (Lyngby Lake) - We set off from Havnehytten

One of the most scenic places to canoe or kayak north of Copenhagen. My Superstar and I used to canoe, before J came along. J is now almost 3 years old, and we brought him for his first canoe trip! He was very excited! We hope to do this once every summer.

One of the most scenic places to canoe or kayak north of Copenhagen. My Superstar and I used to canoe, before J came along. J is now almost 3 years old, and we brought him for his first canoe trip! He was very excited! We hope to do this once every summer. We packed our own sandwiches and water and have it in the canoe, or we usually canoe to a tiny island and have our lunch there.

It is a big scenic lake with connecting lakes to Bagsværd lake, Lyngby Lake and Furesø lake. For those who are pro, it is possible to canoe all the way to the sea at Charlottenlund!

We saw lots of amazingly beautiful water lotus...

We packed our own sandwiches and water and have it in the canoe, or we usually canoe to a tiny island and have our lunch there.

Back where we set off from the canoe...

Cost

We rented canoe from Havnehytten, which is nearest to our place. It costs 100 DKK per canoe for 1 hour, 200 DKK for 3 hours, 300 DKK for 6 hours or 375 DKK for the whole day from 10am to 8pm.

http://www.havnehytten.info/

Other places within vicintiy for renting canoe or kayak:

http://www.frederiksdal-kanoudlejning.dk/

http://www.nybrokano.dk/html/velkommen.shtml

http://www.havnehytten.info/

Directions:

Nearest Station: Lyngby Train Station

Take Bus 191 fra Lyngby Station minuttal 22 & 52. Journey time approx. 12 min. from  Lyngby St. to Frederksdal Canoe rental

Boat Trip - Baadfarten

For those who do not want to canoe, there is a sight-seeing boat running from Lyngby (10 minutes walk from Lyngby Train station)

Sailing Plan:

http://www.baadfarten.dk/sejlplan.htm

Prices:

http://www.baadfarten.dk/priser.htm

International Summer Camps for Children

We had such a great time learning and having fun at Interlaken in Switzerland that it prompted us to look out for summer camps for J next year. Since we could not find a suitable Montessori kindergarten near our home in Denmark, I would thus be very interested in looking out for summer camps all over the world that incorporate Christian education and Montessori teaching methods, that at the same time expose J to English or Chinese. Unfortunately, such a camp in Denmark seems to be totally non-existent, which means that we would have to look overseas.

It would be fun to go to a Montessori camp and at the same time get to visit and explore a new country and to get to know new people from all over the world each year during our vacation.

So I will be compiling a list of camps, mainly summer camps for children here:

USA:

1. Interlaken Summer Experience, Switzerland (3-18 years old)

http://www.ibc-churches.org/events/interlaken2012

2. YMCA Camp Mason, USA

http://campmason.org/

3. Montessori School Summer Camp, USA (2 - 12 years old)

http://www.montessorischool.net/summer-program/
http://rowntreemontessori.com/programmes/summer-camps/
http://www.montessorimiami.org/sum_camp.htm
http://www.curiousparents.com/Camps/xq/asp/Rec_ID.50/Camp_Name.Wyndmoor+Montessori+Summer+Camp/qx/camps_detail_page.htm
http://www.evergreenschool.com/camp/montessoriSummerProgram.aspx

4. Apple Montessori Summer Camp, USA

http://www.applemontessorischools.com/programs_summer.html

5. Camp Montessori

http://www.wmsde.org/traditionalcampactivities

6. Summer Adventures, USA (2 - 12 years old)

http://www.summeradventurescamp.com/?id=282

7. Centrikid Camps, USA (3 - 5 graders)

http://www2.lifeway.com/centrikid/

8. Vacation Bible School (VBS) and Summer Camp listings all over the US

http://www.thecharlottemoms.com/home/vacation-bible-school-and-summer-camp-listings/
http://huntsville.about.com/od/entertainment/a/bibleschool.htm
http://www.viennapres.org/ministries/children/vbs/
http://stayathomemoms.about.com/od/activitiesandfun/p/vacation-bible-school.htm

9. Village Day Camps (4 - 14 years old)

http://www.villagedaycamps.com/activities.html

10. International Summer Camps (7 - 18 years old)

http://www.villagecamps.com/?gclid=CM_d14LF0rECFTMhtAodFzEAhQ

Canada:

1. Waterfront Montessori Summer Camp, Canada (4 - 6 years old)

http://waterfrontmontessori.net/wmcc-summer-camp/

2. Discovery Day Camp, Canada (2 - 12 years old)

http://www.discoveryday.ca/motion.asp?menuid=4632&lgid=1&siteid=100345

Australia:

1. Summer Camps and Shool Holiday Activities, Australia

http://goplay.nsw.gov.au/

Denmark:

1. Summer School, Denmark (4-15 years old, 24 Jun - 5 Jul)

http://summerschool.cis-edu.dk/

2. Summer School, Montessori International Pre-School, Denmark (4-6 years old, 30 Jun - 11 Jul)

http://montessoripreschool.dk/index.php/summerschool.html

3. Scandinavia Chinese Christian Church Summer Camp, Denmark, (All ages, 7-13 Jul)

http://summercampnccc.wordpress.com/

4. Lutheran Mission Summer Camp, Denmark

http://lejr.hvidekilde.dk/lejroversigt/

5. Science Camp at Universe (12-14, 14-16 years old, Jul-Aug, Sign-up 15 Feb)

http://universe.dk/sciencecamp/

6. Danish Christian Summer Camp (For all ages, 8-14 July 2017)

https://www.sommercamp.dk

7. Teenarbejdet

http://www.teenarbejdet.dk/

https://www.facebook.com/Teenarbejdet/

8. Ballet Summer Camp at Tivoli Ballet School (8-14 years old, 1st week of August - week 27)

https://tivoli.klub-modul.dk/cms/ShowContentPage.aspx?ContentPageID=11

9. Ballet Summer Camp (10-14 years old)

https://ballet-skolen.dk/en/events/

10. Science Camp (13-16 years old)

https://unf.dk/aktiviteter/2022-09-16/unf-naturfagsweekend-2022-efteraar/

11. Life Campus Science Camp

https://life.dk/om-undervisningsinitiativet-life/life-campus

UK:

1. Code Today

This is a fantastic company that offers coding lessons for kids. J tried it in 2019. The class size is small - 7 kids. Besides learning python coding, he gets to immerse in a native English environment. The instructor has been dedicated and service-minded. They even allow parents to sit in, since our son's first language is not English. The Manager is also very dedicated, coming over to make sure that everyone is settled down well and that the class is running smoothly. There is a cozy cafe in the basement of the classrooms for parents to take a break, have a coffee and snack too.

https://www.codetoday.co.uk/

2. The Perse School Cambridge

https://persesummerschool.co.uk/

3. Discovery Summer

https://discoverysummer.com/

4. Summer School of English

https://www.summerschoolofenglish.co.uk/

5. Active Camps

https://chatgpt.com/c/6982827a-4c5c-832f-a1b0-084e11ce2c31

https://www.summerboardingcourses.com/oxford-summer-schools/

https://www.summerboardingcourses.com/courses/summer-day-camps/

https://www.summerboardingcourses.com/courses/general-english-summer-school/young-explorers/

https://www.summerboardingcourses.com/courses/general-english-summer-school/english-language-easter-course/

https://www.languagecourse.net/school-oxford-spires-junior-centre---summer-fields-school-oxford.php3?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.oxford-royale.com/oxford-summer-school 

https://www.oxfordinternationaljuniors.com/study-with-us/summer/

https://oxfordsummerschools.com/courses/english-day-camps

https://oxfordsummerschools.com/oxford-english-summer-schools-for-ages-8-12

https://www.stgiles-international.com/english-language-schools/cambridge-junior-summer/

https://www.studiocambridge.co.uk/english-camps-for-young-learners/summer-camps-for-kids-and-teenagers/sir-edward-ely/

https://oxfordsummercourses.com/search-results

https://www.oxfordenglishcamps.com/summer-and-spring-programmes

 

https://www.summerschool-uk.com/home/summer-specialty-camps/oxford-young-explorers-summer-boarding-courses/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://oxbridgeprograms.com/programs/the-cambridge-experience/

https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/programmes/youth-programmes/oxford-said-teen-leadership-summer-academy

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/summer-schools

https://www.issos.com/summer-school/cambridge

https://www.bucksmore.com/summer-courses/english-courses/intensive-english-course-oxford/

https://www.pace.cam.ac.uk/course-type/international-summer-programme

https://www.esl-languages.com/en/courses-abroad/english/england/cambridge/cambridge-summer-program-12-17

https://www.languageinternational.com/courses-english-cambridge-uk-summer-camp-164

https://www.ef-danmark.dk/pg/sprogrejser/england/

https://www.selectenglish.co.uk/packages/cambridge-juniors/

https://www.bestparents.com/courses/supreme-summer-english-activity-day-camp-teens-headington-school-campus-oxford?srsltid=AfmBOopK3V9GIc1hSP5DCYkIlr9dijvD7yrtszORpa1EN2QmbyFmP4wc

Singapore:

1. Holiday Programme at Mustard Seed Early Learning School, Singapore (2.5-10 years old)

http://mustardseed.sg/

2. Worldly Wise Kids' Camp, Singapore (8-12 years old)

The camp is a 5 day non-residing holiday camp for 8 - 12 years olds in Singapore that introduces them to the world through a wholly sensory experience. The aim is to arouse in our youths a keen interest in the world around them. We hope to delight and excite the campers with the many diverse ways around the globe while helping them recognise the commonalities we do share. Tel: 65-83888904.

http://www.worldly-ys.com/

3. Julia Gabriel Education Centre, Singapore

http://www.juliagabriel.com/images/downloads/chengzhu.pdf

4. Camp Asia, Singapore (2 - 14 years old)

http://www.cognitaschools.co.uk/camp-asia.html
http://www.campasia.asia/

5. Learning Horizons Holiday Camp, Singapore (1.5 - 12 years old)

http://www.learninghorizon.com.sg/Programmes/holiday_camps.aspx

6. Listing of Children Camps in Singapore

http://www.stclassifieds.sg/june-holiday-camp/all/list/search-0?q=june+holiday+camp
http://www.timeoutsingapore.com/kids/feature/five-best-holiday-camps

7. Montessori Enrichment Classes in Singapore

http://www.brainychildmontessori.sg/index.php/General/enrichment-programmes.html
http://directory.stclassifieds.sg/singapore-directory/MODERN+MONTESSORI+ENRICHMENT+CENTRE/company/businessweb/1316529319/
http://www.modern-montessori.com/
http://www.josiah.com.sg/
http://www.brightnotessg.blogspot.sg/
http://sg.88db.com/q-Montessori+Enrichment+Classes/1/

8. LEGO Learning Experience, Singapore (4-10 years old)

http://www.my1st3d.com.sg/

In time to come, I hope to compile a list of summer camps that immerse children in the Chinese language and culture.

9. Summer School

http://www.honeykidsasia.com/singapore/learn/kids-summer-camps-in-singapore-2015-the-ultimate-guide-to-holiday-activities/

References:

http://stayathomemoms.about.com/od/SummerCamps/tp/Summer-Camp-Guide.htm
http://www.singaporeforkids.com/

J Summary (3Y4M12D) - Mommy Could No Longer Pretend Not To Understand Danish

I have only spoken Mandarin with J from Day One since he was a baby. When he started knowing Danish, I have been using this strategy with him:

I pretended that I don't understand Danish.

This strategy has worked very well and J has always spoken to me in Mandarin. But I think its use is coming to an end, now that he is growing up and being more aware of things.

This morning, he said to me in Mandarin, "Stuart (the teddy bear) doesn't like you." I asked him why, whether he meant that he himself doesn't like me. He replied yes. I asked him why.

J replied in Mandarin, "Why is it that when Daddy speaks to you in Danish, you could understand, and why is it that when I speak to you in Danish, you don't understand?"

I was dumb-founded.

It caught me by surprise and I didn't quite know how to answer him.

I thought about it, and I consulted my friend for advice. She advised me to explain to J that Mommy actually understands Danish and to tell him the truth.

I sat down with J a day later. I said, "Mommy does understand Danish, but Mommy hopes that Mommy and J could communicate and speak to each other in Mandarin. Could we continue to speak Mandarin?"

J replied that he didn't know. He did not give me a clear yes or no. However, he continues to speak Mandarin to me. So his actions speak louder than words.

I think it is time we plan a trip to China, so that he could have a tangible understanding of what China is, the land where Mommy's great grandparents came from. They made the journey from China and settled down in Singapore. I had the priviledge of hearing from my great grandmother stories of her life in China, when I was a child about 10 years old. I think J is developmentally ready to receive more heritage education now.

That would be our next vacation plan.

J Summary (3Y4M13D) - Learn to Read

During one of our activities with puzzle, J pointed out to the word "playtime" and read it pointing to the syllabus with his fingers. I was pleasantly surprised, since English is his third language, and he hasn't been so keen to speak it. I also have not taught him to recognize the word playtime. Thus, I asked him where he learned to read the word from? He told me that it was from his teachers at the camp in Interlaken.

Next he saw the card "Schooltime" and he again read it pointing to the syllabus with his fingers. And it was also the teachers who have taught him that. Wow, he has really learned a lot in the five days in Interlaken. I am so grateful to the teachers Ms. Julia and Ms. Martie, both of whom are volunteers passionate about Children's ministry.

How to Continue with School Time During Vacation?

8.7.2012 - School Time on the first night of the vacation

It is difficult to continue with Montessori activities while we were on the move on vacation, but I wanted very much for our School Time to continue. I brought along one of Joshua's Chinese workbooks. But I wasn't too hopeful that I will manage to do School Time with Joshua, since we didn't have any experience doing it during a vacation. I wasn't sure if Joshua would be keen, and I wasn't sure if I could find time to fit it into our schedule. But I guess at the back of my mind, I was very determined and Joshua was very cooperative. He has gotten used to School Time in his normal routine at home and he could ease into the same routine in the evening, so long as I was disciplined enough to do it with him.

We managed to do with School Time each evening before Joshua went to bed. This was our first real vacation with Joshua in the sense that he is now very aware of the things around him, like a big boy. I wanted it to mark the start of a tradition, and I was very glad that it took off from the first night. Joshua asked for School Time subsequently on the other nights. I hope this tradition will continue on for all our future vacations.

Why Is It Important to Do School Time while on Vacation?

Why do I think that it is important to do School Time even while on vacation? The world does not stop for us just because we are on vacation. And I also think it is making good use of time to also do some work, and not spend ALL the days for the full week on leisure. That would be a total waste of precious time. Just like we need consistent physical exercise, we also need mental exercise and continual learning too, even while we are on vacation.

In addition, according to http://www.applemontessorischools.com/programs_summer.html, "Much research has been done regarding "summer learning loss". Studies have shown that "nearly all children lose about three months of math computation skills over the summer." (Cooper,1996) Reading skills can also be affected, as well as listening skills and following directions. However, the same research has also shown that doing at least twenty minutes of brain engaging work every day can minimize that learning loss. This optional one hour and twenty minute Superkids session three times a week can help your child from suffering the "summer slump"."

You may say getting to know a new place, gettting new experiences, etc. in themselves are a form of learning. True, but that is just one part of it, and the academic practice part is missing. This is where School Time fills the gap. And why not, since it is fun and good as nutrient for the brain, and most importantly Joshua enjoys it.

During our vacation in Interlaken, Joshua went to his English Sunday School classes during the first half of the day, while Mommy and Daddy attended classes on Child and Brain Development. We had the afternoons and evenings free. We extended our vacation for two days after our classes, where we visited Adelboden and Bern. We hiked in the mountains for four hours, saw a waterfall close-up, and thereafter relaxed in a out-door spa pool over-looking the mountains. We went swimming and sight-seeing in the old town of Bern and saw the bears with Joshua. It is thus possible to mix leisure and school time during vacation. You just have to find the right balance that works for your family.


How to Do School Time Without Pressure During Vacation?


Here are some tips based on my experience:


1. Set Expectations Low, but Hope High


This sounds like a oxymoron. What do I mean by setting expectations low, but hope high? I didn't have any expectations that School Time would take off during vacation. I brought along only one workbook, so that I would not be disappointed, if School Time does not take off.

Before the start of the vacation, my only aim was to try School Time just once. Anything more would be a bonus. But my hope and determination was high - which allows me to follow through with my plans. But I would not be too disappointed, if my plans did not realize, as I have set my expectations low.

2. Create a Cozy Atmosphere

Make sure that it is cosy. We sat on the bed. I put my arms around Joshua (but we have the workbook with us of course). It does not feel labourious like in school at all, but simply having a cozy time with mommy.


3. Go with the Flow


Go with the flow of your child. Try out for the first time, and if your child does not feel like it, don't force him. For Joshua, after we did School Time for the first time, he asked for more, so I went with the flow. What happens if Joshua did not ask for more, what would I do? I would stop and try out other activities that would still be beneficial for learning. Every child is different. I would also stop and try again in the next vacation. Try also another time of the day. I tried it once, when we were on vacation to Jutland. But it didn't take off. Joshua did not want to do School Time. I realized that the timing wasn't good for Joshua. I tried to do School Time during that trip in the morning, but Joshua was too excited to start the day with sight-seeing, rather than doing School Time. During this trip to Switzerland, I changed strategy and tried to do School Time in the evenings that that worked.

Here are some of the pictures we have taken during some of the School Time while on vacation:
  

9.7.2012 - School Time on the second night of the vacation

10.7.2012 - Reading books together

10.7.2012 - Mini School Time before bedtime

12.7.2012 - School Time at Cambrian Hotel Switzerland

Swiss Rosti Potato Baked with Cheese

Serves 3 - 4

Cooking and Preparation Time: 40 - 50 minutes

Ingredients:
1. 3 medium potatoes de-skinned and grated
2. 1/2 large onion sliced long and thin
3. 1 TBS olive oil
4. Emmentar cheese grated
5. Herbs (optional)
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven ot 180 degree celsius.
2. Remove the skin of the potatoes and grate them.
3. In a mixing bowl, add grated potatoes and onion, herbs, salt and pepper and mix well.
4. Drain the potatoes off the liquid.
5. Oil a oven proofed dish with olive oil
6. Add grated potatoes and sprinkle the top with cheese.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese melt and the potato look golden.

Additional Information:
In continuation with our love affair with the rosti, this is the cheese version. Florian loves this, while I prefer the non-cheese fried version (see earlier post). Joshua loves both.