5 Classic Toys for Your Little Thinkers

Toy shops these days are more like toy warehouses, filled to the brim with loud, colorful, shiny toys of all shapes and sizes. It’s hard for parents to know where to begin. If you’re shopping for your little one, a good place to start is with the classics. And why not choose toys that will not just entertain, but also challenge your child? Here are a few great options:

1. LEGO

LEGO is a classic kids’ toy, although let’s be honest, us adults can’t help but love those yellow bricks, too. The toy brand is constantly offering new themed sets that appeal to kids of every generation, from a Lego Star Wars R2D2 to a miniature version of the Sydney Opera House. The value of Lego is not found in the individual plastic rectangles, but in their ability to spark a kid’s imagination. Before kids are able to complete a Lego creation, they must first imagine what it will look like. Imagining is an important part of a child’s development, and Lego taps into that perfectly.

2. Jigsaw Puzzles

Hunting for those all-important straight-edges, categorizing every piece by color and challenging yourself to complete it without looking at the front of the box - ah, the joys of jigsaw puzzles. With different puzzles aimed at each age group, this is a classic toy that kids can enjoy throughout their childhood and into adulthood.

3. Construction Sets

Construction sets, or ‘erector sets’ as they’re also known, inspire kids to become creative problem solvers. They must use reason, and a practical understanding of physics (they’re doing this, even if they don’t know it!) to turn a set of seemingly unrelated parts - pulleys, gears, motors, wheels, etc. - into a functioning machine. Just wait and see what sort of ‘Rube Goldbergs’ your kid can come up with!

4. Rubik’s Cube

This brain-teasing block of colorful squares boggles the minds of most adults, let alone kids. Whilst it’s difficult to solve a Rubix Cube perfectly, every attempt to do so gets your neurons firing. Plus, once a kid learns to master it, he or she has an awesome party trick for life.

5. Monopoly

Whilst there’s plenty to be learned from Monopoly about the free market economic system and the dangers of winding up in jail, the real value this classic board game offers kids is the opportunity to improve their math skills. Counting their fake money and figuring out what ‘change’ they owe another player requires kids to do mentalarithmetic. For kids who aren't too keen on math homework, this is a great way to make their learning fun.

Soergels Orchards

One of my daughter's  classmates/friend invited her to  go with them at a pumpkin patch.  Since we already went to  another pumpkin farm, we did not go but we let her go with them.  They went to Soergel Orchards, a family  owned  farm  started way back in 1850 by a German immigrant  name John  Conrad  Soergel.  It's amazing how they keep it going till this day.  We have never been to this orchard so we are planning to go there  next year.  My son was bummed out when he found out that one of his classmates were with them.  The farm is  located in Wexford PA.

I a glad that  the Mom who invited my daughter took some photos and sent it to me.  Thanks  Mrs. V!

Toyota 4Runner , Let's Go Places

As you look at toyota 4runner sales & discounts, you need to remember that all SUVs are better with accessories. This makes them even more capable than they already are. This is important since SUVs are meant to be used differently than standard cars, so having accessories that help can really allows them to fulfill their role in your life.

For instance, you probably want to get a roof rack. Your new car may come with roof bars already installed, or they could be an option that you can choose if you want them. Check with the dealer before ordering the car, as it is more expensive to have them put on after you own the vehicle. You can then get crossbars for the roof rack and use the top of your vehicle to carry things, such as a Christmas tree. You could also get a special rack for a kayak or one for a bike, making it easier to bring your toys along when you are leaving the highway behind. 

Another accessory that you may want to consider is a trailer hitch. SUVs tend to be very good for hauling trailers because they have powerful engines, but you need a hitch to be able to do it. In many ways, this makes your SUV as useful as a pickup truck, even though it is as comfortable as a car. If you want the hauling ability of a truck without the stiff on-road suspension, this is a terrific option for you.

Artificial Tattoo

I am not into tattoo although I  have nothing against those people who does have tattoos.  I am glad that my  husband does not have one either.  Out of curiosity, we let  our kids  use the artificial tattoos that can be washed.  

Do you think  tattoo is a form of art?

How to Make Your Child Cooperate In a Tuition Class?

One common challenge that most parents face when it comes to subjecting their children to private tuition is getting them to cooperate. There is always that fear that the child might not appreciate and recognize the advantages that come with the tuition. Lack of cooperation will lead to both the child and the parent to be on the losing end. As a parent you have to acquire certain skills in order for you to get your child to commit and cooperate to tuition. It is always believed that parents know what is best for their children. This is why most parents in Singapore will actually go ahead and seek for tuition services without talking to their children first about it. Fine. You may notice that your child is in dire need of maths tuition but have you asked him or her of what he or she feels about it?

Maybe he has some other solution that doesn't involve O level additional Maths tuition. Communication is always the key when it comes to making decisions for your child. Do not impose tuition on them when they are not ready for it. It's advisable that you set specific expectations with your child before bringing up the whole tuition idea. For Instance if you notice a drastic drop in their results, you can talk to them on how it is important to make some improvements. You can give them the option of private tuition. If your child doesn't welcome that idea, set a target and make him or her pledge that in case they don't achieve it, they will have no other option than to go for a maths tuition. This is actually a good strategy for you at first give them a grace period to make things better. If your child still resists the whole tuition idea even after trying the first method, then maybe you need to give him or her a taste of it. Note I don't mean that you should impose it on him or her.

Try convincing him or her about the whole idea and have a tutor come in for a month just for them to have an experience. After that, both of you will make a decision on the next way forward. Make sure that the tutor is aware about the lack of cooperation the child might exhibit. This will enable him or her to know how to handle the child and make it a wonderful experience. At the end of the trial period the child will maybe see the importance of O level Additional maths tuition. Through it all you must never at any point make your child feel that you are punishing him by subjecting him to maths tuition. This will only frustrate both your efforts and the tutor's. You should communicate the whole idea to him in a manner that won't make him or her feel like a failure. Tell him or her that you have faith in them and that you believe they will improve within no time. Exercise patience and constantly encourage them. If you do all this, your child will welcome the whole idea of tuition and cooperate accordingly.

James Liao a.k.a The Educationist of Singapore, a MASTERS scholar from NTU, has been on the forefront of Singapore's education fabric for more than a decade. Through this period he has helped many students improve from F9 to A1 in Chemistry, Physics, A.Maths and E.Maths. As a result, these same students managed to qualify for Junior Colleges and most of them have already graduated from NTU, NUS and SMU.

Call The Educationist now at 81-888-009 to start your route from F9 to A1.

Wet and Wild Ride at Sea World San Antonio

I passed on this attraction at Sea World because I did not want to walk around  wet in the park.  It is called  Rio Loco.  My son stayed with me which I  am thankful because I did not  want him walking around wet either.  Him and I shared the same  idea when it comes to rides lol.  MY daughter on the other hand love this kind of ride.  

All of them were soaked after the ride.  Photos courtesy of my friend Dhemz, thanks for allowing me to grabbed these sis.

Packing Tips for Fragile Items

Looking at fragile items that you need to pack could seem a little bit daunting, but don’t be afraid! Even the most fragile of items can be packed safely and sent somewhere, as long as you pack it well. There are a few things to bear in mind that will ensure that the job gets done properly and you don’t have any unwanted breakages. Here are some tips to go about packing fragile items.

Stock Up on Packing Supplies

The most important thing to do is make sure you have enough packing supplies, so that you don’t end up scrimping and hoping that the items are going to make it to the other end unharmed. If you have an abundance of packing supplies such as tape, filling, boxes, ‘fragile’ stickers etc you will be more likely to do a great job and keep those fragile items snug and safe!

Bubble Wrap It!

Bubble wrap is your best friend so make sure you have heaps on hand especially if you have lots of different fragile items to pack. Think of your fragile item as a baby, and swaddle it in many layers of bubble wrap. If the things that you have to pack are of odd shapes then you can also use the bubble wrap to pad out the container they are in.

Use Sturdy Cartons/Boxes

There is no point going to all the trouble of packing your fragile items really carefully if the box you are packing them in is not of a good quality and won’t go the distance. Make sure that you use sturdy cartons or boxes and that they are sealed up really well so the bottom doesn’t drop out when you pick them up. Also make sure that you use cartons/boxes that have lids and are able to close so you know that there is no chance of items slipping out through the cracks.

Firmly Pack Boxes

Ensuring that the boxes are firmly packed will keep the items in them from slipping and sliding around and there will be less chance of things getting broken. If you don’t have enough items to completely fill a box then make sure that you use lots of filler to hold the contents as firmly in place as possible. This will protect them from getting damaged.

The More Fragile The Item The More Packaging

A great rule of thumb to work by is that the more fragile the item is, the more packaging it will need. Don’t skimp on packaging as its really not worth it to do a half-baked job. If you are going to the trouble of buying all the supplies and carefully wrapping your fragile item then make sure that you go the whole way and do the job properly. Following these tips will help you to achieve success and get your goods there in one piece! For more tips on packing and storage ideas see http:// www.fortknoxstorage.com.au/