Timeout

Today was a very draining day for me—both emotionally and physically. Preston woke up grouchy and was very demanding (aren’t all 2 year old kids demanding???), more so than usual. I had to give him a timeout at 6:30am! Throughout the day, he was not himself. He wanted everything his way. He had many timeouts today. I felt bad to give him so many timeouts, but he needed them and so do I, in order to I keep myself calm and sane.

After I dropped him off at preschool, I went to the Dish and walked for 3.5 miles. As I was walking, my mind began to wonder. As a believer of Christ, in some sense, I think that we also are given timeout sessions. But His timeout sessions are not about being separated from Him, rather, it is a quiet moment to reflect and help us recognize our sins.

So at the end of the day, Preston was quite good. Timeout really works. After a long day, he is now asleep. He learned something from being in timeout, and so did I.

Learning From Being Outside

Children learn so much just by being outside. Everything is new to them: the sky, trees, grass. Sometimes I wonder what they are thinking when they walk on the grass or gaze up the sky.

Tip 4: You as a "Toy"

You (yes, you!) are your baby's best toy. Babies can learn a lot from you through your singing and talking, and by watching you interact with other people and seeing what you do daily. So spend time with your baby as much as you can and provide them with love and warmth.

Tip 3: Know How to Pick Toys

There are thousands of kids toys. How do you know what toys are worth buying? If you are interested in learning how to pick toys, read The Best Toys For Your Baby's Age and Stage by Brilliant Beginnings. This book will help you see toys differently.

We like the Mega Bloks. These are pictures of my son playing with them at 13 months.





When he was older, he learned to sort them by color.

Tip 2: Read to Them Early

Help your child develop a love for reading by reading to them. When your baby is less than one, remember to choose books with bold colors, because bold colors appeal to infants. Read aloud and with expression. Everyone likes a good book, and babies can only tell if the book is interesting by your expression.

At any age, buy a few good books (new or used) if you can financially afford it. You child will enjoy reading his/her favorite books over and over again.

Tip 1: Look for Helpful Resources

Learning is a lifelong process. The earlier you start teaching, the more they will know. Nowadays, you can find tons of resources online. You can start by using a free homeschooling resource called Brightly Beam Resources. I started using the Brightly Beam Resources when my son was 6 months old. Choose what you think is suitable for your child and add a few of your own lessons.

The Passion to Learn

I have always enjoying learning. This is partly why I started working with kids at a young age. Starting in elementary school, I began volunteering at a church Sunday school, teaching toddlers and preschool kids. Since then, I have never been too far off from the realm of education.

It has been 23 years since the first time I began teaching, and I am still teaching, both as a professional and also a volunteer. Although I am no longer working at an actual school site, my home has also become a place for me to teach. My two adorable kids--a boy at 33 months and a girl at 7 months—are my students at home. I teach them on a daily basis, either through play or through projects. On the academic side, my son, in particular, is learning ABCs, phonics, numbers, counting, and tracing. He is also learning the very basic music theory, Chinese zhuyin and the Chinese language. While the academics are important, how one should behave properly is also equally, if not, more important; and so I also spend time on discipline by using words of encouragement and tough love.

But to be a better teacher also needs to have a desire for learning. My kids are my students, but I am their student as I learn how to provide the best education for them. This site is a blog of our learning development—the process and the accomplishment—and tips to education that hopes to express our passion to learn.