The Cat in the Hat in Mandarin (戴高帽子的猫) (1 Aug to 7 Sept 2018)

Media invite

Based on the all-time favourite book by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat has been developed into a magically witty play by Britain’s National Theatre. After a successful staging in 2012 and 2015, TLC  has faithfully reproduced the play in Mandarin – 戴高帽子的猫 for children aged 2 years and above.

I don’t think the story need much introduction so I don’t think I need to elaborate further.

When I see names like this Danny Yeo (杨君伟), Sugie Phua  and Ann Lek in the lineup and production, I know this adaptation of this well-loved story would not disappoint me – in fact I have tremendous expectation for it , like in many other SRT’s theatre productions that my kids had watched.   We have watched the English adaptation a few years ago, and my kids enjoyed it tremendously – all the funny antics of The Cat in the Hat – it will be interesting to see how all the English words rhyming are being translated into Mandarin by the talented Danny Yeo.

photo from 2015 English production

photo from 2015 English production

photo from 2015 English production

The Cat in the Hat in Mandarin (戴高帽子的猫)

DATES: 1 August to 7 September 2018
Weekdays 10am
Weekends and Public Holidays 11am and 2pm
PRICES: FROM $26 (excludes SISTIC fees)
VENUE: KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT ,20, Merbau Road, Singapore 239035

For booking , please click here

Ages 2 and above.

As part of a fun day at the theatre, there will be The Cat in the Hat Parent and Child Storytelling Workshops conducted in Mandarin. This drama workshop for parents and children (age 2 to 4) will be fun-filled with exciting games, creative activities and lots of drama skills to be learnt. The pre-show workshops are available 4, 11, 18 and 25 (9.30am) , do click here for registration.

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Tales of Grimmsneyland by AndsoforthJr (28 July to 19 Aug 2018) -immersive theatre experience for the kids

Media invite

We are so happy to be invited for another session of immersive theatre for kids by Andsoforthjr. My kids are regular theatre-goers but being a part of an immersive theatre experience is a whole new experience. You can read all about our first experience here 

After Andsoforth’s sellout show , Adventures of Grimmsneyland, they have made an adaptation for the younger audience, Tales of Grimmsneyland.

If “Grimm” sounds familiar to you, it is adaptation of timeless fairy tales by the Brother Grimms – Sleeping Beauty, Snow White , Hansel & Gretel. This theatre requires the young audience to follow the fairy godmother-in-training through different rooms (Enchanted Forest, Sleeping Chamber, Underwater Club to name a few) which showcase well-loved fairy tales. The audience will form part of the village folks and be part of the stories alongside the actors. (This is different from the previous Wonderland story as we had the show in 1 room).

 

Tales of Grimmsneyland

Dates:
28th, 29th July
4th, 5th, 9th, 10th , 18th, 19th August (Saturdays, Sunday & National Day Holiday)
Time: 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm
*it will be an intimate group of 30 pax per time slot

Duration: 1 hour 30 mins

Venue: 16 D Lorong Ampas , GS Building, Singapore 328778

Suitable for boys and girls aged 4 and above!

Tickets : SGD 35 per person, SGD 128 for family of 4

For booking, follow this link

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Coming from my previous experiences, I do know that kids get all excited  when the actors come really close to them. In an immersive theatre setting, the actors are all around you and  they have opportunities to watch and interact which is an experience normal theatre productions do not offer! I can’t wait to catch with my older kids!


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Review: Shangri-la Hotel Singapore- Buds by Shangri-la (part 2 of 2)

It is unparalleled – not just any random kids’ room/play area attached to a hotel but a full-fledged play area dedicated to our little ones –  an entire play gym complete with an art room, music studio, a baking studio on top of the soft structure play ground for kids, I don’t think there is a play gym/indoor playground in Singapore that has all the different sections (there was one which had a baking studio just like this but has since closed down) . It is common for hotels to enhance their family-friendly areas to attract family travellers (in fact I am a guest to many such hotel establishments in this part of the world as we want the kids to enjoy all the hotel facilities as well) but we have not seen something so out-of-this-world as Buds by Shangri-la.  (I do hope it will be replicated through the Shangri-la hotels around the world!)

The huge space that I mentioned in part 1 of my Shangri-la review spans over 2,150 square metres in total – 850 square metres indoors and another 1,300 square metres outdoors. Buds by Shangri-la officially opened its doors on 26th January  2018 and setting the bar so HIGH that I think no hotel in the world come close to this! Conveniently, this is also located on the first floor of the newly rejuvenated Tower Wing.

The good news is it is COMPLIMENTARY for holiday guests staying in the family floor of the Tower Wing (see review here) and feven if you are not a hotel guest, you are welcome to play at Buds at Shangri-la at a fee (pricing at bottom of the post) .

Buds by Shangri-la : Indoor

The indoor area boasts 3 main areas –  explorer zone , toddler zone and the themed activity rooms.

Even the explorer zone (for children 4 years and up) itself has been 5 themed plays area to begin with.

The Mesh Cave welcome all kids into Buds as it is the first area that my kids caught sight off ( and I lost sight of them the instance we entered.)

Next to the Mesh Cave, is the Waterfall – perfect for the younger ones using cassia seed concept playground. It is actually quite therapeutic seeing the kids scooping and pouring  the cassia seeds as part of their play.  It is also the perfect area to watch over the younger ones while the older ones get “lost” in the Mesh Cave.

In the middle of the play structure, the kids are invited to the Underwater concept, completed with slide. I think it is connected on the second level via the Mesh Cave (adults are not allowed on the second level, but there are staff who will be there to supervise the kids) so the kids can enter through the Mesh Cave and appear at the Underwater area.

small C in cute treasure box

The areas towards the end are Space and Fire Mountain – there are also educational themed wall where kids can learn about the space and planets and obstacle courses.

And mypreciouzkids’ favourite was the Fire Mountain  with  a generous ball pit and shooting guns. However, the balls for the shooting guns (you might wonder where are they) they are all in the ball pit , so the kids had a fun time locating for the balls as well…like a treasure hunt!

We checked out the Toddler Zone (kids below 4) and to me the key attraction was the free vintage kiddy rides. You know how expensive kiddy rides that are found in shopping malls, now your child can take as many rides as they want! The toddler zone even had play swing for babies , piano floor and not forgetting the perennial favourite – ball pit!

As if these were not enough fun, in between the two zones are 2 themed rooms- Muddy and Stage.
Stage, the music studio even has a piano where your child can play a tune or two, drums on the wall, dressing up corner complete with hats, wigs, boa etc and check this out a karaoke console!! You can choose any song and sing your heart away. Unfortunately, at the time of our visit, the microphone seems to be out of service but we had a great time singing and dancing!

 

For Muddy, the kids can do something that they are barred at home….paint on the wall! As if painting on the wall is not cool enough, the room can be converted into a dark room and watch the UV paint glow !

At other times, you can participate in their timed activities – Story Bud (story telling and art and craft) or Stagebud (singing and dancing) Guests at the deluxe family room or themed family suites also have 1 free activities per registered child during their stay. I managed to registered the older 3 kids for Story Bud, and they enjoyed their session very much!

For both theme activity rooms, it is only out of bounds during timed activities (Story Bud or Stage Bud) are being held. Else, any one are welcome to use the facilities in either rooms.

 

There is also Bake , a fully equipped cooking classroom where kids and adults can indulged in baking classes for a fee.

Buds by Shangri-la : Outdoor

The outdoor areas below are also exclusive to guests staying in the family floor. We didn’t manage to visit this on day 1 of our staycation as it was pouring so we had to pay the outdoor area of Buds after breakfast. The kids started out with the pirate ship dry playground and before getting wet and wild at the splash pads.

The Buds staffs also organize treasure hunts around the pirate ship playground, and to my surprise, big J and big C were so happy to join in the treasure hunts that they weren’t too interested in the splash pads. The younger boys who didn’t show much interest in the treasure hunts were happy playing at the splash pads while the older kids enjoy their hunt.

Facilities/Amenities  

There is as cafe called Recharge where you can have a cup of coffee for those lucky parents with kids above 4, who can play unsupervised or snack bites for the little ones. However, they do not offer big meals for lunch and dinner, so you can have your meal at The Line which is just a few steps away.

Even the toilet is in its class of its own,complete with kids and adults slippers and a nursing room (located just outside) –  such attention to details!

Celebrates @ Buds

You can also celebrates your kids’ birthday at Buds by Shangri-la. For party package, please contact them at buds.sls@shangri-la.com or call 6213 4833

Finally, my first attempt at video editing, pardon my amateur attempt, but here goes a video compilation of all the many parts of Buds by Shangri-la as explored by mypreciouzkids as part of our staycation with Shangri-la Hotel Singapore. For those who missed part 1 of the review, you can read it all here

Play time:

Indoor : 9am to 7pm

Outdoor : 9am to 7pm

Prices

  • For other Shangri-La Hotel, Apartment, restaurant and/or spa guests, entry is $28 per child (four to 12 years old), $18 for toddler (below four years old) inclusive of one adult.
  • For non-hotel guests, entry is $48 for child (four to 12 years old), $28 for toddler (below four years old) inclusive of one adult, for three hours.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own


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Review : Shangri-la Hotel Singapore- Deluxe Family Room and sneak peek into the themed family suites(part 1 of 2)

Warning ahead- overload of photos/videos throughout the post and the next, I won’t blame you if you skipped all words and dived right into the photos as no words can describe our most memorable staycation to date!

Truth to be told, this was not our first stay at a Shangri-la property. Last year, we visited Shangri-la Rasa Ria in Kota Kinabalu and had the most amazing overseas stay – luxurious, comfortable and unforgettable , sometimes we don’t really need to travel too far flung  and exotic to have one for the most amazing holidays – the key is in the hotel that we choose to stay in.

We decided to splurge a little (given that RM was weaker) so we went for THE BEST room in Shangri-la Rasa Ria –  I shall not elaborate too much on that stay as I know all are anxious to read about our Shangri-la Hotel Singapore experience but I will leave you with one picture and to say that the standards have been set high up there going into our staycation with Shangri-la Hotel Singapore.

Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore has recently renovated some of their rooms and a huge space (covered in part 2 of my post) to be the premier staycation hotel for families!

Typically, even from my own circle of friends , they tend to choose Shangri-la Rasa Sayang at Sentosa over the one at Orchard (as before the renovation), the sister property in Sentosa is perceived to be more family friendly with a play gym and a beach and but with renovation, Shangri-la Hotel Singapore has upped the game to be the ultimate choose for family staycation in Singapore

Just a quick tour of our deluxe inter-connecting family rooms on the newly rejuvenated family floor located in Tower Wing. The ninth floor of the Tower wing is dedicated to family travellers with 19 deluxe family room and 5 themed family suites. Each of the deluxe family room is able to accomodate families with two adults and two children below 12 years old.

twin beds configurations for the kids’ room

window alcove which be a play area or kid’s day bed too! 

for the parents, though it got invaded pretty quickly by the kids

  1. The most attention to details – especially for the little guests

even kids’ bathroom slippers come in 2 sizes

kids’ toiletries

sweet treats for the kids

swim bathrobes and souvenir bears

more sweet treats

in the plushy kids robe

2. Pantry and all things you need if you have a babies or a toddler!

Located on same floor as the deluxe family rooms and theme family suits,  this floor feature a very special rooms for families with young babies and toddler – a shared pantry with washing machine, dryer, iron, induction heater, microwave, and hot/cold filtered water dispenser provided.

And these is the list of amenities you can borrow at no additional cost from the family concierge service during your stay :-

3. The best breakfast buffet spread

4. A beautiful pool in the middle of lush greenery (I didn’tfeel 1 second that we are in Orchard Road)

Orchard Road is never my choice for a family staycation. Being in Shangri-la Hotel Singapore for 24 hours, I never once felt that I was in Orchard, with an area of 40,500 sq meter of lush gardens and a very beautiful free-from swimming pool in the middle of it all!

4. The service are 5-star

One of the biggest distinctions between a 5-star hotel vs the rest is the attentiveness and service level. The staff are always ready to give a helping hand and remember even the smallest details. There is a dedicated family concierge service for the guests on the family floor who will attend to all your needs and most importantly the little ones especially if you need anything from the pantry.

many thanks to Iris for remembering the cake for the birthday boy!

5. Buds by Shangri-la

Well, actually, this should be the first reason why any family should choose Shangri-la Hotel Singapore and not the fifth reason, but I had this as the very last reason as I will have an entire blog dedicated to this out-of-the-world play area that you will never has seen in any hotel in the world. If I were to cover Buds by Shangri-la in this blog, it will go on and on, so I decided to do a part 2 of this review especially dedicated to an awesome play areas. W

Finally, saving the best for last , a look at the highly raved and popular themed family suites– on the same floor as the family deluxe rooms (Tower Wing) that we stayed in. There are only 5 of such suites, each for one theme.

For those who can afford to splurge a bit ( I don’t really think it is a splurge as the themed family suites are the size of 2 deluxe inter-connecting family rooms) , for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and for very very special occasion, there is always the themed family suites. Just 5 of them – each a different theme -from Safari, Treetop, Castle, Underwater and Space. I had a privilege to peep into the Space themed family suites and it is a really really special room from the view of an adult…what more if it was from a kid…every kid will be jumping in joy to be able to sleep ( I don’t think any kids will be sleep in this room) and play in such a room.

 

space theme

For now, I will leave you with a short tour around the space themed family suite while I work on part 2 of  our amazing staycation!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own


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Giveaway: ACT3i Festival for Children 2018 (baby and early years)

Media Invite

ACT3i Festival for Children

22 May to 3 June 2018

For babies and early years      

ACT 3 International, Singapore’s leading Arts company for the young, is proud to announce the return of the second instalment of ACT3i Festival for Children (pronounced ‘ACT 3 Festival) two years after its premiere in 2016.

Consisting of six original theatre performances from England, Italy, Lithuania, Scotland and Singapore and one drama workshop, the festival will celebrate theatre and the Arts for babies and early years, with a mission to share the importance of this art form as a key contributor to developmental growth. Theatre practitioners for babies believe that this art form ignites their imagination and curiosity, encourages experimenting as well as enjoyment through aesthetics.

1. Paperbelle
By Frozen Charlotte, Scotland
ACT 3 Theatre (22 May to 27 May 2018)
River Room, ACM (29 May to 3 June 2018), daily performances, 50 minutes, no interval
Tuesday to Friday: 9am and 10.30am | Saturday and Sunday: 10:30am, 3pm and 4.30pm
For 2 to 5 years old
An enchanting theatre performance for toddlers that encourages exploration, Paperbelle is a
gentle and playful exploration of colour set in a magical world of paper. Audiences are
invited into the world of Paperbelle, who likes it black and white. The ‘colours’ on the other
hand, want to play games with Paperbelle. Her world is changing – will she try to stop it or
might she find it is not as bad as it first seemed?
Paperbelle is Frozen Charlotte’s most popular show that has delighted children and adults
wherever it has been performed – Scotland, the U.K., Europe, Asia as well as at festivals in
Edinburgh, Norway, Germany, Bahrain, and now Singapore.


2. Leaf
By Tam Tam Theatre, England
Demonstration Room, ACM
29 May to 3 June 2018, daily performances, 35 minutes, no interval
Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday: 10am, 11am and 4pm | Thursday to Saturday, 10am and
11am
For 0 to 3 years old
This immersive and playful piece is a perfect introduction to theatre for the very young,
encouraging curiosity and engagement amid an intimate environment of evocative
soundscapes and gorgeous colours. The journey of this very special leaf makes up an
equally special storyline. Little ones are invited at the end of the show play among the leaves
and explore a landscape created by the changing seasons.

3. Circles in the Sand
By Tam Tam Theatre, England
ACT 3 Drama Academy Room 2
22 May to 25 May 2018, daily performances, 35 minutes, no interval
Tuesday & Wednesday: 10am, 11am and 4pm
Thursday & Friday: 10am, 11am
For 0 to 3 years old
Parent and child will enter a world of buckets, castle-building, spinning and tumbling in a
show that has no words but speaks volumes with an atmospheric soundtrack of world music
and a highly tactile format. Children are invited on stage at the end for an interactive play
session with sand.

4. Crikecrak
By La Baracca – Testoni Ragazzi, Italy
Ngee Ann Auditorium, ACM
29 May to 3 June 2018, daily performances, 40 minutes, no interval
Tuesday, Friday & Saturday: 10am, 11am, 4pm | Wednesday & Thursday: 10am and 11am |
Sunday: 10am and 4pm
For 1 to 3 years old
Performed by Roberto Frabetti, one of the founders of La Baracca – Testoni Ragazzi, this
beautiful piece uses two-dimensional puppets to transform a simple story into one that
teaches children about fear and that is alright to be afraid.

5. Archipelago
By ACT 3 International, Singapore
ACT 3 Drama Academy Room 4
22 to 25 May 2018, daily performances, 40 minutes, no interval
Tuesday to Friday: 10am
For 2 to 5 years old
This original play devised specifically for young ones marks the fruition of a two year-long
cultivation between the company and renowned practitioner of theatre for early years –
Roberto Frabetti – founder of La Baracca-Testoni Ragazzi in Bologna, Italy.
This two-actor 40-minute piece embraces a theme close to home, alluding to the similarities
between children and the islands in an archipelago – independent yet attached. The
production style however, is distinctly Italian whereby there is equal attention paid to verbal
and non-verbal communication as well as emphasis on intimacy between actor and
audience. Cast members April Wee and Andrea Lim are seasoned Drama Teachers at ACT
3 Drama Academy, well-versed in engaging young audiences.


6. Colourful Games
By Dansema Dance Theatre, Lithuania
Discovery Room, ACM
29 May to 3 June 2018, daily performances, 40 minutes, no interval
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30am
For 0 to 3 years old
Bursting with vibrant colour and delightful surprises, this interactive performance invites
its young audience to explore the world around them with the help of a dancer. Self discovery
and wonder await in this beautifully crafted immersive experience for little ones.
This performance won the Golden Stage Cross for ‘The Best Performance of the Year for
Children and Youth’ in 2015.

Performance Workshops
1. Grow, Garden, Grow
ACT 3 Drama Academy Room 5
24 and 25 May 2018, 40 minutes
Thursday and Friday: 10.30am and 4pm
Discovery Room, ACM
31 May to 2 June 2018, 40 minutes
Thursday to Saturday: 4pm
For 7 to 17 months, with parent
These workshops are held in a warm and inviting environment, whereby storytelling is
intertwined with drama activities and exercises whereby children are encouraged to develop
creativity, empathy and a love for drama. Parent and child will be transported to a ‘garden’
where imagination will ‘grow’ with the ‘creeper’ that the child becomes!

2. Workshop by Tam Tam Theatre
ACT 3 Drama Academy Room 2
24 and 25 May, 45 minutes
Demonstration Room, ACM
31 May and 1 June, 45 minutes
4pm to 4.45pm
For 0 to 3 years old, with parent
Led by the talented cast of Tam Tam Theatre, this workshop will encourage imagination, role
play and movement in little ones.
3. Workshop by Dansema Dance Theatre
Discovery Room
29 May, 45 minutes

4pm to 4.45pm
For 8 to 14 months, with parent
This unique dance workshop will be led by the talented performer-teachers of Dansema
Dance Theatre, whereby little ones will be engaged in movement and co-ordination while
honing their motor skills through visual and audio stimuli, also known as kinaesthetic
learning.

For booking, click here 

 

Giveaway 

ACT3 International will be giving out 2 tickets (1 parent + 1 child)  for  Leaf by Tam Tam Theatre on 31 May 2018 10am (suitable for 0 to 3 years old)

1. Liked FB pages of mypreciouzkids.com and ACT3 International

2. Followed mypreciouzkids and ACT3 International on Instagram

3. Tag 3 or more friends on this IG post (one tag per comment)

I will be picking the 1  lucky winners using random.org. The giveaway closes on  13th May 2018 2359pm (Sun).

 

Winner: Teo Sok Hian


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Giveaway: A balance bike and a 2-wheel bicycle in 1 – Kinderbike Morph Hybrid

I am ashamed to admit that I only cycling on 2-wheel bicycle when I was around 12 years old. To me , cycling is in the same league as swimming, my kids need to how to know how to cycle and swim from childhood. My two older kids learned cycle the old school way – like  how I started,y which is using 4 wheelers.  My husband did all the coaching from removing of the wheels into a 3 wheelers and with a few evening coaching both of my older kids learned to cycle on 2 wheels before they turn 7. Now I am a bit greedy, I am sure they can learn to cycle even earlier than 7 years old. So now is getting the younger two boys age 3 and 5 years will try to learn how to balance on balance trainer and then directly to 2-wheel bicycle.

I have known of the method of using balance bike as an early introduction to balancing and cycling. I do have a free balance bike (milk powder redemption) however it was bulky and none of the kids took any interest in it. S0 I kept it in hope that one of the younger kids would pick it up and learn balancing. But I do recognise that it is bulkier and very plasticky, the reason for why it is now collecting dust in my storage. I dropped the idea of using a balance bike as a way to learn cycle due to an inappropriate balance trainer.

What make me wanna try Kinder Bike Morph Hybrid is its ability to be both a balance trainer and a 2-wheel bicycle (hence, in case the kids doesn’t like to stride and balance, the bicycle is not another white elephant).

These are many reasons why I really like about Kinder Bike Morph Hybrid :-

1.Convertible ie that’s why it is called Morph

THE selling point for me is the ability to convert from  a balance trainer to a fully operational bicycle. So even if the child does to use it as a run bike, you can still use this as a normal operational bicycle provided he can cycle (ie learn through old school method).

And it is also very easy to convert, even my 7 year-old is able to convert it easily (I only help to tighten the screws)

You can also see the video of  big C’s doing the conversion in my IG post 

2. Easy to assemble

With an allen key and a few steps, the bicycle can be setup easily. Just connect the handle bar and the back wheel portion to the main body part, and you are off …don’t forget to pump the tires too!

 

 

these are pneumatic tyres so remember to inflate before riding

3. Made fully of aluminium, with NO plastic parts

My old white elephant balance bike was a 100% plastic bike. It really felt like a bulky piece of toy, I guess it neither a balance bike nor a toy. However, the Kinder Bike Morph Hybrid feels like a real bicycle and not a toy bicycle for my younger boys.

4. Grows with your child – the seat is adjustable and hence it is suitable for kids from 3 to 6 years old

The wheel are at 12″ , a tad too small for my 7 year old but perfect for small J at almost 5 years old. I really hope he can learn to cycle quickly before he outgrow them and he can pass it to small C to stride or cycle. The maximum weight limit is at 34kg. Even the handle bars are adjustable, which allow you to raise them as the rider grows taller and move them forward to back for a custom fit for your child.

This is my 3-year-old at the its lowest configuration.

Small J’s at almost 5 year old

This is my 7-year-old at the highest configuration.

5. Lightest pedal 12″ bike in the market at 3.9 kg

Given it is an aluminum bicycle , it is definitely heavier than other balance bike with plastic parts etc, however it is still one of the lightest in the market given that it is a conventional bicycle when converted.

6. Coaster brakes

You must be wondering why there are no hand brakes on the handle bar. This model uses coaster brake which is a a brake on the hub of rear wheel. The braking is applied by rotating the pedals in reverse until the brake engages. This is not a similar concept to most bicycles including our adult bicycles hence, it does need some time of getting used tol

Kinderbike Morph Hybrid comes in 4 different colours-  red, blue, green, violet.


Accessories included: Bell, reflector, coaster brakes, drive train (plug-N-play) pedal kit.

Now lets see if my younger boys are loving their new ride

As a run bike , this is small J’s first time trying and he do not fully understand how to use it as a run bike , but my bigger kids as they are able to cycle on 2-wheel, they get the balancing concept in an instant.

As a conventional 2-wheel bicycle, I had my girl demonstrate the conventional cycling using the same bike. Obviously, it will take sometime before the younger boys can do this but I hope it sooner than later by starting on a balance bike.

Kinder Bike also have different models for younger kids  and even older kids, see their listing here You can also buy helmets from them as you must have a helmet for your kids every time they ride.

Tikes and Bikes

Website

Facebook

Giveaway 

Tikes and Bikes  has kindly sponsored a beautiful red Kinderbike Morph Hybrid worth SGD 239.99 (the exact same model as mine but in red)

1. Liked FB pages of mypreciouzkids.com and Kinderbike Singapore

2. Followed mypreciouzkids  on Instagram

3. Liked and share this FB post and tag 5 friends on the FB post and repost this IG post using #mypreciouzkidsgiveaway and tag 5 friends in the same IG post (1 tag per comment).

Please keep your Facebook shared post and IG shared post public (as indicated in step 3)  in order to qualify so that I can locate your entry.

I will be picking the 1 lucky winner . The giveaway closes on 13th May (Sun) 11.59pm.

For those who don’t want to wait for the results, and would like your kids to try this bicycle, I have a good offer especially for my readers:-

The first 5 readers to email at tikesnbikes@gmail.com to express interest in the Morph will be entitled to purchase bike for a low $99

Showroom add: 2 Jurong East St 21 #04-66 IMM Bldg
Open to public: Sat  130-6pm (alternate Sat of the month)
tel: 84966880
Winner: Shawn Quek
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own

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Marshall Cavendish’s Mini Science Encyclopedia (7th edition) – perfect for introducing science to young readers

I remembered when I was young , my parents brought me a whole set of Britannica encyclopedia. It look really lovely on my  book shelf however, it is also very intimidating, full of small font text, no colour…so I hardly ever browse them and the 30-year-plus set still sits in my parents’ home till this very day.

Even the word “encyclopedia” itself is an intimidating word for any young kids. Thus far I have not gotten the older kids any encyclopedia to accompany their learning journey.

I was most happy when Marshall Cavendish approached me to review their very own version of Mini Science Encyclopedia. I have not known of this mini encyclopedia before but being one focusing on science, this definitely a welcome addition to my kids’ library . The book is SO different from my pre-conception of an encyclopedia, big font sizes, colour pictures and illustrations…..definitely not intimidating at all. Targeted at primary school children, I reckon you can even start your K2s on some of the simpler science concepts as well.

These are the reasons I give this mini encyclopedia a big thumbs up!

  1. Well-rounded content

As this mini encyclopedia focuses on science, this book covers a variety of topics from our body,animals plants, ecology, environment, space, magnets, heat, electricity, energy, life sciences and many more.

Being a primary school kid’s parents, I did a quick look if I would rely on this book for primary science revision. Do note that this book does not follow the PSLE science syllable strictly, hence for revision purposes you would still need to use the textbook and accompany assessment books. However, this is a very good base to introduce new topics and science concepts!

2. Written in a local context

The book is written by a local author. Being in its 7th edition, it was first publised in 1998 and have been constantly updated.Many of the facts in foreign published encyclopedia are very general and do not mentioned on things we see in this part of the world ie Singapore.

This books covered the topics from a very local context perspective such as introduction to saga seed, rambutan, durian, chiku, duku and even the Semakau landfill which makes the book relatable to kids in Singapore.

3. Big fonts and colour pictures/illustration

One of the best ways to attract young readers is using big fonts and also colourful pictures and illustrations. This book is the less intimidating as my p1 girl took an interest in reading the book and having a introduction to science concepts around her. I have taken some shots of the simpler concepts and the beautiful illustration for the lower primary school kids. This book will also appeal for readers who prepare non fiction materials – animals, solar systems, dinosaurs!

 

4. Peppered with simple science experiments you can try at home

One of the best ways to encourage to love for science is to dabble in them. The book has included simple science experiments you can try at home with your child.

This is a very suitable mini encyclopedia for your lower primary school kids for leisure reading and brief intro to new science concepts. As mentioned previously,  this is not a primary school science text book (does not followed school syllable( but a mini encyclopedia to accompany the young minds …I am very sure this is more useful that having a full set of Britanica Encyclopedia.

You can purchase this mini encyclopedia priced at $20.50 (before GST) available in major bookshops such as Popular, Times and Kinokuniya or from online .

Giveaway

Marshall Cavendish has kindly sponsored a copy to a lucky reader. The winner will be required to pick up the copy from their office during office hours.

1. Liked FB pages of mypreciouzkids.com and Marshall Cavendish Education

2. Followed mypreciouzkids  and  Marshall Cavendish Education on Instagram

3. Liked and share this FB post and repost this IG post using #mypreciouzkidsgiveaway and tag 3 friends in the same IG post (1 tag per comment) on the same IG post.

Please keep your Facebook shared post and IG shared post public (as indicated in step 3)  in order to qualify so that I can locate your entry.

I will be picking the 1 lucky winner . The giveaway closes on 29th April April (Sun) 11.59pm.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own


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Review – Marshall Cavendish Parents Science Workshop – Coping with primary science (lower block)

After a month hiatus (and having a term of primary  school science), I am happy to be back for another parents science workshop organised by Marshall Cavendish. It was conducted by Kelvin Chia, who was also the same trainer for my first ever science workshop. You can read more about him and my review of my parents science workshop conducted by him here.

In fact, for today’s workshop for the benefit for new attendees, he also touched on the same information covered in the prior workshop. So given that I had attended his prior workshop, the first 30 minutes was more of a repetition for me. From covering the new PSLE exam formats to science being a spiral curriculum , this was covered in the 1.5 hour session previously. You can read all about this in my earlier review. He also emphasis on the 5-step in answering OEQ (open ended question). The trick is not to use these steps for all questions but only for question whereby the student is stumped and have difficult in answering the question.

He also touched on some strategies to strengthen the knowledge and love for science though story tellings, virtual labs (for eg. https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/new) and flash files (https://www.edumedia-sciences.com/en/media/122-digestive-tract). Besides that, parents can expand the science knowledge by hands-on activities and also through documentaries.

Thereafter, he went through the PSLE science syllable from the MOE websites in specific the lower block syllable. He emphasized which are the simpler concepts and the harder one where students will often have trouble relating and understanding. For eg the concept of cycles in matter in particular the state of gas as it is not easily observable.

Another concepts which are not so easy for p3 and p4 to grasp is heat and light. In general, life sciences like life cycle of plants and animal or the human systems would be easier concepts to understand than physical science whereby there are many ways of application (which is the 60% of the exam paper). Life sciences are more knowledge in nature and less in application in nature (PSLE Science is 40% knowledge and 60% application of knowledge and process skill.)

It is more important for the student to be able to identify the topic and concept that is tested in the question to be able to answer the question correctly. It is also important to answer the question in context and than to give many irrevelant facts.

Even after going through the syllable in Term 1 – Living and Non-Living things (which is the simplest concept being the first topic in primary school science), I often has difficulty answering the question correctly even for such simple concept. Hence, it is imperative to identify the concept that the question is testing to be able to answer to the point. It is a steep learning curve for me as a parent, but I am confident which more understanding of how the science papers are set, I can guide my son to score better in paper 2 which is the OEQs.

For the complete list of parents science workshops in Term 2 (priced at SGD 20 or SGD35) , click here.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.


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Monitoring with D-Link’s Full HD 180 Degree Outdoor Wi-fi Camera DCS-2670

This is my second review of a D-Link product. My first review was for D-Link wi-fi extender which has proved to be a godsend as I have connections throughout my home which translated to savings $$ for me for the past month. Since the installation of the wi-fi extenders, I have not burst my monthly data package. There was no blind spot at all as I have been surfing at different parts of my home. You can read all about it here.

When I was approached to do a review of D-Link latest full HD outdoor wi-fi camera, I was quite skeptical of its usage in Singapore. I didn’t quite know if I would need such a product in my home especially so that it is meant for outdoor use. Well, to me I think Singapore is one of the safest countries to live in and I often have little security concern living in Singapore. Unlike my relatives living in Malaysia, security is the major concern, besides having video camera , they will also have gates even in the home itself not just outside.

I have many friends who have invested in wi-fi camera but it was mainly for monitoring of domestic helper. To date, I didn’t quite need a wi-fi camera at home as I do not have a domestic helper . Recently, it did cross my mind that my household would need such a wi-fi camera ever since my kids started school (big J used to attend student care) and came home straight from school. I didn’t quite know what they are up to after school and the tiger mum in me wants to know if they are following  the time table that we have jointly agreed on. I don’t like the idea that they are idling away after school (yes, I know they need play time too but to me , they will get play time when they have finish their work and revision).

And this being an outdoor wi-fi camera, I actually ask what would be a major selling point for this product in the Singapore context, they told me that it will be very useful for  monitoring of home during vacation. I was sold as we often travel as a family for holidays  so I will have a peace of mind  whenever the whole family is away.

Some other reasons for installing such an indoor wi-fi camera it to monitor kids, help, elderly, pets when they are outdoors or even for strangers looking for your helper at home. Given that I do not have a helper or a pet, I do not have such concerns but yes, I would like to monitor my kids for sure.

It comes with outdoor mounting kit. However, for my usage, I didn’t want it to be fixed to a location, hence i didn’t have it mounted. I want to get the best of both, ie indoor and outdoor usage.

This is the latest Full HD 180 Degree Outdoor Wi-fi Camera DCS-2670 from D-Link.

As this is my first wi-fi camera, I do not really have a point of comparison, however I will let you know how useful it has been to me as I have been using it for the past month. It is such novelty to me now as I can easily “peek” into my kids , yes they do know there is a camera on their desk, however, I wont be so free to peek at them all the time too.

  1. It has a super wide angle view – perfect for outdoor monitoring

Low crime in Singapore does not mean there is no crime. The more complacents are the residents, it will invite more crime. Hence, the presence of such outdoor wi-fi camera will definitely deter any possible crime especially for long periods of absence.

This is the location where I left my outdoor wi-fi camera when my family was out of town. As I didn’t want to have it mounted, it will be easier if i just place it at ground level so long i can a 18 degree view of my front porch. I do not think it is necessary to monitor when we are out for a few hours ( I still do think its very safe in Singapore) but it will definitely be good to have it switched on when we are away for days.

It also works beautifully at night due to the built-in IR LEDs and Full HD capabilities. There are 3 modes in the camera – in normal light, night vision and also auto. The auto mode will automatically toggle to get the most suitable mode. Here are some shots of my home’s outdoor area at night.

Given that it is meant for outdoor usage, the camera is also weather proof (IP65 casing which is able to withstand dust and rain) and comes with mounting kit, cable water proofing connector and an extra long cable. Its three-axis adjustment makes ceiling installations easy.

2. Built-in IR LEDs to capture video in up to 16 feet of complete darkness

I am not sure how well other indoor wi-fi cameras capture in darkness, but since this product was meant for outdoor use, it has to be able to capture picture and video in low light or even darkness as mentioned above. This is a photo taken indoors when my kids are asleep – the room was in total darkness. It is perfectly clear even in such darkness and I can see both of my kids cuddled up in 1 bed leaving the other bed empty. In fact, you can also use this as a baby monitor as it is so clear in complete darkness.

photo as taken using the mydlink Lite app and saved into my phone

3. Capturing of picture and video in full HD quality 

As I mentioned, I was toying with an idea of getting a wi-fi camera early this year to monitor my kids after school. Now, I am able to have quick glances of my kids when they are back from school while I am at work. Besides just viewing on your smart phone, you can easily capture images and videos using the mydlink Lite app. However, if you need a playback of the video, then you would need to slot a micro SD card and configure in the web GUI to have it recorded and saved in the micro sd card. It has record up to 235 hours on a 128GB micro SD.

this is a screengrab from the mydlink Lite app to show you the functions and view you can get from your smart phone

Recently, there was a day (the above screengrab was taken on that day) that the older kids had to be home alone as the grandparents were away and both myself and my husband couldn’t take off from work. So, the wi-fi camera was a godsend. We could constantly monitor through the app in addition to calling them at home to make sure that all in well. They were home alone for a good 3 hours and I am glad that we had this wi-fi camera which gave us an extra piece of mind.

4. Sound and motion detection 

I will get a notification  on my smart phone whether there is motion detected via the same mydlink Lite app  – like when someone enters the room, or most importantly if there is an intruder into my front porch etc.

D-Link DCS-2670L retails at SGD 289 at all Challenger outlets.

For my daily usage, I hope to be seeing such a view every time I take a peek 🙂 and on an occasional basis, to give me a peace of mind when I am overseas.

D-Link

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.


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ACT3 International’s March 2018 holiday workshops inspired by E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web

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The school started and before long it’s a break for both parents and kids! As it is an extremely short break, typically we don’t travel out of country but staying home everyday of the school holidays seems to be unproductive according to me, the “tiger mum”.

So, I am more than happy to enrol big J for a drama workshop with ACT3. As you would have already known, I am full time working mum so enrolling for a week-long camp require a lot of commitment from me. However, 1 half day camp, I am more than happy to indulge my kids.

This upcoming March school holidays, Act3 International is organizing holiday drama workshop from 12 to 25 March 2018 centering around E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web. There have workshops for all ages from as young as 7 months old all the way to 12 years old. The holiday workshops have one-session and also five-day workshops incorporating storytelling and drama actities.

These are the lists of workshop and the age group

A Web of Shapes (45-minute session)

7 to 17 mths, parent accompanied

Interactive and tactile workshop with “spiders”of all shapes and sizes.

Let’s Build a Story (1-hour session)

18- 36 months, parent accompanied

Using hand puppets, all children are invited to build a giant spider’s web with combination of dance, song and movements.

Discover Charlotte (five-day session)

3-4 years old

Mix of music, creative movement and choral speaking from the eyes of Charlotte as she interacts with her friends.

A Barnyard family (five-day session)

5 – 7 years old

Choral and individual speaking , creative movement and role playing of families in the a farm.

Spin Your Own Tales (3-hour session)

8-12 years old

Writing workshop using themes from original to recreate a new story.

An Entanglement of Songs (3-hour session)

8-12 years old

A musical workshop by singing familiar tunes and recreating the story of Charlotte’s Web.

You can register for the workshops at this link. The last I heard big J’s class has limited vacancies, so do plan ahead and book soon! Alternatively, you can call at 65 67359986 , email at act3int@act3international.com.sg and head down to their premises at 126 Cairnhill Road.

ACT 3 International

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