Review: Activities at Heguru and how to conduct home practice

Did you know that to encourage creativity in children, you could draw with your eyes closed/ draw with your non-dormant hand/ encourage your child to be bored/ daydream/ engage in word games? Well, those sound simple enough but to go a step further and to stretch that right brain, we have been attending Heguru at Citysquare mall. A centre which encourages right brain training. I believe through such training, I am igniting creativity which will be useful in his future. Right brain education opens neural pathways and it is best to be completed by age ten. Through this programme, I am not hoping that my child will become an overnight genius but the constant inputting will enable him to absorb new information quickly and easily. This has been quite apparent from my observation of Small K who is like a sponge! During each lesson, there would be over 30 activities done. Excellent deal to condense the week's worth of learning into just one lesson isn't it? Something which, if left to me, would not have been achieved in a mere 1 hour. I will be sharing with you the activities in two parts. There are simply too many to squeeze into one post! I will also share with you how we DIY at home to complement our right brain training. After all, the child would benefit more if we are able to follow through with home practice. So without further ado, here are some of the activities: 

1) Math

What's included: Abacus; Dots Programme; Multiplication table; Addition Table; Dot Bar; Nummer Kaisten; Number memorisation; Perfect Intuition 

The Dots programme introduces the concept of quantity and sequencing. We are familiar with some aspects of this. The Dots programme is very much similar with The Shichida 63 Dots programme and the Doman Method of teaching Math. They all have the same rationale which is that it is to help he child in mental calculation using dot imaging or intuition. Back when Big K was about 3yo, I had used this method and was pleasantly surprised by its results. We are able to conduct this training at home back then using pre-packed cards and was supposed to do it every single day without fail. However, as a busy mom, most would know that this isn't possible and we would end up missing some days. Hence, I am really thankful that the dot programme is included in Heguru and that Small K is able to benefit from it. 

The Dot Bar is another aspect of Heguru which is unique. This is used to complement the Dots programme. Each time, the trainer would demonstrate a few concepts like addition and subtraction using grids and dots. As we are in the toddler class, typically a 3 by 3 grid or a 5 by 5 grid would be used. 

I managed to DIY something similar at home using a magnetic board and round magnets bought from Daiso. 

The Nummer Kaisten is an in-house manipulative which allows children to learn mental arithmetic in a visual way. Concepts of addition and subtraction is demonstrated here.

Abacus training is used at almost every lesson. At this stage, the giant abacus is used to teach the child how to count. From counting in ones, to counting in tens, the abacus is a great tool to capture attention. In fact, Small K loves it so much that I frequently caught him "teaching himself" using the small abacus we have at home!

Number memorisation

At the very beginning, this is my most hated activity. Yup! You heard right! I actually dislike something in the class! Why? Because sleep-deprived mommy here has to be attentive and try her best to memorise a string of numbers in a mere few seconds! I found it really tough to recall a long string of numbers, but strangely, after a few terms of training, I actually found myself pretty good at it! Acing it most of the time! So how is the child involved for this activity you ask? We basically have to whisper the number to the child. In time to come, the child will use his peg memory (which will be discussed later) concept to link up with the numbers and be able to recite them out. For now, Small K has wowed me by being able to say out the last digit once in a while. He isn't able to write out the numbers as yet, but I think to be able to say out the last digit, whether it is by a stroke of luck or not, is amazing!

Apart from the above, Heguru also strives to introduce concepts like mass, volume and density through interesting experiments. At a young age, children are inclined to learn visually, hence, such presentation of concepts will benefit the child tremendously.

2) Flash cards

Super Flash

Young children have a natural love for learning and they absorb like sponges. This is why over at Heguru, there is a segment called Super Flash. This comprises of more than 15 themes each time. Don't ask me for exact figures, because things happen so quickly, I can barely keep up! This works out to approximately over 400 cards flashed each time! Some examples of the themes include: amphibians, hazard symbols, flower arrangement tools, flags, types of dresses, types of chairs, Numbers 1-10 in Hungarian; types of burrowing animals; bones and so on. I am a strong believer in this and have a great volume stashed in my cupboard. Mostly were homemade by yours truly back in those days when I only had one child. They really aren't that difficult to make. We just need time. These days with the advent of technology, I can even do them on my iPhone! Once home, all I need to do is to proofread and send to print. The painful part is cutting them into A5 size which even then, isn't too big a deal with a cutter. 

Benefits:

So what are the benefits of Super Flash? 

• For starters, it is great to input as much information to the child. Even if it seems too advanced at this moment. In the future, when he/ she does touch on this topic, it will somehow be easier. 
• High speed flashing of cards activates the right brain, needless to say and will develop the child's photographic memory function. This is especially important before the age of 6, after which, right brain development will see a dip. The cards are all picture cards and as far as possible, they try to use real life images. Names of the pictures are verbalised at the same time, hence helping to create a connection between both the right and the left brain. The left brain would process language whilst the right processes images. Don't worry if the child is not paying attention. Take a break. Even if he is moving around, he is absorbing. The strange thing for Small K is that he sits attentively at Heguru, whilst at home, he is always monkeying around! 

How to DIY?

• Decide on a topic and start googling for pictures. Have them printed out on A5 cards, preferably of 300gsm. The words should be printed behind so as to facilitate flashing. I used to laminate my cards (adding to the time and cost), however, I realised that if I use a thicker cardstock, it would go a long way too. Furthermore, by laminating, at certain angles, there may be reflection which may not be good for the child's eyes.
• To flash, one needs to be fast. The teachers over at Heguru are all professionally trained and examined. 1 second per card is preferred.
• As many topics are to be covered each time and the same topic should not be repeated twice at a time. It can however be repeated on a daily basis, but to prevent memorisation, the cards should be shuffled and changed after 1 to 2 weeks.

Apart from Super Flash, flashcards are also used to teach words in both Chinese and English. There is also a segment called the Encyclopaedic Baby Programme where flashcards are used to teach things like ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd)  This is complemented with songs and manipulatives used by the assistant teacher. 

3) Photographic memory

Linking Memory; Peg Memory; Chic Chak Time; Spatial Memory; Mandala

Once a child enters Primary school, it is a constant challenge to cramp as much information as possible, in the shortest possible time. Therefore, it would be great if the child is equipped with techniques which will help him in memorisation.

Peg Memory

This is a system of associating numbers to images. For example:

71 - Nun

72 - Shampoo

73 - Cemetery

74 - Store

75 - Housewife

For a few weeks, the child will be taught ten peg numbers before moving on to the next ten. In order to help the child with recollection, a silly story is made. For example: I saw a nun put shampoo on her hair at the cemetery.

Below is how we DIY. I managed to find a printable over at mummyshymz. I have yet to complete cutting as you can see, but we'll get there!

Linking Memory

This is more random. Picture cards are presented and the trainer would narrate a story to connect the pictures. This is a method which even the cave men used! The story doesn't have to make sense. In fact, the more ridiculous the better it is. Put things in unbalanced positions and don't be afraid to make things do what they don't usually do, e.g. A pig flying over the sea. The class would then each use 3 cards to form a story. You can't expect to develop an extraordinary memory overnight, but by learning useful techniques and learning them periodically, one can be more proficient in it. 

The key to linking memory is to use your IMAGINATION and PRACTISE!

Below is what we use at home to aid linking memory:

photo credit: http://owlissimo.com

Mandala

While most of the time in class, it is the me who is doing all the memorising and Small K is the one who is doodling, it is it is great that he is participating. In fact, when practising at home with fewer colours, he is mostly able to get them right most of the time!

At home, using the Everyday Mandala for Children series

This activity can be done on the go too! While I don't advocate too much screen time, I do allow the kids to have a bit of exposure on weekends. So, rather than watching senseless cartoons, this, is a great alternative! Some apps to consider:

Mandalas – Memory Trainer

Brain Training Unotan

Brain Kaleidoscope 

4) Physical Activities 

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Heguru recognises that children need to let their energy loose. At around midway through the lesson, we will go out for some physical activities. These activities varies but the overall aim is to train the child's gross motor skills. This is vital for the child's development and lays the foundation for a healthy life. Physical activities establish connection between different parts of the brain. Whenever Small K hears the song to indicate the start of physical activities, he would be like a horse losing his reins and charge towards the door.

5) Puzzles

Iroita; Tangram

This is a favourite with Small K! Puzzles are great for cognitive development. When the eye sees the puzzle, it sends images to the brain which envisions and translate to the hand. The hand will then manipulate and get the right piece to fit. Both Iroita and tangram are pretty much the same which works on shape recognition. This is an important part of a toddler's development. Order of recognition for children includes:

1. Colours
2. Shapes
3. Sizes
4. Numbers
5. Amount/ Quantity
6. Spatial recognition
7. Comparison
8. Order
9. Time 
10. Money

Thrifty me wanted to replicate something similar and I did! All for a mere $8 vs a retail price of $49.90 (jaw dropped)! All materials obtained from Daiso. Am mighty proud of myself!

I am really impressed that Small K is able to identify and fit the shapes in so accurately. I haven't quite taught him shapes officially so he definitely picked up this skill over at Heguru!

For any form of enrichment, I believe that it isn't overnight success which we would see. It's through constant drilling and hard work. Whilst hard work most of the time translates to mundane and boredom, I feel that right brain training at Heguru is really fun and keeps the kids and parents alike, on their toes. The fast pace of the lesson also ensures that the child would not be bored. I really love the vibe. In fact, most of the time, I might feel a little zombified prior to attending lesson, however, the moment I'm in the lesson, my adrenaline gets pumped. School in the 21st century is no longer the same. Right brain training starts young and dips when we enter Primary school as that is when left brain activities are predominant. Academic excellence is undeniable important and the paper-chase situation worldwide is real. Heguru Program, however, is not centrally focused on a repetition of academic specific practices for children. The real focus is the development of learning abilities in the children that they teach – fundamental concentration and endurance power, memory power, comprehension and application power amongst others. If a child is equipped with the right skill, he would find his learning curve a little less steep.  

In my next review, I will share with you other activities done at Heguru and also how you can conduct home practice. Stay tune!

Follow Heguru Citysquare mall on Facebook or check out their website or more details! They have regular parents info sessions, so do give them a buzz to catch a lesson preview! Also, Citysquare mall is having an education fair on 19th & 20th November 2016 during which Heguru would be one of the vendors participating. Do drop by to find out more about their courses!

Disclosure: We were invited by Heguru CitySquare mall to review their courses and attended complimentary lessons in return. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and written according to my experience in using the products/services.  

Day in a life of Janice Wong

This has been a mandatory post which I had always wanted to do. Procrastination got the better of me (what's new?) but finally, I pushed myself into writing, so that 10 years down the road, I am able to look back and feel darn good (or not) about myself. Life is a story and this is mine.

Photo credit: http://www.doubleedgefitness.com/life/

This is probably the period in my life when I am at my busiest. I have two little ones -- Big and Small K. Many wonder how I manage to pack so much in a day/ week. In all honesty, I don't know. One thing's for sure though, it is the severe lack of sleep which allows me to do more. Not something I am tremendously proud of but something which is bo bian (no choice) You see, Small K is still not sleeping through the night. On lucky nights, he would wake up once at dawn for his feed and go right back to sleep. On unlucky nights, well, let's not even get there. In addition to that, we are training Big K to go diaperless at night so when she needs to pee at night, guess who she looks for? No prizes for that. And by 'we', I really mean ME ME ME!

Here's how a typical weekday looks for me:

0800- 0830 hours

I am typically awake by 8am as that is about the time which Small K would potter into my room. If I'm lucky, 830am. Don't be too envious as my bed time could be as late as 4am! Small K's average dream feed is at 3ish so that is the reason for the late hours. Don't get me started on why I'm still giving in to him. It is mostly because I do not want him to tear the house down with his cries of bloody murder and more importantly, he is now sleeping in the same room as his sister who, though has improved by leaps and bounds, isn't exactly a deep sleeper. I certainly do not want to risk having two crying babies at 3am and spend an hour coaxing them back to sleep. So, the CIO (cry-it-out) method does not work for us. I can only pray.

0830 - 0900 hours

During this hour, I have to make the boy poop, clean him up, cuddle him and make him milk. You may ask why do I need a whooping half an hour to do these? Well, namely because while he poops, I will probably still be snuggled under my comforter! *smiles. On good days, while he is doing his business, I might start preparing breakfast.

0900 - 1000 hours

This is typically my zen hour. The kids and I will have breakfast and after which they will free play whilst I catch up on social media or other news. If I am a little hardworking, I will engage them in breakfast making. However, I try not to as this might drag till 11am if I do.

1000 - 1100 hours

I tend to pack too much in a day and this is particularly with regards to home learning. Every night before sleeping, I'll have great grand plans as to what I wish to execute the next day. However, mostly, it would end up an epic fail. It is really not easy trying to teach both children of different ages. If I were to do something with the younger one, the older one would also want a piece of the easy action. Hence, some of my materials have to be duplicated, just so Big K can be involved. And when I am engaged in something with Big K, say for example trying to teach her a tune or two on the piano, Small K would be trying to squeeze up the chair and bang those white and black keys. Exasperating at times. But I do have my good days where I will do at least 3 activities. Some of my activities include the Glenn Doman series which I am trying to discipline myself into doing everyday (it hasn't been all that successful though); thematic activities like Halloween stuff for the month of October, catching up on her school or Chinese enrichment homework (both of which are given once a week. Phew!) If time permits, I will try to squeeze in a craft work which makes Big K beam from ear to ear. In the event where I have completely depleted my energy, I will just throw them some colour pencils and paper to draw or some lego to play. They keeps them entertained for hours! This, unfortunately, happens rather often and the guilt would eat me up the entire day.

Look at the mess! Sigh

My trusty magic clean on days when i don't feel like exerting too much strength. 

1100 -- 1145 hours

Depending on the complexity of lunch, this is approximately the amount of time needed to prepare and cook lunch. During this period, the kids will once again engage in free play.  On top of that, if I'm in the mood, I will schedule in laundry as well, otherwise, that usually takes place at night whilst I am making them sleep. We mommas have to learn to multitask.  So if it isn't laundry day, i will be mopping the house with my trusty magic clean mop. Seeing the mess really gets me frustrated but mostly, I would simply shut their playroom door and pretend that my house is showroom condition. I do the minimal, and that is to ensure they have clean floors to step on.

After cooking, I will then wet mop the entire house. This is usually done every other day by the husband. However, his constant travels meant that I have to take charge of this area. It didn't help that the whole of last month, we were sandwiched between to units of renovation! One upstairs and one downstairs! The dust accumulated was an inch thick by evening. Ok, I'm kidding, but seriously I sometimes ended up mopping twice.

1145 - 1245 hours

The most infuriating hour of the day! ok, actually the second most. Read on to find out which is the most irritating hour of the day. Meal times are relatively easy if the dishes are to their liking or if it is a one pot dish like pasta. However, mostly, I will be nagging the children incessantly about finishing up their food quickly. I have to sometimes feed Small K as I eat my own lunch as he is a terribly messy eater and I don't have time to clean up his mess. Thankfully Big K is independent enough to finish her food. Only problem, I have to urge her to hurry.

An elaborate meal when I am in the mood. 

Some simple dishes to race against the clock

1300 -1315 hours

Shower time for the kids! Big K is able to shower on her own so my attention is only on the younger one. Phew!

1315 -- 1330 hours

My turn to shower and get ready for work! The mornings are always rush rush rush and peppered with lots of cajoling and sometimes screamings. Things don't always go the way I want as hiccups like breaking up fights or cleaning poop 3 times in a morning would throw things off the usual curve. 

1400 hours onwards

During the interval, I would be sending the younger one to his alternative caregiver and thereafter, I would send the big one to school. Following that, I would be off to work as an educator. If time permits, I will run my errands in between. 

6 hours is the average work hours I clock on a weekday. This is excluding the work done at home.  Nothing much here and certainly less stressful than looking after kids!

There are days when I really need some adult social interaction before heading to work and that is when I will rope in my mom who would gladly take my kids before lunch hour. I am so thankful that daddy dearest is able to pick Big K from school and that my kids are in good hands. However, I try not to bother mom too often as she is a social butterfly herself and well, she is still in the learning stage where looking after two kids is concerned. You see, she didn't have much experience in this area. She only had me. Things were pretty bad at the beginning. She couldn't even put on diapers for my kids. *shakes head. This week, I was very thankful that she was able to help me with the kids. Because of this arrangement, I was able to sneak out for lunch with a bunch of awesome mommy bloggers! Having a proper adult conversation for a full hour is pretty rare these days, much less making new friends!

From left: Jayme, Natasha, Liang May, Susan, Me, Dawn

2100 - 2300 hours

If the hubs is overseas, I would have to pick the kids up. The poor things would be uber high and overstimulated by their grandparents hence making my life a little tougher when we get home. Winding down does not happen immediately when we step home. I don't like the feeling of asking them to sleep the moment I pick them up. So sad to have to associate mommy to sleep. If the hubs is in town, things are a little easier. He would have settled the story reading bit and gotten them to drink their milk. If I am lucky, he sometimes would have already put Small K to bed. By now, I would mostly be starving as I usually have no time for a proper dinner. But I have to grit on else, I will never get my precious me-time! This is actually a love-hate period as the both of them may take an hour to sleep! By then, I would have fallen asleep myself!

2300 hours - 0230

Shower and me-time! Yes, my average bedtime is 0230 hours. Me time is really precious as it is the only time I am able to catch up with mundane chores or work related matters. Activities at night may include working on a diapercake order gotten through my other baby Rhapnroll Diapercakes; marking those stacks of exam papers, preparing lesson plans for my classes, replying emails, settling orders for Mary Kay or Young Living (if any), catching up with shower or dinner, washing the dirty dishes/ milk bottles, online shopping, following up with administrative matters, watching my Hong Kong dramas, blogging, folding the mountain of laundry, exercising, picking up the big mess of lego, doing my online grocery shopping or preparing my home learning materials. Gosh! That really sounds like quite a lot, but hey, I don't do all of them every single day! Sometimes I may also take this opportunity to have a quick chat with the hubs  (if he isn't preoccupied with his games or his dramas) or prepare the next day's soup. 

No matter how tough it is, to spend hours completing a diapercake actually brings me immense joy. Every creation is filled with love and it is really therapeutic to be engage in this little business of mine. 

#examfever

Preparing Big K's show and tell materials. This happens once a week. Many would just grab a soft toy or print a picture for the child. However, I go the extra mile in hope that my daughter will be more engaged and say a little more. She is a bit of an introvert you see, so having such manipulatives really helps in getting her to speak up. Communication and collaboration are key skills.

This is how messy my desk can get! Can you see how many things are happening at the same time? Catching up on my drama, online shopping, having a cup of hot milo and preparing materials for home learning or for my students. I somehow feel competent and achieved when I see the mess! It is this ability to pack so much in a day that keeps my adrenaline high. Strange I know! Things certainly isn't a bed of roses. What is posted online may look instagram worthy but the effort that goes behind them is immense. However, when I see how my family benefit from my hard work, my heart warms up and it spurs me on to do better! Some think I am a little saddistic, but I think I'm just a supermom wannabe. :)

This post is part of the Day in a Life blog train hosted by Mum in the Making. Click on the button to take a peek into a day in a life of other mummies!

Next up, we have Ashlyn on this blog train to share how her family spend their Sunday. As a full time working mummy to 1, Ashlyn writes about her life, faith, parenting, child, travel and crafting "adventures" - yes, with lots of ups & downs! Over these years, motherhood taught her so much and she learnt that life isn't all about sunshine and rainbows, and that it's really alright not to be perfect. All because, God has his perfect plan and makes all things beautiful in His time. Like how she has benefited from many blogs, she wish that her personal sharing will bring forward some love, joy and hope! Come, join her over at www.ashlynthia.blogspot.com.