Here's a simple woodwork activity. I know many city-dwellers may baulk at the idea of a preschooler handling woodwork tools, but in many other countries, little children are tasked with chopping firewood, doing heavy chores, and can handle tools competently and responsibly. My little ones had reasonably good gross and fine motor skills, and they have been using real knives to cut fruits and vegetables since the age of 4. So far, they still have all their fingers in tact. :) We collected thick fallen branches, sawed them into little round coins, painted them over, and voila! We created our...

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Kids can volunteer too! Christmas Caroling at Old Folk's Homes

Yesterday, the little ones found a CD of Christmas carols, and they were soon dancing to "Jingle Bells"! It brought us back to the time we went caroling at an old folk's home with our homeschool friends last year, and they reminded us that we had to go back again. An elderly resident was so touched by the little ones singing and dancing their hearts out that as we were saying goodbye, she wiped her tears away and asked our little girl if we would come back next year. The little girl immediately promised she would, and now, she reminded me of that promise. It was a simple affair at Swami Home,...

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DIY Toys: Bow and Arrow (Archery)

It was surprisingly easy to make and it provided hours of fun. The hardest part was finding a long, bendy stick. We tried balloon sticks but they broke. In the end, we went to a provision shop at an HDB void deck, or what they call the "mama shop" in Singapore. The shopkeeper gave my husband a weird look when he asked for 5 canes but, figuring this was some kind of weird sadistic psycho, chose not to ask any questions. :P What you need: 1 long, bendy stick 1 piece of string (about 3/4 the length of the stick) 3 rubber bands Straws (thick smoothie straws work well) How to Make the Bow: Tie...

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