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Category: Open House

People often mistake homeschool for “imitating mainstream school in a home”. Totally wrong. OPEN HOUSE shares different angles of homeschooling in Singapore by local and expat homeschoolers. Keep an open mind!

Posted on April 6, 2018

Open House : A CC Family

Anju Tupili has been homeschooling her 2 sons (16 and 11) since 2011. She directs a Classical Conversations community of 10th graders, and is one of the keynote speakers at the Homeschool Convention 2018. 

Continue reading “Open House : A CC Family”

Posted on April 3, 2018

Open House : Decoding Your Child

Vivian Kwek is one of those homeschooling mums who dishes great advice while keeping things authentic. Her kids are 16, 14 and 6. She is the author of a parenting book, Decoding Your Child, and one of the keynote speakers of the Homeschool Convention 2018. Continue reading “Open House : Decoding Your Child”

Posted on November 1, 2017

Open House : Home Made, Home Loved Learning

I visited Michele Wee early this Feb. She used to work at NLB and now homeschools her only child, Kyle. Her husband, Paul, is Canadian.  Continue reading “Open House : Home Made, Home Loved Learning”

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Instagram post 2274508883275679295_8597224608 Day 9: Preschool At Home Covid 19 has affected all of us in one way or another. We are thankful we have been healthy and well, but we do feel the effects of the coronavirus situation by way of less outings and more time at home. Staying home for extended periods of time gets a little trickier when you have preschoolers in toll - 5 years and under. Preschoolers tend to get bored easily and when they're bored, they can get a tad whiny. A little boredom, in fact, is good for them as it allows for creativity and imagination. However, I have found that good living books are an excellent way to bring our kids places from the confines of our home. We take it a step further by expanding on our reading with an intentional activity/project a day. Pick a good book - one with beautiful pictures and telling words, and see where it takes you. Connect with me on Instagram to find out what books are interesting! Tips: 1. Look at the pictures and think - can I duplicate a picture for art activity? Or do a craft related to the story? 2. Look at the story- can I create a sensory bin experience? Or role play? 3. Look at the characters or setting - can we read/ research more about the animals or country the story is set in? There really is no limit to what we can think up. Give it a go and be impressed with what you can actually come up with when you have a good book in hand! [Activities we did after we read “Yellow Ball” by Molly Bang in photo]. Have fun! Dorcas @dorcas_lee07 #SGUnited
Instagram post 2273779450340253280_8597224608 Day 8: Leave room for surprises Pleasant surprises always bring a sense of joy. In my homelearning, I like to leave room for surprises. I provide my boys with a lot of unstructured time: time for them to feel bored and find things to do on their own. There was once when my eldest boy (10 year old) was playing lacing beads with his sister (2 year old). Out of nowhere, he started taking the strings to try braiding them. I was by the side to give a simple demonstration. We take time to learn and find answers together. YouTube is a good source for learning almost anything. Recently, our 10 year old has learnt to make a Lego puzzle box (shown in bottom right picture) just by watching a YouTube video. It's surprising how they can grasp the concept just by watching a video. Not all projects are successful, and we learn through the process of experimentation as well. Saying “no” or “I don’t know” provides an opportunity for the children to show us what they know and are capable of. They are usually eager to let us know how resourceful they are. For example, I dislike cutting big fruits like watermelon. So when my boys said that they wanted watermelon, I told them that they can have some if they manage to open it. Minutes later, I heard satisfied “slurping” sounds from the kitchen. They did it! (Disclaimer: Prior to this, they had been cutting other fruits and vegetables and knew the safety rules.) There was another time when my eldest saw his daddy struggling with sewing, so he took up the challenge and completed the task with gladness. These little surprises keep me sane at home. A teacher-student relationship can be a very stressful one; but in a co-learner relationship, we have more fun learning together. Another advantage is that they are meaningfully occupied for a longer time! Tips: 1. How will you give your children time and space to be bored? 2. What is something you wish to learn from/with your children? 3. How can we model the process of learning for our children? Zhen Xin @zhen_xin_28 @hoon.creatives #SGUnited
Instagram post 2273054747044833457_8597224608 Day 7: "Life" in living books and ideas With the P4 homeschooling exam and the PSLE less than half a year away, stress level at home is unsurprisingly higher this year. It is easy to lose sight of the big picture and spend hours burying ourselves in assessment books and textbooks rather than building "life" in our homeschooling journey. (This term is based on Charlotte Mason's, a British Educator, belief that we should give children living thoughts and ideas.) I have always been inspired by Charlotte Mason's desire for a whole education and one that calls for the osmosis of living thoughts and ideas through books by authors with deep knowledge and special interests in what they are writing. These books of literary character often help our children get in touch with the emotions and ideas of the authors. Over the years, many things have changed in our homeschool. But we have never ceased looking out for living books and using them as learning materials. We read them, use them for copywork, spelling, dictation and discussion of ideas. Covid-19 kept us home most of the time and suddenly we are re-reading The Railway Children, The Wheel on the School, Journey to Topaz and other favourites all over again. The learning didn't stop there. We proceeded to discuss/ learn/ research about things that interest the children - storks, Netherlands, use of dikes, World War II, racism, you name them. Good books never fail to ignite the curiosity in children, not for my children, at least. Cabin fever? Dig out a few good books from your home library or get some free audio titles available on the Internet. You never know what learning surprises await you. Elaine #SGUnited
Instagram post 2272337115630861243_8597224608 Day 6: Little Chefs at Work I don't know about you, but I remember my kids were always hungry (it's still the same now, even though they are older)! So what better way than to show them how to make their own snacks? By making our own snacks at home, we can have better control over the amount of their sugar intake and save more money. One of their favourite snacks is Chocolate Rice Crispies, and this is easy for even a 5 year-old to make! You can get the ingredients at a cheaper price at Phoon Huat. I lay out all the ingredients and the tools required on the table. Mummy, or the eldest child gets to decide who to pour what, and who to stir after melting the butter, chocolate and marshmallows in the microwave for a minute (not over a gas stove). This is also a good time to teach them about having clean hands! Or else they won't get to lick the spoon! Pour the melted mixture into a big mixing bowl with the rice crispies and mix well. Then spread evenly over a square tin lined with baking paper and leave in the fridge to harden a bit for a few minutes. Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve! Any leftover can be kept in an air-tight container. Ingredients Rice Crispies (brown, just because) 150g Chocolate Chips 120g Mini Marshmallows 250g Unsalted butter 80g Vanilla essence 1 tsp (optional) Tips: 1. What skills would you like to impart to your children? 2. How would you design your kitchen or arrange your kitchen tools so that your children would know where to get what they need to make their own snacks? 3. Am I training them to become more independent? Enjoy! Connie @conniechualim #SGUnited
Instagram post 2271610856181375857_8597224608 Day 5: Seeds of Curiosity . “Wow, this is really amazing!” exclaimed my eldest as she was scrutinising and comparing the growth of a bean under different conditions. “Look at the roots Mummy! Look at how it twists and turns! And the leaves! Wow! Why do two leaves come out? Where did they come from?” It surprised me that so many interesting observations, and inquisitive questions could come from the simplest of activities. . A week ago, all we did was to go around the home and gather commons seeds (e.g. sunflower seeds, green beans, soya beans, coriander), put them inside plastic bags with wet kitchen towels, and place them in different environments (e.g dark, cold, bright). Within a week, we had so many things to talk about! And so many things to learn about seeds and plants. We had fun making guesses of the outcomes and coming up with explanations for the results. . The simplest activities can be the most rewarding. And triggers the most creativity from our children, My daughter reminded me that children are born with a natural sense of curiosity- always wondering, always observing, always learning and always discovering. We only need to direct their attention to the world around them. The activities we choose to do with our children don’t always have to be complex or unique. What is meaningful is to discover the joy of spending an extended time learning, sharing, and exploring together. Wendy #SGUnited
Instagram post 2271219331106734247_8597224608 Introducing our second #hsdsg2020 speaker; Hannah Hoy! Hannah loves traveling and her dream is to travel to Iceland. She also likes music, sports, going for movies and ice skating. She is also helping with piano accompaniment for a children's choir and serving in her youth worship team as a singer. Although she's the most introverted in her family, she enjoys late night chats with her Mom and older siblings. Check out our story over the next couple days as Hannah shares a few secrets 🙉🙈🤫 #hsdsg2020 #homeschooling #homeschoolsingapore #homeschoolconvention #instastory #keynotespeaker
Instagram post 2270881346196704655_8597224608 Day 4: Chalk it up Truth be told, this staying home all day thing is new to us too. In a typical week, we are out 3-4 weekdays at least, so we are also having to get used to this time of social distancing and not meeting up with our friends. But we do stay home more than the average family, I imagine, so we are used to making do with what we have at home. Instead of using our chalk board at home, we sometimes take it a few steps outside. We have an outdoor spot downstairs that even though it was the school holidays, no one was there. So we did some chalk drawing and spelling there. The kids get their dose of Vitamin D and fresh air to keep their immunity up, while we still practise #socialdistancing. We bring a carton of water to wash our chalk markings away when we are done. On this day, we also jumped into the resulting puddles and talked about the different footprints and bicycle track marks that we made. It was a hot day so within 30 min, the ground was dry, prompting questions about evaporation, and the factors that influence its rate. You can use chalk to write or draw at the corridor right outside your flat, as we often do. Another idea is to use a wet paintbrush - just use water - to “paint” on the floor or pavement. Bathroom walls are our canvas too - we use watercolours and the kids each have a sponge to wash them off after. They get to paint and play, and I have a sparkling new shower area after. Have fun with your children! Meiling @laughingcowcheese #SGUnited
Instagram post 2270158216218050102_8597224608 Day 3: Play Away! When news of the Covid-19 virus broke out, I struggled with how to tell my children about the situation without traumatising them. I want to reassure them and help them see hope in the midst of all the bad news. This card game is created with this aim in mind. Improvised from a game by Logicmills, it’s easy to learn, fun and empowering. You just need a pack of Poker or UNO cards to play. Play away! + *Bust the Virus* + Scientists all over the world are racing to contain the Covid-19 pandemic by developing a vaccine. Be the first player to decode the genes of the virus. Keep your wits about you! Material needed: 1.) Ace, 2-10 cards from the spade and heart suits. (20 cards in all) Or 2.) 0-9 UNO cards from the red and green suits (20 cards in all) Preparation: 1.) Shuffle deck of 20 cards. Deal: 4 cards each for 2 players, 3 cards each for 3 players, 2 cards each for 4 players. 2.) Place remaining cards face down in the middle as the draw pile. 3.) Players will look at their cards and place them face down in front of them in ascending order (smallest to largest value), from the left to the right. If they have 2 cards of the same value, a spade will go before a heart. (If UNO cards are used, red will go before green.) Playing the game: The oldest player begins. 1.) Draw a card On his turn, a player will draw a card and place it face up in ascending order with his own cards. 2.) Decode the virus The player will guess the value and suit of any of the other players’ cards by pointing at it and calling out his guess. E.g “ 2 spade!” If his guess is correct, the other player will turn that card face up and he can continue making another guess. If his guess is wrong, his turn is over. Game end: The game ends when a player has guessed all the cards in front of any other player. The game can also end when a player takes the last card from the draw pile and is unable to guess all the cards in front of another player. Have fun! Wan Ling + [For the full article and video of the gameplay, visit Homeschoolsingapore.sg, link in bio] #SGunited
Instagram post 2269441466514192352_8597224608 Learning at home during COVID-19 Day 2: Connecting and Creating beautiful memories Over the past few weeks, we learnt that change is the only constant. Our meetups, playdates and co-ops have been cancelled or postponed. We found ourselves suddenly endowed with plenty of time to dwell into what we love and enjoy doing. There were some changes to our daily rhythm, and these are written out so my child knows what to expect or anticipate. However,  we don’t run on a colour coded schedule and not every hour is planned out. There is a certain free flow to our day, and my kid’s imagination takes flight through the Amazon and Redmart delivery boxes that come into the house. Best toys, ever! We enjoy reading, and books are usually placed within reach from the sofa. When energies seem to be bursting through the seams of the walls, we head down to the park and unleash those energies by blowing bubbles. Often, kids will come back to us with something they have spotted and observed: a bird chirping, a flower blooming, shapes of the clouds. Let the children reclaim their wonder of this world. I always treasure times like this, for it will be soon that they will fly the nests. Being homebound also translates to more culinary experiments with my child: washing, cutting, measuring, baking, reading recipes and gathering what we need for a meal. What seems mundane to adults, is an opportunity for the child to dwell in meaningful work. Positive moments help reinforce a child’s esteem and gives the child confidence in undertaking future tasks. What’s pivotal in our daily rhythm is the one hour block of quiet time. During this time, adults and kids have an hour to themselves to do anything they like, but quietly. It can be reading a book, drawing, writing or even taking a nap. I need to fill my cup so I can pour out of it. Not all days go according to plan. When tensions are high, breathe out and know it is ok to turn on the TV and watch an episode of Paw Patrol. You've got this. You are enough. Valerie @lttt.creativestudio @lttt.naturestudio
Instagram post 2268951102615254168_8597224608 Introducing the first speaker on our #hsdsg2020 lineup; Anna Tan! Anna loves reading, thinking about new ideas, and hearing people’s stories. She believes that the best questions have the capacity to change the world. Right now she’s thinking about children’s fiction, linear algebra, and whether her sisters are really werewolves... Check out our insta story for some of her secrets revealed 🙈🙉 #hsdsg2020 #homeschooling #homeschoolsingapore #homeschoolconvention #instastory #keynotespeaker
Instagram post 2268710771118472940_8597224608 Learning at Home during COVID-19 Day 1: What to set up at home? I often go out, but this COVID-19 thing is making me stay put! When I want to feel comfortable staying in, I fortify my...kitchen. There is nothing like a well stocked fridge, larder and beverage bar when you stay in. Food makes everyone less grouchy. And I need my coffee. (My homeschooling neighbour across the road grinds fresh coffee for my stock. #lovethyneighbour) Then, build your home library. This is based on what resources your family enjoys. My home library isn't really books. It is a mix of what we like having around most. My girls are on an online program with Galileo. They read their favourite books again and again. And they prefer borrowing books from friends. We enjoy Netflix. So our home learning is bound by food, gadgets, comfort reads and shows. It makes us happy. A great set up is always customised to your family's routines and personality. We don't follow timetables. One kid likes to do her work only when she is bored. Another kid prefers doing her homework in the morning. But children learn, as do adults, that what makes you happy can build your confidence. Happy home learning! Tips: 1. What keeps your family intellectually and emotionally filled? 2. How would you design a home library according to your needs? Dawn @dawnfung
Instagram post 2268036116590325375_8597224608 The peeps at Homeschool Singapore are putting out a special for parents and caregivers in Singapore and beyond! You’re not alone if you feel stuck at home, or not sure what to do with the kids. Over the next 14 days (and more!), we will post a story across our social media platforms and website on how we home educate and some handy tips. #staysafe Singapore! We are #sgunited.
Instagram post 2266058626783172927_8597224608 Happy March “Holidays”! We’ve got a special little something for all of you... We are exactly a month away from HSDSG2020 and we can’t wait to see you there. For the next 31 days leading up to the convention, our HSD speakers will be sharing some secret fun facts about themselves with all of you! Promise to keep them a secret?🙈🙉🙊 Follow us here @homeschoolsingapore.sg and follow our hashtag #hsdsg2020 to be the first to hear from our speakers. #homeschooling #homeschoolteens #youth #countdown #homeschoolsingapore #highschool
Instagram post 2265825637792992937_8597224608 Dear all, The Homeschool Convention IS happening. We are counting down to April 16 and 17 for our 4th edition! Behind the scenes are 9 teams working hard to make it happen. One of the teams is our official blog partner, The Homeschool Gazette, helmed by homeschool teens! You might have seen their write ups on the convention already in our FB event page : https://facebook.com/events/s/homeschool-convention-2020/473979326570850/?ti=as SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ========= In light of the COVID-19 situation, we will be offering ticket holders the option to access the convention ONLINE. If you wish to still come in person, we will still need you to complete the form. Pls read the details in the form for ticket holders. [Link in bios] Because of logistics, limited time and resources, we can only offer EITHER online or in person attendance, not a mix of both. Whatever you choose, pls make the best of it. Once a year, we come together to refresh our hearts. Looking forward to meeting you all. Pls rest well, Dawn Fung Homeschool Convention 2020 Organiser Homeschool Singapore
Instagram post 2258215292756634130_8597224608 . 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲 In this feature of our page, we invite homeschoolers from our local community to share intimate stories from their learning journeys. . About The Homeschoolers They are Mama Eve, Papa Huong, Hao Hao (10 yo) and Yao Yao (9 yo). They discovered homeschooling unexpectedly 5 years ago and are enjoying every moment of it now. They have since evolved from using curricula for schooling, to unschooling and finally, to worldschooling. . Their Story Mama Eve sits down for a casual chat with her boys about homeschooling. . Do you remember when you started homeschooling? Hao Hao (HH): I don’t remember but I remember the time I asked you how to read words, we stayed at the house at level 16th. Yao Yao (YY): I don’t know! . Do you know why you are homeschooled and not going to school? Hh: Going to school cost too much money? I don’t know! YY: Because I am a very lucky kid! . What is homeschooling to you? HH: Not going to school and learn whatever you like at home, and actually anywhere. YY: Homeschooling is hard work because I need to use my brain. . What is your favourite topic to learn at the moment? Hh: Minecraft, Math. YY: For me it’s Prodigy! . Do you think learning is part of life or it is something that you have to do separately? HH: Part of life!! Life is like a bunny, if you don’t hop, you are not getting anywhere! (I learned it from Garfield.) YY: Part of life. I learn so I can get better. . Do you like learning? HH: Fine, I think. Hmmm... I think I like learning, about things I like. YY: Yeah, it’s fine. . You can learn too if you go to school. Will you want to go to school? HH: No, no. Because going to school is very long. Like 7 hours of something. YY: No. I don’t like too! I got to do maths, like for 3 hrs. . Do you think you will ever stop learning? HH: I want to stop learning but I won’t be able to stop because it’s hard to avoid learning things. There is so much things to learn! YY: Yes! When I am 14, I’ll stop learning. Because teenagers doesn’t learn. I want to play video games! . Follow the rest of the interview in comments. :)
Instagram post 2250835824358591438_8597224608 HIGH SCHOOL DAY IS BACK! Do you wonder what homeschooling is really about? Do you puzzle over what homeschool teens really feel about their education? Do homeschoolers really wear pyjamas to “school”? If school is at home, isn’t all schoolwork “homework”?! Why wonder or puzzle if the answers could be found in one place? Where is that place you may ask... Hint: link in bio 🤫 #homeschool #homeschoolteens #homeschoolsingapore #hsd2020 #highschool #homeschoolconvention #tedxteen #tedtalks #breakingbarriers #itstartsnow
Instagram post 2247369117858111035_8597224608 "I’m homeschooling my four kids because life isn't just about exams." Sabrina Salleh Quek shares her homeschooling journey with Lisa Twang, from Dayre. Her story is humble and authentic, and will inspire and motivate you in your own journey. (Link in profile) https://dayre.me/story/67b67ef5d2 #HomeschoolSingapore #HomeschoolFamily #homeschool #homeschooling #HomeschoolCommunity #HomeschoolJourney
Instagram post 2245505931626179196_8597224608 *Homeschoolers of Singapore* In this feature of our page, we invite #local #homeschoolers to share intimate stories from their #learningjourneys. . *About This Homeschooler:* W adopts an #eclectic approach to #homeschooling her girls who are 3 and 7. The family are also avid fans of table-top games. . *Her Story* “Freedom and time are our most treasured assets of homeschooling. I guard these two fiercely. I want my children to have the time and space to #explore and discover their interests without any unwanted judgement. While I still haven’t found the courage to let go of assigned academic work, we compromised by keeping two days in the week completely free from scheduled activities. My girls look forward to these protected days of #absolutefreedom and they are a welcomed mid-week break for me. These days are productive and filled with self-directed activities. . Just before bedtime today, my elder girl eagerly showed me her schedule for tomorrow; It’s a free day! This is what she had planned for her morning: 7- 7.30 am: Kidnapper (A game she created.) 7.30-8am: Water the plants 8 – 8.30 am: I Know You (Sing “Once Upon A Dream”) 8.30 – 9 am: Dance with (an imaginary) Man 9- 9.30 am: Sing Songs 9.30- 10 am: Do art work 10- 10.30am: Eat Breakfast And she cheekily declared, “I’m not going to brush my teeth.” . This is what I want for her; this zest for #lifeandlearning. While most #Singaporean kids have their days planned for them down to the very last minute, I choose instead to give my children this gift of #freedom and time.” . *Where can you meet her?* If the stars align, you may find W at your neighbourhood library after her children’s bedtime. #homeschoolvillage #HomeschoolSingapore #HomeschoolCommunity #homeschooler #HomeschoolLife
Instagram post 2241112713748951587_8597224608 Is homeschooling an ideal environment for the child? How about #socializing? (ST, 4 Feb 2020) Apple, our dear #homeschooler , and her girls, addresses these questions and more on #OneFM with Andre, Glenn and The Flying Dutchman Video link: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1059188074415878&id=28388245100 She shares of her experience, and the #homeschoolvillage in her blog, "I can do it! Mama." https://icandoitmama.com/2020/02/09/we-were-on-one-fm-91-3/ #Homeschool #HomeschoolSingapore #HomeschoolLife #HomeschoolBlog #HomeschoolCommunity
Instagram post 2234016441711740164_8597224608 Tickets are now live for High School Day. 7 dynamic young people speak on homeschooling in the teen years. Limited seats. Check link in IG bios or go straight to convention.homeschoolsingapore.sg
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