I'm a full-time mummy

With all the recent hype about iPad2 hitting the stores lately, I decided to write a post about using iPad as a teaching tool.

I recently purchased the 1st generation iPad (after moments of panic at the last minute when I realised Apple is phasing them out to make way for iPad2) and by the time I placed my order online, there's only 1 type left for the iPad without 3G (I don't need the 3G option) which is the one with the 64GB storage (but then, that would be what I wanted anyway, the max storage hehehe...)

Anyway, it took me quite a while to decide on this purchase as I've been looking to get a gadget where I could read my ebooks (for my book review purposes and also  for my personal reading pleasure) and after ruling out Kindle (not available / supported in Malaysia) and some other ebook readers, I also have to factor in that I could use the iPad as a teaching tool with Ben.

So, I got myself the iPad and started downloading and trying out the appropriate applications and games for my 25 months old boy. I chose those with free version (most of these came with a few samples or activities for you to try on before you decide to buy the whole application) and so far has purchased about 4 applications for Ben. They are:

#1: Elmo Loves ABCs

At USD4.99, this application is by far the most expensive I've paid but I don't regret the purchase as we (yes WE!) really love it! This app teaches you the alphabets from A to Z, you learned to trace each letters (uppercase & lowercase) and after successfully writing out the respective letters, you get to choose 3 different objects that start with that letter and you get to see a short video clip on that object. You can also do coloring activities, enjoy the letter games and listen to 4 versions of the alphabet song including a new silly Elmo song. Love it!

#2: ABCs & Animals

At USD1.99, I am glad I decided to purchase this app. Actually, even the free version is enough as it covers all the A-Z alphabets, just that I thought maybe getting the additional animal version would be great as well, and indeed it is! Whenever I opened up this app for Ben, you could see him furiously tapping the iPad screen as this app allows interactive playing and learning. For example with the letter B for Bird, you can see a flash image of 3 birds and as you tapped on each bird, it flew away by itself while making chirping sounds and you will move on to the next letter. What a fun and creative activity!

#3: Kid Genius: 13 in 1

At USD0.99,this app is a steal! I came across this app after checking out a blogger's website. She commented in one of my recent post and I visited her blog (as my usual courtesy to thank my blog visitors/readers for commenting on my posts) and I saw her posting about iPhone and iPad app and she recommended this app to try on. There are over 600 flash cards in this app, you get to learn Math, ABCs, Counting and Words, and many other objects such as musical instruments, objects in the house, farm, zoo and so on... Great app!

#4: Matching Jobs

According to the app page, "The Matching Jobs app is an educational game that helps little boys and girls learn the names of three different jobs and the vehicles each profession uses." I had only tried this app about twice with Ben before he surprised me on the 3rd time by getting all the 5 jobs (free version) correctly! I decided to spend the USD0.99 to get the full version, which has an additional 11 jobs to be played with. Another no regrets purchase!

Just look at the video clip below taken on Ben's 4th time playing with the app (before I decided to purchase the full version)

So yeah, these few apps are the ones I've puchased since I got the iPad and it's working out pretty good so far. Of course, I do still teach Ben other stuff without relying on the iPad but I feel using iPad as a teaching tool is fun and an interactive method too, provided you get the appropriate and correct age type of applications to work with.

If you have any feedback or recommendations on other apps I could try with Ben, please do share with me! Thanks!

I came across this awesome Etsy shop while I was browsing the Internet and was totally supportive of the idea of promoting this newly setup shop as I realised apart from making these awesome looking products, the owner created some diabetes "blue circle" keychains and pendants and they donate $3 from each of these items that sell to Life For A Child (an organizations that helps children get the insulin and medical supplies that they need)

The moment I saw the word 'diabetes' I felt I had to be a part of this, no matter I don't get to review or even host a giveaway of this, no matter I'm promoting her site for free, at least, it's for a good cause. My dad had diabetes and my mum passed away 4 years ago due to total kidney failure caused by diabetes as well. So this touches my heart and makes me want to do something to help out as well.

The owner, Julia Forbes told me her grandfather has type 1 diabetes and her nursing friend's little daughter also has diabetes. In fact, her friend was the one that came to her to see about designing a diabetes bottle cap design.

Anyway, without much delay, below are info about her shop:

"Once Upon a Sugar Tree creates personalized bottle cap and bezel pendants for necklaces or keychains, beaded necklaces, bracelets and much more. We offer jewelry and accessories for your little ones, moms, grandmas, teachers, medical symbols and more. Our beaded necklaces or custom bottle cap necklaces would make the prefect addition to your little ones outfit.

We have designed some diabetes blue circle pendants and for every one of these that sells, we donate money to Life For A Child. This organization helps children around the world gain access to insulin and medical supplies that they need for diabetes.

We also have designed a Starbright Keychain for the Starbright Foundation. This foundation helps rescue abused children. With every sale of the Starbright pendant we donate money to help this foundation.  We love creating custom jewelry, so please tell us what you would like and we will create it for you!

Come check out our site at: www.onceuponasugartree.etsy.com, Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Once-Upon-a-Sugar-Tree/153351694722623 and Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/OUaSugartree"

These are pictures of some of her awesome products from her Etsy shop:

What are you waiting for? Go over to her shop and check out AND BUY her products!

Don't you think its great to be doing charitable things like this while looking great at the same time?

Read: Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV), Proverbs 11:25 (NIV), 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

In case you missed out, I have previously shared 2 tutorials on making your own DIY Chinese New Year Lantern (style 1 and style 2) as CNY is coming in a weeks time! So, here goes my tutorial on how to make your own fish craft:

What you need is: Red packets (or what we Chinese called 'Ang Pows')-quantity up to you, ensure it is square shape, stapler, scissors.

Take 1 red packet which is exact square shape, ensure the front is facing you, fold in half diagonally.	Ensure the horizontal line is at the top. At the bottom corner, cut about 1 inch, 45 degrees upwards.
When you reached about 1 inch length, cut towards the end of one of the horizontal edge.	You will get something like the above. Open up the folded red packet.
With the folded line facing you vertically, cut the 'tail' of the fish about 1.5 inch long.	Take one side of the 'tail' and fold over to the other side. Staple them together (where my thumb is)

The results? TADAAAAAAA!!!

If you're feeling more adventurous, you can string up the fishes with a string and hang it as a fish lantern. Or string each up and hang it on your Chinese orange tree. Else, you can just tape it to the wall like what I did. What I did was I just stick a double sided tape at the tail of the fish and they'll be good for wall or door decorations.

Hope you enjoy my simple tutorial!