Amber's First Day at Kindie

Today marks her first day of kindie. We've been anticipating this day albeit nervously. We were afraid she'll not make it to school on time or throw a tantrum but luckily all went smoothly. We got her to bed by 10.30pm the night before and up by 7am. A bit late for sleeping time but she refused to sleep and the phone rang, Joanne was on the other line but I lied to Amber that teacher called and check if she's already in bed ? (I'm bad but the little lie worked).

We were the only parents with cameras snapping here and there whilst some parents thought we were strange. LOL ! Anyway, first days are always memorable and I must the moments.


In full gear uniform and I know the shoes and socks are kinda shocking.. they don't match but I wanted a pair of sandals that can be strapped, so this is the best choice and I can't remember why I grabbed red socks, probably rushing. :)

Her good friend Sharon was already waiting for her in school.


The teacher assistant puts on her ID badge


The open area where kids have their meals and also play.




Suddenly I heard a loud cry from her, she injured herself on the see saw, getting her thighs caught between the handles and see saw board.

Papa soothing her


Then we passed her to Teacher Jo, who pacified her


I taught her what to say if she needs to use the toilet. Later I observed her from far and she said exactly what I taught her : Teacher, please, may I use the toilet ? Good girl, Amber !



This week's class was a short one and we left after 20 mins. I know she'll be fine and she has Sharon with her, so it's less intimidating with so many other new faces.

I returned to the school before the class ended. We've arranged transportation for her to go Boon's and I wanted to make sure she's aware of what's supposed to happen when school ends.



She obediently sits inside the van and waves bye bye to me.



My little girl finally going kindie !!

Of Kindy Search - Mandarin and English

I brought Amber to visit another kindy, the one nearest to my house, kindy 'Q'. Hubs and I didn't have a good impression of this kindy because I called a couple of days ago and the principal promised to fax me the fees and never did. Anyway, since today is a Saturday, we might as well drop by to see the place.

The lady guiding us through the curriculum is kinda 'kayu', speak when spoken to type and not very enthusiastic. Doesn't seem like a kindy school teacher - cheerful and loud type. Amber speaks louder than her and I just imagine their 'teacher-student' relationship - Amber shouting at the top of her voice and she.. meowing no louder than a cat . LOL !!!

Overall the kindy is alright, apart from the teacher and staff attitude, it's pretty clean and organized. I asked Amber, :

Do you want to come to this school ?

No ! I want the fold paper school (origami, ie the Montessori nearby)

haih.. really 'sek for', give her a choice, she has to choose the most expensive one.

Then later I asked her if she likes Chinese or English school.

What is Chinese English ?

Uh-oh, only then I realise she can speak both Mandarin and English but is not aware they are 2 different languages.

English is like how Mama speak to you everyday :
What have you eaten ? Quickly eat. Have you showered ? Brush teeth, take medicine. Don't climb, don't run, don't shout, come here, go to sleep.

Mandarin is like :
Ni you juo koong ker mah ?
Ni che pau liao mah ?
Lai cher pian , Ni juo sem moh, pu yau che yang lah.. (my limited smatter of Mandarin spoken to her, rarely though but she speaks more Mandarin at Boon's)

Then she tells me :

I like "Chen Hao Wei" school (taste real good)

Aha.. she prefers a Chinese/Mandarin school (kindy).

So, now we are hunting for a Mandarin medium kindy.. haih.. here we go again....