On Reading Early... from a Waldorf Perspective

(Note that I am a Waldorf newbie, not a true blue anthroposophist nor a Waldorf nurturer. My views may be totally off so please do not judge/crucify the Waldorf community for what I say here... and those who know better can freely, but gently, correct what I say... but so far, this is what I know)

This post is arising from the all-too common phenomenon/trend nowadays of teaching very young kids to read. The earlier the better, it seems. I started with the same notion, teaching my son the alphabet and phonetic sounds before he was 2. But then I heard, from homeschooling circles, of the hurried child and stopped... and at almost 5, Yakee still doesn't know how to read.

Now, in the usual Waldorf curriculum, reading and writing are not taught till a child is 7 years old, at Grade 1.  Mastery isn't expected till age 9 or 10 and is most definitely not exacted. The philosophy behind that has much to do on human development. A child age 0-7 has to grow its body first. Part of growing the body means moving it, not sitting still. The eyes are also believed to only really mature at age 10, so straining to read (as one is wont to do when they're exerting effort to remember an association or understand meaning/context) just won't do. It just won't do.

The Steiner way also believes that the eyes are best used to enjoy the world, see the beauty of nature, observe texture, colors... not strain at print. Plus, books are flat.

And Waldorf education is big on imagination... a child who is given loads of storybooks with pictures won't have to imagine anymore. The images are fed them. In a way, it's sorta like TV. Instead of being able to see in her mind a princess in her likeness (or her mom's, or her friend's), a girl will just see the princess image in the book and forever associate that image with that story. The image won't grow with the child, it won't change as the child changes.

But wait... Waldorf is big on storytelling, isn't it? Yes. Storytelling. Not story reading. Seldom reading from a book (and usually, only those without much pictures). We use puppets, or doll cloths or moving sotrybooks... all of which are made and generally unfinished. Again, we're big on imagination. And making puppets/using moving storybooks help make the stories alive for a child because for one, they move along with the story... for another, they are made with intention. In Waldorf education, it's the intention that is more important than the story. It is why fairy tales are great for a child's psyche, because it's not really about a wolf eating a grandma or a princess finding a prince. There are deeper meanings to these that are lost when a young child just reads them off a book (or watches them as cartoon).

(And because the puppets used are unfinished, there is no risk in turning a child away from the story down consumerism and materialism... because they will not want to have the pillow/chair/dress with the princess they read about. But yes, they will pretend to be the sun, the tree, the frog, the giant they were told about)

Then, there's the language development that gets lost when a child starts reading on her own. Young children do not really hear us when we talk to them, or sings songs to them, or tell them stories...  at least, not in the way we adults hear. But their vocal chords vibrate along as they listen to us, and that is how language develops in them. That is how they come to memorize and internalize songs and stories. Because they heard it live from us, it becomes alive in them. This isn't exactly weird/new phenomena... how else did you grow up treasuring stories told by your parents about your own childhood? And how do you think culture and traditions were handed down through generations back when books were not as easily had?

 And yes, we have to repeat stories/rhymes many times... because we want it internalized. It may sound boring for some that a story in a usual Waldorf kindergarten is told for many weeks because there are schools that take pride in reading a different story each day/week to a child... and yet how many children remember all those stories read to them? Where is the meaning when a story doesn't become alive in a child?

And... storytelling is an experience in a Waldorf Kindergarten. There's usually the scent of the beeswax candle, the song that calls the child that settles him down to listen, there's the texture of fabric, the tenor of a teacher's (or parent's) voice. The story is alive. I'm being redundant here but it is alive... something that requires complete concentration from the storyteller. Story reading, unless you're a professional or it's a new story... doesn't require the same effort.

Storytelling the way we do it also follows the seasons and the festivals. It helps make a child part of a rythm... of a bigger picture, a major dance, a natural unfolding that is happening as it should... that there is a flow of seasons and that we are where we should be. That is lost when a child reads a Christmas story in March, because he can, or when they read about snow while living in a tropical climate. If not lost, it at least breeds disconnect.

Waldorf also discourages anything that tries to replace human interaction, especially for the very young. There really is not much human interaction when a child reads to himself. Plus, a young child should be engaged in the world, not reading about it. Instead of reading about busy spiders, they are better off observing one. Instead of reading about princesses trapped in castles, they should be pretending to be one and building their own forts. They should be moving, jumping, exploring, socializing.

There is also this truth: reading is a skill that, once learned, is hard to unlearn. And with the various media out there, how do you protect your child from words like 'rape' or 'murder'? Or the naughty stuff on statement tees in malls? Once they start reading, they aren't dependent on you anymore for information. And like it or not, they will be subject to any printed text. Any.

To most parents, that must seem liberating... to most parents, they must see it as a child coming into his own. And well, the Waldorf community has a different view of how independent a child should be... but basically, we believe that very young children do not yet have enough life experience to process a lot of things in this world well. Because they are children.

And then there is this curious thing about reading... which is somehow related to all the things I have already said.

Reading is entertaining. It allows you to go places and be different people and live different lives... which is why I read so much as a child. It provided me with escape and adventure. Unfortunately, it also set me up with unrealistic expectations... because everything seemed to be more romantic, fun, etc in books. And because the libraries I went to had a great selection of donated textbooks from the US, I grew up reading about pioneers and prairies instead of farmers and fishermen. Imagine the disconnect I feel about our culture, our literature now.

There is nothing wrong in reading per se. It's definitely one of God's more magical gifts to us. But for the very young child, it just might do more harm than good. They have to be actively engaged with the world they are in and with people first, not passively reading about them. They have to create their own stories first, and just play in earnest.

Waldorf is not anti-books nor anti-reading. The readings required in a typical Waldorf curriculum, if you check it,  taps world literature and is far richer and more extensive than the ones required in typical schools. But Waldorf believes that for the very young child, books are generally not age-appropriate... there is a time for them, and it's not in the first 7 years.

Childhood is not the time for hard facts and logical thinking and what's on the news.
It's the time for exploring using the, and developing the, senses (Steiner lists twelve!).
It's the time for modelling behavior and mastering the body.
It's the time for play, not studying.
It's the time for wonder and creativity, magic and make-believe.
It's the time for innocence and only the good.
Only the good.
(all this has to do with the kingdom of childhood, something I hope I can blog about)
And childhood is but a short time when you compare it to the rest of a person's lifetime spent in adulthood.
==================

All that being said... where are we as a family?

We're in transition.

The habit of story reading has been ingrained in Yakee ever since he was a baby. It's always two books before bedtime. But I have also made up stories for him ever since, usually told in the dark. I have also used the moving storybooks I painted often enough. I have procrastinated making puppets though, so I have not moved onto using story tables. But I have been telling him stories. And reading to him, and not off picture storybooks.

At one point, he asked to learn how to read already... and I failed to honor that request. I'm not quite sure I regret it though I take it as a sign that sooner or later, he will demand to be taught. And I have made the decision that I will not refuse him, just that I won't offer too.

I hope, in this way, I have still preserved the best of him.

==================

I am not saying, too, that the Waldorf way is the RIGHT way, or should be the only way. And I certainly don't mean little ones who read early are without imagination or are damaged.

I just attempted to give an idea of where we're coming from.

Home Improvements for Homeschooling

Despite not having a lot of extra funds, we decided to have some repairs and upgrades done in our home. I have also started really going through our stuff and throwing more and more things away, even if I'm only doing it 15 or so minutes per day. I have even let go of my magazines (parenting and wedding, not yet the travel ones and Readers Digest).

And because I want to adopt a less/no-TV policy at home, I am thinking of investing in gateway laptops instead of a flat screen. Just so we could have more space and also finally throw out the desktop. Hubs and I are intent on creating our own office spaces, a homeschooling space and a play space for the children in our 25-m first floor.

Wish us luck! :) Right now, I am dreaming of buying shelves every other month to help organize our things, but what are we to do with our chests that also contain stuff?

Mom Bloggers for Play Pilipinas

‘Play’ includes activities of children that are not controlled by adults and that do not necessarily
conform to any rules. Source

Play Pilipinas will be the country's first Play Festival. It's happening in October 21-23, 2011 and I just really can't wait!

But wait... I must tell you first that Play Universal, in a drive to promote its Active Play movement and Play Pilipinas, has invited mom bloggers for lunch. Unfortunately, only three of us were able to come. It was still great though because we managed to really interact. Leirs, Joey and I all have two kids each... but Ms. Sigrid has eight (all age ten and below) so it made for a really interesting exchange. And yes, I was texting my friend Laya about how Ms. Sigrid can manage her legion and still establish Play Universal and manage Project Brave Kids so we (laya and I) should stop ranting, haha.



Free and active play, a basic right for kids, is now being hindered by the following:
1) Adults that are unaware of the importance of play and parents themselves restricting play opportunities
2) Unsafe environments and limited play space, especially for children growing up in the city
3) Parents' Fears, that can run the gamut of social (bullying) to physical (germs, falls
4) Inadequate play policies (like barangays will construct a basketball court that may only benefit big kids, or construct playgrounds that are generic but don't really promote active play)
5) Excessive pressure for educational achievement and lack of provisions for play in school
6) Structured, programmed leisure time (play that is generally free of rules actually help facilitate better IQ and EQ)
7) Technology and the commercialization of play (e.g. instead of using their imagination with boxes and plastic containers, little girls now need miniature play kitchens and boys are hunched over gadgets instead of jumping off beds)
8) Marginalization (girls aren't encouraged to climb walls; the poor don't really have playgrounds)

So, yes... it was a very informative, however brief, encounter.

Needless to say... I am looking forward to Play Pilipinas (details of the play festival here). I don't have the P15k for the 3-day conference (and the topics, though interesting, are really targeted for academe people) but I might be forced to come up with the P3k or so for at least one of their mini workshops. I'm thinking, the one on traditional Filipino games. They're also considering a mini workshop for Play and Special Needs Kids.

The 3-day forum will cost P10,500 only and the mini-workshops P1k, thanks to more sponsors for the event.

But I am really excited about the playground installations they will be setting up (winning designs from the playground design competition) because kids will be able to move from one setup to another. And this won't be the generic slides and swings!

And then there will be the fairs on toys, books and magazines, nutrition, fashion, school and world toys. Like I told hubs, it might end up as a major shopping spree for me, haha.

Play Pilipinas is happening on October 21-23, 2011 at the SMX Convention Center. For more information and inquiries, just contact:
Play Universal Co.
9F Pacific Center, 33 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Telefax: +63 634 0416
Email: playnow@playpilipinas.com
http://playpilipinas.org/

I think this is a perfect venue for a grand EB and playdate, haha!

Withdrawing Reading

Reading is something we really love doing, my firstborn and I, and because Yakee cannot read yet, we read together.

Now, I must admit I sometimes deny him this when he's especially unruly and misbehaving. Rather than scold or spank or put him on timeout, I sometimes feel it's the best punishment or consequence of his misbehavior. Because I know it really gets to him, it's something he misses, it's something he wants back.

But I also worry that I might be reinforcing a negative association here... that he'd someday despise reading because I used it to 'maintain control.'

I do read to him in so many ways, in different hours (not just bedtime), using so many books and even as a reward sometimes for good behavior. I want him to grow up thinking that whether happy or not, bored or not, behaved or not, reading is something he can do.

And I can't exactly read to him when he's misbehaving and being uncooperative since he wouldn't feel deprived of caring and bonding. Sigh. But maybe when he's still on probation, I can choose the book instead and pick one that brings home the lesson I want him to learn. Which also means, we may have to read a lot of Tiktaktok at Pikpakbum.

And no, denying him toys doesn't really work with him. He's not that dependent on them for play, anyway.

*~*

Oh, Yakee... I really hope I am doing okay with you!

Sneaky Mommy

For what it's worth, people just have to credit me for raising a reader in my firstborn. But these days, I am just so tired at night to read long stories to him so when I saw these, I immediately bought them.

Yakee loves Curious George.

And these books teach about measurements and grouping and nature.

And they're pretty short but really interesting stories.



I have been resisting the purchase of Curious George compilations because I just know Yakee would try getting me to finish the book and not settle with just one story from the book.

That's how am sneaky. Ahehe.

*~*

P60 each from Booksale :)

Knights and Castles after Dinosaurs and Trucks

In fairness to my son, his interests seem to really be boyish stuff (despite loving Angelina Ballerina). And thankfully enough, Knights and Castles are something I was interested in so I didn't have to learn so much like I did with dinosaurs and trucks.

I loved knights, read all about Arthur's Knights of the Round Table and Camelot during my high school years. I have even fantasized myself as Sir Tristram's lady love (not that he was a faithful knight) just because he was my favorite of all. So right now, we're having a grand time and it tickles me pink teaching him about catapults and jousting and portcullis and moats. I do wonder though what movie I can let him watch so he'd have better appreciation of knights and castle life.

The slight downside to this is the fact that his interests are changing as he grows and I really wonder whether I can keep up with him. What if someday he asks me about things I really have no idea of, like creatine monohydrate powder and rocket science?

Oh, he's showing interests on planets and outer space too, which was another one of my fave reads before. I guess, for kids his age, it helps to have parents who were geeks.

And when I asked him who his lady love is... he said, "Mommy, you are my lady love. I love you so much, Mommy."

Sigh.

I really think i'd cry the day he tells me he has a crush on someone already.

It's Raining Free Seminars!!!

At first, we were only going to the Parentin.tv talk because there were financial and marriage topics. Plus, it's the only chance I have of ever seeing the inside of St. Luke's Global City, possibly the most high-end hospital in the country right now. A normal delivery there will set you back around P150k!!!

And then I found out that LATCH is having its Best Beginnings in Breastfeeding talk (done every other month) on September 11 too. Since I have never volunteered for one yet, I thought to make it an advocacy day and hubs said he wants to tag along (jokingly, so as to make sure I won't breastfeed any other baby).

And then, we were already planning to go to the Manila Interntional Book Fair 2010 as Adarna launches 5 storybooks. There'd be cosplay and loot bags too. This is on September 18. And then I receive a text from Mommy Academy: they are throwing a birthday bash for kids turning three!!! So, of course I registered already without telling hubby just yet. If ever, it's another jampacked day for us!!! And I am tempted to ask my friend from Adarna to reserve my son loot bags, haha.

Shucks.

But really, I love free parenting seminars and the freebies I get there. I even adore the pamphlets. Of course, am sure my hubby wishes we'd go to techie or car shows instead where he can bond with other guys over Ferrari parts and iPads but well, he'd have to find those for himself.

*~*

Got my first boncho ever!!! I love it!!!

The Child as Status Symbol

From the book, The Hurried Child

The Child as Status Symbol – For mothers who cleave to the housewife role, it is often tempting to invole the children – and their precocious academic accomplishments – as the justification for their not working. – and The Child as Therapist.

In a way, there is a sin of pride that I have been vigilant about NOT hurrying my child in terms of academic excellence. But yes, I do believe I am impatient sometimes that he learns how to manage his emotions, mind his manners, etc. But back to the pride thing. I have read about it, have not liked how I only felt important when I was academically achieving as a child, and really want my child to be a happy person who is resourceful, responsible and independent. So yeah, although I have dreams of having a genius, I also cringe at the idea because it might cost him his happiness.

So in a sense, I am congratulating myself for not being guilty so much of hurrying him.

But I do ask myself sometimes, as a reality check, if I have started using him as a status symbol... to justify my lack of other goals and dreams. But then I tell myself, I may have wanted to be a SAHM so I can breastfeed without the struggle of work, but the homeschooling dream only followed after the SAHM notion. It just felt right that I will use my being at home to a more productive end.

And I did start reinventing myself when Yakee was a toddler and not so needy anymore. I started writing for sites and magazines, and became active in different advocacies. They're still not careers like what other women have, but they are things I am passionate about, things I intend to pick up again when I can... again. Right now, I'm just needed more at home... and not really in a frame of mind doing anything else.

I am currently drafting my planned curriculum for Yakee. I don't plan to be rigid at it, I just want to be more consistent to reinforce what he already knows, and further the development of his other skills. And I want to focus on life skills and other necessary things (hand dexterity, hand-to-eye coordination, body coordination, grooming, hygiene and imagination) instead of academics.

But yes, signing is part of the curriculum :D

Mommy Is a Geek

I bought these books at the Anvil sale last year. It was only recently that I really opened one and was even surprised that there was a dinosaur book among them.

I ended up reading all. I loved them. I think they're really, really, really great for grade schoolers because they make science interesting and fun. Hopefully, there'd be more issues on sale this coming December although I've just given birth then so I really don't know how I can go. Hehe.

There's also a children's book sale going on till June 6 at Robinsons Place Manila and there were so many reference books that are affordably priced. I told hubs, they're books that I know I'd read and love. I hope I can prevent myself from super shopping!!!

Homeschooling Looms

I am still on the fence whether I would enrol my son in the Reading Program of CFA this year. I'm thinking that since he's already able to recognize some letters, then I may just be able to teach him to read without the guidelines the program will offer. Then again, other households get their children enrolled in playschool at age two even so I really shouldn't shy away from the reading program which promises to have a child reading in three months.

One other reason I have is that bittersweet feeling of having just one year left before the textbooks and actual instruction begins for my son and I. I am not yet overwhelmed by the responsibilities I will face... it's just that this is more proof that Yakee is no longer a baby.

Anyway, we're breaking ground with attending Church more regularly this year. Faith is the basic foundation of homeschooling anyway.

Still on a Homeschooling Road

SIL asked me when I'm going to enrol Yakee in a homeschooling program. I explained to her that homeschooling orgs believe in "better later than sooner" and are usually strict about not enrolling a child in a program before the child is four years old.

I still have 1.5 years before I enrol Yakee into anything (apart from swimming lessons again next summer). But oh, how time really passes. Soon, I will be making first communion invitations for him and getting anxious because I will be sending him to a regular school already the following year. First communion is given at Grade 6, right? I really only plan to homeschool my kids till Grade 6 and want them to go through adolescents in the company of other adolescents. Hopefully, 12 years in my company has fortified them enough to face peer pressure with grace and wisdom.

But anyway, that's looking way ahead. Right now, I am just buying my son books and reading to him and letting him lead me to what interests him.

My Anvil Shopping Spree

Every December, Anvil Publishing holds a Book Sale. When I heard that you could buy Archie Comic Books for as cheap as P5 (well, I bought mine for P10 each), I really decided to at least check it out. Plus, I wanted to see if they're selling storybooks which I could give away as Christmas gifts.

Well, taxis are hard to get these days so we had to commute. I had the brilliantidea of letting my son tag along. But at least there wasn't any major traffic.

Most of the books are kinda dusty. Good thing nobody was smoking Rocky Patel cigars there because the dust on the books was already enough to make my son's eyes puff and all of us itch. But the staff was gracious enough to direct us to their washrooms.

There were a lot of inspirational books, Michael Crichton's The Lost World, old storybooks selling for P10 each, old Archie Comic Books (but only two titles remain). The Kwento ni Lola Basyang storbyooks are being sold at 20% discount but they didn't have a whole set out (plus, we already have a whole set which we bought at 15% off when we attended a parenting seminar before).

My splurge buys? Barney coloring and sticker book because it was only half-price off and a new storybook (a brother with autism) that's only 20% off. Those cost me P169.

But the rest of the books, I bought for P1,012.00 and am talking of 77 books (including a set of Toy Story stickers and sticker book).








We were already going home when one of the staff mentioned that they're bringing in Magic School Bus books and a mom said that she'd return for them. I was curious so we had merienda and returned for the books. They cost P20/pc but I decided to buy one of each (and some extra to give away). It's silly but I believed them that it's big in the US (plus, the books seemed very informative).




I actually bought a lot of storybook extras, because am retaining a copy for our mini library and giving away some to nieces and nephews.

While waiting for the Magic School Bus books, Yakee had me read The Mahiwagang Biyulin. I've actually memorized this story and can tell it while also signing half of the words.

Hopefully, Yakee wouldn't ever outgrow his love for books :)

It's My Birthday But...

... I may just ask hubs for us to go to the Expo Kids at Rockwell instead on October 03.

Yes, first off, I cannot seem to avoid sales these days. I like to shop and shop. Plus, at least, for P25/ea, our darling son will have his feel of stimulation and activities. I'll just schedule my meeting with friends some other time.

Yes, I am such a Mommy now!!!

Dr. Mom Baby Book Team

Just click on the picture for more details. This is the best baby accessory yet so make sure you can get it at the launch and get the P300 discount!

The Baby Book will retail for P1,800.

MANILA INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL 2009

as received in e-mail
=============================

A two-day festival of storytelling workshops and compelling performances by world-renowned storytellers.

August 28, 2009 | AIM Conference Center
August 29, 2009 | De La Salle Zobel


"Welcome to the Magical World of Story Telling where legends and myths of pirates and princesses, tales and chronicles of fairies and fantasy will come alive in Manila!"


This is your invitation to be part of a 2-day festival filled with exciting storytelling performances and workshops. Be spellbound by mythical tales, and learn about empowerment through storytelling with the arrival of a star-studded cast of international storytellers in Manila's inaugural International Storytelling Festival 2009.

The Manila International Storytelling Festival, organized in conjunction with the Singapore International Storytelling Festival brings to you cherished fables and legendary tales that come alive at the Showcase! Renowned international storytellers such as Randel McGee(US), Bobby Norfolk (US), Sherry Norfolk (US), and Eth-Noh-Tec
(US) together with their Filipino counterparts, Melody Remorca and JK Anicoche, will present a variety of intriguing and delightful stories.

Your 6 "Take-Aways" when you attend this event:

1. See the best of international storytelling joining their Filipino counterparts in showcasing their art through live storytelling perfomances.

2. Discover the craft of storytelling specifically for educators, parents, librarians, social workers and other professionals.

3. Enhance your imagination through the worlds woven into existence through words by an exciting cast of globe-trotting storytellers!

4. Gain the knowledge and skills in the art of storytelling for use in various environments and situations.

5. Learn why storytelling is a recognized art form that plays a significant part in lifelong learning.

6. Find out why storytelling is a fabulous tool to develop the listening and concentration of special needs children; as well as to engage and draw their attention in a way that is enjoyable and less stressful for them.


We invite you to scroll down below and see more what the festival is all about.

See you there!


Ardy Roberto
CEO
Salt and Light Ventures


P.S. For more inquiries, kindly contact:
Ms. Abby Bacani, Event Manager
Tel:(632) 812 6288 � Fax:(632) 819 3752 � Email: abbybacani@oiceventsasia
.com


FESTIVAL DETAILS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Manila Storytellers Showcase
28 - 29 Aug 09, 4:30pm & 7:00pm (1.5 hrs per show)
Friday Aug 28 in MAKATI @ AIM-Acceed SGV Hall
Saturday Aug 29 in ALABANG @ De La Salle Zobel - Debbie Decena
Auditorium


Cherished fables and legendary tales come alive at the Showcase! Renowned international storytellers such as Randel McGee(US), Bobby Norfolk (US), Sherry Norfolk (US), and Eth-Noh-Tec (US) together with their Filipino counterparts, Melody Remorca and JK Anicoche, will present a variety of intriguing and delightful stories.

Imagine listening to stories of adventure and excitement. Hear stories of a time that used to be and of distant lands. Memories spun into tales that make you laugh and cry.

This is the only time of the year where outstanding international storytellers gather here in Manila to celebrate story telling - bringing to life tales old and new: folk tales, family stories, fables, tall tales, fairy tales, and classic stories from diverse cultures.


Manila Storytelling Seminars
28-29 Aug 09, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon (3 hrs per seminar)
Three concurrent seminars per day
Friday Aug 28 in MAKATI @ AIM-Acceed Seminar Rooms
Saturday Aug 29 in ALABANG @ De La Salle Zobel AV Rooms 1 & 2

(For personal and professional development targeted at parents, educators, librarians, social workers and other professionals.)

Take away with you the knowledge and skills in the art of storytelling for use in various environments and situations. We offer a diverse range of half-day seminars for personal and professional development targeted at parents, educators, librarians, social workers and other professionals.

Storytelling is a recognized art form that plays a significant part in lifelong learning. A good story not only entertains but is capable of imparting important concepts, attitudes and skills. Storytelling is also a fabulous tool to develop the listening and concentration of special needs children; as well as to engage and draw their attention in a way that is enjoyable and less stressful for them.


SCHEDULES
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LOOK! Customized (In-house) Workshops

A limited number of in house workshops are available for schools. These are for 2 hours at Pesos 55,000 per workshop with one storyteller. 28-29 Aug 2009, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (2hrs per workshop)
Friday Aug 28 in MAKATI
Saturday Aug 29 in ALABANG

Details available on www.manilainternationalstorytellingfestival.com
Contact Jasmine De Guzman at Tel. 812-6289 to inquire about topics and
schedules.

REGISTRATION FORM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
source: Salvi-MISF-August 28-29, announce 0825

YES! Please reserve a seat for me. I am interested to attend:

August 28, 2009 - AIM Conference Center, Makati City
1. Performances: P 250/Adult, P180/Child
__ Matinee (4:30pm - 6:00pm)
__ Evening (7:00pm - 8:30pm)

2. Seminars: P 1,800/head/seminar (9:00am-12:00pm)
__ A - Character Education through Storytelling (Randel McGee)
__ B - Helping Struggling Readers: How Storytelling Can Make
a Difference (Bobby or Sherry Norfolk)
__ C - Using Asian Music, Mask, and Myth in the Classroom
(Eth-Noh-Tec)
___________________________________________________________

August 29, 2009 - De La Salle Zobel School, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa
City
1. Performances: P 250/Adult, P180/Child
__ Matinee (4:30pm - 6:00pm)
__ Evening (7:00pm - 8:30pm)

2. Seminars: P 1,800/head/seminar (9:00am-12:00pm)
__ A - Storytelling with Paper and Scissors! (Randel McGee)
__ B - Reaching and Teaching Children with Special Needs with
Stories
(Bobby or Sherry Norfolk)
__ C - Tell it! Move it! : Adding Fun and Movements to Your
Storytelling (Eth-Noh-Tec)
___________________________________________________________


COMPANY/SCHOOL DETAILS

NAME OF COMPANY/ORGANIZATION/SCHOOL


ADDRESS

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TELEPHONE # FAX #

_________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS WEBSITE


RESERVING OFFICER'S NAME DESIGNATION


RESERVING OFFICER'S CONTACT# EMAIL ADDRESS


PRODUCT/SERVICES/ OFFERED COMPANY/
ORGANIZATION TIN#





PARTICIPANT 1 [ ] MR [ ] MS [ ] MRS [ ]
DR [ ] PROF

NAME


NICK NAME
DESIGNATION


TELEPHONE # FAX #


MOBILE # EMAIL
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PARTICIPANT 2 [ ] MR [ ] MS [ ] MRS [ ]
DR [ ] PROF

NAME


NICK NAME
DESIGNATION


TELEPHONE # FAX #


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source: Salvi-MISF -August 28-29, announce 0825

The Expo Mom 2009

Hubs kidded me that it seems like it was a Baby Expo, considering our son was the one eating the samples given away and enjoying the stage with all the speakers. I told him, it's a commercial strategy of businesses to appeal to Mommies to Daddies (who have the money) in behalf of their kids' interests. Which is also why Father's Day isn't as celebrated as Mother's Day... it's still the Dads who have the greater purchasing power.

Good thing though that women have power over men. Hehe. But I digress.

I was disappointed that the Sign Language talk was moved the next day. I also wished there were more vendors since there are so many Mompreneurs now. I guess they should hold next year's event at a bigger venue. But still, it was a cool, fun, and interesting family thing to attend.

Registration cost P25/person and for that you get lots and lots of freebies. Think March issue of Baby Magazine, samples of cereals and drinks and chips, and bath & body products by J&J. You also get a chance to win cool raffle prizes from the vendors (anti-aging iPod, anyone?). And the talks are really engaging and helpful plus the kids literally get to see, do and try a lot of new things.

My friend even got a short breastfeeding lecture from the Medela people.

And yes, products are being sold at discounted prices!

In Praise of SAHMs

Comments and reactions to Dr. Laura's interview about her latest book, "In Praise of Stay-at-home Moms" (SAHMs):

WSJ: You're very insistent that mothers should stay at home as full-time moms for the sake of the child. But given our current economic crisis, is that feasible for couples who may require two salaries to make ends meet?

Dr. Schlessinger: Of course this is a huge concern right now with money issues being so tight. But what I have discerned is that people of modest means have been able to handle what's going on far better than people who are used to having a lot of stuff; it's the people who put their life's worth into products, and not people, that are probably the most shell-shocked.

One thing I've been happy as peach pie about -- because I'm all about the children and the happiness of a woman because that makes the happiness of the home -- is that nannies, day cares and babysitters are all collapsing, which is forcing moms and dads to raise their children at home. I've gotten a huge surge of mail and calls from people who didn't make the choice to be at home with their kids, but are just now realizing how wonderful and beautiful it can be. A home should be more than just a place to park yourself after a frenzied day of too much work. So even though there's less cash, people seem to be happier.

As a SAHM who is sometimes still struggling with the one-income setup we have, I won't deny that I do not feel insecure or threatened sometimes. What if my husband dies? What if one of us gets really sick? Where do we get the money to buy a house or pay for our son's education? Can we have more kids?

But the fact is, many households have survived on one income. Many households have survived with the father earning less than what my husband is making. Parents may have to settle for walks along Manila Bay or state univeristies but the fact of surviving/depending on just one income does not automatically mean the kids were shortchanged where it matters. Of course, living from hand-to-mouth is a totally different thing, but getting by with a little help from Pag-Ibig and SSS loans is also not that bad a thing.

So it's true. It's those who are used to the nice things that complain and suffer more in times of hardships.

WSJ: What do you tell women who are hesitant to leave their jobs?

Dr. Schlessinger: You know how when you try to quit smoking you chew gum? You replace one thing with another because it distracts you. What I would tell these women is that they're spending too much time thinking about what they have to give up, and feeling angry about not being valued. Look at me -- I made the transition from being a powerhouse to being at home, folding laundry. What they need to do is find value elsewhere. I tell these women to look in their children's eyes. When your husband comes home, wrap your body around him at the door and look at his eyes. What people need to learn is that it's not about the drudgery of housework -- it's about being at home for all of those incredible moments that make your life more valuable than the person who replaced you at work. No one can replace mom. Kids who don't have moms suffer a lifetime.

I am still struggling with finding value in being home. But it's really great to have a supportive husband. And there are very liminal moments where you're clear that you're reaping the rewards of having made that sacrifice.

Because it really is not easy losing money and friends and opportunities to impress other adults with your brilliance.

WSJ: What questions should working mothers ask themselves when deciding whether to quit their jobs and become stay-at-home mothers?

Dr. Schlessinger: The nut questions should be: Do I feel fulfilled as a woman? Do I feel like my husband's girlfriend? Do I feel like I have touched the soul of my kids? Those will help you decide.

Me... I asked myself, can you forgive yourself for missing your child's firsts?

WSJ: Where do stay-at-home dads fit into the picture?

Dr. Schlessinger: I recommend that during the first three years, the mom should be at home because all of the research shows that the person whose body you come out of and whose breast you suck at, at that stage, really needs to be the mom -- unless she's incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial. After that, flip a coin.

And I thank Yakee and hubs for acknowledging that i'm not incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial. But yes, darling guys, I could be more.

WSJ: What about the women who can't choose their hours?

Dr. Schlessinger: Well, everyone's capable of it. For everything in life, you have to make a priority list. This must be done. If we truly believe in something and cherish it, we find a way to make it happen. Women go from making seven-figure salaries to staying at home, and things just start to be less important. I remember once our house burned down, and another time there was an earthquake in L.A. and I'll tell you, this family [of mine] never had so much fun. My kid was still little so we played "Sorry" and card games and laughed and giggled and told stories -- none of which costs money. Families across the nation are starting to discover that it's the smallest things in life that make you smile. You don't have to work 9 to 7. If your priority is to raise your child, it's not just a matter of making sure they don't get killed or have food to eat. The question is, "Do you want them to learn what's moral and of value from your perspective?"

That's also the same question driving me to make homeschooling work. I want my son to learn what I feel are important, and the why of it from my point of view. That's not to say that he can never have a differing point of view, but he'd at least know the why of mine. Few kids ever had that with their parents. So if my children will be privileged, it's going to be in this area.

WSJ: Do you think it's possible for a working mother to raise a smart, successful child?

Dr. Schlessinger: I didn't write this book about working moms. I wrote it in praise of stay-at-home moms. It's a wonderful choice, but to be absolutely truthful, having been on both sides of this mentality, my heart hurts for what these women miss and what their children miss from them. No argument, no criticism. My heart just hurts -- because when you get those pudgy arms around your neck, and being told you're someone's lullaby -- the fact that a woman would miss that is so, so sad.

I believe SAHMhood isn't for every woman. And I am actually not entirely convinced that it's for me. But it is what I want and feel passion for. And it is what am trying to make work. And for the life of me, I really cannot be away from my child for so many hours on a regular basis. Not only do I feel like am shortchanging him, but I also feel that I am denying myself of really priceless moments.

Doing It Wrong

I loved to read growing up. And I am fascinated by children's books now and have even grown fond of reading them aloud to my son.

But I have been doing it wrong. I read to him at night, while he's nursing. Till he falls asleep. My premise was, I wanted him to be familiar with the stories am reading. But I read an interview of a storyteller who said that parents should read to a child before saying "Good Night". The child should remain awake all through the reading, otherwise the child might make the association that reading books is to help someone sleep.

I shall remedy it tonight.

Babies Makes Moms Shopaholics

I'm not really a shopaholic, to start with. But ever since baby came, it's really been a struggle to resist sales.

Case in point, today. Hubs and I have already agreed that we'll only buy our son one new outfit monthly and one gift/treat weekly that wouldn't exceed P200. And none if somebody gave him one already.

But what's a mom to do when the son she loves so much is now really responding to books and books just happen to be on sale at Toys R' Us? Tell me, what's a Mom to do?

I did restrain myself though. I only bought him a picture book that cost P55 and a story book that cost P30.

But yeah... I bought him three books just last week. I really should restrain myself more.

A Boy After Mommy's Heart

I need not have worried. And the wait was sure worth it. The Tales of Beedle the Bard was every bit as engaging and delightful as I expected it to be... and I cannot wait to be reading it to my son.