Weekly Favorites 12/19

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Early Childhood Education to Music and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Cats

A cute photo of a kitten and kiwis 

Finance

What Dow 20,000 means for stock-market investors

Health
These Buddhist principles can help you stop ruining your diet at work—and chill out, too

Language

Learn a New Lingo While Doing Something Else

Weekly Favorites 12/12

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Early Childhood Education to Music and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Cats

Celebrating Christmas With Your Cat

Music
The world’s smallest grand piano actually sounds really sweet

Books

Here comes santa cat

Happy 4th birthday - Dora and Diego party

Little Guy turned 4 just the other day! Past years had a Sesame Street Party (2nd), a Thomas & Friends Party (3rd) and this year we decided to have a Dora and Diego party (they are his current favorites as written in this post). I found lots of inspirations on Pinterest, such as the "Swiper No Swiping" sign (to which I added Swiper's picture myself) and the favor bags that looked like Rescue Pack. I originally planned to make Backpack favor bags for the girls and Rescue Pack for the boys but unfortunately I couldn't find orange bags that were the right size. I used this template for the favor bags. Instead of printing in colored paper, though, I had Little Guy color the eyebrows and the mouth, adding a little personal touch from the birthday boy. The colors were not perfect but I liked it better. It turned out to be a really good idea to have him on board to prepare for the party. We had a lot of fun together and Little Guy seemed to have gotten more excited about his upcoming party. One thing I couldn't make it work was this idea where you draw eyes and a mouth on a cheese stick to make it look like the map. I couldn't find a pen that could write on a cheese stick wrapper. Too bad. It looked really cute on the picture on pinterest. And I used this recipe for the cupcakes, which were frosted with whipped cream with some orange and green sprinkles to match the theme.

The baby jaguar on the table was a present from us, like Diego's best friend :)

I prepared a few activities for the kids, suc as Dora & Diego masks, bubbles, origami paper, Dora & Diego coloring pages. One of these coloring pages, I rolled it and draw eyes and a mouth to make it looke like the map and put it in the favor bag. We also had some toy animals hidden in a room and gave the kids some toy telescopes (like the "spotting cope" that Diego has) to find the animals. But alas they didn't really play with these things, preferring to play with Little Guy's other toys they found in the play room. Oh well, as long as they had fun, that all matters. 

All in all we, both the kids and the parents, had a great time. Little Guy's so pround of being a big boy that he tells everybody he meets that he's four years old now. So cute. 

I compiled more ideas and inspirations for a Dora and/or Diego party on my "birthday party ideas" board on pinterest, some of which I didn't use for our party but still seem like a great idea. Please check it out if you're interested.

Weekly Favorites 11/27

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Early Childhood Education to Music and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Early Childhood Education
Christmas cookie sight game 
Top 5 Reasons Why Montessori Works

Language

How to learn a new language: 7 tips from TED Translators

Miscellaneous

Very cute crochet animation Turtle bites, solar energy and 400 hours of crochet: A very unique TED-Ed Lesson

 

Weekly Favorites 11/13

I haven't been able to read enough to find interesting articles lately but just wanted to share two things this week, which were great hits with Little Guy. Hope you (and your little one) will like them too:

Early childhood education (preschool to kindergarten activity)

Fall Color by Sight Word

Books

A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You 

The Moon Is La Luna

Ever since I showed him Dora the Explore, Little Guy became obssessed with the show (and the Go Diego Go series) and interested in learning Spanish. I don't know what fascinated him so much but these two shows are his current favorites. Perhaps he can identify himself with the kids who speak (and mix) different languages? I know these shows won't make kids actual Spanish speakers right away but he's learned quite a few Spanish words from the show and always asks "what do you say (so and so) in Spanish?" (and we ask the same question to trusted google to get the answer). They definitely helped him interested in learning Spanish.

Now after learning various Spanish words I feel we're ready to read children's books that are written in Spanish and English together to advance our knowledge of the Spanish language. One of those books I found is called The Moon Is La Luna written by Jay M. Harris.

The book contains several silly rhymes that use a mix of English and Spanish, many of which with the words that sound similar in both languages but mean quite different things. For example, una flor in Spanish sounds like the floor in English. Frankly some of the rhymes didn't quite make sense to me but I found many others entertaining and quite funny. My son's favorites that always induce giggles are: Pies in Spanish are feet! (with a funny picture of a foot and a pie) or the one that writes papá means "dad" but papa means "potato" and it goes "so watch how you say it, unless you would like a potato to tuck you in bed".

Again this won't make you a fluent Spanish speaker right away but it's really a fun book for those who are interested in learning Spanish. It certainly made my son more interested in learning the language even further.

Weekly Favorites 10/24

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Early Childhood Education to Music and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Finance

Mall Investors Are Set to Lose Billions as America's Retail Gloom Deepens

How to Save Money

Forget the small stuff. These are the 3 things that'll actually save you money. pic.twitter.com/RVQGA5hzwH

— The Motley Fool (@themotleyfool) October 19, 2016

Language

Brexit is a bloke

Funny Tweet

When Google doesn't have a translation #xl8 #tl8 #translation pic.twitter.com/I6jLdRJ0Eb

— LanguageCrawler (@LanguageCrawler) October 19, 2016

Books

The black and white factory

88 instruments

Weekly Favorites 10-16

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Early Childhood Education to Music and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Bilingualism

7 challenges and solutions for raising a bilingual child
Can A Bilingual Mother Speak Both Languages With Her Child?

Learning Another Language Improves Your Health and Well Being

Books

The Cookie Fiasco 

YouTube

A spooky twist on popular nursery rhymes, perfect for Halloween season 

Weekly Favorites 10-10

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Early Childhood Education to Music and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Health

Get the Most Out of Your Practice (Yoga)

Parenting

Our Sleep Training Nightmare

Teaching Your Child Emotional Agility

Quotes

"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior."

- Hippolyte Taine, French critic and historian

Weekly Favorites 10-2

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Early Childhood Education to Music and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Finance

My Stock Got Bought Out: What Should I Do Now?

What Happens To Stocks When One Public Company Buys Another?

Health

8 reasons your pain won't go away

50 Years Ago, Sugar Industry Quietly Paid Scientists To Point Blame At Fat

Books

the moon is la luna 

Weekly Favorites 9-25

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Early Childhood Education to Music and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Bilingualism

Thomas Bak: Language lessons to help protect against dementia

Parenting

Is the Social-Emotional Development of Your Highly Sensitive Child Being Misread?

Miscellaneous

I hate making phone calls but this article makes me kind of nostalgic about phone calls: The Death of the Telephone Call

Books

Little Guy and I love this cute and unique ABC book: Apple pie ABC

Weekly Favorites 9-18

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Early Childhood Education to Music and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Yum!

Magic Cake is the Latest Dessert Everyone on Pinterest is Obsessed With

Shiitake and Snap Pea Risotto

Books

Anna Dewdney (1965-2016) (the author of that lovable llama llama series. RIP)

The fire Cat

Fire! Fire!

Will you be my friends

Video

Over at Thomas and Toys, we uploaded a fun new video!

Percy and the Little Goat Set Wooden Railway Unboxing video

Curious Mochi

Weekly Favorites 9-12

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Early Childhood Education to Music and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:


Bilingualism
5 thoughts about consistency when using OPOL
Does OPOL cause a "language division" in the family?

Early Childhood Education
Fireman Printable Pack for Preshool to Kindergarten
The Five Key Learning Areas of Montessori

Learn 10 Amazing Montessori Activities for Your 3 Year Old

Language Learning
Evidence Rebuts Chomsky's Theory of Language Learning

Music Education, Piano

How playing an instrument benefits your brain - Anita Collins | TED-Ed

Miscellaneous
Tom Hanks and Ellen DeGeneres Adorably Stage What Would Happen if Woody Met Dory

Weekly Favorites 9-4

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Language to Music to Parenting and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. I have also included children's books that both Little Guy and I liked. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Cats

Cats Are Happier and Healthier When You Make Them Work for Their Food

Enrich Feeding Time| Make a Puzzle Cat Feeder

Education
Students are not hard-wired to learn in different ways – we need to stop using unproven, harmful methods

Health

Read in a Quiet Place for a Better Life

Books
The Bear and the Piano
Pookie and Tushka find a little piano

Morning Routine

First, check the neighborhood

Weekly Favorites 8-29

(Almost) everyday, I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Language to Music to Parenting and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form for you. Starting this week, I'll include children's books that both Little Guy and I liked too. Hope you'll find something that interests you. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Bilingualism

7 myths about bilingual individuals that may be holding you back
Q & A: Bilingual homeschooling - how to successfully integrate more than one language?

My parents and I don't speak the same language

Finance

5 Money Secrets the Rich and Frugal Already Know

Kids Activities

3 best toys for intellectual development

Music (Piano) Education

Pre-Reading Music for Young Beginners Bundle (suitable for 4-7 years old)

Translation
How to Spice Up Your Translation

Micellaneous 

The science behind why winning a bronze medal feels better than a silver

I tried to revitalize my depressed hometown’s artistic community and all I got was this lousy house

Books We Read

A Fire Truck Named Red by Randall De Seve

Weekly Favorites 8-14

 

I share stories I found and liked on the Internet via  Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Language to Music to Parenting and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly roundup form. Hope you'll find something that interests you too. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:

Freelance, Business Tips

So you want to be a freelance writer

Gardening

7 Houseplants That Purify The Air (And Are Nearly Impossible To Kill)

How To Propagate Strawberries

How To Overwinter Strawberries (With helpful tips especially for those planted in containers)

Preschool Education

Kindergarteners' mathematics success hinges on preschool skills

Toys

LEGO unveils brand new 10254 Winter Holiday Train

Origami Pikachu And Pokeball Key Chains

Do you play Pokemon GO? I was curious what this hype was and thought I might try it if Little Guy liked it too. To make things more fun, I showed him the first episode of Pokemon and he was immediately charmed by Pikachu. We are not as addicted to the game (I think) but I thought it's a fun thing to do together when we are out and about. And he learned a new concept like "evolve" from this game. Anything is a learning opportunity, right?

So when I came across two craft activities involving Pokemon, I had to try. First we made these Pokeball key chains: 

Then we made origami Pikachu.

Little Guy loved these so much we made several more the next day. We actually like to play a game with these: we place Pikachu on the floor or a table and throw a pokeball at him to see if we can knock him down (or "catch" him like in the mobile game). Both are pretty easy and fun to make and really cute.

Weekly Favorites 8-8

I share the stories I found and liked on the Internet via Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Language to Music to Parenting and more. Here are those stories in a more convenient weekly round-up form. Hope you'll find something that interests you too. If you liked these stories don't forget to follow me via one (or more!) of the social media sites above to get notified as soon as I share them:


Bilingualism

What Parents Want to Know About Bilingualism

Why being bilingual works wonders for your brain

Teaching Piano

9 Ideas for Celebrating the "Note of the Week"... Note Reading Made Fun

Miscellaneous

There's an awful cost to getting a PhD that no one talks about
Why Every Snarky Thing You’ve Ever Thought About Pokemon Go Is Wrong

Don't Step On Me!

Weekly Favorites 7/31

I share the stories I found and liked on the Internet via Facebook, Twitter and Flipboard, the topics ranging from Cats to Bilingualism to Health to Music to Parenting. I thought to share them here on my blog. Hope you'll find something that interests you too. Here are the stories I found interesting this past week:

Cats
Pokemon GO Leads Woman to Stray Injured Kitten Who Needs Her Help

Health, Body And Mind

I like this quote from this article
We struggle because we think we aren't supposed to struggle

Music Theory, Kids Activities

How to introduce Do Re Mi to small children

Happy Caturday 7-30

"I love the view from the second floor too"

Found you!

Found Mochi hiding behind the curtain

This Is My Favorite Spot (For Now)

In front of the window where she gets nice sunlight and can look out the street is her favorite spot in our house (till she finds her next favorite)

Is it Caturday again?

Time flies!

Happy Caturday 7-16

Morning Nap

Mochi waking up from her morning nap. I love that Mochi loves the blanket I crocheted for her

Mochi last week

Although Mochi tended to stay away from the heat most of the days, she's been enjoying the sunshine in her usual spots. I love that sunlight coming through the tree. The light made Mochi look even prettier and rather mystical. One day though, she looked annoyed and confused to see all these toys in her spot. Little Guy, on the other hand, thought Mochi took his toys and begged her to return his toys☺