Today Rama went to a birthday party at McDonalds. As usual, she wouldn't join the games. For some reason, she prefers to observe from the sidelines.
She doesn't quite get the happy chaos of parlor games. Paagaw? Diving for fallen candy on the floor? Pabitin? She watches with a mixture of awe and shock. Why are they not sharing? Why the frenzy?
Just one of those things about her.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Until When Will This Last?
As Rama and playmate Bea try to outdo each other skipping rope:
Rama to Bea: Mana ka ba sa mommy mo?
Bea: Hinde. (Bea's mom is hearing-&-speech impaired; Bea is a charming little motor-mouth)
Rama: Yay! Ako, mana ako sa mommy ko!!!
Rama to Bea: Mana ka ba sa mommy mo?
Bea: Hinde. (Bea's mom is hearing-&-speech impaired; Bea is a charming little motor-mouth)
Rama: Yay! Ako, mana ako sa mommy ko!!!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
Rizalista?
Rama's current obsession is dear ol' Joe. I think they talked about heroes in class one time and Jose Rizal sort of stuck. She volunteers that "marami siyang girlfriend" and that he was a "writer chaka doctor." I first heard her yell "Our National Hero!" when we passed by Mangan in Glorietta and she saw the portrait of Jose Rizal there. That's when I knew that she knew who he was.
We happened to have a DVD of Rizal (Cesar Montano) so last night I popped it in the player. She saw Rizal eating tuyo and rice: she asked for tuyo and rice. She also wanted to fast-forward to the execution scene. And wanted to watch that again and again.
I had forgotten that it was such a violent movie. I realized this too late; she was already into the story.
One of the earlier scenes was a disturbing rape by a priest. Quickly, I covered her eyes. And wished that it would be over soon. She kept on saying "Wag mo na takpan mata ko!" Over and over again. We kept on arguing, until she blurted out, 'Eh nakikita ko pa rin naman eh! May butas kamay mo!"
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Rama Report
Today I went to Rama's year-end parent-teacher conference. It's a "progressive" school so they don't have grades - just narratives and a checklist of things that the kid can and can't-do-yet. Below is the narrative report, verbatim, that the teachers prepared.
"Child's Name: Rama ********
Class: Pups Class
Date of Birth: May 3, 2002
Date of Entry: June 2006
It is such a delight to have charming Rama in class. This sweet girl, who was a little self-conscious at first, turned out to be very friendly and sociable towards the end. In the beginning, she preferred to play quietly by herself or just watch the other children. Now, she enjoys playing with the girls and is often seen mingling with them. Although she took a few moments before warming up to her classmates, Rama has otherwise been independent and didn't need time to separate from her mommy.
The first two things that Rama does when she enters the room are take off her shoes and put them in her cubby hole with her bag. After that, she goes straight to the Classroom Helper Chart to move her name. She likes being the class' electrician who takes care of turning the lights off when we leave for romp and turning it back on when we get back to the classroom. After that, she says "Teacher, I want to write my name na." Rama doesn't need any reminding when it comes to the routine and what to do next.
Usually the next step is signing in. The children in the Pups Class practice writing their names every morning and even before Rama entered The School, she already knew how to write her name. She always makes sure that she writes clearly.
Rama's day becomes brighter when her crush, Pio, arrives. She sometimes whispers to us 'Teacher, hindi alam ni Pio na nagagwapuhan ako sa kanya.'She's always very vocal about her admiration for Pio, which makes her even more adorable.
During Free Choice Time, Rama enjoys playing with toy animals, pretending that they talk to each other. She plays a lot with Su Jung and they are often seen giggling together. Sometimes, Rama plays in the Dramatic Play Area where she cooks delicious meals in the kitchen. She also likes using the other materials for dramatically pretending to put on make-up. She likes wearing dresses and turning around and saying 'Look at my dress!'
When it is already time to pack away the toys, it is very easy to ask Rama to help her teachers and classmates. Even though she doesn't make too much mess while playing, she doesn't mind helping the other children pack away. She is always one of the first ones to sit on the mat, ready for Circle Time.
As for Circle Time, Rama enjoys singing and can easily remember the words of the songs. She enthusiastically sings all the time and does the actions really well. Rama eagerly shares stories about herself or her family when the topic is related to anything she had experienced. Whenever we ask questions, she usually answers with a meek voice. Sometimes, when she doesn't know the answer she just keeps quiet or shrugs her shoulders. After we tell her the correct answer, she tells us 'Alam ko! I was just joking!' Rama truly has funny ways that make her more endearing to everyone!
When Circle Time is done, we head on for snacks. Rama can take care of herself by washing her hands on her own and setting out her lunch box. She doesn't have any problems with sharing. Whether it is a toy or food, she is always willing to share it with everyone. Rama eats well and loves healthy foods. Whenever she has eggnogs for snacks, she makes a 'face' out of it and then puts it on her plate. after she eats, whe packs away her own food then goes to the mat to read a book while waiting for her classmates to finish eating.
As soon as Romp Time is called, Rama turns off the lights then rushes outside the classroom to step on an animal sticker. In the Romp Area, she likes playing volleyball with the teachers or running around with Su Jung. Often, Rama laughs at her classmate Russel because she finds him funny. When the boys are being silly, she says 'Nakakatawa si Russel!' then gives out a hearty laugh. She also enjoys hide-and-seek. Rama plays well with everyone and enjoys this time as much as the other children in the Pups Class.
When it comes to Writing Table, Rama makes sure that she listens to instructions and follows them carefully. She likes using colors red, pink, or orange markers to answer the work sheets. She likes coloring the pictures as well and makes sure that she finishes her work as neatly as possible.
Art Time is when the children can easily express themselves through their work. Rama likes drawing in particular and usually makes portraits of herself, her Mommy and Daddy. After she finishes drawing, she fondly talks about her work and usually asks for another paper so she can draw some more.
Rama also is into reading books. She listens attentively during story time. One of her favorites is Five Little Monkeys Jumping On the Bed. She reads it over and over, flipping the pages and reciting the story since she's memorized it word for word. Rama also likes stories that are told during Creative Dramatics. She loves it when we act out the characters in the tale!
Lady-like, gentle Rama will always be remembered with fond memories. Everyone in Toddlers Unlimited witnessed how she became the friendly and sociable little girl that she is now. We will surely miss her and we know that wherever she goes, she'll bring happiness to everyone's life.
Written by: Teacher Michelle *****
Date: March 2007"
"Child's Name: Rama ********
Class: Pups Class
Date of Birth: May 3, 2002
Date of Entry: June 2006
It is such a delight to have charming Rama in class. This sweet girl, who was a little self-conscious at first, turned out to be very friendly and sociable towards the end. In the beginning, she preferred to play quietly by herself or just watch the other children. Now, she enjoys playing with the girls and is often seen mingling with them. Although she took a few moments before warming up to her classmates, Rama has otherwise been independent and didn't need time to separate from her mommy.
The first two things that Rama does when she enters the room are take off her shoes and put them in her cubby hole with her bag. After that, she goes straight to the Classroom Helper Chart to move her name. She likes being the class' electrician who takes care of turning the lights off when we leave for romp and turning it back on when we get back to the classroom. After that, she says "Teacher, I want to write my name na." Rama doesn't need any reminding when it comes to the routine and what to do next.
Usually the next step is signing in. The children in the Pups Class practice writing their names every morning and even before Rama entered The School, she already knew how to write her name. She always makes sure that she writes clearly.
Rama's day becomes brighter when her crush, Pio, arrives. She sometimes whispers to us 'Teacher, hindi alam ni Pio na nagagwapuhan ako sa kanya.'She's always very vocal about her admiration for Pio, which makes her even more adorable.
During Free Choice Time, Rama enjoys playing with toy animals, pretending that they talk to each other. She plays a lot with Su Jung and they are often seen giggling together. Sometimes, Rama plays in the Dramatic Play Area where she cooks delicious meals in the kitchen. She also likes using the other materials for dramatically pretending to put on make-up. She likes wearing dresses and turning around and saying 'Look at my dress!'
When it is already time to pack away the toys, it is very easy to ask Rama to help her teachers and classmates. Even though she doesn't make too much mess while playing, she doesn't mind helping the other children pack away. She is always one of the first ones to sit on the mat, ready for Circle Time.
As for Circle Time, Rama enjoys singing and can easily remember the words of the songs. She enthusiastically sings all the time and does the actions really well. Rama eagerly shares stories about herself or her family when the topic is related to anything she had experienced. Whenever we ask questions, she usually answers with a meek voice. Sometimes, when she doesn't know the answer she just keeps quiet or shrugs her shoulders. After we tell her the correct answer, she tells us 'Alam ko! I was just joking!' Rama truly has funny ways that make her more endearing to everyone!
When Circle Time is done, we head on for snacks. Rama can take care of herself by washing her hands on her own and setting out her lunch box. She doesn't have any problems with sharing. Whether it is a toy or food, she is always willing to share it with everyone. Rama eats well and loves healthy foods. Whenever she has eggnogs for snacks, she makes a 'face' out of it and then puts it on her plate. after she eats, whe packs away her own food then goes to the mat to read a book while waiting for her classmates to finish eating.
As soon as Romp Time is called, Rama turns off the lights then rushes outside the classroom to step on an animal sticker. In the Romp Area, she likes playing volleyball with the teachers or running around with Su Jung. Often, Rama laughs at her classmate Russel because she finds him funny. When the boys are being silly, she says 'Nakakatawa si Russel!' then gives out a hearty laugh. She also enjoys hide-and-seek. Rama plays well with everyone and enjoys this time as much as the other children in the Pups Class.
When it comes to Writing Table, Rama makes sure that she listens to instructions and follows them carefully. She likes using colors red, pink, or orange markers to answer the work sheets. She likes coloring the pictures as well and makes sure that she finishes her work as neatly as possible.
Art Time is when the children can easily express themselves through their work. Rama likes drawing in particular and usually makes portraits of herself, her Mommy and Daddy. After she finishes drawing, she fondly talks about her work and usually asks for another paper so she can draw some more.
Rama also is into reading books. She listens attentively during story time. One of her favorites is Five Little Monkeys Jumping On the Bed. She reads it over and over, flipping the pages and reciting the story since she's memorized it word for word. Rama also likes stories that are told during Creative Dramatics. She loves it when we act out the characters in the tale!
Lady-like, gentle Rama will always be remembered with fond memories. Everyone in Toddlers Unlimited witnessed how she became the friendly and sociable little girl that she is now. We will surely miss her and we know that wherever she goes, she'll bring happiness to everyone's life.
Written by: Teacher Michelle *****
Date: March 2007"
Monday, March 19, 2007
Pickles!
Rama's current interjection of choice happens to be "Pickles." Make a mistake coloring, she says "Aww, pickles." Or, I coax her out of the tub, it's "Aww, pickles!"
I suspect it's from one of the morning cartoons. Could've been from Monster Allergy or Hickey Town Hero. (Betcha didn't know there was a hero - or town - named such!)
The first time I heard Pickles, I had to ask, "Ano 'yun?" Rama explains, "Pickles? Parang aww mehnnn..."
I suspect it's from one of the morning cartoons. Could've been from Monster Allergy or Hickey Town Hero. (Betcha didn't know there was a hero - or town - named such!)
The first time I heard Pickles, I had to ask, "Ano 'yun?" Rama explains, "Pickles? Parang aww mehnnn..."
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Only Child
Neighbor's Kid: Rama, wala ka bang kapatid?
Rama to Adult: Akala ba niya, lahat ng tao may kapatid?
Rama to Adult: Akala ba niya, lahat ng tao may kapatid?
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Question for God
One of Rama' current sources of fascination is a carnapper's sketch posted on the guard house of Honey's village. Whenever we pass it and stop for the usual security check, she sits up and looks intently at the sketch. We've handled a slew of questions about the carnapper, i.e., 'Asan na siya ngayon? Bakit siya nagnakaw? Mahahanap ba siya? Pupunta ba siya sa bahay ko? Babalik ba siya dito? etc.
Yesterday's question was a tough one: "Bakit ginawa ni God ang magnanakaw?"
Yesterday's question was a tough one: "Bakit ginawa ni God ang magnanakaw?"
Friday, March 9, 2007
Swim!
Rama recently joined a swim class. In the past sessions, there were other kids in the "Jammers" class and they would take turns going into the pool and paddling around and doing whatever coach asks them. While one swam solo, the rest of the class just sat on the steps or at the edge of the pool. But yesterday was different: all the other kids in class had gone. (They mostly signed up at the same time, and Rama came in the middle of the course.) So yesterday, she had Coach Julius all to herself. And they went at it for the full hour, it seems. I think Coach Julius overtrained her. After the session, Rama asks, "Pag matagal ba sa pool, talagang naninigas ang legs?"
Monday, March 5, 2007
What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?
Rama: I want to be a teacher.
Me: Teacher of big kids or little kids?
Rama: Little kids.
Me: So, ikaw magiging teacher ni Yuka? (Yuka is a playmate)
Rama: Ayoko, naughty siya.
Me: Pag teacher ka, hindi ka pwedeng pumili. Whoever is there.
Rama: Ayoko na maging teacher.
Me: Doctor?
Rama: Ayoko, baka mag-cry sa akin mga tao.
More discussion.
Socky: How about, singer?
Rama: Ayoko. Baka sabihin ng mga tao, bad singer. Bad singer! Bad singer!
Me: Teacher of big kids or little kids?
Rama: Little kids.
Me: So, ikaw magiging teacher ni Yuka? (Yuka is a playmate)
Rama: Ayoko, naughty siya.
Me: Pag teacher ka, hindi ka pwedeng pumili. Whoever is there.
Rama: Ayoko na maging teacher.
Me: Doctor?
Rama: Ayoko, baka mag-cry sa akin mga tao.
More discussion.
Socky: How about, singer?
Rama: Ayoko. Baka sabihin ng mga tao, bad singer. Bad singer! Bad singer!
A Day at the Farm
Rama's school organized a Family Day at Paradizoo, a farm/zoo in Tagaytay. They had ostriches, camels (!), bees, butterflies and the usual livestock - pigs, goats, chicken, cattle. They also had freaky animals, like a 5-legged cow ("Look, a special cow," the PC preshool teacher pointed out.) This after I yelped "Ay, abnoy!" I just kept my mouth shut when we got to the 5-legged boar. (Maybe it's the water?)
While waiting for the tour to start, Rama and the other kids decorated cookies. Rama was also tripping on makahiya. It took us forever to get to the exit; we had to stop and touch ALL the makahiya that we passed.
Pio was sorely missed.
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