Friday (21/08/2009)
a) The Ingredients
We were excited to have an invited guest. Mrs. Lu introduced us the ingredients. They are parsley, french loaf, butter, garlic, corns, chicken, onions and salt.
First, we queued up to slic the long French loaves into slices. Then, the kids plucked the parsley into small pieces. They were placed in two small bowls. Mrs Lu then added some garlic and butter into each bowl. The kids queued up to stir the mixture. Then, we sat down taking turns to spread the butter onto the sliced bread.
Meanwhile, I heated the oven. The kids asked why. This is to speed up the prcocess of baking and more importantly, to make it hygiene and sage for baking.
I placed the slices in the oven. The kids checked the time and about 10 minutes later, the toasts were ready!
b) The Chicken and Corn soup.
Some kids cubed the fresh cooked corn into small droplets. They used the spoons. Some preferred to pickle using their little fingers.
The other group sliced the biled chicken drumstick using their clean little fingers. Once ready, we marched down to the kitchen.
Mrs. Lu added the mixture into the pot. She also added 2 cans of Sweet Corns into the mixture. Then, she boiled the soup. She added some salt. Hmm….delicious!
c) A Hearty Starter Meal.
Each kid was given a bowl of soup and a slice of garlic bread. Some dip into the soup while some enjoyed eating just like that. Most kids had 2 slices and 2 bowls of soup.
We thanked Le Xin’s mother and presented her our hand-made gift. She said, she also learnt some recipes while studying in Australia. She lent us her photo albums.
d) Children Around The World
Sesame Street showed us how kids of different countries celebrate New Year.
Americans have aprty, countdown and fireworks. Portugese kids eat 12 grapes each and make a wish. Japanese kids draw cards and then pound rice cake. They also play kites, tops and badminton. Their badminton rackets are made of colourful planks. The kids learnt that Japan is the first country that encounters sunrise.
Our Pomegranate friends！
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Big BEN, the Clock Tower
Thursday (20/08/2009)
a) Big BEN
Just nearby Tower Bridge is the world’s biggest chiming Clock Tower. It is attached to the Westminster Palace and Bridge.
It has 4 faces and 4 different bells. It chimes every quarter hour. The hour needle is 2.7m while the minute needle is 4.3m. The tower is 16 storeys tall and is 150 years old. It is famous for its accuracy. It is made of bricks and sand and it’s brown colour.
The kids marched down to see video clips of Big BEN. They listened to its lovely chime. In the tower, the clock caretakers work there. They maintain the machine in it. Although popular, it has no elevators and one has to climb the 334 stair flights…….wow! Only VIPs are allowed to enter Big BEN. The top view is magnificent. One can see the Thames River, Tower Bridge and also London Eye.
But is the time in every country the same? No,…..why? How do people of the past measure time? Song Chuan said using the sun while the others are unsure. I asked them to check with their parents.
b) The Westminster Palace and Bridge.
It was burnt in 1834. Before that, it was a place for criminals. It was rebuilt and today, it is Britain’s Parliament. The kids learnt that Malaysia too has got a Parliament. It is a place where the governments ministers meet up for meetings and discussions.
The kids saw the seats and the structure of the Westminster roof and ceiling.
c) A glimpse on Australia.
We took a quick tour on Australia. The reason was to gaged the kids to Mrs. Lu’s experience there. I understood that she studied there.
Among famous spots are The Sydney Opera House, The Ayers Rock and its famous Great Barrier Reef.
The Reef has got very clean natural water which encourage the breeding of it. Many endangered sea animals are seen here such as dugongs and the humpback whales.
a) Big BEN
Just nearby Tower Bridge is the world’s biggest chiming Clock Tower. It is attached to the Westminster Palace and Bridge.
It has 4 faces and 4 different bells. It chimes every quarter hour. The hour needle is 2.7m while the minute needle is 4.3m. The tower is 16 storeys tall and is 150 years old. It is famous for its accuracy. It is made of bricks and sand and it’s brown colour.
The kids marched down to see video clips of Big BEN. They listened to its lovely chime. In the tower, the clock caretakers work there. They maintain the machine in it. Although popular, it has no elevators and one has to climb the 334 stair flights…….wow! Only VIPs are allowed to enter Big BEN. The top view is magnificent. One can see the Thames River, Tower Bridge and also London Eye.
But is the time in every country the same? No,…..why? How do people of the past measure time? Song Chuan said using the sun while the others are unsure. I asked them to check with their parents.
b) The Westminster Palace and Bridge.
It was burnt in 1834. Before that, it was a place for criminals. It was rebuilt and today, it is Britain’s Parliament. The kids learnt that Malaysia too has got a Parliament. It is a place where the governments ministers meet up for meetings and discussions.
The kids saw the seats and the structure of the Westminster roof and ceiling.
c) A glimpse on Australia.
We took a quick tour on Australia. The reason was to gaged the kids to Mrs. Lu’s experience there. I understood that she studied there.
Among famous spots are The Sydney Opera House, The Ayers Rock and its famous Great Barrier Reef.
The Reef has got very clean natural water which encourage the breeding of it. Many endangered sea animals are seen here such as dugongs and the humpback whales.
An Invitation Letter
Wednesday (19/08/2009)
a) British Food Culture
UK has the most races in the world with more than 200. Among: The Scotts, Welsh, Irish, French, Chinese, Indians, Africans, Australians and etc. Thus, they have wide choices of food. However, generally; the English serve themselves hearthily. Starters, Main Course and Desserts.
Shi Jie was chosen to be a customer. She had a napkin below her chin. She could also place it on her thigh. Then, there was a fork on her left. A spoon and fork on her right. Her meal would be in between. We did a demonstration. It was fun!
b) An Invitation Letter to Mrs. Lu
We were very honoured that Mrs. Lu had agreed verbally through phone to be our British chef. Thus, we had to do a letter writing to invite her officially. The kids gave me their thoughts of what to write. I wrote them on the whiteboard. 3 kids volunteered to do the letter writing. Sharlene, Song Chuan and Ze yan did the letter writing and we gave passed the letter to her on the same day through Le Xin.
c) Gift discussion.
We thought of a suitable gift. Jin Shand and Jien Wei suggested drawing and everyone agreed. Then we decided if the pictures were to form a big card or something different. We asked Le Xin what her mother would like. She said her mum would like a big LOVE and Mrs. Lu loves all the colours. So the class agreed to do that!
Each kid got a small piece of colour paper and drew pictures they thought would make Le Xin’s mother happy. Some wrote “Thank You” while some drew Mrs. Lu as a Princess.
Vegetable Omelette
Tuesday (18/08/2009)
a) The Vegetables
The Red Lady Finger which we planted have grown. Only a pot survived while the other pots had been infected with fungus. Although we sprayed enzyme regularly, it doesn’t really help. The cherry tomato wouldn’t grow probably due to the weather. The watermelon could only produce mini fruits until their stems were accidentally cut off by the mower man who came after school.
The Red Lady Fingers are uncommon in Malaysia compared to the green ones. Anyway, both have similar nutritions. Indians like using the red ones to cook curry. So, we mixed with Green Lady Fingers which I bought. (Lady Finger is also known as Okra).
Lady Fingers were found in Middle East, Africa. Traders introduced them as they sailed in the past. They are healthy for our body. The seeds can be processed as cooking oil and also as decaffeined coffee. The vegetables are commonly eaten as green salad in the West. It is a flowering plant. Recalling the colour of our planted Red Lady Finger, its flower is big and yellow and red colour.
Tomatoes were not popular in the past as their leaves are poisonous. Thus, when buying tomatoes, we must buy the ripen ones. However, when tomatoes were introduced as salad, almost all cultures have today included them in their meals.
Garlic is known as cancer prevention. Garlic helps to battle the bad bacterias in our body.
b) Team work
To cook this omelette, the class was divided into 4 groups. Their tasks included peeling the garlics, onions, cutting the tomatoes and also Lady Fingers.
Gee…..the onions actually made Jin Nan’s eyes in tears. They enjoyed cutting the garlic. Their Lady fingers had to be of small slices.
c) Chef time!
We marched to the kitchen and I am thechef while they watched me cooking.
First, I introduced the tools. Wok, spatula, oil and salt. Heat the oil. Add in the garlic. Then the onion and followed by Lady fingers and tomatoes. Stir them well.
We cracked 4 eggs. The kids mixed them. Then, I poured in the egg mixture onto the wok and waited for the egg and vegetable mixture to blend together. When they are golden in colour, I scooped them up onto the plate.
Wow….we served ourselves with bread. Most kids had two slices. Initially, 2 kids thought they wouldn’t like the vegetable. However, they changed their mind. Thanks……healthy omelette!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Painting Our Tower Bridge
Monday (17/08/2009)
a) Malaysia vs. UK
We are a multi-racial country with many races. We have 27 million Malaysians. However, UK is the country with the most variety of races. They have about 60 million English or British people. The kids tried guessing the reason but couldn’t. The reason was because UK used to be a very strong country which monopolised many countries in the past. As these countries gained independence, some resided in UK and thus, practised their culture there. Example: the Scottish in UK wears their tradition costume of skirts when performing their bagpipes. Eugene said, it looked like “sarung” which we agreed.
Therefore, Malaysia is famous for Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Sates etc. UK is popular for Fish and Chips, Sandwiches, Spaghetti ( as they have British Italians) and bread and soup. Thus, we voted what we wanted to cook for the upcoming activity. Majority go for Mushroom soup. Hmm….delicious! Over there, the meal is quite hearty. They have appetiser (eg. Mushroom soup / salad), main course (Fish and Chips / pasta) and also dessert (ice-cream / cake / jelly).
b) Team work
The kids chose the tasks they wanted to do. Then, they went to their attributed groups. Surprisingly, they waited rather patiently for me to show each group on mixing the paints.
c) Painting our Tower Bridge
Loud voices were everywhere……calling friends for help, telling friends the proper way to paint, advising friends not to mix too much water and reminding friends to obey the class rules…..some just felt excited wearing the apron……..wow! I just felt that these kids were in a painting zone with passerbys watching their amazing work. Some just enjoyed watching the strokes of paint, some enjoyed looking at friends’ work while some enjoyed seeing paints getting on friends’ faces. Well, honestly; I would probably be like them especially being with good friends and doing things we enjoy!
We used brown, blue and red. These were the original colours of Tower Bridge London and the kids wanted the exact ones! We learnt: red + black = brown. We had to mix a a lot as we didn’t have brown paint. Altogether, we coloured 2 big towers and 2 smaller ones. We also coloured 3 carriageways and 1 walkway. Not forgetting the straws which are the fences. The kids were reminded to use the paint wisely as not to waste the resources. We should practise what we think, “Saving The Earth”.
Some even went around lending hands to the unfinished ones. Some used too much water. Thus, the layer was watery. Then, they painted it the second time which was nicer.
d) Let’s clean together.
They cleaned the classroom together! Some washed the palates, brushes, wiped the tables, clear away the newspapers, some stacked the chairs. Some even enjoyed mopping the floor.
Then, we sprinkled some glittering onto the cone roof while the paint is still wet, as we could save glue. Well, we should be able to construct the cables tomorrow and run some cars on them.
a) Malaysia vs. UK
We are a multi-racial country with many races. We have 27 million Malaysians. However, UK is the country with the most variety of races. They have about 60 million English or British people. The kids tried guessing the reason but couldn’t. The reason was because UK used to be a very strong country which monopolised many countries in the past. As these countries gained independence, some resided in UK and thus, practised their culture there. Example: the Scottish in UK wears their tradition costume of skirts when performing their bagpipes. Eugene said, it looked like “sarung” which we agreed.
Therefore, Malaysia is famous for Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Sates etc. UK is popular for Fish and Chips, Sandwiches, Spaghetti ( as they have British Italians) and bread and soup. Thus, we voted what we wanted to cook for the upcoming activity. Majority go for Mushroom soup. Hmm….delicious! Over there, the meal is quite hearty. They have appetiser (eg. Mushroom soup / salad), main course (Fish and Chips / pasta) and also dessert (ice-cream / cake / jelly).
b) Team work
The kids chose the tasks they wanted to do. Then, they went to their attributed groups. Surprisingly, they waited rather patiently for me to show each group on mixing the paints.
c) Painting our Tower Bridge
Loud voices were everywhere……calling friends for help, telling friends the proper way to paint, advising friends not to mix too much water and reminding friends to obey the class rules…..some just felt excited wearing the apron……..wow! I just felt that these kids were in a painting zone with passerbys watching their amazing work. Some just enjoyed watching the strokes of paint, some enjoyed looking at friends’ work while some enjoyed seeing paints getting on friends’ faces. Well, honestly; I would probably be like them especially being with good friends and doing things we enjoy!
We used brown, blue and red. These were the original colours of Tower Bridge London and the kids wanted the exact ones! We learnt: red + black = brown. We had to mix a a lot as we didn’t have brown paint. Altogether, we coloured 2 big towers and 2 smaller ones. We also coloured 3 carriageways and 1 walkway. Not forgetting the straws which are the fences. The kids were reminded to use the paint wisely as not to waste the resources. We should practise what we think, “Saving The Earth”.
Some even went around lending hands to the unfinished ones. Some used too much water. Thus, the layer was watery. Then, they painted it the second time which was nicer.
d) Let’s clean together.
They cleaned the classroom together! Some washed the palates, brushes, wiped the tables, clear away the newspapers, some stacked the chairs. Some even enjoyed mopping the floor.
Then, we sprinkled some glittering onto the cone roof while the paint is still wet, as we could save glue. Well, we should be able to construct the cables tomorrow and run some cars on them.
Penang Bridge vs. Tower Bridge
Wednesday (12/08/2009)
a) Penang Bridge vs. Tower Bridge.
Penang Bridge is the longest bridge in Malaysia and is today ranking at number 39 in the world (according to Wikipedia).
It is to link between Seberang Prai in the mainland of Malaysia to Gelugor which is abroad. Ze Yan said it does not charge toll while Jin Shan said it does. When I used Penang Bridge about 6 years ago, I remembered we had to pay toll. Anyway, we have to do more research on this. However, Tower Bridge is free probably due to the much shorter distance. In fact, most bridges in London are toll free.
We compared the length. It is 13.6 km or 13, 600 m. It’s a long bridge with no bascules.
Ze Yan said that it looked beautiful in the evening. Tower Bridge was opened in 1894 while Penang Bridge in 1985.
Tower Bridge is 244 m. The middle bridge is called the bascules. It is divided evenly so that could be lifted when ships sail by. Each bascule is 30.5m. The first and second suspension bridge is each 82 m. The height of Tower Bridge is 62m. Then, we recalled the lifting process which we discussed yesterday. They are always excited about it.
b) Sketching of Tower Bridge, London.
The kids sketched Tower Bridge. Each bridge looked beautiful. They also labelled it.
Construction of Tower Bridge, London.
Before continuing this, we talked briefly on our construction. The towers had no windows. We discussed on whether to have a lifted bascules exactly like Tower Bridge. Almost all wanted lifted bascules. So, we decided to tie string from the bascules to the cones on the Tower roof.
We tried working as a team. The kids took turn to construct this group by group.
a) Penang Bridge vs. Tower Bridge.
Penang Bridge is the longest bridge in Malaysia and is today ranking at number 39 in the world (according to Wikipedia).
It is to link between Seberang Prai in the mainland of Malaysia to Gelugor which is abroad. Ze Yan said it does not charge toll while Jin Shan said it does. When I used Penang Bridge about 6 years ago, I remembered we had to pay toll. Anyway, we have to do more research on this. However, Tower Bridge is free probably due to the much shorter distance. In fact, most bridges in London are toll free.
We compared the length. It is 13.6 km or 13, 600 m. It’s a long bridge with no bascules.
Ze Yan said that it looked beautiful in the evening. Tower Bridge was opened in 1894 while Penang Bridge in 1985.
Tower Bridge is 244 m. The middle bridge is called the bascules. It is divided evenly so that could be lifted when ships sail by. Each bascule is 30.5m. The first and second suspension bridge is each 82 m. The height of Tower Bridge is 62m. Then, we recalled the lifting process which we discussed yesterday. They are always excited about it.
b) Sketching of Tower Bridge, London.
The kids sketched Tower Bridge. Each bridge looked beautiful. They also labelled it.
Construction of Tower Bridge, London.
Before continuing this, we talked briefly on our construction. The towers had no windows. We discussed on whether to have a lifted bascules exactly like Tower Bridge. Almost all wanted lifted bascules. So, we decided to tie string from the bascules to the cones on the Tower roof.
We tried working as a team. The kids took turn to construct this group by group.
KLIA to United Kingdom
Monday (10/08/2009)
a) Malaysia’s famous places.
I showed the kids a few landmarks. They were supposed to guess and place them at the correct states which we coloured together last Friday.
Among: PETRONAS Twin Towers, KL Tower, Gawai Festival, Sumazau Dance, Baba Nyonyas, Portuguese People. They wanted to know where Bukit Tinggi was.
b) Let’s Travel!
We located KLIA. We talked about things to be packed for travelling. The important items included passport, money and clothes.
They observed my passport, the numbers and also the stamps which consisted the countries I had been to.
Then, I showed them some foreign notes. Among: China, USA, Singapore etc. If we were going to Japan, then we have to change RM into Yen currency.
We pretended being passengers. After buckling seatbelts, we could see the Atlantic and Pacific bluish ocean.....wow! Then, we landed in England , UK!
c) Getting to know England.
What’s the landmark of England? London is one of the popular cities in England. Obviously, its London Bridge is famous.
We sang the song. The girls became the bridges whereas the boys went under their little hands. Fun and laughter!
The kids only know the first verse. What about the other verses? As they listen to the other verses, they asked many words they couldn’t understand. They guessed the story as I sang to them.
Lyrics:
London Bridge
London Bridge is falling down,Falling down, falling down.London Bridge is falling down,My fair lady!Build it up with iron bars,Iron bars, iron bars.Build it up with iron bars,My fair lady!Iron bars will bend and break,Bend and break, bend and break.Iron bars will bend and break,My fair lady!Build it up with needles and pins,Needles and pins, needles and pins.Build it up with needles and pins,My fair lady!
Pins and needles rust and bend,Rust and bend, rust and bend.Pins and needles rust and bend,My fair lady!Build it up with silver and gold,Silver and gold, silver and gold.Build it up with silver and gold,My fair lady!Gold and silver I’ve not got,I’ve not got, I’ve not got.Gold and silver I’ve not got,My fair lady!
Here's a prisoner I have got,I have got, I have got.Here’s a prisoner I have got,My fair lady!What's the prisoner done to you,Done to you, done to you?What’s the prisoner done to you,My fair lady!Stole my watch and broke my chain,Broke my chain, broke my chain.Stole my watch and broke my chain,My fair lady!
What'll you take to set him free,Set him free, set him free?What’ll you take to set him free,My fair lady!One hundred pounds will set him free,Set him free, set him free.One hundred pounds will set him free,My fair lady!One hundred pounds we have not got,Have not got, have not got.One hundred pounds we have not got,My fair lady!Then off to prison he must go,He must go, he must go.Then off to prison he must go,My fair lady!
d) Video Clip: London Bridge
We watched a video of real Tower Bridge. Wow! It’s special. The walkway is above the bascules. As bigger ships pass by, the bascules would be lifted. The lifting would take the bascules about 5 minutes.
Then, we watched 2 animated clips on London Bridge. As the song was sung, the parts of London Bridge kept falling down. The kids were curious to know more. We watched for the second time.
a) Malaysia’s famous places.
I showed the kids a few landmarks. They were supposed to guess and place them at the correct states which we coloured together last Friday.
Among: PETRONAS Twin Towers, KL Tower, Gawai Festival, Sumazau Dance, Baba Nyonyas, Portuguese People. They wanted to know where Bukit Tinggi was.
b) Let’s Travel!
We located KLIA. We talked about things to be packed for travelling. The important items included passport, money and clothes.
They observed my passport, the numbers and also the stamps which consisted the countries I had been to.
Then, I showed them some foreign notes. Among: China, USA, Singapore etc. If we were going to Japan, then we have to change RM into Yen currency.
We pretended being passengers. After buckling seatbelts, we could see the Atlantic and Pacific bluish ocean.....wow! Then, we landed in England , UK!
c) Getting to know England.
What’s the landmark of England? London is one of the popular cities in England. Obviously, its London Bridge is famous.
We sang the song. The girls became the bridges whereas the boys went under their little hands. Fun and laughter!
The kids only know the first verse. What about the other verses? As they listen to the other verses, they asked many words they couldn’t understand. They guessed the story as I sang to them.
Lyrics:
London Bridge
London Bridge is falling down,Falling down, falling down.London Bridge is falling down,My fair lady!Build it up with iron bars,Iron bars, iron bars.Build it up with iron bars,My fair lady!Iron bars will bend and break,Bend and break, bend and break.Iron bars will bend and break,My fair lady!Build it up with needles and pins,Needles and pins, needles and pins.Build it up with needles and pins,My fair lady!
Pins and needles rust and bend,Rust and bend, rust and bend.Pins and needles rust and bend,My fair lady!Build it up with silver and gold,Silver and gold, silver and gold.Build it up with silver and gold,My fair lady!Gold and silver I’ve not got,I’ve not got, I’ve not got.Gold and silver I’ve not got,My fair lady!
Here's a prisoner I have got,I have got, I have got.Here’s a prisoner I have got,My fair lady!What's the prisoner done to you,Done to you, done to you?What’s the prisoner done to you,My fair lady!Stole my watch and broke my chain,Broke my chain, broke my chain.Stole my watch and broke my chain,My fair lady!
What'll you take to set him free,Set him free, set him free?What’ll you take to set him free,My fair lady!One hundred pounds will set him free,Set him free, set him free.One hundred pounds will set him free,My fair lady!One hundred pounds we have not got,Have not got, have not got.One hundred pounds we have not got,My fair lady!Then off to prison he must go,He must go, he must go.Then off to prison he must go,My fair lady!
d) Video Clip: London Bridge
We watched a video of real Tower Bridge. Wow! It’s special. The walkway is above the bascules. As bigger ships pass by, the bascules would be lifted. The lifting would take the bascules about 5 minutes.
Then, we watched 2 animated clips on London Bridge. As the song was sung, the parts of London Bridge kept falling down. The kids were curious to know more. We watched for the second time.
Our Tower Bridge, London
Tuesday (11/08/2009)
a)United Kingdom (UK)
UK is comprised of Scotland, Wales, North Ireland and England.
Malaysia comprised of 14 states.
London is a big city within England. I showed them the difference between the UK flag and England flag.
b) London Bridge ‘vs’ Tower Bridge
London Bridge is a bridge at the upstream of Thames River. Meanwhile, Tower Bridge is a bridge between London Bridge and Westminster Bridge.
Old London Bridge was built since 55AD more than 2000 years ago while Tower Bridge was only opened in 1894.
The song ‘London Bridge’ referred to London Bridge and not Tower Bridge because ‘old London Bridge’ was destroyed in many occasions for about 6 times. Today’s new London bridge was ready in 1972.
The kids were excited with the video clips watched yesterday. Thus, we watched one more time and then sang the song together.
c) Tower Bridge vocabulary
It has 2 Towers with 2 even bascules. These two bascules would be lifted when there are sea traffic. There is a walkway above the bascules. On the left of the first Tower is the First Suspension Bridge. On the right of the second Tower is the Second Suspension Bridge.
The Watchmen worked in the Cabin Room in the Towers. The Gatemen worked at the gates. Both of them would be communicating before lifting the bascules.
Till today, there aren’t any serious accidents that involve death due to the opening of bascules.
There were minor accidents: An accelerated lorry and also a stunt motor biker.
d) Construction of Tower London
The kids suggested to use bottles or boxes for the Towers. As for the bascules and bridges, we would use hard paper boxes. For cables, we would use straws or plastic sheets.
The kids were divided into 4 groups. Each group was called to construct the bridge while the others coloured the “UK” flag.
Some made the cones, some cut the plastic sheet as cables, some measured the walkway and bridge ( or carriageway).
a)United Kingdom (UK)
UK is comprised of Scotland, Wales, North Ireland and England.
Malaysia comprised of 14 states.
London is a big city within England. I showed them the difference between the UK flag and England flag.
b) London Bridge ‘vs’ Tower Bridge
London Bridge is a bridge at the upstream of Thames River. Meanwhile, Tower Bridge is a bridge between London Bridge and Westminster Bridge.
Old London Bridge was built since 55AD more than 2000 years ago while Tower Bridge was only opened in 1894.
The song ‘London Bridge’ referred to London Bridge and not Tower Bridge because ‘old London Bridge’ was destroyed in many occasions for about 6 times. Today’s new London bridge was ready in 1972.
The kids were excited with the video clips watched yesterday. Thus, we watched one more time and then sang the song together.
c) Tower Bridge vocabulary
It has 2 Towers with 2 even bascules. These two bascules would be lifted when there are sea traffic. There is a walkway above the bascules. On the left of the first Tower is the First Suspension Bridge. On the right of the second Tower is the Second Suspension Bridge.
The Watchmen worked in the Cabin Room in the Towers. The Gatemen worked at the gates. Both of them would be communicating before lifting the bascules.
Till today, there aren’t any serious accidents that involve death due to the opening of bascules.
There were minor accidents: An accelerated lorry and also a stunt motor biker.
d) Construction of Tower London
The kids suggested to use bottles or boxes for the Towers. As for the bascules and bridges, we would use hard paper boxes. For cables, we would use straws or plastic sheets.
The kids were divided into 4 groups. Each group was called to construct the bridge while the others coloured the “UK” flag.
Some made the cones, some cut the plastic sheet as cables, some measured the walkway and bridge ( or carriageway).
Traditional Games
Friday (07/08/2009)
a) Malaysia’s climate
Malaysia is near the Equator line of the globe. Thus, throughout the year, we face tropical climate. Namely, sunny and sometimes rainy. The same goes to countries along this Equator line.
Thus, we are able to plant trees easily. Thus, we plant paddy, rubber trees, tea and cocoa too!
At the early satge of Independence era, most Malays are farmers, most Indians work in rubber estates and most Chinese operates businesses. However, as education is more fair to everyone today; we have Malaysians in all walks of professions! Example; more Indians are now doctors while more Malays operate businesses.
b) Unity is Harmony.
Teacher: Why is everyone happy to have friends of different races?
Class: We love Nasi Lemak and roti canai.
Besides food and celebrations, games also unite everyone from young to elderly. Among promoted traditional game include tops (Gasing), Congkak, Wau and also five stones (Batu Lima).
Shu Wei brought her grandmother’s five pebbles and we learnt to play. It was rather challenging for the kids to look at the pebble in the air and trying to grab another pebble on the floor with the SAME hand.
Thus, we modified the game. We used 2 hands. 1 to focus at throwing up the pebble and then catch. The other one is to grab the other pebble on the floor.
The class was divided into 4 groups. They played and recorded their marks. Eventually, we chose the best 2 pairs to compete. They were Song Chuan, Ze Yan, Eugene and Yun Zhe. The Champion of the day was Song Chuan…….hooray!
c)Malaysia map.
Some kids volunteered to colour the big Malaysia map while some students chose to play Congkak or “Five Stones” with their friends.
Yun Zhe: Can we go to England next? Or Italy?
The kids learnt about Malaysia culture in the past. Maybe, it’s good we travel to another country and then compare with Malaysia.
A Multi-Racial Country
Thursday (06/08/2009)
a) Why are there multi-racial people here?
Only 2 people said because their grandparents came from China. Indigenous people (orang asli) were the first group of people residing in Tanah Melayu. Later, came some Javanese and Malay people from Indonesia. These people have resided in Tanah Melayu much more longer before the arrival of Western’s power. Then, Tanah Melayu became the colonies of Portuguese, Dutch, British, Japanese and finally British again. They came here to conquer the trading route of the Asia. They could obtain many items such as tea, cinnamons, silk and many more. Pulau Pinang, Melaka and Singapura were the 3 popular areas. These western powers had guns and canons to conquer Asia easily. Thus, Indians from India and Chinese from China came here to trade too! Some of them later married the locals. Thus, we have Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Indians, Malaysian Portuguese and also Malaysian Baba Nyonyas. Surprisingly, the kids were anxious about this history!
b) Independence Day
We discussed about this briefly last year. During the British monopoly, the locals attended English schools. Thus, some even went abroad to study. Then, Malaysians realized that they want to attain independence and rule their own country! Thus, three intellectuals of 3 different races went to England together for this matter. The trip was headed by Tunku Abdul Rahman who then became our first
c) Prime Minister.
Malaysia achieved Independence day on 31st August, 1957. “MERDEKA”! Because of them, Malaysia is able to prosper until today!
d)Video Clips: More about Malaysia.
We saw how photos of Punjabis, Indians, Baba Nyonyas, Ibanese, Indigenous people. We also saw the main commodities of Malaysia namely rubber and tea.
Then, we watched the 6 Prime Ministers of Malaysia from the first to the current one. They were Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Abdul Razak, Tun Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi and our current sixth Prime Minister is Tun Abdul Razak.
Jen Ning: Who is more important? The King or Prime Minister.
Teacher: The King is more important and even Prime Ministers bow to them. However, some matters are to be dealt by the Prime Minister while some matters by the King.
Tourism Promotion: Rasa Sayang Sayang Eh.
It’s a song of all Malaysians and sung in mixture of the three languages namely Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil. The clip promoted Malaysia to the world! Wow……
e) Traditional game: Congkak.
One of our attraction is Malaysia’s traditional game such as Congkak. It’s originally played by the Malays but today all races play together as 1Nation.
I explained to the kids and they started playing it by taking turns.
a) Why are there multi-racial people here?
Only 2 people said because their grandparents came from China. Indigenous people (orang asli) were the first group of people residing in Tanah Melayu. Later, came some Javanese and Malay people from Indonesia. These people have resided in Tanah Melayu much more longer before the arrival of Western’s power. Then, Tanah Melayu became the colonies of Portuguese, Dutch, British, Japanese and finally British again. They came here to conquer the trading route of the Asia. They could obtain many items such as tea, cinnamons, silk and many more. Pulau Pinang, Melaka and Singapura were the 3 popular areas. These western powers had guns and canons to conquer Asia easily. Thus, Indians from India and Chinese from China came here to trade too! Some of them later married the locals. Thus, we have Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Indians, Malaysian Portuguese and also Malaysian Baba Nyonyas. Surprisingly, the kids were anxious about this history!
b) Independence Day
We discussed about this briefly last year. During the British monopoly, the locals attended English schools. Thus, some even went abroad to study. Then, Malaysians realized that they want to attain independence and rule their own country! Thus, three intellectuals of 3 different races went to England together for this matter. The trip was headed by Tunku Abdul Rahman who then became our first
c) Prime Minister.
Malaysia achieved Independence day on 31st August, 1957. “MERDEKA”! Because of them, Malaysia is able to prosper until today!
d)Video Clips: More about Malaysia.
We saw how photos of Punjabis, Indians, Baba Nyonyas, Ibanese, Indigenous people. We also saw the main commodities of Malaysia namely rubber and tea.
Then, we watched the 6 Prime Ministers of Malaysia from the first to the current one. They were Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Abdul Razak, Tun Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi and our current sixth Prime Minister is Tun Abdul Razak.
Jen Ning: Who is more important? The King or Prime Minister.
Teacher: The King is more important and even Prime Ministers bow to them. However, some matters are to be dealt by the Prime Minister while some matters by the King.
Tourism Promotion: Rasa Sayang Sayang Eh.
It’s a song of all Malaysians and sung in mixture of the three languages namely Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil. The clip promoted Malaysia to the world! Wow……
e) Traditional game: Congkak.
One of our attraction is Malaysia’s traditional game such as Congkak. It’s originally played by the Malays but today all races play together as 1Nation.
I explained to the kids and they started playing it by taking turns.
Welcome to Malaysia
Tuesday (04/08/2009)
a) What is special about Malaysia?
Yun Zhe: Malaysia has no twister and everyone is safe.
Eugene: Malaysia is not too hot or too cold. You can plant many plants here.
Jen Ning: Malaysia has green trees everywhere.
Sharlene: There isn’t much crime here. Teacher: Correct, no war too!
Jin Nan: Malaysia is beautiful.
Zi Jun: People can go to many shopping centres.
b) TV Broadcaster Introduction
We imagined ourselves running a TV programme introducing Malaysia to the world. That’s tourism.
I drew the map of Malaysia so that the kids could observe and learn. We learnt that this country has 14 states. We learnt the different names. They are “Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak”.
Every kid took 2 flash cards. As I introduce the words, they quickly came forward to paste them onto the board.
c) Advertisement
Jen Ning was the Chinese. Yun Zhe wanted to be the Indian. Ze Yan wanted to be the Muslim.
They spoke different Mandarin and Bahasa Melayu. Example: “Namaste, Saya ialah Muthu Krishnan. Saya ialah orang India dari Malaysia. Selamat datang ke Malaysia.”
This is to introduce that our National language is Bahasa Melayu.
d) Video clip: My country
I have prepared some slides about Malaysia. We covered some parts. The flag, the King, the Parliament building, the Petronas Twin Towers. Some of Malaysia’s economic contribution included tea, rubber latex and tourism. We shall continue today.
We also watched a very interesting clip about People of the world. They sang the song “Stand By Me”. People from different countries used different musical equipment to perform. They even wore different clothes and looked very different.
Objective: Some factors bring people together such as music and food.
The Earth and The World.
Monday (03/08/2009)
a) The Earth and the world.
The third planet from the Sun. It is estimated to be 4.6 billion years old.
When we divide an earth to lay them flat, “Atlas” or “map” is what we get.
Kids: There is a lot of blue.
Eugene: Those are the seas.
Jen Ning: Green colour is the plants.
Jin Shan: What about brown, teacher?
Yun Zhe: What about white, teacher?
Brown is the land and soil while white is the ice or snow.
70% of Earth is water. The kids guessed the number of countries in the world. Haa……some stretches to thousands. It has estimated 195 countries with the biggest in Russia. There are 7 continents namely North American, South American, Europe, Asia, Australia, Antarctica and Africa.
The kids guessed where Malaysia is, where China is, where Italy is and so on. There are estimated 6.7 billion people around the world.
b) Places I have been?
The kids shared about places they had been to before.
Wen Yue shared about Redang Island. Jien Wei shared about China Disneyland. Sharlene even brought her photos on Hong Kong. She went to Macao and Disneyland too. Yun Zhe said he has been to Melaka. Jin Shan wanted to know more about Melaka. Justin wanted to know more about China.
c) Video clips.
We watched a video clip about people from around the world. There watched faces of different countries wearing different clothes. Colourful people with various cultures.
I also showed the kids clips on “Wonders Old The world”. Example: The Pyramid, The Lost City of Machu Picchu, The Eiffel Tower and etc.
I asked the kids to think of a suitable title for this new theme.
d) Mind-mapping
We brainstormed about the topics we wanted to learn.
Some wanted snow, Z Yan wanted to know about mountains and clouds, Yun Zhe wanted to know about Italy, Jin Shan wanted to know about Melaka, Justin wanted to know about China and Eugene is so excited about Egypt’s Pyramids. Yun Zhe is curious about Machu Picchu and the kids disbelieved that the people in the city actually disappeared in a night…….let’s learn more then! Happy traveling!
a) The Earth and the world.
The third planet from the Sun. It is estimated to be 4.6 billion years old.
When we divide an earth to lay them flat, “Atlas” or “map” is what we get.
Kids: There is a lot of blue.
Eugene: Those are the seas.
Jen Ning: Green colour is the plants.
Jin Shan: What about brown, teacher?
Yun Zhe: What about white, teacher?
Brown is the land and soil while white is the ice or snow.
70% of Earth is water. The kids guessed the number of countries in the world. Haa……some stretches to thousands. It has estimated 195 countries with the biggest in Russia. There are 7 continents namely North American, South American, Europe, Asia, Australia, Antarctica and Africa.
The kids guessed where Malaysia is, where China is, where Italy is and so on. There are estimated 6.7 billion people around the world.
b) Places I have been?
The kids shared about places they had been to before.
Wen Yue shared about Redang Island. Jien Wei shared about China Disneyland. Sharlene even brought her photos on Hong Kong. She went to Macao and Disneyland too. Yun Zhe said he has been to Melaka. Jin Shan wanted to know more about Melaka. Justin wanted to know more about China.
c) Video clips.
We watched a video clip about people from around the world. There watched faces of different countries wearing different clothes. Colourful people with various cultures.
I also showed the kids clips on “Wonders Old The world”. Example: The Pyramid, The Lost City of Machu Picchu, The Eiffel Tower and etc.
I asked the kids to think of a suitable title for this new theme.
d) Mind-mapping
We brainstormed about the topics we wanted to learn.
Some wanted snow, Z Yan wanted to know about mountains and clouds, Yun Zhe wanted to know about Italy, Jin Shan wanted to know about Melaka, Justin wanted to know about China and Eugene is so excited about Egypt’s Pyramids. Yun Zhe is curious about Machu Picchu and the kids disbelieved that the people in the city actually disappeared in a night…….let’s learn more then! Happy traveling!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
I Can Count
Tuesday (28/07/2009)
a) Word Revision
I flashed the cards about 10 minutes and they read it together. Some words were guided using phonics sound. I realised that their phonics skill have shown improvement and that boost their confidence!
Vocab: sleep, dream, brain, red blood cell, intestine, skip, jump, walk, food, bacteria, lungs etc.
b) Worksheet: Mathematics
We learnt “minus”. The scenario related to children playing in the playground. Out of 9 children, 4 went home. (9-4 = 5). Then, they saw 10 butterflies but 4 flew away. (10-4=6) On a tree, there was 9 squirrels. 3 ran away and left 6 (9-3=6). The kids plucked 4 out of 5 flowers available.
(5-4=1).
c) Drawing: My Sports Day
The kids recalled about their sharings yesterday. They started drawing their favourite moment of the Sports Day.
Among: Ze Yan and Zi Jun drew the baton race. Sharlene, Shi Jie and Yun Wen drew “Cheerleaders”. Foo Soon and max drew their Basketball Performance. Jin Shan drew a dragon in the sky. The kids claimed that at one point, the clouds looked like a dragon’s head. Jing Kai drew Basketball Performance while Wen Yue praised Max for his performance.
d) Storybook: Jungle Bullies
To enhance the topic of emotions, I told them this story.
It involved animals such as elephant, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, little monkey and its mother.
Morale: Big or small, huge or tiny, there is always enough space for everyone. Learn to share because it gets more fun. Don’t be bullies but love everyone.
a) Word Revision
I flashed the cards about 10 minutes and they read it together. Some words were guided using phonics sound. I realised that their phonics skill have shown improvement and that boost their confidence!
Vocab: sleep, dream, brain, red blood cell, intestine, skip, jump, walk, food, bacteria, lungs etc.
b) Worksheet: Mathematics
We learnt “minus”. The scenario related to children playing in the playground. Out of 9 children, 4 went home. (9-4 = 5). Then, they saw 10 butterflies but 4 flew away. (10-4=6) On a tree, there was 9 squirrels. 3 ran away and left 6 (9-3=6). The kids plucked 4 out of 5 flowers available.
(5-4=1).
c) Drawing: My Sports Day
The kids recalled about their sharings yesterday. They started drawing their favourite moment of the Sports Day.
Among: Ze Yan and Zi Jun drew the baton race. Sharlene, Shi Jie and Yun Wen drew “Cheerleaders”. Foo Soon and max drew their Basketball Performance. Jin Shan drew a dragon in the sky. The kids claimed that at one point, the clouds looked like a dragon’s head. Jing Kai drew Basketball Performance while Wen Yue praised Max for his performance.
d) Storybook: Jungle Bullies
To enhance the topic of emotions, I told them this story.
It involved animals such as elephant, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, little monkey and its mother.
Morale: Big or small, huge or tiny, there is always enough space for everyone. Learn to share because it gets more fun. Don’t be bullies but love everyone.
Sports Day Unforgettable Moment.
Monday (27/07/2009)
a) Game: Vocabulary
I flashed the vocabs learnt in this theme. First, they walked around. As I stopped singing, they paired themselves up. Then, they read their flash card word to their friends twice. Then, the other partner would do the same. Once finished, they sat down. We did this for at least 6 rounds.
Next, every kid got up to read their flash card word. Then, they built a sentence each. Most of them were independent. Initially, everyone started the sentence with “I like to………”. Haaaa…….thus, we learnt how to expand sentences .
b) Video Clips: Sports Day
The kids were so excited to see themselves performing and playing. They also saw their parents and friends. Everyone was smiling, laughing and cheering. Some even jumped high.
The kids asked for the sports English namess. Among the events were: baton race, water and sponge, hula hoop wave and strong arms.
c) Kids’ Sharings
Generally, most kids loved the baton race as it was very exciting!
Wen Yue: I like seeing Max doing the turning during the Basketball Performance.
Jin Nan: I enjoyed being carried by parents’ strong arms.
Yun Zhe, Ze Yan and Zi Jun: The Baton Race was fun!
Shi Jie and Le Xin: We loved the Cheerleading.
a) Game: Vocabulary
I flashed the vocabs learnt in this theme. First, they walked around. As I stopped singing, they paired themselves up. Then, they read their flash card word to their friends twice. Then, the other partner would do the same. Once finished, they sat down. We did this for at least 6 rounds.
Next, every kid got up to read their flash card word. Then, they built a sentence each. Most of them were independent. Initially, everyone started the sentence with “I like to………”. Haaaa…….thus, we learnt how to expand sentences .
b) Video Clips: Sports Day
The kids were so excited to see themselves performing and playing. They also saw their parents and friends. Everyone was smiling, laughing and cheering. Some even jumped high.
The kids asked for the sports English namess. Among the events were: baton race, water and sponge, hula hoop wave and strong arms.
c) Kids’ Sharings
Generally, most kids loved the baton race as it was very exciting!
Wen Yue: I like seeing Max doing the turning during the Basketball Performance.
Jin Nan: I enjoyed being carried by parents’ strong arms.
Yun Zhe, Ze Yan and Zi Jun: The Baton Race was fun!
Shi Jie and Le Xin: We loved the Cheerleading.
Space Jam
Friday (24/07/2009)
a)Final Practice: Positions
We must ensure neat positions. When to get onto the stage, how to leave and when whould they bow. This will definitely enhance any performance.
Yup……they were ready…….with confidence. Jen Ning and Sharlene even insisted to dance with a slight fever. I got them to drink lots of water and rest well. Great performance needs healthy body and mind.
b) Reward: Space Jam
As I promised them, I showed them the cartoon movei “Space Jam” acted by Michael Jordan.
They were motivated by how high and consistent Michael could jump. Wow! Of course, he practised very hard even when as a young boy with a standard basketball hoop.
Michael Jordan: Dad, I need to do well in sports so that I could be accpeted into the High School and University.
At that time in 1970s, there were still unjust among the blacks in America.
The kids got even excited to see Bugs Bunny in the movie…
a)Final Practice: Positions
We must ensure neat positions. When to get onto the stage, how to leave and when whould they bow. This will definitely enhance any performance.
Yup……they were ready…….with confidence. Jen Ning and Sharlene even insisted to dance with a slight fever. I got them to drink lots of water and rest well. Great performance needs healthy body and mind.
b) Reward: Space Jam
As I promised them, I showed them the cartoon movei “Space Jam” acted by Michael Jordan.
They were motivated by how high and consistent Michael could jump. Wow! Of course, he practised very hard even when as a young boy with a standard basketball hoop.
Michael Jordan: Dad, I need to do well in sports so that I could be accpeted into the High School and University.
At that time in 1970s, there were still unjust among the blacks in America.
The kids got even excited to see Bugs Bunny in the movie…
Grumpy or Excited?
Thursday (23/07/2009)
a) MELS Story
It was very kind of Justin to bring his cousin sister’s big MELS book from T – Z.
The kids enjoyed the pictures, colouring and most of all the interseting rhyming story.
It involved about a turtle, umbrella and also volcano.
Worksheet: HAPPY and other emotions.
We discussed about “grumpy, angry, excited, smiling, happy and laughing”.
Yun Zhe: We as kids never got angry! Why must adults get angry??
Kids are innocent as they can be .
b) Practice: Sports Day
We practised harder and they got better. The challenge was to get the Cheerleaders danced as a team. I could see that they practised harder than before. I always believed that the process is more important than the result.
Max: Teacher, I recalled my steps of performance when I was in the car….. :)
Emotions
Wednesday (22/07/2009)
a) Storybook: When I Feel Happy
People smile, laugh and sometimes even have tears when they are too happy!
Sometimes, it involves a lot of noise while sometimes, its just quiet.
Some draw and paint, some do gardening, some do housework, some play games and sports, some have picnics with family while some read storybooks with their loved ones.
Then, the kids shared their happy moments.
Le Xin: I’m happy when daddy brings me shopping.
Eugene: When daddy brings the family hiking at Taman Rakyat, I feel happy.
Zi Jun: When my mother brings me to the park, I feel happy.
Jin Nan: I am happy when I received presents.
b) Practice: Sports Day
We practised twice. However, we made a minor change. Justin decided to be involved in the Basketball performance. He doesn’t want being the Yoga Emcee as he insisted earlier. So, it was important for him to be serious to let us decide whether he is fit to be in the performance.
Surprisingly, he was more serious probably knowing his situation. Consequently, we accepted him and he worked harder than before.
The “Hand Wave” got better!
a) Storybook: When I Feel Happy
People smile, laugh and sometimes even have tears when they are too happy!
Sometimes, it involves a lot of noise while sometimes, its just quiet.
Some draw and paint, some do gardening, some do housework, some play games and sports, some have picnics with family while some read storybooks with their loved ones.
Then, the kids shared their happy moments.
Le Xin: I’m happy when daddy brings me shopping.
Eugene: When daddy brings the family hiking at Taman Rakyat, I feel happy.
Zi Jun: When my mother brings me to the park, I feel happy.
Jin Nan: I am happy when I received presents.
b) Practice: Sports Day
We practised twice. However, we made a minor change. Justin decided to be involved in the Basketball performance. He doesn’t want being the Yoga Emcee as he insisted earlier. So, it was important for him to be serious to let us decide whether he is fit to be in the performance.
Surprisingly, he was more serious probably knowing his situation. Consequently, we accepted him and he worked harder than before.
The “Hand Wave” got better!
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