Meet BOB.

Zozie...Meet BOB.
Bob.  A funny name that Zozie could not stop laughing at in the beginning. "Bob? What's BOB?" giggle...giggle...giggggggle.
He's really really wanting to read these days.
At nearly the end of his 3rd year, the reading urge is really kicking in.
Big Time.

We have been doing phonics reading with him for a few months now, as this is the preferred Montessori method of teaching the alphabets.  Instead of reading the "Name" of the letters, the Montessori approach is to teach the "sound" of each letter.  This gives a more accurate tool for a child to use when trying to sound out a new word in a book.
"Ah, Buh, Cuh/Ccc, Duh..."


Our BOB first reader series was a total FIND at a garage sale.  But don't worry if you are not a rummage shopper, these can easily be purchased on Amazon for a decent price.  Just under $12 for a set of 10 small books!

The 1st set consist of all 3-letter words with short vowels and simple sentences.  Book 1 of Set 1 is has only 4 letters for a child to read...they were clever enough to combine these 4 letters in various ways to build a short story for a child to repeat and build literacy confidence.

It was a short "click" for Zozie to get the idea of sounding out letters in a string to form a word.  Before then, he had a rough understanding of single phonics, but piecing together for word creation is the new milestone. Now...like blowing bubble gum, or anything else worth wanting in life, it is just practice, practice, practice.

Mind you, this is a self-motivated practice.
You really can't force a toddler to do something they don't want to do already. Believe me.  I can't even get him to wear a shirt in the morning that he didn't pick out, let alone push early reading, yicks.

Below you will see Zozie's reading of Book2 in Set 1, SAM.
This was the 3rd time he read this particular book within the week.

We are careful to NEVER read these books TO HIM.

What?  So cruel?

Never!  You know we are not like that at the LAB.

This is just so he would not be given the chance to just memorize and repeat.  

Kids have spongy sharp memories and can "appear" to be reading when they have just memorized the script!  Instead, we tell him that we will read any "Storybook" to him but that these are his "Reading Books".

Reading books are ones that HE reads to US so that he too can be a storyteller!  So far, that has worked. Zo is pretty proud when he can tell us a story too.

All Done?

Note that he starts to say "ALL DONE" at the end of the clip.  Dalee is careful to cue him with the phonics of "th" to get him to look at the word itself.  Zozo then proceeds to sound out correctly "The End".

As with all FIRSTS in a toddlers life, this is actually just "The Beginning."

The ride, of course, just got more fun now with BOB in the mix...giggle.

Must say, it is a pretty funny sounding name.  

Like Zozo.

ben·to

A kids gotta eat.

That fact + Preschool = Bentos.

Introducing a New HL Tab: "Z food" 

(Click & See!)

That's right, Z is starting Preschool.  

We've been on a wait-list for a Mandarin Immersion Montessori School and got "the call" last week.  A space has opened up at the Young Children's House (YCH).  Like opening night stage fright, I was both totally excited and completely petrified of the idea of not having Zozie with me every morning.  This program is 5 days a week, 9 - 1pm.  A huge shift for us.  Aside from being Montessori, the Mandarin Immersion with traditional Chinese is the real prize for us.  Only in the Bay Area would we have such a school just 15mins away.  We're very lucky...or are we?  Could having no choices be possibly better than having too many choices?

Being late in the school year, joining at this point will leave just 7 weeks before school is out.  It's not that bad.  I'll have him back for the summer, then we'll see about the fall....later. 

Just 7 weeks.  We can do that.  

I can do that.  

Having the Preschool question come up is a significant one in any SAHM's life.  It signifies an end of a life chapter.  One where you are further severing the already phantom umbellical cord from your child.  I suddenly started to feel when Zozie use to kick my belly, from the inside.  Then holding him, for what it seems like forever and always, when time stood still, as a young mother-son couple.  Now, from the occasional request of being carried around, to the shortened good-night snuggles before lights out...

the distance grows.   

Ok mama, all done hugging.

He is growing up, it's not time to start letting go.  

We've already let go.  

Now, it's just wash and repeat.

First Day. *Gasp*

During emotionally hard times, I turn to things that are both essentially required and easily conquered.

This takes us to B_E_N_T_O_S!

So, What is a Bento?
A "Convenience Box" of sorts, it is a single portion packed meal usually set in a multi-compartmental container of many varieties.  Since the idea of putting Zozie in preschool overwhelmed me, I quickly went to buy various Bento making tools to make myself feel better.
Pack a lunch?  OK, I can do this.  
Use a compartmental box to simplify portions and food ideas?  Even better.
The sheer number of ubber-cute Bento Box options is incredible.  You can find all sorts of Online Shops along with sites that share a myriad of Bento making ideas to make lunch fun for your child.  One particularly fabulous site is Weelicious.  It has a great Bento Gallery, featuring the nutritious healthy lunches in compartment containers.  But it's also just a generally great site on making food to feed kids.  You can sort by Vegan, Gluten-Free, purees, or other food categories.

Funny Looking Eggs?  

Boy, he LOVES these.  

Just hard boil some eggs, place in one of these egg molds, snap shut, submerge in cold H2O for 10mins.  

These will jazz up any boring Bento lunch!

Find these at JustBento.Com

I got to work. 
Making Bentos for Zozie became my way of still being with him.  Seeing his food at lunch time will be like,  seeing his mama.  Well....who knows really, probably just wishful thinking.  He'll probably just be happy to have something to eat when his tummy is hungry.
I'm the sappy one here.
Think I'm gonna go make myself a Bento....sniff.

So what about HapaLAB?
No worries...
His homeschool adventures will continue in the afternoons, post naps.
We'll keep the Home Tools comin'.  Plenty where that comes from.
Again, just 7 weeks.

(S) (M) (L)

Presentation:  Pouring Pitchers

An Oldie but Goodie!

The pitcher pouring tool is a CLASSIC in the Montessori tool shed.

We found our creamer "Pitchers" at our local Crate N Barrel outlet.

Also picked up some white coffee mugs in 3 sizes:  Espresso (S), Regular (M), and Big (L).

These days, we like having the same things in 3 sizes.  It helps Zozie understand the concept of Small, Medium, Large as it applies to our daily lives.  He often refers to me as the "Medium Mama" since large items are for daddy and small ones for himself.   

Now, we just need some warm porridge.....hummm.

Now back to the pitchers...

Goal
Pouring objects or liquide between containers
Hand-eye coordination

Set Up
Tray
2 Same Pitchers
Objects (Pebbles, marbles, grains, beans)
Or Liquid (Water, milk, juice)

Presentation
1)  Ask child to bring tray to the table
2)  Lift with handle, elevate the first pitcher over the other one.
3)  Use the thumb, and 2 fingers to support the spout portion.
4)  Slowly tilt and pour out the content into the second container.
5)  If using objects, deliberately miss and have a couple pieces fall out into the tray.  Then use index and thumb and grab each stray object and place back into the pouring pitcher.  Repeat the pouring motion to empty the jug.  *(This is to show how to take care of spills).

6)  If using liquid, deliberately miss and have a sponge ready to wipe

7)  When the contents have been transferred, repeat with the other jug, switching pouring directions.

Take your pick at the various pitchers online.

Just DON'T GET PLASTIC.  The breakable ones feel more weighted, look more beautiful, and most of all, they are a reflection of the real world physics that a child should be exposed to rather than guarded from.  It's only a few dollars if broken, let them try the real thing and they will master how to function better...faster.

White Porcelain Pitchers.  We have these and they come in S,M,L sizes that will "grow" with Zozie's hands and muscle control.  The large spout is easy for pouring, as is the closed loop handle for shaky tiny hands.

Clear Pitcher.  This a great alternative so the child can see the liquid or objects inside and the various levels as a result of his pouring something out. Great for "cause & effect" lessons.

Pitcher with Lid.  The clear glass allows the liquid viewing, but the lid is a great "baby step" to Pouring Independence.  Minimizing spills, this is a great little pitcher to set out on a tray in the snack area of any homeschool classroom.  "Pour yourself some water!"  Being able to get your own drink is VERY empowering for a tot!

At 29 months, we started our pouring tool with some smooth river rocks.

A month later, we upgraded to milk and self-serve cereal.

Short Mini-Series Below:

Dispense.

 Reverse Dispense.

Refill.

The "Pouring Skill" is actually really useful, more than I ever realized.  Zozie dispenses ALOT of things now with minimal supervision:  Laundry detergent, watering cans, measuring cups, and pouring of cereal into a bowl (& milk to follow).   A must try! 

A Cool Kid?

'

How could you not be COOL in this getup? 

A Kimono Dragon Hoodie is just what Zo wants, and Betsy at Cool Kids got him figured out.  Each Thursday, Cool Kids features one cutie-patootie and makes custom selections in fashion, games, and accessories just for the Cool Kid of the week!  This week, she picked Zozie.  

Find him HERE and see the hoodie, along with other sweet picks for him on her fun blog. Thanks B!

Hapa This, Hapa That.

 

Yum.

Why are all things Japanese SO cute?  

As if the real life tasty "des-za-to" are not enough...

Now they have to make the cutie eraser version of it???

This Sweets & Tea Set can be seen at HapaCulture!

For some pocket change, you can bring this mini slice of Hapa-ness 

into your own home. 

  

With a similar name to our LAB, HapaCulture is an online stationary shop that carries everything your Japanese-culture-craving-heart desires!  From high quality thematic erasers, designer stickers, origami sets, and custom bilingual stationary, an eraser is NOT just an eraser at HapaCulture.  

In Japan, everything is "Art"...Check it out.

Not only is HapaCulture an uber-adorable shop to browse for that perfect stocking stuffer, birthday present, or everyday party favor, it is also owned by a dear friend of mine.  W at HapaCulture has a great artistic eye for stocking her shop, and an even greater heart for reaching out to the people of Japan in this time of need.

For the month of March, HapaCulture is donating 10% of all proceeds to Japan's Disaster Relief.

HapaCulture, along with numerous crafty vendors over at Etsy, have gathered together to show their support and love for Japan...the land, the people, the culture.

Here are some of my favorite HAPA vendors:

Jojoebi Designs/Montessori Goldmine is a British Crafty Montessori Mommy blogger who lives in Japan.  Jojo is also offering A Quake Appeal in light of the recent events.  Tons of great Homeschooling Montessori ideas, tool PDFs, and lesson plans.  A must visit for the terrific resources!!

Mee A Bee, whom I featured in a previous post about their miniature toddler messenger bags.  Another Hapa Etsy vendor, Jacqui is a New Zealander living in Japan.  With her own Quake Appeal, Jacqui was also one of the features on an Etsy front page dedicated to Japanese made hand crafts.

A Mee A Bee related New Zealand shop, Li'l Magoolie, is hosting an Auction for NZ and a 1,000 Crane Wish support for Japan...

The list can continue...the sentiments all the same.

Agua?

Mama...I'm thirsty!

How many times do you get your toddler a drink at home each day?

Here at HapaLAB, it's all about "Do-it-yourself." 

Much like the KD (knock-down) furniture at Ikea, but significantly less painful, less complicated, and less costly.  We're talkin' a good DIY experience...one where you have all the screws, you can understand the instructions, and there's no glue involved.  And most importantly, that giddy GLOW you get when you finish it...I did it myself!

So...Just think of your toddler feeling that accomplishment while filling up.

Who wouldn't want to be able to grab their own drink?

For Zozie, his preferred drink is:  Water.

It was pretty clear that we needed to add this to his classroom...

A Drinking Fountain! 

Well actually, it's just a glorified water pitcher with a spigot.  

A PUR dispenser...Target $30.  

Slim, 1 Gallon, Filters.  

More independence + Less asking = Happy Kid & Mama
The usual HapaLAB motto.

A tray of tea cups and glasses round off this toddler drink station.

Used glasses are places right side up, while clean glasses are placed upside down.  His friends love getting their own water when they come over for playdates.  We've overheard "Mommy!  I got my own water at Zozo's house!" numerous times...

Spills?  It's only water!  Just think of it as cleaning a spot on the floor that you meant to get to anyways, right?  Plus with every practice, they get better...right before your eyes!

The entire drink station is sitting on top of a recycled wine crate from a local wine storage warehouse.  To maximize our class space, we tucked the cleaning brooms, water bottle sprayer, and sponges below.

As with anything new, they'll want to do it all the time.  C'mon, it's water!  

At first, Zozie would pour a glass, take a sip, say "all done", then pour another, take one sip, then repeat until all 6 glasses were used at once. Other times, he would deliberately fill until overflowing...just to see what happens.   Eventually, after a week, the novelty wore off and it's just used as intended.  Don't let the initial curiosity kill the project.  It really is worth trying!

Got a variation?  Tell us about it!  HapaLab@gmail.com

Let Zo pour you a glass:

The Cheater.

兔年來了!  The year of the Rabbit is coming...

Nothing says Chinese New Year like DUMPLINGS!
This year, New Year is on 2/4.  But for the Chinese, it's pretty much an excuse to take an entire month to gorge themselves on unbelievably tasty food while wearing RED and some variation on GOLD to be cheerful. 
None of this "One Day Holiday" stuff like in the West.  
It ends when WE say it ends... OK?

Here at HapaLAB, Zo is having one of his New Year lunches...
4 Veggie Dumpling (Gyozas) with Stir-fried Asparagus & Button Mushrooms.
Dipping Sauce:  Black vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, dark sesame oil.
*A tiny dash of dark brown sugar rounds out the tartness.

Actually, Chinese New Years or not, Gyozas are one of Zozie's favorite meals.
Why?  Because he can use his "Toto & Zeze."

It's a set of "Training Chopsticks", or Cheaters, that he got as a gift.
Toto = The Dog & Zeze = The Cat.
Cute chubby animal decals at the top of the utensil.
I'm assuming they are plump from all the food they ate, with their chopsticks.

It offers circular chopstick connectors and 3 silicon finger loops to assist in the grip motion.  Charmingly called Edison Chopsticks, it's a Korean company based in Australia.  Typical of any Asian infant/toddler products, there are usually product claims of its magical powers to increase a child's intelligence by using it, stated in grammatically incorrect English, of course.   

"IQ UP!"  "EQ UP!"
"Especially for childeren users"  
"Improving Intelligence"
Thus the brand name EDISON.  (Ah yes.  Lightbulb on!)
You can find yourself a set between $6-$10 on Amazon or Online Stores.  

Not sure why there are no English editors in Asian product marketing?  But I have to say, we always get the best chuckles from some of these VERY creative use of English...or Chinglish.  But the Chinese are not the only ones to be speaking Engrish these days...

Anyways, Zozo sure loves his Toto & Zeze at nearly every non-liquid meal.
Although towards the end of the video, he is asking for "my doe-doe" (or Edamame:  Soy Bean Pods), a preferred FINGER food.  Hummm...

Boy... I sure hope his IQ & EQ will up from using these.

If anything can do it, cheater chopsticks can.

However, do I get a refund if they no UP?

Mr. Roboto.

So I get an email from my friend N late one night...
"I need to buy a girl bag and a boy bag, what should I get?"
I see the attached link...

It's for Mee a Bee, an Etsy vendor I've been drooling over for a while.
I came across Blooming in Nihon (Japan), where Jacqui, a New Zealand expatriate lives with her husband and 2 boys.
She hand-makes these Cuter-than-Cute tiny messenger bags for toddlers.
Apparently, N went through my blog favorites and found her also. 

"Boy bag?  Why do you need a boy bag for K?"
"I need to find a boy to buy a bag for cuz they are TOO cute, and Zozie has a birthday coming up!"

My Mee a Bee dreams have come true.... 
Apparently, there was a HALF OFF sale in Jan.
Being that N was open to counsel, I rounded out her order with 4 bags in cart:

1)  "Awesome Robot" bag for Z. (Love the retro vintage robots)
2)  "Princess & Frog" bag for K.  (Love the oval flap treatment)
3)  "Raspberry Ballerina" bag for K.  (Love the strap color & ballet)
4)  "Green Apples" bag for K.  (A larger version I secretly wanted for myself)
Sorry N, you asked.  
It's easy spending other people's money.
Humm...a bit like my design profession?

Mee a Bee can custom make to your liking, and she was kind enough to throw on an adjustable strap for our Robot Bag.

Z has always been a "Bag Boy", this was not going to be a hard sell.
Sure enough, he LOVES it.

It's only 6" x 6" square with a flat bottom, but it's actually the PERFECT scale on a toddler.  Not too big, not too small.  Just enough for a light snacks, small book, and some toys.  "I need my robot bag, Mama!"
I'm sure this will make it on the plane for our upcoming family trip to Japan.

 

Domo Arigato... Mr. Roboto!

非常感謝 "N" 阿姨!

Domo あなたは Mee a Bee!

like father.  like son.