A fluttery affair at Science Centre Singapore!

Do you know that the butterfly:

• Has 4 wings?
• Can taste with their feet?
• Can see red, yellow and green?

Those were amongst some of the things that the kiddo and I learnt about in our recent visit to Butterflies Up-Close! Developed in partnership with Sentosa’s Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom (BIK), Butterflies Up-Close takes visitors on an immersive journey through all four stages of a butterfly’s metamorphosis – from egg to adulthood and the kiddo and I, had the chance to tour around in this latest exhibit at the Science Centre Singapore.

We are not new to the whole metamorphosis process having previously bought a kit where we witnessed the process and then setting them free. But we still found loads to marvel at, when we visited Butterflies Up-Close at the Science Centre recently.

:: The set up

One of the latest exhibits at the Science Centre Singapore, Butterflies Up-Close is segregated into 4 zones, with the last zone being the enclosure. The exhibition is simple but well thought through.

The first zone was an “introduction” from a higher level where even a World Map is placed and children can learn about some of the different butterfly species from around the world before entering the exhibition. This is where we also saw a breath-taking artwork ~ made with more than 4 thousand wings (none of the butterflies were killed for this artwork but they were specimens carefully collected by the artist over many many months). (See pic below) 

The second zone focuses on "orientation" where a key feature are big fibreglass models of a big Atlas Moth and a Jezebel butterfly so that hildren can see the main differences between the 2.

The third zone is a walk way through of the life cycle of the butterfly with fun facts where children can lift up the ladybirds to unveil the information panels and read the information.

Pic above: our guide S, getting the kiddo acquainted with the life cycle

Above pic: information panels are peppered with fun facts on these beauties

To encourage children to read up and go through the 4 zones, a small butterfly booklet is handed out where children can look for various stations at the different zones to emboss on the booklet. (See pic below)

:: The Enclosure 
The enclosure is the last part and definitely the best part of the exhibition where it is a small air-conditioned area with a dome in the centre of the room. The butterflies at the enclosure are all free range where you can observe them up close and personal.

Above pic: butterflies lapping it all up!

A glass case stands on the left side of enclosure where chrysalis and cocoons are hanging in it. I love how pretty the metalic colored chrysalis are in this case. These are all "live" chrysalis and cocoons which are slowly metamorphosing.

Here's a fun fact: do you know that the chrysalis of butterflies are different from species to species?

Look at how large the Atlas moth is!!!

Be advised that these butterflies are quite "inquisitive" and do not shy away from visitors. Over the hour that we were there, we had some that landed on our heads, shoulders, bags, and even hands. The kiddo was unfazed as frankly, they do not bite or cause any itch so she was pretty cool with them. 

The variety of butterflies there is amazing. They are specially brought into this enclosure where the temperature is specially controlled and some of them have host plants specially brought in too. 

Just check out these colorful beauties! 

(Check out the bevy of beauties)

If you are looking at an educational spiel to this, the dome houses 2 stations where one shows the magnified butterfly parts while the other allows children to interact with the exhibit to see the iridescent colors of the butterflies as they "glimmered" and "shone" at various angles. 

The enclosure is not a large one but one can easily stay there for an hour to 2 if you take the time to sit and observe. We did just that and I even managed to observe the proboscis (tongue) of a butterfly where it curled and uncurled! Here's the clip to share! :) 

Our hour there flew by so quickly that the kiddo actually asked to head back again. This will be a lovely place for an unhurried morning where you can just enjoy the cool temperature and beauty of these butterflies. 

Now, in case you are not aware, the Science Centre Singapore has waived off all entrance fees for Singapore citizens on off-peak period. Hence you only need to pay $10 for an adult / for a child and $8 for senior citizen to visit this exhibit. (Details can be found here.)

:: Location 

15 Science Centre Road

Singapore 609081

Tel: (65) 6425-2500

Fax: (65) 6565-9533

Facebook page 

Click here for a driving map / bus information

Disclaimer: We were invited to visit Butterflies Up-Close so that we can share our experience on it. We are not compensated for the post. All opinions are entirely ours. 

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June Holiday Fun!

This June Holiday will be a mad fun period for us. As I needed to also clear my leave at work, so I took the opportunity to register for various workshops for the kiddo. Not sure what to do or where to go during this month long period?

Here's sharing some ideas for your kiddo this June holiday!

:: Outdoor Fun
Singapore Botanical Gardens Workshops and Tours
Instead of getting the child all cooped up at home, why not have some hands-on Science fun at the Gardens?

How does observing and catching dragonflies with your kiddo sound? Or if you prefer a more relaxed approach, you can opt for one of their Investigative Biodiversity workshop on Rainforest or meeting some Jungle Friends (a night walk) or learning more about the Grassland.

We have signed up for the Jungle Friends workshop which sounds pretty interesting! Here's the synopsis:

"Walk on the wild side in one of Singapore's oldest rainforest patches at night! The Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Rainforest boardwalk trail is home to beetles and bugs, the Whip Scorpion, Short-nosed Fruit Bat, Common Palm Civet, Collared Scops-owl and Long-tailed Nightjar. This wildlife lesson will start with a slide-talk on nocturnal wildlife of the Gardens’ rainforest, followed by a guided night walk in the rainforest. Children will also have fun planting their own potted plants to bring home!" (photo credit: nparks)

Sounds interesting? Click on the links above for more information and to register. 

:: Holiday Art Workshop
If outdoor is not your thing and your kiddo is more artistically inclined, Heart Studio is running some holiday programmes too. Targeted at children from 3YO right up to above 7YO, you are spoilt for choices.

If you wish to know more about what goes on in their regular classes, you can read about it here, here and here. 

Here's a piece of good news! I have signed Dumpling up for their Pointillism workshop which is from 16 - 18 June and Heart Studio has kindly sponsored a spot for that workshop for a give away! So stay tuned for the shout out later this week!

Heart Studio LLP
1 Charlton Lane #01-04 , Singapore 539631

Tel: (65) 6554 7563
Fax: (65) 6554 7562
Email: info@heartstudiosg.com

:: Writers Workshops
1) British Council
British Council is running some holiday programmes this June. These are some workshops which look to be quite fun and caught my eye!

For P1 and P2:
Roald Dahl Magic - Matilda 
Matilda is one of our favorite Roald Dahl tales (along with many others I must say) and I was really keen to explore this option. The class aims to develop grammar accuracy, writing skills, reading skills, enlarging the child's vocabulary and building up his / her confidence. 

(PS: There is also one on Dogs and Villains and yes, it is also for Primary school level. These workshop will be something that I will look into again next year. :))

Location varies according to dates. Please click on header for more information. Fees: $640 incl of GST, 5 mornings from 9am - 1pm. 


2) Monsters Under the Bed (MUTB)
I have always been intrigued by the organisation's name as well as its fun writing workshops! Come June,
MUTB is running a 3-day workshop - Monsters HuntINK also targeted at the Primary School students who are"raring to take a trip on the wild side! Monsters have long dominated the human imagination, from huge dragons to secret werewolves, and they are powerful metaphors for our fears and hopes."

Venue: Living Room
Event Timing: 10am-1pm
Date: 5 - 7 June 2014
Fees: $280

3) Lorna Whiston
Carousel - K1 and K2
This was something that I soooooo wanted to go but I did not sign Dumpling up for it because it is a full-day event. For the K1 / K2 programme, this will be on the theme of Prince and Princess dress up. Here's an excerpt of the overview:

Dress up as Snow White! Transform yourself into Prince Charming!

Our enchanting new drama programme will capture the imagination of every child, and will boost their creativity, and their ability to speak and perform with confidence! This programme will cultivate your child to love the power of the written word, to speak confidently in drama and create and express himself/herself in art.

Period: 9 - 13 June 2014

United Square

101 Thomson Road
#03-18 / #04-22 United Square
Singapore 307591

Level 3 Tel: 6253 7688

:: Sporty Fun
Intensive Camp at The Rink


As you may be aware, the kiddo and I both signed up for ice skating classes and what a better way to beat the heat this June than to head out to The Rink. The Rink offers weekly as well as an intensive camp during the holiday season. 

The usual 5-weekly lessons (30mins) have been condensed into 4 lessons of 45 mins each. Here's a look at their schedule. 

The RinkLevel 3, JCube
Singapore 609731
Email: info@therink.sg

2 Jurong East Central 1

Tel: +65 6684 2374/5 (hotline) or 6684 2379

Opening Hours:

Monday: 10.00 am - 9.30 pm (until the first week of Aug 2013)

Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday: 10.00 am - 9.30 pm

Friday & Saturday, eve of PH & PH: 10.00 am - 11.45 pm

:: Frozen Fun
The Science League - Frozen cupcake chemistry workshop

This came up in my search and looking at how fast the seats have filled up, it goes to show that Singapore has definitely NOT gotten over the Frozen phase yet. 

(Image Source)

Details:
Dates: 25 June (Wed) 
Time: 1 to 4 pm ( 3 hours)
Venue: The Science League at 221 Bishan St 23
Special Price: NOW $36 per child (incl. baking materials, age-appro science notes, and a special rhinestone tiara) (USUAL $56)
Suitable for: Ages 5 - 9 years old

Call: 6451 0433 or sign up below. (limited vacancies per session)

:: Science Fun @ The Science Centre
From Story Telling to Fun Science workshops, Science Centre seems to have the younger children in mind his season. 

Details:
Dates: 24 May – 29 June 2014
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm (Mon to Sun) 
Science Centre admission charges apply

:: Theatrical Fun

ACE Festival!

And of course, not forgetting the Performing Arts scene - ACE Festival. ACE Festival is one festival that Dumpling and I certainly look forward to yearly. This year, the festival features 5 plays with 2 spilling into June: Dotty the Dragon and Starbird. In addition, there are also a series of workshops included too - Writer's workhop, Craft, etc.  We will be reviewing Dotty the Dragon so stay tuned! 

Here's an excerpt of the ACE Festival from the website

ACE! 2014 is a most exciting collection of performances, workshops and activities for 3-14 year olds, and their grown-ups.

The theme for ACE! Festival 2014 is Long Ago and Far Away. We will explore not just stories, music, and performance but experiences, environments, cultures, sights and sounds that will excite all senses. Let your imagination travel through time and space as you create your own adventures from long ago and far away, or maybe right up-to-date and close to home!

As part of our 5^th Anniversary celebration, we have chosen 5 special local and international productions of world-class standards. These productions embrace family learning through a colourful and stimulating environment where stories are told in a sensory and visual way.

Click on the header to buy your tickets! 

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Her Ice Princess Dream - Ice Skating in Singapore!

Dumpling has been asking for ice skating lessons for some time because of a homeschool topic on Winter Olympics (thank goodness she did not ask for skiing!) She was enthralled with the whole idea of being able to skate so gracefully on ice and that it was cool (she does not like the heat) and that we have a rink in Singapore. 

After a few calls and some emails, I finally locked in the class dates with The Rink over at Jcube (level 3). 

Truthfully I did not expect myself to freak out while at the rink. It only occurred to me at the moment that she will have to go in on her own and (gasp) I am entrusting my kid to the instructors there who looked like they are younger than me by more than a decade (yes, I know, they probably ARE). But because she has been so looking forward to it, I had to bite my tongue from being too paranoid and put up a brave and encouraging front. In the event if you are keen, here's sharing some information. 

:: Some basic info

At The Rink, the Learn to Skate Programme is split into 4 levels - Core 1 to 4. Unless you have prior skating experience (not just balancing but able to glide, stop, etc.) most would need to start from Core 1. 

:: Fees and what it covers

The fees is $171.50 for 5 lessons of each level where it includes group lesson time of 30 mins plus 2 hour open practice time. The fees also include boots rental. You will need to fill up a form and pay / register prior to the class. (Preferably not the morning of the lesson 'cos that was what I did which was really not the best morning to do so with the long queues and hordes of people registering)

:: What you will need to bring & wear

1. Long socks (this is because the skates cover past the angle and hence you will need socks to go past that) *see the photo below*
2. $1 Coins (this is for the locker which is at $2 per usage - non refundable, though there is coin changing machine at the rink)
3. Long pants / thick leggings Cardigan / jacket to layer over - though technically exercising does warm the body up a bit, when you are moving a tad faster, the cold air does get chilly)
4. Gloves (not compulsory but I prefer them on because the fingers do get pretty cold) 
5. And because we are both food machines, we brought along small snacks / buns. After her lesson time, there is a break as the Zamboni will be out to smoothen the surface. So we usually make use of this time to have a morning snack with Dumpling and HAVE A CUP OF HOT MILO TOO! This is Dumpling's highlight of the morning as the hot drink does warm us up a bit

Now, regarding the service experience, it's a mix bag of nuts for me. 

The good thing is that GM of the rink is a very hands-on person and is pretty good with the kids. About a week prior to the lesson, yours truly, lost my footing on a step and I basically injure my left foot and bruised my knee. When Richard saw me struggling with trying to kneel and put on the skates for the kiddo, he came over and offered his help (above pic). After putting the skates on for the kiddo, he even offered to lead her to the gate.  

And well, Dumpling was all too ready to let go of my hand and though apprehensive about her first lesson, she was really excited and raring to start!

I was informed by Richard that the students are segregated according to their age groups - each group then goes through a different gate.

As this is a beginner's class, some of the things the children were exposed to were more of getting them to have a feel for the ice floor, to get a sense of balance, to know now to fall and get up safely, basic 'footsteps', etc.

Now the minus point for me is that I do not really agree to the student : teacher ratio. When the class first started (and there about about 9 - 10 students), there was only one instructor (as seen below - there are more students on the left side). I felt that ratio was way too high for 2 reasons - (1) the tender age of this group  and (2) because they are all beginners where many, if not all, would have very little experience on ice. If one student were to fall and coming from my EC experience (seeing and interacting with preschoolers at the centres daily) I am not sure how the instructor is able to manage the class.

Having said that, I think Richard saw the class dynamics and about 10 mins into the class, I saw 2 other coaches being assigned to the group. I am not sure if this is a once-off arrangement (at the time of writing, we have only attended one lesson so far) so let's see what the arrangement is for the next lesson.

How did the rest of the lesson go? Here's some of the things the kids did at the first lesson.

Dumpling learning to move correctly while holding onto a "wall" - they need to be comfortable in lifting up their legs as that will help them to glide for future lessons as opposed to shuffling.

The kids learning how to fall and get up safely

The kids venturing out and 'gliding' over a small area 

I was pleasantly surprised to see that at the end of the 30 mins session, she emerged more confident and was able to shuffle along (for a start) and made it out to the ice on her own (above pic). :) 

In fact, the skating class looked so much fun that yours truly also signed up for the course. LOL. Let's see if that I can get some photos taken of me so that I can share more on our course by then :)

The Rink
Level 3, JCube
Singapore 609731
Email: info@therink.sg

2 Jurong East Central 1

Tel: +65 6684 2374/5 (hotline) or 6684 2379

Opening Hours:

Monday: 10.00 am - 9.30 pm (until the first week of Aug 2013)

Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday: 10.00 am - 9.30 pm

Friday & Saturday, eve of PH & PH: 10.00 am - 11.45 pm

If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my Facebook Page where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on Pinterest and Instagram! 

Through her eyes #6 - Papyrus

As I was in my zoning mode, I suddenly heard an excited shriek last Saturday "Mama, Mama, look! It is Papyrus!" We were at a floating platform at one of the ponds in Jacob Ballas and I went "What? Papyrus?!?!" I have not seen the 'live' plant, only the end product from one of our homeschool field trips at the Art Science Museum to watch the Mummy Exhibition. 

I turned around and saw this:

And true enough! My daughter's eye sight seems to be better than mine! If you have not seen Papyrus before, take a walk through Jacob Ballas this weekend - you will probably find hidden gems at every turn. :)

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Homelearning Field Trip - Butterfly Lodge

The Homelearning for Preschoolers Community ended the year on a fluttery note (sorry, cant help it!) when we visited the Butterfly Lodge for an afternoon tour. The tour started with a talk by one of the staff where he shared some interesting facts on the life cycle, habits of caterpillars, anatomy, etc.

As with any tours / workshops, the most 'popular' part is always the interactive session. For the kiddos that afternoon, it was more of a HAIRY session. LOL Most of the kiddos had a great time being up close and personal with the caterpillars while some prefer admiring from a 'safer' distance. As Dumpling is not new to caterpillars (since we have reared them twice), she was ok with handling them.

Despite the drizzle, the high spirits were not dampened as the kids donned on their raincoats for a walk in the lodge.

The lodge is a 'netted' dome where butterflies roam freely and the children can observe them in a natural setting. This is definitely not for those who have a phobia of flying insects though...

Halfway through the walk, Dumpling suddenly called out to me in a small voice "Mama, look! I have a butterfly on me!"

The excitement was not over even after the tour! What awaited the children were... 

STICK INSECTS!

Even Mama Sue here could not resist 'holding' and interacting with one!

The kiddos also had a chance to bring home a caterpillar kit (at $5 with 2 caterpillars inside and leaves provided for) to observe the metamorphosis process.

Dumpling was really happy that her butterflies 'made it' and took great pleasure in releasing them.

If you are keen to visit Butterfly Lodge (part of Oh Farms) here's more details:

Contact No.: 6753 8011
Address: 14A Bah Soon Pah Road,
Singapore 769970
Website: http://www.ohfarms.com.sg/butterfly
Tour information: http://www.ohfarms.com.sg/tour

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Through her eyes #1 - Bye Bye Butterflies

From a recent Homelearning Field Trip which I helped to organise, some 30 odd kiddos not only had a chance to tour Butterfly Lodge and understand a bit more about this beautiful insect but many also brought home with them a caterpillar kit to rear and watch the metamorphosis process.

Our caterpillars pupate only after  4 - 5 days and was at that stage for the longest time! And as 'luck' would have it, we were out the morning when both emerged from their chrysalis! What greeted us when we reached home after lunch was not 1 but 2 butterflies! Dumpling was thrilled to bits!

This was our 3rd time rearing them and compared to the second time (first set did not make it, our caterpillar died after 4 days for some reason), Dumpling is a lot better at saying 'Goodbyes'.

She kept telling me that the butterflies were beautiful and was really happy that they "made it this time"!

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A Morning 'Party' - The Birthday Party: Sara at The Children's Garden

After signing up for 3 garden walks / workshops, I was worried about the rainy days that we have been having in December. With God's grace, we managed to head for the first one over the weekend. The tour is centered around a story on Sara, a dinosaur who forgot about getting a present for her brother's birthday. Hence the day started for us with a short stop at the classrooms where 'Uncle Loo' (whom we met at one of the earlier pond tours previously) read a few pages from the workbook to give the children some background as to what will take place in the garden walk.

The children were then brought outdoors for the walk where we come across some cotton plants, rice plants as well as peanuts! I like that Uncle Loo also took the opportunity to turn over logs and discussed the various insects as well as touched a bit on habitats. 

And look who popped over to say Hi to me! :)

I personally think that the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is a fabulous place to bring the kiddos to! Check out the variety of trees, plants, spices and herbs we saw!

From  Lemon Scented Mrytle to Ginger (which the children saw how it grown in the soil and propagated)

To coconut trees and its by products

To having a first-hand experience at smelling Fish Wort! Have you tried smelling it before? I can assure you that you are not likely to forget its scent or how its name came about. :p

Uncle Loo also turned over some logs and dug up some worms and millipede (very gently of course) where the kids discussed what they saw. Dumpling is not iffy about worms and touched them and was on the receiving end of some mucus from the earthworm. LOL.

Interesting fact: do you know that earthworms have no eyes? :)

Uncle Loo went on to show the children more plants and how some are used as food dye / coloring. Now, not many people would know this but we have some carnivorous plants at the gardens too! Here's the photo of a pitcher plant! Impressive isn't it? :)

Before I knew it, the hour was over and the children headed back to the classrooms for some workbook activities.

If there is one change I can suggest for these tours, it would be to increase the walks from 60 - 90mins because 60 mins is really a tad too short! I am in the midst of organising a private tour for a homelearning group which I moderate on Facebook for more discoveries at the garden!

This tour is part of a series of our year end Holiday Plans. Have you gone for any activities with the kiddos so far? Do let me know of any suggestions you may have for us! :)

If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my Facebook Page where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on Pinterest and Instagram!