Tag Archives: life with a grade schooler

life with a grade schooler: the one with the plastic bag

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You showed me your crafts book and told me you’re required to bring clear plastics trash bag the following day. This is at 11:50pm.

We searched frantically since our trash bag is the milky type. We have a clear one but it’s such a huge huge bag; perhaps, as tall as I am. We tried to unroll it first time, then looked around again. When we couldn’t find a clear plastic, we went back to the huge bag. And stared at it.

Then, eyes twinkling I could almost see the light bulb, you said: let’s cut a small portion, and then I can tape shut one edge.

Gasp. Such problem solving skills! Why didn’t I think of that. Awestruck.

life with a grade schooler: being there for a friend

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As you unloaded your bag, you happily exclaimed to me you got a letter from your classmate (who I happen to know). On her short but sweet letter, she said sorry for suddenly crying during your task together today and that she thanks you for comforting her and that she’ll do better next time.

You looked so happy reading the letter (apparently you put off reading it until you could read it in my presence) yet confused as well. You said you didn’t say anything. That what you did was just rub her back and waited for her to cry her heart out, until she’s ready to move forward and carry on with the task.

After hearing your story, while saying it in your comical way, it’s my turn to cry. I’m so proud of you baby. Because you did the best thing a friend could do on times like that. Sometimes, all we need is just a friend who will sit beside us, pat our back, wait for us silently, support us, not judging us, wait for us until we’re ready to move forward again. Thank you for being you.

Yui draws: Kitsune characters

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Yui already maxed out her screen time for the day (one hour for programming-related, another one hour for any video-related, and time limit for late night iPad time in which she can’t access anything, even google/safari) but I still have not finished my chores. She also read at least three books for the day already and she wasn’t in the mood to read anymore. So, she took out her colouring pencils, and created this.

Asked her if she copied them somewhere, to which she answered no, they are her “originals”. 🥰😍

Of course the strokes need quite some refinement, but it’s the creativity that I appreciate. And even more so, that she can entertain herself while waiting for me.

life with a grade schooler: math drills

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I had to sit with you during your math drills. I’m not teaching. I’m doing something else while sitting beside you, just to ensure that you sit down to do your maths.

Yes, you need to work on it. You actually already understood how to do your additions and subtractions but that you just couldn’t seem to focus in the same way that you focus with programming, reading, writing kanji, drawing. And you tend to procrastinate before working on your math assignments. I know where your talent lies, and what your interests are. But you’re learning basic math now and we have to work on this.

You seem so disinterested with the subject it’s typical to find doodles like this on your math books.

I support you with your passions baby, but I also need to support you in improving yourself. Lest you third grade teacher will speak with Mom again about your Math 😝

But I believe in you, baby! You’ll soon be a master of this! 🙂