Building robots at FIRST Robotics Learning Center

My kids learned to build and program their first robot - a robot that is really functioning!

with their SumoBots

Glad I signed up for FIRST Robotics Learning Center's Mommy Bloggers trial class. I know it would be a great activity for my son (who dreams of becoming a scientist or a robotics engineer) and my daughter (who also wants to be an engineer like me).

FIRST Robotics Learning Center makes use of the concept learning with fun. It's really fun since they're using Lego - Duplo, Wedo and Mindstorms - to create their robots.

lego bricks!

Robotics for 9+ age kids

The 9+ age group where my kids and my nephew belong uses Lego Mindstorms robotics kit (complete with NXT brick computer, cables, sensors and motors).

Teacher Gelai gave the kids a short intro, plus the basic building instructions. Since the kids are ready, off they start building their first robot - the Castor Bot.

Think

Analyze

Build

Be patient and make sure to follow the instructions. :)

almost done!

great teamwork!

Testing the robot functions and movements.

Bring the robots to life!

Since it's best to see how the robot works, Teacher Gelai asked the kids to proceed and make - the Sumo Bot!

Now it's time for the "sumo battle!"

the grand robot battle

My son wants to explore more and try using the EV3 platform (as it can be controlled by smart-devices). OK, hopefully soon.


What I love about FIRST Robotics?

Being an engineer myself and my husband, a programmer - got us interested in their classes. I'm sure most parents want to give it a try too! :)

FIRST Robotics Learning Center is a place where our kids can showcase their creativity, resourcefulness and make their ideas come to life. Its a way for kids to understand and appreciate what they are learning in school. Kids get to enjoy learning without the pressures in traditional school.

Building robot models engages their hands to work and their minds to think. They'll learn by observing, creating, exploring, doing challenges and troubleshooting. By working with other people, they'll be great team players too.

Plus, they have four IDEA (Invention, Discover, Explore and Aspire) rooms where the robotic courses are held. The entire place is clean, bright and colorful.

Invent

Explore

Aspire  (playroom while waiting for the classes)

Such an awesome experience for my kids. Robotics classes is now on their Things-To-Do-For-Summer-List.

Thanks to Mommy Bloggers Philippines and FIRST Robotics Learning Center for this experience.

Inspire your kids to be great leaders not just followers... Builders not daydreamers!

+ More about FIRST Robotics Learning Center

Fun Inspirational Road to Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Learning Center is the pioneering robotics center in the Philippines that uses state-of-the-art materials primarily utilized in the field of robotics. FIRST Robotics develop students through the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) approach.

They welcome kids ages 4 to 16 years old who want to learn how to design, build and program robots.

They offer interesting Robotics Program for Kids:

• Our World of Adventures and Inventions (ages 4+)

Kids get their first experience with robots. They explore ways in which people and things move (ex. how animal and human bodies bend and jump, how machines lift or spin). They learn about simple machines in the home and local community, design and build their own models.

• Our World of Science and Technology (7 - 8 years old)

Kids will learn to use pre-programmed elements to connect to the robot. They will learn about information and control technology (ICT) and math by making their models come to life using basic sensors, mechanical parts and drag-and-drop software commands with a computer.

• Our World of Robotics (ages 9+)

Kids will learn and start designing more advanced models using different science concepts such as forces, motion and energy. They will also start planning and designing their own program to control robot functions or behavior.

proud and happy kids

Each program has three learning stages - Apprentice, Journeyman and Expert level.

the robotics journey

They follow the 4Cs of Learning -

1. Connect: engaging minds in problem solving
2. Construct: putting ideas into physical building team work, innovation and sharing.
3. Contemplate: analyzing and reflecting on the results to deepen understanding
4. Continue: finding ways to make it better

FIRST Robotics Learning Center build and inspire kids to become innovators, problem solvers, great thinkers, and even leaders.

Visit their website http://www.firstrobotics.ph for more information.

For FREE TRIAL CLASS, contact 696-3333 / 0917-5528898 / 0999-8849256

First Robotics Learning Center
G/F Goldhill Tower, 5 Annapolis Street, Greenhills, San Juan City
Email: info@FIRSTRobotics.ph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstRoboticsLearningCenter
Instagram: http://instagram.com/firstroboticslearningcenter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FirstRobotics

K5 Learning Review

[Announcement]
K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I've been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program.

Check out this site!

I initially found K5 Learning interesting, and I know my kid would enjoy it too!

This can make our kids enjoy learning essential reading and math skills and develop good study habits as well. It will make a great summertime, weekend or after-school supplemental activity, or even part of your homeschooling program.

Linggo ng Wika Costume and Activities

"Buwan ng Wika" had been a week-long event at my kid's school.

The entire week was filled with activities that encourages everyone to appreciate our Filipino language and culture - from Filipino clothes, food, games, songs and dances.

My son joined the preschoolers in their presentation. They happily sing Filipino folk songs on stage.

The boys wore their camisa de chino, red scarf and pants; while the little girls wore their Filipiniana costumes.



My daughter's class performed Subli, a traditional Philippine folkdance.

Other Philippine folkdances presented by students.

Philippine folkdance

Even the teachers had their performances as well.

La Jota dance by SGIS teachers

There's also a presentation of different Filipino costumes.

preschool and grade school students

secondary level students

SGIS teachers in Filipino costume

Tunay ngang napakaganda ng wikang Filipino at sadyang napakayaman ating kultura!

Learning Mandarin Chinese

Ni hao!
This is the first Chinese word that my kids learned.

Then they learned to count from one to ten.
yi èr san sì wu lìu qi ba jiu shí

And the words are followed by greetings, polite expressions and more!

This school year, my kids have weekly Mandarin Chinese classes. My daughter, who's in Grade 2, will have Mandarin exams next week. Since I can't assist my daughter in reviewing for her Mandarin exam, I'll just remind her to go over her notes and practice writing the basic words.

In their school, Mandarin is already part of the curriculum, but the good thing is, it's not part of their grading system. At least, they'll get to learn and understand the language without feeling pressured. 

My kids are enjoying their Mandarin classes. They’re even practicing at home the words that they’ve learned and sharing it with me!

I know that learning the Chinese language can enrich their academic experience and enhance their cognitive development. It allows them to appreciate the multicultural world that we live in. 

Hopefully they'll be able to converse well in Chinese or perhaps write Chinese letters in years’ time. Maybe they'll be able to use the language when they get to work with Chinese businessmen or visit China in the future. 

In My Daughter's World

Her passion towards ballet dancing is remarkable.
She attends ballet classes twice a week.
She's excited for their class grand recital this year.
She also enjoys being part of their school's Dance Interest Group.

She's my daughter and we're supportive of her passion.
But more than that, she makes me even prouder.
In her young mind, she never lets anything, even ballet, interfere with the most important treasure she can ever have - her education!

ballet dance during her 7th birthday

Last summer, my 7-year-old daughter was given a slot in the ballet class at Pasig Youth Development Center. It is part of the initiative project of Pasig City Mayor Bobby Eusebio that supports the development and potentials of Pasig City’s youth in different learning areas. Several kids had a chance to take classes in music, arts, dancing, baking, and a lot more.

after class at YDC Pasig Rainforest

My daughter has a great summer month at YDC. She learned more and even anticipated performing for the culmination activity. Unfortunately, she has to give up ballet for a day!

YDC ballet class

Their 'graduation activity' was scheduled on a school day. I told her that if she wanted to dance and attend the culminating program, she needs to be absent at school. She replied in an instant, saying "mommy, di ba mas important pumasok sa school..."

I'm so glad that she choose to be at school instead.
We're proud that she made the right decision.
I'm happy for she knows what her priorities are.
I know that she's starting on the right track.

Thankful too that her SGIS teachers instilled in her mind the value of education. She remembered what we've told her and the words of her teachers as well. School matters most.

Still, I appreciate the skills that my daughter had learned at YDC and the development in her personality. Thank you Mayor Eusebio for the wonderful youth project. And to Lariza of Moms World of Arts and Happiness for the support! It means a lot to me, my family and of course, my daughter.

In her little world, life is more about learning, and everything else will follow.

 

Getting an Online Degree

Education is the biggest investment we can make for the future. In today’s globalized world, the role of eduction is simply indisputable in everyone's personal and professional life.

For most people, getting a university degree online is becoming a reality . Like if your life is already occupied with full-time job or family obligations, traveling to a traditional college or university can be very hard.

It's good that online degree programs for both the undergraduate and graduate level are widely available on the Internet. Many people find online taking courses convenient, flexible and effective. If you're a working professional who wants to earn a masteral degree, taking a course in an online school can be suitable for you. You don't even have to quit your job or travel because you can study at your own pace.

You can take online degree programs in information technology, healthcare, business management, marketing, among others, at the comfort of your own home. You can even take courses that are available in other countries.

Getting an online degree means a higher level of commitment also. It gives you the power to fit your education into your daily schedule.

Online education is already changing the way people can earn a degree. It is an enriching experience as it facilitates an independent, self-sufficient learning process and helps develop essential time management skills.

Students who are not capable of paying for their education usually applies for the government's program, Free Application For Federal Student Aid http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/, to receive financial assistance. 

Proud of Our Bronze Medalists

recognition day

It's been a fruitful year for my kids and my little sister. They learned a great deal along with their countless school activities, programs, and events.

My Kinder son, my Grade 1 daughter and my sister all grabbed the 3rd Honors Award! They all ranked 3rd place over-all in their grade levels. We're so proud that they achieved these awards without putting pressures on their shoulders.

Kinder 1 Third Honor

Grade 1 Third Honor and Best in Conduct

Grade 4 Third Honor

Every year, their school give due recognitions to students who shows exemplary performances in school - both in the academics and extra curricular areas. From each grade level, only the top three students who got the highest rank are recognized as the First, Second and Third Honor Awardees. There are also other awards and certificate of merits including Perfect Attendance Award, Leadership Award, Best in Conduct, Most Improved and Best in Extra-Co curricular.

class advisers

school principal and chairman

Though, their future isn't just measured by their grades and medals, I know they're in a good start. This serves as an inspiration for them to keep in mind the importance of education.

My sister is also a lyre player during the recognition program.

lyre player

Keep up the good work kids!

with the proud sister and bro-in-law

A Token From The Principal

It's not an award, but this token means a lot. A handwritten note from the school principal makes my daughter beam proudly. I can feel just how happy she had been.

My kids' school principal had given my daughter a DVD copy of their school's Christmas program - Alice's Christmas Adventure. And I'm really surpised by such gesture! It's an appreciation of my daughter's participation during their Christmas presentation.

At their school, all students - from the Nursery to the Fourth Year level - are required to engage in every activity. No one should be left out. It's a way to develop the student's skills in different areas.

During the last Christmas program, I can say that my daughter performed well. She was even the dance choreographer for the Grade 1 girl students. They performed a wonderful butterfly dance and she was on center stage! I'm proud that her ballet lessons paid off!

dancing with Alice

She had a tiny acting part, but you can see her on-stage the entire duration of the program. She didn't mind the heat of the lights, the smoke effects and the tiredness that comes with it.

I know that this small token would always serve as an inspiration to my daughter.

Young Uncompetitive Minds

I have a passion for learning and I'm thankful that my kids are passionate about their studies too. Hearing good feedback on their school behavior is another good thing.

In a few days, the results of their 3rd quarter examinations would be released and their report card would follow suit.

For two consecutive quarters, my daughter ranks first in class, maintaining her 94% average. That time, I thought her grades would become lower as she got sick for a week, she didn't get to review and was not feeling well while taking her exams. But then, we were surprised that her grades even got higher.

My son's progress report card had also improved. I'm proud at how he could ace an exam even he seldom review for his exams. The most number of minutes he spent time studying during quarterly exams is about 10-15 minutes maximum.

My youngest sister, also ranks first in class too.
Here are my kids' 2nd quarter report cards:





And my husband and I bought them this mini Ice Hockey game as a small reward.



They don't attend special or tutor classes. They even have more play time than study time. They can even watch TV, play on the computer even during school days; but then, they knew how to be responsible. We don't even pressure them to be number one.

Their young minds aren't even competitive about school rankings. They are in school to learn and enjoy learning. I'm wondering if ranking first in class would put pressure on their part. Right now there isn't. But, maybe soon.

Safe Keep Your Belongings and Lighten Your Load

Carrying schoolbags loaded with books, notebooks, lunchboxes and other school things can really be strenuous. I initially worried about this before my kids entered big school since lugging heavy backpacks to and from school can lead to neck or back pain and poor posture.

It's good that my kids' school have a cubbie-hole lockers in all classrooms. Each student has a space to place his/her books, notebooks, art supplies, health kits, and all other school things. Books are only brought home whenever they have assignments and during examination days. It makes them more responsible and teaches them to organize their stuffs.

They also have large cubbie wood lockers at the hallway that all students can use to safe keep their belongings while attending their physical eduction class. It is also used to place lunch boxes brought by their family members.

I'm most familiar with the common school lockers and gym lockers being sold at most stores. I've just seen wonderful and affordable lockers while visiting this lockers for sale site. They have different locker types in different designs and colors - from the standard and vented lockers to designer, kids lockers and specialty lockers. If you need lockers at home for your stuffs, a wood locker is an excellent alternative, as it provides a natural impression in your home. 

Aside from security purposes, lockers make you more responsible for your belongings. It can keep things organize and you can easily find what you're looking for. 

Alice's Adventure

Alice's Christmas Adventure

Almost all kids and even adults enjoy reading or watching "Alice in Wonderland." At my kids' school, Alice had a Christmas adventure. They presented "Alice's Christmas Adventure" as part of their Christmas program celebration. Students performed Christmas dance numbers on stage. It's a program where a story is told and lessons are learned in an enjoyable way.

I'm proud that my daughter, Skylah, actively participated on this program. She even choreographed the flower dance number for the Grade 1 girls. She's also a stage flower and had a small acting part with Alice. 

flower ballet dance

stage acting and stage flower

My son, Brent, sang Jingle Bells together with the preschool students who are all dressed as little Santa Claus.

little Santa Claus' Jingle Bells

My youngest sister, together with the Grade 4 girls students, enjoyed dancing the song, Jingle Bell Rock.

Jingle Bell Rock dance

It's wonderful to see Alice in Wonderland characters together with the Disney characters and Santa Claus. There's Roger Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Caterpillar, Mad Hatter, March Hare, Queen of Hearts, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. From Disney, there's Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Tinkerbell.

Alice's Christmas Adventure cast

Synopsis:

Alice is the daughter of two Disney executives who, being busy with work, aren't able to spend quality time with their daughter.

The irony: the parents are working for the Disney empire, that's supposed to make children around the world happy; Alice is the ultimate exception. As a form of rebellion, Alice makes a nuisance of herself by neglecting her studies and ignoring her private tutor.

On the night before Christmas, Alice falls asleep and dreams about entering Carol's Wonderland and meeting his characters being portrayed by Disney toons.

Alice chases Roger Rabbit. The chase leads to the Kingdom of the Queen of Hearts. Upon meeting her Royal Heartlessness, Alice sees her as a reflection of her own personality - bossy and demanding.

Immediately, Roger Rabbit appears, carrying a heart. he attaches it unto the magic wand of Tinkerbell who then turns the queen from bad to good.

Alice wakes up and realizes the error of her ways. She says sorry to her tutor. With patience and understanding, the tutor accepts her apology. The surrogate mother and child spend Christmas Eve together.

Learn Math Easily

Math is one of the subject that most students find challenging and difficult. Understanding and solving Math word problems have always haunted every student. Their confidence and enthusiasm decreases whenever they deal with complex methods and calculations.

I personally like Math, and it's good that my kids don't have a hard time with this subject too. It's my kids' favorite school subject. For those students who are getting stressed with Math, an online Math homework help can really be beneficial.

Online tutoring can be convenient and good for you and your child. Tutornext.com can assists K-12 and college students to get free homework help at a very affordable rate. Tutors are available 24/7 so it's more convenient for the students to schedule their tutoring lessons. Math problem solver tutors guide each student and give each one individual attention. Expert tutors will give you step by step explanation on factoring polynomials, on how to solve college algebra problems, and a lot more.

Getting free math help will increase the student's enthusiasm and ability in mathematics. Students will develop better understanding and higher confidence in studying Math subject and other subjects as well. This can be their next big step to academic excellence.

Algebra Made Easy With Online Tutoring Solution

Math is one subject I'd never had a problem with. In fact, I always enjoy answering every mathematical problems and I even received an outstanding grade of 1.25 in my Algebra subjects. I guess this is also the reason why my kids love their Math subjects too.

But then, Math can be horrible and stressful for most students. Some are already having a hard time understanding their 4th grade math and 5th grade math lessons. This is the reason why some students need tutoring help from their teachers while some others are enrolled in tutorial centers that can assist them in this challenging subject. Luckily, there's an online tutorial site that can assist them with their Math tests and homework problems.

Learning Math becomes easier with TutorVista. It offers free online math tutoring session for any levels from K-12 up to college. Learning the Formula for volume and Adding fractions can be made easy with a guidance from the online tutor. You can even enjoy Graphing linear equations.

College students can benefit from solving intensive Algebra 2 problems - from Quadratic Equations to Quadratic Functions from Linear Equations to Polynomial functions; relations, functions and a lot more.

There's an interactive whiteboard which is like studying face to face with a tutor. A live chat with the qualified tutors can also assists students in Chemistry, Physics, Biology and other subjects as well. Students can make use of this service 24/6, as much as they much and whenever they need it.

With TutorVista, you would surely enjoy your Algebra lessons. Moreover, it will motivate you love learning and get that desired edge in any subject.

Precious Moving Up Programs

graduating from Kinder 2

moving up from Nursery

March 18 and 19 were precious days for my kids as we a share with them another significant day in their preschool life - their moving up and graduation programs.

It was a short and simple ceremony - no lengthy hours sitting and listening to speeches - but still meaningful and memorable.

It was more of the preschoolers presentation. They deliver their lines, danced and sang... not perfectly, but heartwarming nevertheless. The teachers, the preschoolers and their parents are all beaming with joy and pride.

Their moving up day is more than awards and recognition, it's more of valuing the kids' experiences for a year and bringing it to a close. It's more about achievement, rather, it marks the start of another chapter in their lives.

the presentation

I am grateful for the teachers for nurturing my kids well, for the safe joyride from school to our home everyday, for the friendship. It was indeed a great decision that we've chosen Precious Partners. I know my kids will always remember their precious years in preschool. They have touched our lives in grand ways.

with the teachers and school owner

We've celebrated it with just how the kids want it to be - lunch at Jollibee for my son and Shakey's lunch for my daughter.

Jollibee and Shakey's lunch

We have moved on, literally. If not because of this move, my son would have stayed for two more years at Precious Partners.

This coming school year, my son would be in Kinder 1 and my daughter would be in Grade 1. They would soon be in a different school with new classmates, teachers, and environment. Now, It's time to gear up for another change.