Nathan's First Violin Exam

Nathan took his first ABRSM violin exam last month and got a distinction. :) I'm so proud of him. This is the first of many exams he'll take and I'm glad that I was with him each step of the way.

About 4 months before the exams, I still wasn't sure if he'd be ready in time. Although he was able to play the exam songs pretty well, he was still struggling with the sight reading component. We persevered and I'm so glad he made it.

He had no idea what an exam was, this being his very first... I kept reminding him that he only had one chance to get each component right, so he can't make careless mistakes... He had worked so hard the entire year, I really didn't want carelessness to take away the results he so deserved. His teacher even rehearsed the entire sequence with him, from walking into the exam room with him, tuning his instrument, to her leaving the room before the exam started, so he wouldn't be surprised when he's left in the exam room by himself.

His reward for good effort and a job well done? A pair of Captain America shoes that light up when he walks. It was something that he wanted when he saw a friend with something similar last December. We made a deal - practice diligently and your hard work will be rewarded. He was all smiles when he put on this pair of shoes for the first time, and I was one proud mommy. Good job, Nathan! (And yes... I made him wait 9 whole months before he actually got it!)

There'll be many more exams that he'll be taking as he starts formal schooling in a year's time. I want him to know that working hard and giving his best is what matters to me.

Dear Nathan, know that mommy and daddy will always be behind you in all your endeavours.

Videos taken two months before the actual exams...

Mattachins

 Daisy Bell

 Russia - Gopak

Nathan's First School Project

Nathan's pre-school spends one term doing project work every year. The children learn to work as a team on a topic that is chosen by the teachers.

Phase 1 - Brainstorming, questioning, discussing & planning

Phase 2 - Investigating, interviewing & field trip

Phase 3 - Selecting, compiling information & presentation

The theme assigned to his class with 'flowers'. I planned a few simple mini projects for him to work on during the June holidays. We had fun visiting Gardens by the Bay, learning about how plants grow, making flowers out of recyclced materials and even planting our own sunflowers and balsam.

In school, they got to work on more craft projects. I am amazed at how the teachers have made use of recycled materials like egg cartons, straws and bottles to create unique handicrafts. The classroom that was decorated with all their work was a lovely sight. Nathan particularly enjoyed the excursion where he visited the Orchid Garden with his friends.

To conclude, an open house was planned to showcase the children's work. Parents got to view their children's masterpieces and watch a 'mini concert' put up by the children.

This video montage documents Nathan's very first school project. I am thankful that I get to be a large part of his learning journey as a stay home mom. Really enjoyed the 'mini concert'... Nathan came to give me a hug when it ended, and I was fighting to hold back tears. Well done son!

Nathan vs Ant

Nathan just started crawling two weeks ago. He's gotten quite good at it. Here's him putting his new skill to use...

By the way, the ant survived. Nathan's small hands didn't manage to squash the ant.

Nathan's First Word

Mommy and daddy were really thrilled when we heard Nathan 'say his first word'. And thankfully, we got it captured on video.