Author Archives: wangmumu

Because of Winn-Dixie — Reading with 6 year old

Dudu and I went to the Teacher’s College of Columbia University for a reading seminar in Oct. We met the author of Because of Winn-Dixie and read a few chapters guided by the staff:

We were asked to prepare for the seminar by reading the book together. Dudu is only a first grader and this is a rather difficult chapter book. So I borrowed the DVD from the library and we watched the movie together. Then I read to a chapter to her every night. From time to time, I do let her read a few paragraphs.
The senimar began with some introduction of some research results for reading. There are three levels of skills in reading:
Decoding
Comprehension
Critical Thinking/Abstract Reasoning

I realized that I focused too much on decoding, maybe some comprehension and ignored critical thinking previously for Dudu’s reading. I would be happy that she can sound difficult words out, making some sense of the content.
After we came back I continue to read this book with Dudu every night. We tried to apply the mechanics we learned from the senimar. I prepared Dudu a big notebook so she can write her thoughts about the book.
In the beginning of the book, Opal met Winn-Dixie, her dog in the grocery store.
Dudu:” How did Winn-Dixie came to the grocery store?”
Me:”Do you think Winn-Dixie had a home at that time?”
Dudu:”No. Because he is dirty. If he had a home, his owner would have washed him.”
Me:”Do you think he ever had a home?”
Dudu:”No.”
Me:”Can a puppy survive without a home?”
Dudu:”Oh. He had a home and a Mama when he was born.”
Me:”Can you guess how he get lost?”
Dudu:”He didn’t listen to his Mama. That is how he get lost.”
Me:”Winn-Dixie get lost again later in the book. How he got lost that time?”
Dudu:”Oh, he must have got lost in the thunderstorm. He is afraid of thunderstorm.”
Later on, she wrote this on her notebook(with spelling errors):
“He had a home that he was born and then thar was a thandstowm Winn-Dixie run awawy from home.”

And there is a book Dudu brought home to school, which is very simple but fully of details that you can discover something new everytime you read it:

Ma Li Ping Chinese text book

For the Chinese parents who want to teach Chinese to their children at home, Ma Li Ping is definitely the textbook to go-go. I have recommended the text book to several friends, and they all appreciate it a lot.
The set includes the textbook, a CD of interactive program, three homework books(two regular and one for summer) and character cards. The set is self-sufficient so the parents can follow the curriculum with ease.
I have been trying to find a weekend Chinese school that uses this text book but no luck. My 6 year old daughter now is learning Chinese at home by following Ma Li Ping textbook for second Grade. It is so much fun learning that when She sits in front of the computer doing Ma Li Ping homework, my 3 year old son fights with her so he can get the seat. As a matter of fact, my son can read “小蝌蚪找妈妈” “白菜的故事” etc very fluently. And I swear he does recognize the characters!
Here is the link to purchase the text book.
(We don’t earn referral fee for this link)

Monopoly Junior — Highly Recommended kid’s game

This game was recommended to me by my American colleague who has 5 children. It is perfect for kids 5- 8 years old.
I remember I played the computer version of it back in China when I was in college. It was fairly fancy. What is recommended here is the junior version that can finish in two 2 years and rules/language more suitable for children.
I bought it and the whole family can have fun! My 6 year daughter, 3 and half year old son played together with daddy and grandpa. My kids are getting better sense of numbers and money. I am glad they spend less time watching TV and playing computer games. Playing the game is a great family time.

Long Island Port Washington/Oyster Bay line Emergency going home plan (from Manhattan)

It is already the second time LIRR failed since we moved to long island.
Here are the back up plans going home:
1) Subway alternative… Take #7 train to flushing. Then take Q12 (final stop Little Neck) N20/N21 (some ends at Great Neck, but some goes to Manhassett, Roslyn, Glen Cove, Greenvale, Old Westbury Hicksville).
2) If LIRR partially functioning… Port Washington line and Oyster Bay line can be backup of eachother, N20/N21 connections Great Neck of Port Washington line with Roslyn, Old Westbury etc of Oyster Bay line.
If LIRR Montauk line is functioning, take Montauk line to Lynbrook, then N25 to Great Neck, then other buses from Great Neck, if needed.
3) Express bus… Take QM3 from middle town to Little Neck.
34 St & 3 Av
34 St & Park Av
34 St & Madison Av
35 St & 6 Av
6 Av & 41 St
6 Av & 44 St
6 Av & 48 St
6 Av & 55 St
57 St & Madison Av
57 St & 3 Av
There are only three afternoon shuttles. click for schedule :
4) China town van… Go to Chinatown, enjoy a dinner and take a van Chinatown-Flushing. ticket is $3. Then take Q12 or N20/21.

#7 train is the best backup. Other alternatives are more vulnerable to traffic chaos after the storm.
If LIRR is not functioning, show your LIRR monthly pass and you should be get free ride on #7 train, M12, N20/21 and QM3 bus. (tried everything except QM3)

5) Just stay… Find a place to have a drink, stay with a friend in Manhattan, enjoy your night.

Girl’s Figure Skate Blades

I have met many parents in the ice rink who look for the first figure skating blades for their daughters.
Here my two cents to share:
Skating boots need to be comfortable, and at the same time provide enough support to the ankle. For non-skater, you can start with a cheaper and softer version. For more advanced level, you probably need the boots to be harder and supportive. There are different made of blades themselves also. Some blades are harder and last longer. However, as the child outgrow skating blades very fast, it is probably not the biggest consideration unless, the child is a really good skater.
Riedell and Jackson are two popular brand names that fits a beginners need a budget.
Riedell 10: My daughter’s 7 year old friend has it. She is a really good skater and I feel she should get a better version than this. However, she seems to be performing really well still in this verion:


Jackson Softec: This is a more comfortable verion fo Jackson:


Jackson Mystique: My daughter is learning spinning and jumping. This more expensive version is made with harder leather and provide more support for her.

American Athletic: This is a cheap brand name I can find. I have never tried it. But it should fit the beginner’s need with low budget.

There are what is called “convertible” skate blades that can adjust for feet size. Those one never fit the children’s feet very well so I don’t suggest anyone to buy it.

My Bike and Bike Trailer

My Bike:
I bought from Sports Authority for $299 and really liked it! It is very comfortable but also have gears for 7-speed to adjust to the small hills in my community.
When I bought it I couldn’t find a cheaper version on Amazon. Now it is so much cheaper and there is no shipping fee!

My Bicycle Trailer:
Actually I bought the bike because I want to bike together with my kids in the trailer with me. After I got my bike and trailer, several people asked me where I got the trailer. It can be a trailer, stroller or a jogger. Here you are:


I also bought the light to make sure me and my kids are safe at dask:
I bought from Amazon for $29.99 with free shipping. Now it is $22.25 without free shipping.