The learning journey.....well, that in many ways. I've learnt that children, unlike adults (okay, unlike me), live by an ordered, structured world where they would like to know what to expect, and what's coming up next. That's why timetables are notoriously successful, for most of the under 6 set.(okay, for most normal people above 6 too) Unfortunately, my 2 little ones have a mother who thrives in absolute chaos and lives from one inspired moment to the next...which does not fly by them obviously. it sort of worked when Maeve was younger, after all, every day was a new experience, and she had my undivided attention, so if mummy decides we'll do counting in the airport on monday, botany in the park on tuesday and word recognition on wednesday, taking random walks, so be it. However, and a BIG HOWEVER, now there's 2, and big sis has to also abide my small sis' nap schedule! So in order for everyone to get less antsy and argumentative, a certain sense of order is in order. So I have decided to re-educate myself, hence, my learning journey. This time round, I have planned (ever so roughly) how each day should feel like, ie. a fixed time to play, to learn, to exercise, and...this is where the teacher-in-me comes about, a day to do Learning Journeys! So once a week, we'll take a little excursion to some part of the country and we'll learn about the history of the place, the geography around it, throw in some math (how many steps to the next landmark?), a little pre-school competition (who can find the way to this place? Check the MRT map!), and silly excuses to tell her incredible, made-up tales about the place. Hee! Hee! Of course, we'll always culminate in a little art or writing (draw the scene, write a story about the people who might have lived here...in case anyone's wondering, she's not so advanced as to be able to spell the lot, the ever patient parent has to spell each word, however LOOOONNGG the story).

So what's my learning journey from the Learning Journey? Well, that I have way too much fun for a respectable mid-30s mother of 2, that I am actually really 12 years old (after all, only 12 year olds wave at tourists and tell them to beware of crocodiles in the Singapore River!), that I'm learning as much about my country as my little one, that it is not easy finding your way out of certain MRT stations, that my little girl cannot count beyond 29. Still. That it is very hard to locate caterpillars, no matter how long we stare at various plant life. That there are many cracks on pavements all over the country (that could alternatively house small people or be the prelude to an earthquake, depending on mood of pre-schooler) Most of all, I've learnt that it is truely wonderful to be young and amazed by everything around you and that I should do likewise.

So now to plan for the rest of our learning journeys and to suss out exciting places that would charm a 4 year old that doesn't involve parting with huge amounts of cash.