My 10: August books & movies

1. Seven Guides to Effective Prayer - In our church in Makati, much has been talked about George Muller and Hudson Taylor. This book made me know them more, and taught me how I can be like them. Hah!
2. Science is Simple: Over 250 Activities for Preschoolers - Dad Paul wanted the kids to have meaningful activities to do while at home. Since I was home-based, I used this to choose things we could do around the house which introduced Science. First thing I learned, Science is about observation, which was funny because that was how Sigourney Weaver defined it too in Avatar, talking to Sam Worthington.
3. The Complete Daily Curriculum for Early Childhood: Over 1200 Easy Activities to Support Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles - Alongside Science is Simple, this came really handy in making preschoolers and toddlers' time productive. Just 45 minutes quality time a day and they're off feeling generally good all day long.
4. The Cat in the Hat - We read this over and over, plus The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, Dr. Seuss's Circus McGurkus Squirt! , Dr. Seuss's ABC, and There's a Wocket in My Pocket! -The kids love it to the point that they can recite some lines in the rhyme already.
5. Have a New Kid by Friday: How to Change Your Child's Attitude, Behavior & Character in 5 Days - The book promises to change your child in 5 days. I tried it, I saw results. One common fault of parents is that we tend to make our kids soft, by not giving them punishments. Sometimes too, the kids have the grip on us even when we don't like it - because they are our children! The book suggests how to administer discipline without much verbal exchange. And how we can regain the authority as parents while at the same time giving them responsibility. Revolutionary!

DVDs

1. Cars - Perfect for our little car enthusiast, we finally got a hold of this gem last month. Since then, it has been played and replayed over and over again. Great life lessons, plus choice of personalities who gave life to the characters. Honestly, the movie's becoming my favorite too.
2. Dr. Seuss' The Cat In The Hat (Widescreen Edition) - Cat is very much Mike Myers here, despite the costume. Not so wholesome for preschoolers, we still enjoy watching it for the surreal visuals and storyline. There's a mention about the Philippines too that isn't very politically correct, though it's not very clear.
3. Racing Stripes (Widescreen Edition) - This is still one of those movies from Disney without the love story and kissing scene. It's heartwarming, plus the farm settings reinforces the kids the lesson that farming and getting ones' hands dirty for work are fine.
4. The Lion King - This movie is old, but the music still makes me sing along, skip some steps. Lois particularly likes the Can You Feel the Love Tonight track. Though she just knows that line, so it's very funny to hear her sing it over and over. 
5. Bee Movie - Jerry Seinfeld proves he's really a genius in this film. Though I'm not sold out with the story line, essential life lessons are very much present.