Keeping the Kiddos Busy

(Image credit:  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Bali_Wayang_Kulit_shadow_puppet_Ramayana_Hanoman_dramatic_show_4.jpg) Many  cultures have their own version of shadow puppet theater .  Shadow puppet theater is an age-old method of storytelling and entertainment. It is a good way to stimulate your children's creativity and imagination.  They will enjoy putting up a shadow puppet play as well as watching one put up by others.  Best of all, it could be done with materials you most likely already have at home. Basic materials are a cardboard box, anything translucent that can be used as a light backdrop (like wax paper), a light source, stiff paper and sticks for the puppets, glue or adhesive tape,  a cutter, and a pair of scissors.  ( WARNING: Please assist your children in using cutters and scissors. )  There are many online tutorials on how to do it, like this one .  For your story, you can make a puppet show o...

Today, instead of featuring a suggested activity for your children, I am featuring a read-aloud story for them written by my friend, the award-winning author Dr. Joem Antonio . Joem has won several Palanca awards for his plays and short stories for both adults and children.  He also conducts writing workshops for aspiring writers of all ages. If you are interested in letting him conduct an online workshop for you and your children, you may contact the Storywriting School at its website .  The story Joem tells is a heartwarming one which does not shy away from depicting harsh realities of life but views them from from children's innocent and sincere eyes. You will enjoy telling it to your children as I have enjoyed reading it.  Unfortunately there are no illustrations yet, but the absence of illustrations does not take away its charm. Without further ado: PAPER HUGS by Joem Antonio "Big Hug Race!" Ada raced Macky towards Mama as she entered the ...