HI ella87,

Yes, I am using Brillkids LR,LM and Lchinese. My son adores Math in any form. Now, he seems to enjoy Chinese. LR is a tad slow for him despite setting it at a flash/sec, so he gets a bit distracted. He will start signing for food/water/points to the door and once, he even faked a yawn.  .  So, I don't use it everyday because Shichida recommend not flashing same materials more than four times. We do LR and Little Chinese twice a week and Little Math everyday. Works like a charm. My schedule rather flexible (I never force, just coax gently ).   Personally, I think that if you want your child to be able to read, this is a worthwhile investment. Also, if you are keen for right brain practice at home, you save lots of time on flashcard preparation.

I have a friend who started LR when her son was 4. But because her son was exposed to many other TV shows, he simply was not interested. So, start young.

Is Brillkid enough? No, this is just reading. For me, that's where right brain education comes in and I add a dash of Montessori. lots of play, art & craft and tons of love.

Hi Ella

I think the kit you mentioned is the one with a parrot/hornbill picture on it? 
   
Genius Kidz Photographic Memory Kit
A complete training kit for developing & stimulating your kid's Photographic Memory skills. A good variety of memory games suitable for Age 3-7. A must-have tool for right brain training!

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Price:  MYR248.00 (AirAsia price)


The photogaphic memory training is usually done for >3years old because they have to be able to interact and have a good grasp of language.
I did not puchase the kit coz i use all the free download material for practice.
1. linking memory with my DS. Started with 4 cards at month old, currently at 20 cards. (Using Shen Li's)
2. photographic/space memory: I present the template. give him 5 seconds, then present blank card, ask him if he remembers. Then place the answer myself. Another rule of early education, give lots of input but don't be expectant of overnight results/output. (Einstein's mom waited till he was six. Look what happened to him)
3. ESP: You can use materials at home of reuse your memory cards/any clipart

My DS just turned 14 month old. He has a vocab of 10 words and signs about 20, i lost count. Developmentally about 18 months.
He reads simple words like cat, hi, dog, nose, etc and signs it to me. Too cute.
Verbally, he reads 'a' for every letter (I teach both alphabet and phonics) and 'eight' for all numbers in the books since 12 month old . He 'pretends' to read by moving his finger along the print and imitates how i read to him. Does that count? 

And yes, we practise every night for 1 hour only since I am working 9-5. We have a schedule that I try to follow. Some mummies here do it all day long including classical music and foreign languages. Must have very good stamina. I get exhausted after 1 hour because now DS can run and chooses what he wants to learn which is usually music and dancing/math (LM). Then i must coax him into LR/right brain work.

Don't give up because they may seem uninterested at first but they are actually observing and learning. MY DS did not enjoy Little Chinese at first, so I stopped for 1 month. I was surprised when he pulled his ear when he heard 'er' (meaning ear in chinese) on TV. And lately he wanted to read his chinese series of Odonata books. So happy..

Will have to email you later. Don't have my files at the moment. Are you from Malaysia as well? If you can read chinese, check out www.ibaby.com they have some information on right brain & early education. T

Hi everyone,

Regarding the right brain schools, I can only give my opinion on TW (Malaysia). I am based in Klang, so I actually chose TW because the location is 5 minutes away without traffic light en route.    Having said that I have not regretted my decision. My DS and I love going for the weekly class. The programme is very gentle and montessori inspired, so it fits into my home practice nicely because I love Montessori's sensorial, math and practical life. I have referred many ppl to TW and I think I should be given commission (ahem, Winnie/Pamela if you are reading) wakeke, just kidding. 
If I live closer to Damansara, Malaysia, I would consider Shicida or Heguru if I am from Bangsar because these centers have a proven record/longer history. Their programme is similiar as Heguru's founder is from Shicida. (Like I said I am only borderline crazy therefore battling 1-2 hours of traffic is not an option)
Read up on the programmes and visits the centers (if possible) to get a better idea of what you are getting becase the fees are similiar and not cheap. Also, my advise is to choose the one most suited for your child's personality and you are most confortable with. You must be relaxed and happy when you go to class because if you are cranky, your negativity will affect your child.
If you are not close by to any centers, there are other resources like Brillkids (very convenient for home practice and lazy mom, ahem, that's me) and Glenn Doman (for very OCD and hardworking mom, I gave up). The benefit of attending a right brain school is it keeps you on track and it guides your home practice. (Also, you can brag to ppl that your kid started school at XX month old and get a 'Are you crazy?' look  . Just kidding) Realise I mentioned home practice a million times? That is the most important factor in the success of right brain. Practice, practice, practice = money, money,money 
I try to get free material whenever I can and save the money for fees, educational toys, montessori materials, etc (I may appear on hoarder soon, you get the picture)
In reply to Sachilin, I find that baby's are generally very tactile creatures, it's just the way they learn and part of their development. I would be worried if my son doesn't try to eat or touch everything. I usually do speed play (3 cards per second) on screen and use physical card for 3-part cards (montessori) and matching/mandala,etc.
Leena and ella, I'll email my stuff to you.
Check out Shen Li's blog as she is one kick ass mummy who blogs crazy information on right brain with plenty of resources for home use. This is her link: figur8.net/baby/
Check out this thread, we (shen Li and I) have posted some resources for Dr Mommy: Right Brain vs. Left Brain

Sorry, wanted to add that if you are interested in right brain technique, best to learn from the sensei then purchase or make home practice materials. There are many commercially available kits. But stuff like ESP, sixth sense, alpha wave reading may a little difficult to achieve without guidance. I am speaking from experience because even though my DS is attending tweedlewink, i have included some Shichida practices in our daily session. I try to focus and not laugh when my 13 month old give me weird looks when I am doing the ESP games

I have some folders on the ESP games, photo memory and mandala. Do pm me if you are interested. BTW, I am not selling any products, just a borderline 'kiasu' (scared to loose) mum  Actually, I am just a very nice person trying to help out others because I know how crazy it is when you first start out.

The most important lesson thus far is chill out and remember that first and foremost is love

HI Ella

You can check out this video for energy ball practice <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/0m9AcWC2sSE&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/0m9AcWC2sSE&rel=1</a>. There are many more on youtube.
The following attachment are sample lesson plan. Can't remember the source though. Good luck

Hi, my son just celebrated his 1st birthday on June 12th and I bought him NOTHING!! Actually, I got him a Haagen Daaz cake but that doesn't count 

Like all mothers, I wanted to give him everything and I made a list as well. Dear hubby wanted to have a party, as usual. In the end, I put my foot down and decided that all I wanted was to spend quality time with my DS and we had a lovely dinner with both set of grandparents. Grandma bought him some new dress-up clothes and my mum gave him a 'substantial' pocket money that went straight into his college fund. He also got a toy robot ALPHIE 'playskool' from my sisters. I insisted that all toys must be educational if anyone is getting DS a toy. He loved it, more that his Leapfrog alphabet pad. Daddy got him a huge inflatable pool that will last till he's at least 6. Spoiled!!

Besides the cake, I didn't buy him anything else because when I sat down and reflect on the past 1 year, I realised that I probably bought too much already. I already have enough toys to put on rotation for 1 month without repetition! I also observed that the more toys he has,the less interested he became. Hence, the rotation. No, I didn't turn frugal overnight, just more conscious of the line between spoiling and loving. Nowadays, we spend on books(libraries in Malaysia r hopeless) and wooden toys, just to emphasize montessori at home. Just some food for thought.

Hi Jasmine,

I officially resigned in June. Will be doing permanent locum from August, fixed hours, no calls Very happy for now but don't think i will be happy doing locum in the long run. However, career has taken a back seat to make space for my DS's formative years. I think it is worth it and that's most important.

I've tried card holders but my DS ended up destroying the clear holders as well as the card. Nowadays, i print on glossy ivory card if I don't laminate. I find that if i want to flash fast and maintain his attention, the computer is always better. I usually laminate stuff that i let him handle hands on such as the 3 part cards and science flashcardsz. BTW, my laminator's back. Took 1 week only, so pleasantly surprised.

I have fun thinkers, WWW, logico piccolo and primo. My DS loves the fun thinkers puzzle cause he can throw them everywhere. We have used the pieces for colour sorting, matching beads to numbers, stacking,etc.(montessori/tot tray activities). The primo board is being used to practice grip and fine motor movement. The WWW has been moved to a higher level shelf with the paperbacks picture books after he tore a page, ok maybe not the entire page but still...now he is only allowed board books until further notice. Yes, he's a little violent. Wonder where he got that from..

Hi Jasmine,

It's Jessica TLL,  
Was wondering if it was you earlier on.

I'll be starting locum on weekdays from nine to five soon. I am just not a stay at home mom type There are many working mothers here who manage beautifully. For me, the combination of  HTAR, my son, my hubby's business (I oversee the admin and accounting), my MAID and on calls was driving me crazy. There was no 'me' time. I am happy now and so is my son. There is finally a rhythm to my life.
 
Just in case you are wondering about where to get the right brain materials. Check out the following links

www.kids.net.my (lots of shichida stuff, grolier like stuff,mandala, doman like flashcard but most of the products are from China, use under supervision only type)
www.usleducation.com (kindy and montessori stuff, tangrams, puzzles)
www.sgparenting.com. Mom made flashcard, ESP, linking/space/peg memory
www.ibaby.my. It's in chinese but you can translate (Johor based company) They have many chinese books and some sets for right brain
Flashcard: print for free/ purchase during sale otherwise not worth the price
Wooden toys and puzzles: Thinktoy (expensive)  Wait for Toys R us warehouse sales (Beautiful wooden xylophone for RM 10 wakekeke)
Popular bookstore has some memory grid and flashcards (made in Singapore) and Jusco has some memory matching game (made in India)
Books: I restrain myself from non-sale buying but i usually fail (miserably).  MPH sale 28th-31st July. Popular sale at Ikano now (flashcards at 20% off) and Aurora Laminator for RM150 only (Original RM 299). I wanted to buy another Laminator since my poor laminator has been overworked and currently sent for repair.

Happy shopping!!

If I missed out on anything can someone please add on?

Also, please don't stress yourself out so much. Children are amazing. They will learn no matter what. And don't worry bout being left brain dominant, with your effort and home practice, you will balance both hemispheres. In my opinion that is the whole point of 'right' brain education. If you are only right brained, you would be a savant . I too was stressed when my son started walking early but then again he started rolling and crawling early as well. I had to remind myself that every child's development is different, so let them grow at their speed and gently support.

Hi Jasmine,

Yes, I am from Malaysia, Klang specifically. I hope you are nearby

Like most of the mummies here (brillkids), I agree that that the road of early education is very lonely, esp in my area. When you meet a like minded person, it is an occasion to celebrate. We do have something in common, I was in middle of MRCPCH when I had my baby, and how things has changed. I've postponed everything to spend more time with my son.I am currently on a break and doing locum PRN. Luckily, my husband is supportive, financially and spiritually. Haha, I am sure he thinks I am a little bit cuckoo but he'll just close one eye. My MIL thinks I am on a secret mission to open a kindy 

When I was with the hospital, the schedule/calls was crazy.  Half the time, I was so exhausted I couldn't keep my eyes open, let alone spending quality time with my DS. So, i understand what you are going through. I guess it is about the sacrifice you are willing to make and prioritizing. What I did was, I attended TW on Thursday and requested for no calls on wed (to avoid postcall zombie-ness) and Thur. It is tough and I felt guilty when I am away. So, my final decision of quitting brought some much needed calmness, balance and routine to my life. Some ppl handle the stress better and I hope you can.

Some advise on the TW dvds. You can sample it on youtube first and see how your children enjoy it bcoz my DS and I find it a little boring. But that's just us.
And in response to your math question, just go with the programme. the equations will come later on. I usually do 2 sessions together coz my DS love his math and dots. Always stop before they lose interest so that they will anticipating the next lesson.

Best of luck and hugs for being in the same shoe 

HI 2010BEBES,

ESP, memory games, flashcards: www.sgparenting.com

Mandala, linking memory etc : http://www.shichidaparents.com/rc/

Some free stuff: www.rightbrainkids.com/

Shen Li's blog has been very informational on right brain education. figur8.net/baby/ She has also provided some linking memory flash cards for download
 
Also there are some attachment here on some of the documents I saved on home practice based on shichida methods. Most of the materials can easily be made at home

Others such as tangrams and puzzles must be bought unless you are very handy

Hope this has been helpful. Sorry i couldn't provide more links as i am leaning towards the montessori approach now.
I must applaud your effort in doing this for your grandchildren. Has been trying in vain to get my MIL into the same boat.

Hi jasmine,

I had the same concern as you. My DS started TW at 9 month and LR at 11 month. YBCR on and off. (the clips were too slow for him or rather maybe because he knew the words but usually he does not pay attention unless the singing comes on  )

Before starting TW, I had consider Schicida (too long a waiting list) and Heguru (too jammed). In the end I was glad I chose TW. Reasons being:

1. Closer to home, bout 5-10 min. No traffic jam  (I am a full time working mum)
2. Very gentle. TW has incorporated Montessori methods into its program which I love love love
3. Clean and friendly environment. My DS is very happy there. (Most important)
4. The course is well structured with different topics each week. So, I just ahem *steal* the ideas for our daily home practice, no need to brainstorm 

So, I just incorporated LR, LM and LC into our daily practice (under math and language). When he is distracted, I usually hasten the multisensory part to make it more right brain.

Are you based in Malaysia/Singapore? There are many centers offering right brain classes if you are.

Hope that helps

Jessica

Hi, my son attends TW classes.

The book was part of the registration package. If you are looking for more information on Right Brain Education, then the book is informative enough. It serves as a platform for getting your child prepared for these classes because as a parent, you must be aware of the techniques and truly believe for right brain education to work.

The DVDs are 8 min sessions with 4 lessons per DVD. Honestly, they are pretty boring because for speed training, my son has been doing 1 sec per card and TW flashes at a slower rate. The price is exorbitant if you ask me.I got mine secondhand from a friend There are better resources that you can for free via the internet and LR forum.

So, you must decide if you want information or materials 

Hi, just offering some advice from a professional standpoint.

If your older children have some learning difficulty, you may want to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. He/she will most likely refer you to a child development specialist. If you are from a developed nation, help may be readily available. It is always better to address the problem at it infancy rather than later.

Good to know you are still very determined to do the best for your baby. Don't give up!! 

HI I am a working mom with a 11 month old boy staying in Bdr Botanic, Klang? Just want to find another mommies on this early education roller coaster to share views and maybe playdates.

Son is attending tweedlewink. Nearest to home..haha

tr

Hi, I've practiced signing with my son since he was 6 month old.

Didn't buy any books or DVD. Just check out youtube for video of Firesse.She's super cute and her mom teaches her all kinds of signs.

From there, I taught my son  to sign 'more' (first sign  ), good, no, no more, food, water, milk, light, phone, etc.

He signed back at 6 months(esp with food for encouragement,haha)

You can try some sound effects and motionese. really helps

All the best