Monday 18 December 2017

Under the Moonlight Chinese kit [WITH GIVEAWAY]

Subscription boxes are like surprises sent to the doorstep. We have recently received a kit of Starlight Box, 星月盒 from Under the Moonlight 悦.阅.月.

Under the Moonlight is founded by a trio of Mummies who started off as sharing their experiences and list of recommended Chinese books that their children have read and enjoyed with one another. From there, they mooted the idea of sharing ideas with more parents on a bigger platform simply because they know there are some parents who are always on the lookout for something fun yet educational to ignite our children’s interest in the Chinese language.

星月盒 (Starlight box) is crafted for primary school children between 7 to 9 years old. They have another box, 小月盒 (Lil Moon box) for preschoolers between 4 to 6 years old. It is a delightful box of books and educational goodies, carefully curated for every child's age group. It comes with a different theme every month and the one we received was themed 'Around the World.' That's the theme for November.


When we received it, I thought we would be only unboxing books, but it was more than a surprised to find complementing fun materials along with the books! As I went through the books and materials, I was impressed. Impressed at the scope and items thoughtfully crafted to ensure that language learning is absolutely fun, exciting and easy. It is not one that keeps the kids meaningfully occupied for a short moment, but one that keeps them occupied for days.

Books are gifts that can always be opened again and again.

You know its some good language stuff when you know Under the Moonlight works with educator partners with a belt of experience as a Chinese teachers, as well as an author of many Chinese assessment books. 

What's in our box
1. Two books to the theme, 'Around the World' - 揭秘世界 and 嗨,斯德哥尔摩. 
(斯德哥尔摩 means Stockholm). These books do not come with Hanyu Pinyin, and I am impressed that the stories have been copied and printed out separately on papers with hanyu pinyin to ease reading. It's very often that we stumble upon words when reading in Chinese. This initiative helps greatly! And there are even lists of words that they have painstakingly put together with hanyu pinyun and English meaning. I really am wow-ed! Wow-ed by the efforts and passion they have in spreading the love for Chinese.

What I did with Jazz was getting her to try read the book first, then we looked up on the words we stumbled on.







2. A storytelling session
For real! Okay, a storytelling session on audio. It comes with a usb for you to play anywhere and everywhere! Which you may save the files to your dropbox and play it from your phone wherever and whenever! The audio files are stories of the books, read and recorded for listening. 100% made and read by Singaporean (one of the founding Mama) with great tones and articulation. Being able to identify our local accent is a comfort.   


3. A wooden plane craft 
This craft activity is a diversion from the much intense reading and digestion of new words. I love that it is included to work not just the mind, but those little muscles of their hands.




4. Memory Card Game
A set of memory game card based on countries. The kids had to pair the correct Chinese term to the respective country flag. It was quite a challenge for kids to know the various countries in Chinese! But when there's challenge, there's learning. I've to say I did learn something out of it too.




5. A Game Chart
A game chart inspired by snake and ladders. On this chart there are idioms which the kids will learn and explain the meaning if they land on that space. Word list of the idioms and meaning has also been thoughtfully printed. Dice and pawns included too!

Notice too, the space of each move is numbered in Chinese characters. That definitely compelled the kids to read their moves.




6. Puzzle of the world map
The kids had much fun fixing this puzzle of the world map. Another great activity to dilute the academic part, to make learning fun. But smart parents know we can do our lesson recap from this activity. Ask them about countries in Chinese!

We also went through the map and talked about the places we have been to, in Mandarin!



7. Checklist
A holiday travel pack list that aids our kids in packing their luggage with name of the items in Chinese and English. The list comes laminated and you can simply use, erase and reuse for each travel. It was a pity that we travelled early before coming back to receive this kit. Oh well, we can always do pretend play!


 


8. Word Cards
There are two themed idioms to help build their vocabulary bank. This month, according to the theme, the idioms are - 增广见闻 and 名胜古迹 . On the reverse of the cards, it comes with hanyu pinyin, explanation in English and Chinese, and even an example sentence of how to use the word. It is tough to not understand after reading it.



9. Postcard
A postcard that your child can write and send it across the seas. This is when I told the kids to imagine a friend of theirs in an English country, wanting to know the two idioms they learned. Tasked them to write and explain it in the postcard. It really is just a simple task of copy writing from the word cards. At least, it helps them reinforce their learning. 


We do have quite a range of Chinese books at home and here's what happens if you receive duplicates. While materials and teaching aids can't be exchanged, the books can! Customer minded, yay! Every month, subscribers will be pre-informed on what they will be receiving. Just don't tell the kids, so the element of surprise stays.

So yeap, as a Mum who sees through every learning of the kids, this kit is really well thought with parents in mind. Parents who aren't specially strong or creative in teaching Chinese specially. It is a put together and made easy Chinese learning kit that you won't have to research or source elsewhere for additional information. It is good enough to start teach with just your first box.

Each box is priced at $50, or $45 if you go for a 3 months subscription. Prices exclude $5 shipping fee. Do get hold of their January boxes soon! Before they get sold out.


GIVEAWAY
We have a December Starlight box (7 to 9 years old) for Giveaway to ONE lucky winner. December theme, Winter Wonderland is bound to send your little ones rushing to your lap for story time! All you had need to do to participate, is simply:

1. Like Mum's calling on Facebook
2. Like Under the Moonlight 悦.阅.月 on Facebook
3. Tag three or more friends whom you think will love this edutainment kit, in the comment section of this Facebook page.

Best of luck!

Giveaway closes on 21 December 2017, 2359 hrs.



Terms and Conditions:
  • Winner will be picked by random.org
  • Winner will be announced on Facebook and this blog post
  • Winner will have 48 hours to respond, failing which a new winner will be drawn
  • All incomplete entries will be disqualified. 
  • All entries will be verified before the winner is announced 
  • To be fair to our sponsors, social media accounts set up purely to take part in contests will be deemed ineligible to win.
  • Giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed, administered or associated with Facebook or Instagram.

Disclaimer: A box was sent for the purpose of this review. All opinions are pictures are solely ours. 

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