Hubby and I are the kind of parents who allow our kids to snack so long as they do not go overboard or binge on unhealthy snacks. We have a snack drawer that piles up with snacks (very quickly!) from generous aunties at church, and from birthday parties. However, there are some snacks we definitely disapprove of, like sweets that are nothing but just sugar and artificial colouring, or snacks that are over generous with their salt and artificial flavouring. I'll reveal a little secret here - we do throw away snacks we deem unhealthy for the kids, so please do not indulge them. 

The million dollar necklace was stolen from The Arts House! And who will have the best scoop for this case?

This was the setting for a workshop that Ch attended during the September holidays. The children assumed the roles of young journalists and detectives to find the culprit in order to present the story on their local newspapers. They visited "crime scenes" in different rooms of The Arts House, interviewed possible suspects, watched videos of events, and put their analytical skills to the test to piece the story together. 

And did I mention that this was a writing workshop? 



Prior to this, Ch attended the Monster HuntINK creative writing workshop conducted by Monsters Under The Bed (MUTB) in June. She was reluctant to go initially, as she is the type of child who prefers to stay at home (how blessed you say, right?) Even on the way to the workshop, she was still showing her displeasure for having to sacrifice three mornings of her school holiday for that. 

But ...

... every day after the workshop, she shared her Monster Building experiences excitedly with us! She even got L so interested in monsters building that he was keen to create one himself. We had to get Ch to request for a blank Monster Builder worksheet to make up for not being able to send him for the workshop too. (you can read my friend's review of the Monster HuntINK workshop). So when I received an invitation by MUTB for the InvestigateINK workshop in September, I was more than happy to let Ch attend again. I know that she will enjoy herself and gain much out of it. 

InvestigateINK introduces expository writing (creative non-fiction) to children aged 6 to 12 and is part of the Imagination 'N' Knowledge series workshops. I understand that expository writing is taught in schools at Primary 5, so what better way to learn this! It was a refreshing change from the usual structured lessons in the classrooms! Even I enjoyed the workshop and benefitted from the tips given by the trainers! To add to that, this workshop was conducted at The Arts House! Centrally located and with a long heritage, you will instantly feel the aura of the building when you step in! 

Unscrambling the letters to find the clue

Finding clues to solve the case like a detective! Source

Can you crack the thief's code?

What else do I like about the InvestigateINK? Activities like finding clues and visiting "crime scenes" allowed the children to move around the Arts House. This helped to keep their enthusiasm and energy high throughout the three days. Being able to experience the staged process of detective work also helped the children to have a better idea of how they could present the facts of the case in a logical sequence - an important trait of expository writing. There were also opportunities for the trainers to have individual time with the children to help them improve their drafts. 

Have you prayed today? What do you pray for?

The flume ride which was so popular in the 1990s.

Stage performance (1991)

Funny street performance about Wu Song and Pan Jin Lian (1992)

Stage performance (1994)