I've been invited by an established publishing house to write assessment books, and maybe even textbooks. Excited at the chance of having something in produced in print.
However, my main focus will still be my students. Hopefully, the textbook/assessment book writing will give me more insight into the syllabus and make me take a step back to think through about how I can improve the delivery of lessons.
One step at a time. :D
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
More Tips on Helping Your Child Prepare for PSLE
More tips:
1. Healthy diet and healthy bodies. Encourage them to eat healthily (more fruits) and exercise regularly (daddies and mummies, set good examples by spending time playing some sports with them).
2. Positive mindset. Encourage your child to do their best. Understand their limits (well, let's be honest, some children are really A* material and some are not - Aim for the moon so that even if you fail, you land among the stars). Teach them to aim high, but learn to accept disappointment too (most impt!!).
3. Thinking skills. I personally feel that kids these days are really lazy thinkers. One student told me,"Mrs Wong, why must learn to think? Computer will think for us what." -____"-
Question them, even over 'mundane' things like why there's a need for traffic lights. Why don't they just have red and green? Why must there be amber? How effective are the pedestrian crossings? Why have zebra crossings? Why not cow crossings? etc etc
GET THEIR BRAINS THINKING!
4. Sleep well. Most parents I know will enforce strict bedtime, regardless of homework completed or not.
5. SHOW YOUR LOVE & SUPPORT! Love comes in many forms. Make a nice drink while they are studying. Cooking their fave food (as long as it won't cause them to fall ill - like deep fried food). Spending time with them doing leisure activities. Assuring them that you'll be proud of them as long as they put in EFFORT - result is secondary.
I remember my dad showed his 'silent support' by staying up late with me into the nights. He pretended to watch TV - but it was on MUTE cos he did not want to disturb me. Made my fave iced Milo while I studied. Brought me out for nice supper after I'm done with studying (my dad can't cook).
End of the day, remind your kiddos that you love them for who they are.
As long as they did their best, you'll be proud of them no matter what results they get (though we all know that good results at PSLE may mean a better future).
1. Healthy diet and healthy bodies. Encourage them to eat healthily (more fruits) and exercise regularly (daddies and mummies, set good examples by spending time playing some sports with them).
2. Positive mindset. Encourage your child to do their best. Understand their limits (well, let's be honest, some children are really A* material and some are not - Aim for the moon so that even if you fail, you land among the stars). Teach them to aim high, but learn to accept disappointment too (most impt!!).
3. Thinking skills. I personally feel that kids these days are really lazy thinkers. One student told me,"Mrs Wong, why must learn to think? Computer will think for us what." -____"-
Question them, even over 'mundane' things like why there's a need for traffic lights. Why don't they just have red and green? Why must there be amber? How effective are the pedestrian crossings? Why have zebra crossings? Why not cow crossings? etc etc
GET THEIR BRAINS THINKING!
4. Sleep well. Most parents I know will enforce strict bedtime, regardless of homework completed or not.
5. SHOW YOUR LOVE & SUPPORT! Love comes in many forms. Make a nice drink while they are studying. Cooking their fave food (as long as it won't cause them to fall ill - like deep fried food). Spending time with them doing leisure activities. Assuring them that you'll be proud of them as long as they put in EFFORT - result is secondary.
I remember my dad showed his 'silent support' by staying up late with me into the nights. He pretended to watch TV - but it was on MUTE cos he did not want to disturb me. Made my fave iced Milo while I studied. Brought me out for nice supper after I'm done with studying (my dad can't cook).
End of the day, remind your kiddos that you love them for who they are.
As long as they did their best, you'll be proud of them no matter what results they get (though we all know that good results at PSLE may mean a better future).
Quoted to be Misquoted
For most parents who are following threads in KSP, you would know about the recent article in The Newpaper.
Well, the quoted the first sentence and last sentence of my post, which makes me sound.... like I was advertising my services. And to quote the article, I was "plugging her (my) services".
I like what one parent posted about "ignoring the ignorant". :)
From this, we learnt:
Take tabloid news with a pinch of salt. They only pick out certain words/phrases/sentences and present a misleading idea. Now I know how the poor celebrities feel (though I'm definitely not one).
Well, the quoted the first sentence and last sentence of my post, which makes me sound.... like I was advertising my services. And to quote the article, I was "plugging her (my) services".
I like what one parent posted about "ignoring the ignorant". :)
From this, we learnt:
Take tabloid news with a pinch of salt. They only pick out certain words/phrases/sentences and present a misleading idea. Now I know how the poor celebrities feel (though I'm definitely not one).
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
PSLE is over, and I received an email today....
Mrs Wong,
You are such a terrible teacher. We can never forget what you did to us for the rest of our lives.
Firstly, you made us cry every lesson.
Then, you made us whine every lesson.
Also, you cause us to have sleepless nights before your lessons.
Lastly, you cause us emotional distress!
See how much damage you’ve caused us?
Well, it’s because…
You tell us such funny jokes, we laugh till tears roll down our cheeks, sometimes even roll on the floor in laughter.
You give us homework, which makes us whine every lesson. And you enjoy our whining! The more we whined, the wider your grin! But we know the homework was for us to improve.
You set high standards for us and every night, we lay in bed thinking about how to meet your standards. But you always assured us that we are all of high caliber and should be meeting your high standards.
Now, we miss you so much that we are emotionally distressed after PSLE. No more lessons with you!
Could you please open a S1 prep class for us?
Like teach us some new topics for S1 to prepare us?
Pretty please?
We know you miss us alot too!
<3
The JK gang
Dear JK gang,
You have no idea how much I'm missing all of you too!
Love,
Your PAPAYA-loving teacher :D
You are such a terrible teacher. We can never forget what you did to us for the rest of our lives.
Firstly, you made us cry every lesson.
Then, you made us whine every lesson.
Also, you cause us to have sleepless nights before your lessons.
Lastly, you cause us emotional distress!
See how much damage you’ve caused us?
Well, it’s because…
You tell us such funny jokes, we laugh till tears roll down our cheeks, sometimes even roll on the floor in laughter.
You give us homework, which makes us whine every lesson. And you enjoy our whining! The more we whined, the wider your grin! But we know the homework was for us to improve.
You set high standards for us and every night, we lay in bed thinking about how to meet your standards. But you always assured us that we are all of high caliber and should be meeting your high standards.
Now, we miss you so much that we are emotionally distressed after PSLE. No more lessons with you!
Could you please open a S1 prep class for us?
Like teach us some new topics for S1 to prepare us?
Pretty please?
We know you miss us alot too!
<3
The JK gang
Dear JK gang,
You have no idea how much I'm missing all of you too!
Love,
Your PAPAYA-loving teacher :D
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Compo by Sharleyne (P5)
It was the last day of school. Friday the thirteenth.
There were numerous horror movies on television that day. I decided to catch a show as my parents went out together, leaving my younger brother and me along at home.
Feeling hungry, I cooked instant noodles for both of us and settled in front of the television to enjoy our noodles and the scary movie. We were tucking into our delicious noodles when we heard a knock. Our chopsticks were frozen in mid-air with noodles dangling down.
Fear and excitement was creeping into us. The horror movie we were watching was a show on ghosts and we started to suspect that there could be one just at our door! We plucked up courage and held hands to check out the ghost. We gingerly stepped over to the door, afraid that any sudden noise might cause the ghost to attack us.
Then, it was pitch black. We shivered at the thought of the ghost coming at us and started to grope around to our bedroom. Having learnt from the movies we watched, we started grabbing some equipments which made previously. The rice bag was to be used as a ghost catcher, trapping ghosts inside as when confined in a small area, they were unable to escape.
We took what we needed and headed towards the main door clumsily. This time, we were sure that we could catch the ghost. Taking in a deep breathe as if air gave me courage, I turned the knob and flung the door open.
It was there. Alone. A large box. Nicely wrapped with ribbons.
Puzzled, we dropped our equipments and stepped out of the house. As soon as we did so, two men emerged from the darkness and snatched my brother away! I ran as quickly as I could and pushed the man holding my brother but he was too strong. The other man pulled me back and pushed me into the house.
Back inside the house, they tied us up to the dining chairs and taped our mouths. Then, they started to raid the house for valuables. Afraid that my parents would blame us for opening the door to burglars, I started to brainstorm about how I could alert my neighbours for help.
Then it struck me. I started fidgetting. Rocking the chair to and fro. It slowly moved nearer to the wall. Then, in a desperate move, I throw myself with the chair against the wall to cause a loud crash. My shoulders ached as they hit the wall, then the floor. However, it was worth it.
Within a few minutes, my neighbour, Mr Lee, came over to check. He saw the door wide open and suspected that something was amiss. He came into the house and saw us tied up in the corner with the pale light streaming in from the corridor. Without hestitation, he walked stealthily over to us and hide in the darkness. He took out his mobile phone and sent a short message to his wife to inform the police while he kept watch on us.
The burglars were too engrossed in my parents' bedroom as they found the safe. They were making a such a ruckus that they did not hear the commotion in the living room.
Our brave saviours in blue arrived. Armed with batons and handcuffs, they were ready to arrest the burglars. We signalled which room they were in and the policemen hide outside out the door. Once the men appeared, the policemen pounced on them and pinned them to the ground.
Teeth clattering from the cold of the night and the fright we got, Mr Lee's wife wrapped us up in a thick blanket and took us to her house. She called our parents and they rushed home to comfort us.
Ever since then, our parents did not dare to leave us alone at home. We often head over to Mr and Mrs Lee's place for dinner and they would babysit us. A burglary helped us to discover such caring and helpful neighbours.
There were numerous horror movies on television that day. I decided to catch a show as my parents went out together, leaving my younger brother and me along at home.
Feeling hungry, I cooked instant noodles for both of us and settled in front of the television to enjoy our noodles and the scary movie. We were tucking into our delicious noodles when we heard a knock. Our chopsticks were frozen in mid-air with noodles dangling down.
Fear and excitement was creeping into us. The horror movie we were watching was a show on ghosts and we started to suspect that there could be one just at our door! We plucked up courage and held hands to check out the ghost. We gingerly stepped over to the door, afraid that any sudden noise might cause the ghost to attack us.
Then, it was pitch black. We shivered at the thought of the ghost coming at us and started to grope around to our bedroom. Having learnt from the movies we watched, we started grabbing some equipments which made previously. The rice bag was to be used as a ghost catcher, trapping ghosts inside as when confined in a small area, they were unable to escape.
We took what we needed and headed towards the main door clumsily. This time, we were sure that we could catch the ghost. Taking in a deep breathe as if air gave me courage, I turned the knob and flung the door open.
It was there. Alone. A large box. Nicely wrapped with ribbons.
Puzzled, we dropped our equipments and stepped out of the house. As soon as we did so, two men emerged from the darkness and snatched my brother away! I ran as quickly as I could and pushed the man holding my brother but he was too strong. The other man pulled me back and pushed me into the house.
Back inside the house, they tied us up to the dining chairs and taped our mouths. Then, they started to raid the house for valuables. Afraid that my parents would blame us for opening the door to burglars, I started to brainstorm about how I could alert my neighbours for help.
Then it struck me. I started fidgetting. Rocking the chair to and fro. It slowly moved nearer to the wall. Then, in a desperate move, I throw myself with the chair against the wall to cause a loud crash. My shoulders ached as they hit the wall, then the floor. However, it was worth it.
Within a few minutes, my neighbour, Mr Lee, came over to check. He saw the door wide open and suspected that something was amiss. He came into the house and saw us tied up in the corner with the pale light streaming in from the corridor. Without hestitation, he walked stealthily over to us and hide in the darkness. He took out his mobile phone and sent a short message to his wife to inform the police while he kept watch on us.
The burglars were too engrossed in my parents' bedroom as they found the safe. They were making a such a ruckus that they did not hear the commotion in the living room.
Our brave saviours in blue arrived. Armed with batons and handcuffs, they were ready to arrest the burglars. We signalled which room they were in and the policemen hide outside out the door. Once the men appeared, the policemen pounced on them and pinned them to the ground.
Teeth clattering from the cold of the night and the fright we got, Mr Lee's wife wrapped us up in a thick blanket and took us to her house. She called our parents and they rushed home to comfort us.
Ever since then, our parents did not dare to leave us alone at home. We often head over to Mr and Mrs Lee's place for dinner and they would babysit us. A burglary helped us to discover such caring and helpful neighbours.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Our actions & stress can rub off our kids
As PSLE is approaching, I noticed that many students are starting to stress up.
However, it is not because they are really stressed but it's the stress that their parents are giving them - directly or indirectly.
Stress has its pros and cons.
A small amount of stress can enable a person to be more focused and finish any tasks at hand.
However, too much stress can cause panic attacks or mental blocks.
How much stress is too much?
Everyone has different stress-appetites and parents should be able to tell how much stress their children can take.
However, we often fail to realise that our actions and behaviour also affects our children.
Recently, I've been getting many requests for extra lessons due to the upcoming PSLE.
For most of them, they do not need that extra lessons as they've already acquired what they need to know and now should be a time for them to rest and mentally prepare themselves for the battle ahead, not stressing out their bodies physically and mentally with tuition after tuition.
One of my students cried during my class. She told me that she had 5 different tuitions that day and by the 3rd lesson (my lesson), she was already struggling to pay attention and her mind was already 'zoned out'.
Another student complained that his hand was very painful after doing 5 questions of S&T during my lesson. Upon further questioning, I found out that his mother had forced him to finish alot of work just before the lesson and he was heading home after my lesson for another tutor's lesson that his place!
Parents must understand:
零时抱佛脚 (hugging Budhha's leg at the last minute) does not help at all.
Consistent learning with adequate rest and play is more important for the mental and physical health of children. Also, time management is important.
Instead of cramping more tuition lessons at the last minute, parents should consider some leisure activities like a simple board game to relax or simply bringing your children out for a nice dinner without any talk about schoolwork or exams.
A refreshed mind can do better than a worn out mind.
I encourage all students to rest the day before their papers. If they had a paper earlier that day, take a hearty lunch to replenish energy, a nice shower to relax and forget the worries about the previous paper and TAKE A GOOD NAP!
If one really wants to revise, it should be reading up on past mistakes or reading up on notes that teacher has provided. Not madly trying to complete all the practice papers or assessment books.
Parents, remember to give your kids a break.
We want the best for them but we will still love them no matter what results they get, right?
Assure your kids that you'll still love them and be proud of them because they've put in the effort.
Being confident and assured is half the battle won.
Kids in P4 & 5 this year, you better start your engines running so that it'll be smooth by P6.
BEST WISHES TO ALL STUDENTS TAKING PSLE THIS YEAR!
However, it is not because they are really stressed but it's the stress that their parents are giving them - directly or indirectly.
Stress has its pros and cons.
A small amount of stress can enable a person to be more focused and finish any tasks at hand.
However, too much stress can cause panic attacks or mental blocks.
How much stress is too much?
Everyone has different stress-appetites and parents should be able to tell how much stress their children can take.
However, we often fail to realise that our actions and behaviour also affects our children.
Recently, I've been getting many requests for extra lessons due to the upcoming PSLE.
For most of them, they do not need that extra lessons as they've already acquired what they need to know and now should be a time for them to rest and mentally prepare themselves for the battle ahead, not stressing out their bodies physically and mentally with tuition after tuition.
One of my students cried during my class. She told me that she had 5 different tuitions that day and by the 3rd lesson (my lesson), she was already struggling to pay attention and her mind was already 'zoned out'.
Another student complained that his hand was very painful after doing 5 questions of S&T during my lesson. Upon further questioning, I found out that his mother had forced him to finish alot of work just before the lesson and he was heading home after my lesson for another tutor's lesson that his place!
Parents must understand:
零时抱佛脚 (hugging Budhha's leg at the last minute) does not help at all.
Consistent learning with adequate rest and play is more important for the mental and physical health of children. Also, time management is important.
Instead of cramping more tuition lessons at the last minute, parents should consider some leisure activities like a simple board game to relax or simply bringing your children out for a nice dinner without any talk about schoolwork or exams.
A refreshed mind can do better than a worn out mind.
I encourage all students to rest the day before their papers. If they had a paper earlier that day, take a hearty lunch to replenish energy, a nice shower to relax and forget the worries about the previous paper and TAKE A GOOD NAP!
If one really wants to revise, it should be reading up on past mistakes or reading up on notes that teacher has provided. Not madly trying to complete all the practice papers or assessment books.
Parents, remember to give your kids a break.
We want the best for them but we will still love them no matter what results they get, right?
Assure your kids that you'll still love them and be proud of them because they've put in the effort.
Being confident and assured is half the battle won.
Kids in P4 & 5 this year, you better start your engines running so that it'll be smooth by P6.
BEST WISHES TO ALL STUDENTS TAKING PSLE THIS YEAR!
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