Primary School Maths Questions & Solutions :D
P3:
P5:
P6:
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
PSLE Maths Questions:
1)At first , Shop X has 156 kg of rice flour and Shop Y has 72 kg of rice flour. After each shop sold the same quantity of rice flour, the amount of rice flour that Shop X has was 4 times that of Shop Y. How many kilograms of rice flour did Shop X sell ?
Question 1:
Constant Difference (the difference between the amounts of flour at each shop did not change).
156 - 72 = 84
Shop X has 84kg of flour more than Shop Y.
Since the amount of flour shop X has is 4 times as much as Shop Y after they each sold an equal quantity of flour:
X [--][--][--][--]
Y [--]<-84kg-->
3 units --> 84kg
1 unit --> 84/3 = 28kg
Shop Y had 28kg of flour left.
Since Shop X and Shop Y sold the same amount of flour, we can find out how much flour shop Y sold to get the answer:
72 - 28 = 44kg
Shop X sold 44kg of flour.
[EDITED: Typing mistake leading to calculation mistake. It should be:
From the above model, we can see that 5 units is 960 minus 350:
5 units --> 960-350 = 610
1 unit --> 122
There were 122 males left.
122 + 960 = 1082
There were 1082 males at first.
Since there were equal numbers of males and females, we can simply multiply the number of males by 2 to get the answer:
1082 x 2 = 2164
There were 2164 participants at first.]
2)An equal number of male and female runners took part in the National Education Marathon last year. 960 male runners and 350 female runners quit running and did not complete the marathon. The number of male runners left was 1/6 the number of female runners. What was the total number of runners at the start of the marathon ?
Question 2:
Start off drawing 'equal number at first':
M [----------------------------------------]
F [----------------------------------------]
Then add in 960 males left (and males are left with 1 unit),
350 females left (and females are left with 6 units):
M [u][-----------960-------------------]
F [u][u][u][u][u][u][-------350------]
From the above model, we can see that 5 units is 960 minus 350:
5 units --> 960-350 = 410
1 unit --> 82
There were 82 males left.
82 + 960 = 1042
There were 1042 males at first.
Since there were equal numbers of males and females, we can simply multiply the number of males by 2 to get the answer:
1042 x 2 = 2084
There were 2084 participants at first.
http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=280&p=690963#p690963
Thursday, November 24, 2011
iHerb.com is having FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AGAIN!
International Airmail: Free for orders over $40.00!
(Make sure your order total is $40.00 or more to see the extra savings. This shipping method is limited to orders with a value of up to $80.00 and 4 pounds of weight)
Don't forget to use YAF688 to get US$5 off your first purchase!
Fellow mummy friends
Brought my 2nd son for a baby massage class at another mummy's place today.
It was a great experience!!!
8 mummies & 8 babies having fun chatting and learning!
The emotional support is great. We should have more platforms for mothers to gather and make friends!
It was a great experience!!!
8 mummies & 8 babies having fun chatting and learning!
The emotional support is great. We should have more platforms for mothers to gather and make friends!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Have a Maths question????
I've been receiving quite a few SMS/emails from parents asking for help with Maths questions.
As such, I've decided to start a FB group to tackle such questions.
We can post up questions and anyone who can help can simply reply with the solutions!
Do join the group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/203788813032911/#!/groups/203788813032911/
As such, I've decided to start a FB group to tackle such questions.
We can post up questions and anyone who can help can simply reply with the solutions!
Do join the group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/203788813032911/#!/groups/203788813032911/
The Start of the School Holidays
School holidays are here!!!
My elder boy is also home with me, and thankfully, I'm still on leave and can spend some quality time with him and the younger one.
My teachers at the AMK centre just uploaded pictures of the school holiday activities and it seems like the kids are having loads of fun!
I'm sure their parents will be proud of them and happy that their kids get to enjoy and learn at the same time!
My elder boy is also home with me, and thankfully, I'm still on leave and can spend some quality time with him and the younger one.
My teachers at the AMK centre just uploaded pictures of the school holiday activities and it seems like the kids are having loads of fun!
 |
| Beautiful drawing by one of our students, specially for our centre supervisor, Miss Janice! |
 |
| Learning about astronomy! |
 |
| The kids taking a photo with their work! Look how proud they are! |
 |
| All working hard on adding their fingerprints! |
 |
| The masterpiece! "The Human Anatomy - In Fingerpaint!" |
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| Our hands may be dirty.... but we are loving it! |
I'm sure their parents will be proud of them and happy that their kids get to enjoy and learn at the same time!
Was reading this article and I felt that I really had to share my thoughts on this: http://www.handinhandparenting.org/news/11/64/Getting-Through-School-Struggles
(My comments in BLUE.)
(My comments in BLUE.)
Getting Through School Struggles
Children love to learn. YES THEY DO! Learning is as natural as breathing to them—they absorb every single thing that happens. They learn through play, they learn from the behavior of the children and adults around them, they learn from their own experiments. By all rights, going to school, with its new experiences, many children, and opportunities to master powerful skills like reading and math, should be exciting and fun for them.
In order to learn well, our children need to feel safe and wanted
Children can learn only when this bottom line condition of feeling welcome and appreciated is met. At school, they need to know that their teachers like them and think they're special. They need to know that they won't be bullied or made fun of on the playground or in the hallways. They need encouragement, high expectations, and a good deal of fun.
Play, which is the language and work of young children, is still deeply important to children of school age. The more they are allowed to play in their learning activities, the faster they absorb information and new skills. At home, children need kindness, affection, and some measure of one-on-one time with their parents, even if it’s as little as a five-minute snuggle before going to sleep every night.
For schools to foster learning, and for parents to support their children, we grown-ups need to see that the emotional needs of children are met both at home and in the schools.
Sadly, in Singapore, the reality is that we seldom have time for them to 'play to learn' with rushed syllabus and limited time. Also, with large class sizes and school teachers having to teach so many classes (plus the crazy amount of admin work), students seldom get sufficient attention and support from their teachers.
However, love from parents can really make up for the lack of 'learn through play'.
Here are some specific ways to help children feel loved at home, and understood and respected at school, so their minds are clear enough to learn.
When a child isn't able to concentrate or to learn, there's usually an emotional issue that blocks his progress. It feels bad on the inside when you can't think. It feels scary on the inside when you can't do what's expected of you, and you don't know why or what to do about it. This is the position children are in when they can't write a story, can't memorize their times tables, or can't sit down to their homework. They feel upset, and often scared. They also feel alone.
When we parents see our child caught in upset around learning, it's usually infuriating. Our child's problems make us feel tired and worn. Our thoughts are something like, “By now, he should be able to do school work on his own! Why do I have to get into it?” We badly want our child's problems to go away so we can get a little peace.
What helps immensely is something we've always been taught to avoid at all costs. If you can sit close by while your child has a good cry about school, or a tantrum about not wanting to do homework, your child will do the work of draining some of the bad feelings that have paralyzed him.
Emotional release helps children focus their attention and regain their ability to be hopeful about learning. Your child won't sound reasonable while he cries or rages. He'll believe very strongly in the terrible feelings he's having. But surprisingly, the crying and the chance to make sure you know how bad it feels inside has a deeply healing effect. So try to keep from arguing and reasoning with him, and stay close while he "cleans the skeletons out of the closet" with his tears and his bleak or angry thoughts. He'll finish. The longer he has been able to cry, the more improvement you will see in his ability to concentrate and to believe in himself.
Just like how adults do 'breakdown' and cry it out to feel better, our kids also need an emotional outlet. Though it may seem 'cowardice' or 'stressful' for your child to cry, they are releasing their emotions. This is better than bottling up and ending up with a sudden outburst which may cause more damage. Of course, we won't encourage crying all the time. Just hug and kiss your child and assure him/her. Once the crying is done, wash up and start anew!
Children want their parents to be the ones to listen
Schools are not set up to help children with the tensions that keep them from learning and getting along. This is a job we parents need to do. It's a very hard job, one that was never done for us. It feels “all wrong” to allow a child to cry on and on without fixing anything, without sending him to his room or insisting that he pulls himself together.
But listen. Listening heals. Listen your way through a big cry or tantrum once, without trying to "fix" your child’s feelings or solve the problem, and you'll see how well it works to clear your child's mind and restore his sense of closeness to you.
Assisting our children, supporting their schools
The huge need children have for one-on-one attention while they learn is natural. It's the school environment, where so many children need to compete for the attention of just one adult, that's not natural. Children's needs feel bothersome to parents and to teachers, not because the children are out of line, but because our society is out of line.
Policymakers and citizens haven't yet decided to give young children enough adult attention in school, and parents enough support at home, to meet the natural human needs for support and attention. When schools are genuinely supportive to children, we'll look back at present class sizes, at the lack of support for teachers, and at the lack of services for children experiencing difficulties in learning, and think of conditions in the early twenty first century as primitive indeed.
Because of these conditions, almost every child will experience some difficult times in school. And almost every parent feels upset, helpless, and/or angry when these troubles surface. Our strong love for our children and our frustration with a society that doesn't offer much support to its young people makes it hard to think clearly when our children are having a hard time. There are a few guiding principles that many people find helpful when they hit a hard patch.
In order to learn well, our children need to feel safe and wanted
Children can learn only when this bottom line condition of feeling welcome and appreciated is met. At school, they need to know that their teachers like them and think they're special. They need to know that they won't be bullied or made fun of on the playground or in the hallways. They need encouragement, high expectations, and a good deal of fun.
Play, which is the language and work of young children, is still deeply important to children of school age. The more they are allowed to play in their learning activities, the faster they absorb information and new skills. At home, children need kindness, affection, and some measure of one-on-one time with their parents, even if it’s as little as a five-minute snuggle before going to sleep every night.
For schools to foster learning, and for parents to support their children, we grown-ups need to see that the emotional needs of children are met both at home and in the schools.
Sadly, in Singapore, the reality is that we seldom have time for them to 'play to learn' with rushed syllabus and limited time. Also, with large class sizes and school teachers having to teach so many classes (plus the crazy amount of admin work), students seldom get sufficient attention and support from their teachers.
However, love from parents can really make up for the lack of 'learn through play'.
Here are some specific ways to help children feel loved at home, and understood and respected at school, so their minds are clear enough to learn.
- Children need large amounts of physical affection and closeness. Closeness fuels their confidence and frees their minds of worries about whether or not they're OK. If they're unsure about whether they're OK, they can't concentrate on learning.
- Children learn best through play and hands-on activities. The best teacher is experience, experience, experience! We need classrooms in which children are doing things together, experimenting, and teaching each other what they've learned. In particular, free play without competition or pre-set rules is a great builder of children's intellect, imagination, and confidence. Jumping on the beds at home, chasing around the house, and wrestling and pillow fights (the children win, of course) are the kinds of personal, physical play that lift children's spirits and create enough fun that they can manage to stay hopeful even when days at school aren't inspiring. If life feels like drudgery, learning won't take place. So free play is vital. It keeps your child's spark of hope and interest alive.
The SUPERMARKET is a great place to learn! Any outing can be made into a learning adventure! Teach your child to be observant by questioning and probing.
Why is the glass frosty? (Topic leads to water condensation)
Why do they stack goods in a pyramid at the supermarket? (Topic leads to discussion on balance) - Children need the freedom to make mistakes and ask questions without fear of shame or belittlement. Mistakes and "failures" teach as effectively as successes, as long as a child continues to be respected.
YES! Instead of focusing on their mistakes, focus on how they can get it right (step by step). - Children's keen sense of justice demands that they and others be treated thoughtfully and fairly. Fairness, to children, means limits but not anger, boundaries but not belittlement, facing problems but not attacking people for having problems.
When a child isn't able to concentrate or to learn, there's usually an emotional issue that blocks his progress. It feels bad on the inside when you can't think. It feels scary on the inside when you can't do what's expected of you, and you don't know why or what to do about it. This is the position children are in when they can't write a story, can't memorize their times tables, or can't sit down to their homework. They feel upset, and often scared. They also feel alone.
When we parents see our child caught in upset around learning, it's usually infuriating. Our child's problems make us feel tired and worn. Our thoughts are something like, “By now, he should be able to do school work on his own! Why do I have to get into it?” We badly want our child's problems to go away so we can get a little peace.
What helps immensely is something we've always been taught to avoid at all costs. If you can sit close by while your child has a good cry about school, or a tantrum about not wanting to do homework, your child will do the work of draining some of the bad feelings that have paralyzed him.
Emotional release helps children focus their attention and regain their ability to be hopeful about learning. Your child won't sound reasonable while he cries or rages. He'll believe very strongly in the terrible feelings he's having. But surprisingly, the crying and the chance to make sure you know how bad it feels inside has a deeply healing effect. So try to keep from arguing and reasoning with him, and stay close while he "cleans the skeletons out of the closet" with his tears and his bleak or angry thoughts. He'll finish. The longer he has been able to cry, the more improvement you will see in his ability to concentrate and to believe in himself.
Just like how adults do 'breakdown' and cry it out to feel better, our kids also need an emotional outlet. Though it may seem 'cowardice' or 'stressful' for your child to cry, they are releasing their emotions. This is better than bottling up and ending up with a sudden outburst which may cause more damage. Of course, we won't encourage crying all the time. Just hug and kiss your child and assure him/her. Once the crying is done, wash up and start anew!
Children want their parents to be the ones to listen
Schools are not set up to help children with the tensions that keep them from learning and getting along. This is a job we parents need to do. It's a very hard job, one that was never done for us. It feels “all wrong” to allow a child to cry on and on without fixing anything, without sending him to his room or insisting that he pulls himself together.
But listen. Listening heals. Listen your way through a big cry or tantrum once, without trying to "fix" your child’s feelings or solve the problem, and you'll see how well it works to clear your child's mind and restore his sense of closeness to you.
Assisting our children, supporting their schools
The huge need children have for one-on-one attention while they learn is natural. It's the school environment, where so many children need to compete for the attention of just one adult, that's not natural. Children's needs feel bothersome to parents and to teachers, not because the children are out of line, but because our society is out of line.
Policymakers and citizens haven't yet decided to give young children enough adult attention in school, and parents enough support at home, to meet the natural human needs for support and attention. When schools are genuinely supportive to children, we'll look back at present class sizes, at the lack of support for teachers, and at the lack of services for children experiencing difficulties in learning, and think of conditions in the early twenty first century as primitive indeed.
Because of these conditions, almost every child will experience some difficult times in school. And almost every parent feels upset, helpless, and/or angry when these troubles surface. Our strong love for our children and our frustration with a society that doesn't offer much support to its young people makes it hard to think clearly when our children are having a hard time. There are a few guiding principles that many people find helpful when they hit a hard patch.
- It doesn't help to blame your child, yourself, or the teacher for the difficulty. Blame wastes energy and makes others feel worse than they already do. Because blame spreads bad feelings, it gets in the way of the fresh thinking and cooperation you'll need in order to build solutions. You aren't to blame. You're working as hard as you know how that this difficult job of parenting. Your child isn't to blame. He's doing the best he can, and is carrying burdens he hasn't told you about yet, or doesn't know how to shed yet. The teacher is not to blame. No matter who has made mistakes, the heart of the matter is the lack of support and assistance for everyone involved.
- You, your child, and your child's teacher are all stressed because learning conditions aren't optimal. In most schools, human caring and teaching expertise is spread far too thin. This is probably why the tuition industry is thriving. Small classes, individual attention, customised teaching will benefit the kids. Constructive action means to look for people's strengths, call on their good intentions, and perhaps to look for additional help.
- First, listen to your child about the difficulty. He's feeling hurt and upset, and he can't solve the problem in that state. See if you can be warm and positive enough to help him have a big cry or a tantrum. Children can often work through their feelings of victimization and come up with their own solutions to troubles at school, if they have the chance to offload the feelings in big, hard cries at home.
- Let your child be in charge of the solutions. After your child has shed big feelings of upset, and after you've spent some time just being close to him without trying to solve the problem, ask him what he wants to do. Listen carefully. There may be a role you can play in advocating for him with the teacher or helping him talk with his friends. But don't assume that because he brought his feelings to you, that he wants you to take charge of the situation. Many times, children can think of how they want to take charge after one or several good cries.
- If he wants you to approach a teacher or other students, listen well before you attempt to find solutions. A teacher, principal, or student needs to have their side of the story heard before they will be able to change a viewpoint or cooperate toward a fresh solution. If things aren't working well, they feel badly about it, even if they're acting like they don't. Fresh, workable behavior comes only from a mind that's been freed a bit from its troubles by a good listener, a listener who cares about all the parties involved. Your thoughts are important, and working toward a solution is important. But listening well to the others involved is as vital as tilling hard-packed soil before you attempt to plant a new seed.
- Problem solving goes better if parents find a listener, too. When our children meet with unfairness, we want to storm and rage until the threat to them is gone. Someone listening to how angry or disappointed or exhausted we feel freshens our communication with our children, their friends, and their teachers. It helps us take a positive tack if and when we intervene.
Parents are not superman/superwoman! We also need an outlet to release our frustrations! Forming an informal group with parents (through social media like FB or forums) helps. Parents facing similar situations pull together to share their experiences and comfort each other.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Life as a Mother of TWO
Juggling a newborn and an active 4yo seemed scary and intimidating when I first found out about the pregnancy. However, it's been 6 weeks and we are doing well!
My elder boy has adjusted to having a little brother without much fuss. In fact, he loves his little brother and will help out (like patting didi when he fusses and helping to take things for us during diaper change or feeding). Really thankful that all the chats about welcoming a little baby into the family has been really useful!
The younger one has been a blessing. Slowly learning to sleep through the night and starting to establish a routine. Reading 'horror stories' on forums made me nervous, especially since our last newborn experience was quite some time ago! But, the little one turn out to be an easy-going baby and we learnt his cues very quickly.
Just 3 weeks left before I'm back teaching all classes again and I'm thankful for a wonderful maid who can handle both boys to leave me to work from home in peace. :D
Looking forward to starting classes again. All materials ready and I'm excited!
My elder boy has adjusted to having a little brother without much fuss. In fact, he loves his little brother and will help out (like patting didi when he fusses and helping to take things for us during diaper change or feeding). Really thankful that all the chats about welcoming a little baby into the family has been really useful!
The younger one has been a blessing. Slowly learning to sleep through the night and starting to establish a routine. Reading 'horror stories' on forums made me nervous, especially since our last newborn experience was quite some time ago! But, the little one turn out to be an easy-going baby and we learnt his cues very quickly.
Just 3 weeks left before I'm back teaching all classes again and I'm thankful for a wonderful maid who can handle both boys to leave me to work from home in peace. :D
Looking forward to starting classes again. All materials ready and I'm excited!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
TKD!
My 4yo started TKD lessons a few weeks back. He was very resistant initially, but we told him to TRY and if he really doesn't like it, then we'll stop.
And I'm really proud of him because he really tried out the lesson and HAD FUN! He loved the physical warm ups (running around the basketball court).
However, I got a little worried based on the feedback from my maid. The instructor told them to run 'half-court', but my silly boy ran the whole full court (on his own, without following the rest). Then, the following lesson, the instructor told them to run and touch the nearest white line, then run back. My silly boy, went to touch ALL the white lines before running back.
Then it got me thinking... Was he HYPERACTIVE? Could it be that he DOESN'T LISTEN TO INSTRUCTIONS?
Then I panicked. I got Daddy to sit there to observe. And we found the problem: The instructor wasn't very clear on his instructions, and the lesson was pretty boring.
The instructor spoke in broken English which my boy had trouble comprehending (I don't blame him, we all speak to him in proper English). And the pace of the class was really slow, so if he has any opportunity to 'have fun', he would!
But at the end of the day, I have a happy 4yo who would proudly show me what he had learned in class. & his endless energy was spent (giving some peace). We spoke to him about following instructions and asking when he was unclear. He's finally 'tuned' to his instructor's spoken English and is enjoying the lessons tremendously.
I'm very glad we chose to add in some non-academic enrichment to give him a well-rounded experience. :)
And I'm really proud of him because he really tried out the lesson and HAD FUN! He loved the physical warm ups (running around the basketball court).
However, I got a little worried based on the feedback from my maid. The instructor told them to run 'half-court', but my silly boy ran the whole full court (on his own, without following the rest). Then, the following lesson, the instructor told them to run and touch the nearest white line, then run back. My silly boy, went to touch ALL the white lines before running back.
Then it got me thinking... Was he HYPERACTIVE? Could it be that he DOESN'T LISTEN TO INSTRUCTIONS?
Then I panicked. I got Daddy to sit there to observe. And we found the problem: The instructor wasn't very clear on his instructions, and the lesson was pretty boring.
The instructor spoke in broken English which my boy had trouble comprehending (I don't blame him, we all speak to him in proper English). And the pace of the class was really slow, so if he has any opportunity to 'have fun', he would!
But at the end of the day, I have a happy 4yo who would proudly show me what he had learned in class. & his endless energy was spent (giving some peace). We spoke to him about following instructions and asking when he was unclear. He's finally 'tuned' to his instructor's spoken English and is enjoying the lessons tremendously.
I'm very glad we chose to add in some non-academic enrichment to give him a well-rounded experience. :)
My iHerb favourites :)
For first timers, use YAF688 for $5 off your first purchase!
iHerb SHIPS DIRECT TO SG (purchase above US$120 to get very attractive rates for DHL shipping).
Rmb to limit your purchases to US$280 (include shipping) to avoid GST!
SUPPLEMENTS FOR ADULTS:
ORGANIC SKIN CARE/TOILETRIES (FOR ADULTS & KIDS):
iHerb SHIPS DIRECT TO SG (purchase above US$120 to get very attractive rates for DHL shipping).
Rmb to limit your purchases to US$280 (include shipping) to avoid GST!
SUPPLEMENTS FOR ADULTS:
- Colostrum Pills - Like colostrum to boost kids' immune systems, it works for adults too! The powder form may be a turn off for adults due to the milky taste but the pills are great!
SUPPLEMENTS FOR KIDS:
- ChildLife Colostrum with Probiotics - My boy's all time fave! We've reverted back to this for convenience as I recently changed my maid and though that an 'all-in-one' product would be easier for her to manage than to order the colostrum powder and probiotics powder separately. This really helps to boost the immune system. I've recommended it to many friends and they love this! They save a lot of heartache as their kids don't fall ill often. Saves them a lot of on PD fees too! If you are skeptical about online products, do check this out at GNC. They sell the exact same product (but triple the price).
- Sambucus For Kids - Great to keep in the fridge in case of emergencies. When my boy starts to have slight cough, sniffles or complains of a sore throat, we'll give this straightaway. Minimizes the severity of his illness. Most of the time, we don't even need to consult a doctor because his symptoms go away in a day or two!
- Gummy DHA - We recently changed to this as the little boy was starting to reject his liquid DHA oils, claiming that it makes him feel nauseous. It's really yummy! (Yes! I tried it!) I wanted to get the Disney Gummy Fish initially but it was OOS when I placed my order.
FOR PREGNANT/BREASTFEEDING MUMMIES:
- Erbaorganics Stretchmark Oil - I used this throughout my current pregnancy and I'm proud to declare myself STRETCHMARK FREE! It's an oil, so it's best to apply at night (after shower). For those who do not like oils, they have a cream version: Erbaorganics Stretchmark CREAM
- TM Organic Mother's MIlk Tea - To boost milk supply. I used this for my first child and had an overflowing supply of milk (of course, I used other products too! KS mentality). I had frozen stock (2 chest freezers and 1 home freezer) enough to scare my mother into thinking that she gave birth to a cow, not a human.
- Earth Mama Milkmaid Tea - Another brand of tea that other mummies have requested for me to purchase during sprees. I've not tried it but I heard that it tastes nice! Worth trying!
- Earth Mama Booby Tube - This is a hot/cold pack made from natural flax-seed shells. Great to use as warm/cold compress on breasts to relieve engorgement. I used 'donuts' from Gerber when I had my first child. But this seems too tempting. As it is not a fixed 'donut' shape like other warm/cold packs meant for the breasts, it can also be rolled up and applied to the tummy to relieve cramps or applied to other parts of the body to relieve aches!
- Earth Mama Bottom Spray - I've yet to deliver, but fellow mummies have given me fantastic feedback on this product. It helped their wound to heal faster and reduces the swelling of their 'girlfriend' (which means less discomfort). Some are even buying their 2nd bottle!
- Earth Mama Ginger-Grapefruit Bodywash - Why torture yourself with smell herbal baths? To avoid depression and to keep fresh (especially if you are breastfeeding), do pamper yourself. Get a nice bodywash for confinement. I've yet to try this brand (it's on its way to SG now) but I've bought another brand (the next product) to try.
- Desert Essence Apple-Ginger Bodywash, Desert Essence Apple-Ginger Shampoo and Desert Essence Apple-Ginger Conditioner - Smells so sweet and yummy! I've tried this, it has this slightly spicy after feel that makes you feel refreshed. Feels very good to shower in this (can't wait to shower during my confinement!). The shampoo is a little drying - good to get the conditioner. The conditioner is great. I have naturally wavy hair that's really unruly and I managed to tame my hair with this conditioner.
ORGANIC SKIN CARE/TOILETRIES (FOR ADULTS & KIDS):
- Normally, we use GAIA. But it's a little pricey if none of my relatives bring back from Australia for us. So we alternate between GAIA and this: Rainbow Research Baby Body Wash
My 4yo has bad eczema, so we have to be very careful about skincare products. This is great! & really nice smelling too! - Jason Natural Kid's Shampoo - We use this when we run out of GAIA :) Smells really delicious. Typically, boys tend to get very smelly after an hour at the playground. My boy still smells nice and yummy :) (I must confess: It might be weird thinking about this, but I do smell my boy after his play time!)
- Jason Natural Kid's Toothpaste - Fighting a losing battle to get your kids to brush their teeth? A nice toothpaste would usually help to entice them! My 4yo is happily using this toothpaste and loves it!
Friday, September 16, 2011
What a busy year!
Many parents have emailed me with messages of concern that I've not been updating my blog. Thank you for remembering me and thank you for your support. I've been busy with the administrative work (MOE registration) of our new centre at AMK.
After going through the tedious process of registering our centre with MOE, I have a new-found respect for centres which follow the procedures and ensure that they register their centres with MOE. It is not only expensive, it is mind-boogling and a very draining process with loads of paperwork & hurdles.
For parents who are clueless about this MOE registration thing for tuition centres, let me share with you. It is a very stringent process with a lot of documentations, physical checking of premises & long discussions.
Why should you feel assured that your child is in 'good hands' at a MOE registered school?
- The premises MUST have adequate fire safety measures in place. I spent a few thousands of dollars on this & it was another tedious process to get the Fire Safety Certificate. Adequate fire extinguishers, escape routes, etc etc are very important in case of an emergency!
- Physical inspection of premises includes checking our toilets (must have enough toilets for students), layout of classrooms (must have enough space for students to be comfortable), etc etc. They even check out our neighbours! Apparently, if our neighbours are engaged in businesses that generate a lot of noise (e.g. hair salon due to noise from the hair dryers), our application will not be approved!
- All courses must be submitted to MOE and must attain their approval. Submission to them is not just informing them of the title of the course. We have to give them detailed coverage of what we are doing in the program (syllabus), the aims & objectives, desired outcomes, etc etc. This means that every programme is carefully thought out and planned & vetted by MOE.
- All teachers/tutors conducting the programmes must be approved by MOE. MOE has their set of (rather stringent) criteria on the qualifications of the tutors. The centre must submit the teacher's/tutor's certificates & photocopy of NRIC. It is not some 'random' person teaching your child. The tutor credentials are properly vetted by MOE.
- Even the company accounts must be submitted to MOE after an audit by auditors. I've not figured out their purpose for this but I guess it is to ensure the 'health' of the centre, in case it suddenly closes down and leaves parents/students in the lurch.
However, of course, there are 'black sheeps' which have gotten the MOE registration but do not follow the 'rules'. I'm sure centres who do follow the rules will not hesitate to show the MOE certificates & letters to the parents when requested.
How to know if a centre is MOE registered?
You can check out the lists here: http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/private-education/school-list/
I think they may take a while to update the newly approved centres, but they do issue a certificate to the centres, so you can probably request to see it when you drop by the centres.
Amazingly, many 'popular' tuition centres are NOT registered with MOE! Though they may have good programmes, dedicated/qualified teachers/tutors and good track records, there might be quite a lot of aspects not looked into without MOE registration of their centre.
In any case, do drop by our centre at AMK if you are interested in our services. We have before and after school care, tuition classes for kindergarten, primary and secondary levels and enrichment classes such as 3G abacus, art and phonics. Details available here: www.mwtuition.com.sg
After going through the tedious process of registering our centre with MOE, I have a new-found respect for centres which follow the procedures and ensure that they register their centres with MOE. It is not only expensive, it is mind-boogling and a very draining process with loads of paperwork & hurdles.
For parents who are clueless about this MOE registration thing for tuition centres, let me share with you. It is a very stringent process with a lot of documentations, physical checking of premises & long discussions.
Why should you feel assured that your child is in 'good hands' at a MOE registered school?
- The premises MUST have adequate fire safety measures in place. I spent a few thousands of dollars on this & it was another tedious process to get the Fire Safety Certificate. Adequate fire extinguishers, escape routes, etc etc are very important in case of an emergency!
- Physical inspection of premises includes checking our toilets (must have enough toilets for students), layout of classrooms (must have enough space for students to be comfortable), etc etc. They even check out our neighbours! Apparently, if our neighbours are engaged in businesses that generate a lot of noise (e.g. hair salon due to noise from the hair dryers), our application will not be approved!
- All courses must be submitted to MOE and must attain their approval. Submission to them is not just informing them of the title of the course. We have to give them detailed coverage of what we are doing in the program (syllabus), the aims & objectives, desired outcomes, etc etc. This means that every programme is carefully thought out and planned & vetted by MOE.
- All teachers/tutors conducting the programmes must be approved by MOE. MOE has their set of (rather stringent) criteria on the qualifications of the tutors. The centre must submit the teacher's/tutor's certificates & photocopy of NRIC. It is not some 'random' person teaching your child. The tutor credentials are properly vetted by MOE.
- Even the company accounts must be submitted to MOE after an audit by auditors. I've not figured out their purpose for this but I guess it is to ensure the 'health' of the centre, in case it suddenly closes down and leaves parents/students in the lurch.
However, of course, there are 'black sheeps' which have gotten the MOE registration but do not follow the 'rules'. I'm sure centres who do follow the rules will not hesitate to show the MOE certificates & letters to the parents when requested.
How to know if a centre is MOE registered?
You can check out the lists here: http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/private-education/school-list/
I think they may take a while to update the newly approved centres, but they do issue a certificate to the centres, so you can probably request to see it when you drop by the centres.
Amazingly, many 'popular' tuition centres are NOT registered with MOE! Though they may have good programmes, dedicated/qualified teachers/tutors and good track records, there might be quite a lot of aspects not looked into without MOE registration of their centre.
In any case, do drop by our centre at AMK if you are interested in our services. We have before and after school care, tuition classes for kindergarten, primary and secondary levels and enrichment classes such as 3G abacus, art and phonics. Details available here: www.mwtuition.com.sg
Thursday, June 23, 2011
New Centre is opening soon!
With great excitement, the AMK centre will be ready soon. Renovations are going smoothly and furniture have been purchased. Staff have started to report for work & are excited about the new centre!
What are we offering?
- After school care for primary school students (August 2011 onwards)
- Tuition classes for kindergarten, primary and secondary students
- 3G Abacus ™ & art enrichment classes
- Intensive exam preparation courses (Registration starts now for P5/6 Maths & Science 2011 Exam Prep)
The contact information for the AMK Centre:
9003 8129 (SMS preferred) or email AMK@mwtuition.com.sg
What are we offering?
- After school care for primary school students (August 2011 onwards)
- Tuition classes for kindergarten, primary and secondary students
- 3G Abacus ™ & art enrichment classes
- Intensive exam preparation courses (Registration starts now for P5/6 Maths & Science 2011 Exam Prep)
The contact information for the AMK Centre:
9003 8129 (SMS preferred) or email AMK@mwtuition.com.sg
Saturday, May 14, 2011
25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9
My friend shared this article on FB & I totally agree with it!
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/25-manners-every-kid-should-know-by-age-9-2480238
In fact, I believe that we should teach them all these manners FROM YOUNG, so that they know it as a habit & way of life rather than a chore.
The article reads...
"Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.
By David Lowry, Ph.D.
Your child's rude attitude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.-
Manner #1
When asking for something, say "Please."
Manner #2
When receiving something, say "Thank you."
Related: Kid-Made Thank You Notes
Manner #3
Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.
Manner #4
If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.
Manner #5
When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
Manner #6 The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.
Manner #7 Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.
Related: Raise Polite Kids
Manner #8 When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
Manner #9
When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
Manner #10 Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.
[Me: Closed door or not, I believe it is basic manners to ALWAYS knock before entering, especially if you are a guest in the house!]
Manner #11
When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
Manner #12 Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.
Related: Print and Color Cards for Birthdays, Thank-Yous and More!
Manner #13 Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
Manner #14
Don't call people mean names.
Manner #15 Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
Related: Raise a Compassionate Kid
Manner #16 Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.
Manner #17 If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."
Related: Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style?
Manner #18 Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.
Related: How to Handle Inappropriate Behavior
Manner #19
As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
Manner #20 If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.
Manner #21 When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.
Related: Use this Table-Setting Map as a Guide
Manner #22 When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
Manner #23 Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.
Related: Mrs. McVeigh Weighs in on Proper Utensil Use and More!
Manner #24
Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
Manner #25
Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.
See more on teaching manners to your toddlers and preschoolers.
Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine."
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/25-manners-every-kid-should-know-by-age-9-2480238
In fact, I believe that we should teach them all these manners FROM YOUNG, so that they know it as a habit & way of life rather than a chore.
The article reads...
"Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.
By David Lowry, Ph.D.
Your child's rude attitude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.-
Manner #1
When asking for something, say "Please."
Manner #2
When receiving something, say "Thank you."
Related: Kid-Made Thank You Notes
Manner #3
Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.
Manner #4
If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.
Manner #5
When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
Manner #6 The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.
Manner #7 Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.
Related: Raise Polite Kids
Manner #8 When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
Manner #9
When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
Manner #10 Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.
[Me: Closed door or not, I believe it is basic manners to ALWAYS knock before entering, especially if you are a guest in the house!]
Manner #11
When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
Manner #12 Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.
Related: Print and Color Cards for Birthdays, Thank-Yous and More!
Manner #13 Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
Manner #14
Don't call people mean names.
Manner #15 Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
Related: Raise a Compassionate Kid
Manner #16 Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.
Manner #17 If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."
Related: Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style?
Manner #18 Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.
Related: How to Handle Inappropriate Behavior
Manner #19
As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
Manner #20 If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.
Manner #21 When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.
Related: Use this Table-Setting Map as a Guide
Manner #22 When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
Manner #23 Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.
Related: Mrs. McVeigh Weighs in on Proper Utensil Use and More!
Manner #24
Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
Manner #25
Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.
See more on teaching manners to your toddlers and preschoolers.
Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine."
Friday, May 13, 2011
SA1 is over... Now... What???
Now that SA1 is over, many students are starting to receive their results.
As parents/tutors, what's the next step?
1. Go through & analyse the mistakes made in the papers.(a) Careless mistakes - defined by marks lost due to calculation mistakes, poor handwriting, copying of wrong words/spelling/numbers
(b) Failure to pay attention to details - defined by marks lost due to child skipping important info given in the question (such that when the info is highlighted to them, they are able to get the answers without help).
(c) Failure to understand concept/apply - defined by marks lost due to total lack of understanding for the question/concept.
To tackle careless mistakes, you have to be patient and constantly remind them. Add up the marks lost due to careless mistakes and let them feel the impact (and see the difference between the score they could actually obtain vs the score they obtained).
Also, remind them that is it human to make mistakes (as in lost a few marks) but they can try to minimise it by checking, recalculating & reading carefully.
For children who fail to read the questions carefully, it would be good to encourage them to underline/highlight important key words in the questions. Make it a habit by ensuring that they do that all the time - for school homework and additional work done at home/tuition.
Failure to understand/apply concepts:
We will have to go back to basics for those topics. Go through the basic content knowledge. Then go progressively upwards to re-teach the entire topic.
Some children require constant reminders/revision. If your child need this, plan for the exam revision to start earlier. Then, a few days before the exam will be a quick run through of all the topics & key concepts to note.
2. Analyse what has been done during the studying/revision process & how to improve(a) Was there adequate time allocated?
(b) Did revision start too late?
(c) Was the wrong method used for revision?
If a particular method of studying has been identified as useful, build on it.
If your child hasn't found his/her preferred method, explore other methods together.
3. Encourage & assure your childNo matter the results, all children need encouragement.
For those who scored well, encourage them and motivate them to score better.
For those who did not score well, encourage them to take the first step to doing better. Don't expect an overnight change in your child - it's not realistic. Set small realistic targets with deadlines. For example, you can set the first target as: Revise P3 Diversity Topics and practice related questions by end of 1st week of June holidays. Then, guide your child in work division and daily work allocation to manage his/her time. Follow up by physically checking their work (not just verbal checking by asking them if they've done their work).
Always remind them that you love them. Though you may be disappointed with the results, they are your children and you will still love them. Love is unconditional.
Explain to them why you feel disappointed - you know they are smart kids who can achieve more!
Slowly build the confidence in them, encourage them to be self-motivated.
Children forget easily, you may have to repeat this 'talk' a few times for it to really sink in, especially for the younger ones.
4. Re-look their schedules
Could your child be too tired out from tuition/enrichment classes to focus on studies?
Would it be wise to drop 1 or 2 activities to focus on building up the academic studies, then having those activities again later on?
I personally re-looked my 4yo boy's schedule recently. Though we've always stuck to 'only 1 enrichment class a day', I noticed he had less time for play & socialising (at the playground). We took a bold step and cut down on the enrichment classes (though my KS-parent mind is saying: WHAT IF HE LOSES OUT!???).
I'm glad I did that as he has more time 'day dreaming' and coming up with new stories & games, more time to read storybooks and have been more receptive to spending time sitting down with my hubby for informal Chinese lessons (reading, simple writing, speaking in Chinese).
I hope that parents & students will not be discouraged by the results. This is only SA1, there's still time to catch up.
As parents/tutors, what's the next step?
1. Go through & analyse the mistakes made in the papers.(a) Careless mistakes - defined by marks lost due to calculation mistakes, poor handwriting, copying of wrong words/spelling/numbers
(b) Failure to pay attention to details - defined by marks lost due to child skipping important info given in the question (such that when the info is highlighted to them, they are able to get the answers without help).
(c) Failure to understand concept/apply - defined by marks lost due to total lack of understanding for the question/concept.
To tackle careless mistakes, you have to be patient and constantly remind them. Add up the marks lost due to careless mistakes and let them feel the impact (and see the difference between the score they could actually obtain vs the score they obtained).
Also, remind them that is it human to make mistakes (as in lost a few marks) but they can try to minimise it by checking, recalculating & reading carefully.
For children who fail to read the questions carefully, it would be good to encourage them to underline/highlight important key words in the questions. Make it a habit by ensuring that they do that all the time - for school homework and additional work done at home/tuition.
Failure to understand/apply concepts:
We will have to go back to basics for those topics. Go through the basic content knowledge. Then go progressively upwards to re-teach the entire topic.
Some children require constant reminders/revision. If your child need this, plan for the exam revision to start earlier. Then, a few days before the exam will be a quick run through of all the topics & key concepts to note.
2. Analyse what has been done during the studying/revision process & how to improve(a) Was there adequate time allocated?
(b) Did revision start too late?
(c) Was the wrong method used for revision?
If a particular method of studying has been identified as useful, build on it.
If your child hasn't found his/her preferred method, explore other methods together.
3. Encourage & assure your childNo matter the results, all children need encouragement.
For those who scored well, encourage them and motivate them to score better.
For those who did not score well, encourage them to take the first step to doing better. Don't expect an overnight change in your child - it's not realistic. Set small realistic targets with deadlines. For example, you can set the first target as: Revise P3 Diversity Topics and practice related questions by end of 1st week of June holidays. Then, guide your child in work division and daily work allocation to manage his/her time. Follow up by physically checking their work (not just verbal checking by asking them if they've done their work).
Always remind them that you love them. Though you may be disappointed with the results, they are your children and you will still love them. Love is unconditional.
Explain to them why you feel disappointed - you know they are smart kids who can achieve more!
Slowly build the confidence in them, encourage them to be self-motivated.
Children forget easily, you may have to repeat this 'talk' a few times for it to really sink in, especially for the younger ones.
4. Re-look their schedules
Could your child be too tired out from tuition/enrichment classes to focus on studies?
Would it be wise to drop 1 or 2 activities to focus on building up the academic studies, then having those activities again later on?
I personally re-looked my 4yo boy's schedule recently. Though we've always stuck to 'only 1 enrichment class a day', I noticed he had less time for play & socialising (at the playground). We took a bold step and cut down on the enrichment classes (though my KS-parent mind is saying: WHAT IF HE LOSES OUT!???).
I'm glad I did that as he has more time 'day dreaming' and coming up with new stories & games, more time to read storybooks and have been more receptive to spending time sitting down with my hubby for informal Chinese lessons (reading, simple writing, speaking in Chinese).
I hope that parents & students will not be discouraged by the results. This is only SA1, there's still time to catch up.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
SA1
It's that time of the year again. SA1 is approaching in a few weeks. While students are still oblivious to it, parents and tutors (myself included) are starting to get nervous.
By now, most schools have yet to finish teaching the topics to be tested in the SA1. On my end, I'm worried that my students will not fully grasp the concepts of the coming topics which their teachers will rush through. I'm glad I've covered those topics during lessons with them but am nervous about them being able to handle the application questions (especially for Maths & Science).
Worries aside, now is the time to start revision.
For English:
- Ensure that they have a habit of underlining/highlighting clues & making annotations.
e.g. Every (singular) member in my family ___ to eat fish. We eat it everyday (present tense).
1. like
2. likes (singular, present tense)
3. liked
4. has liked
- Make it a habit to read through for hidden meanings (for vocab).
- Write down the words together with the alphabets so that you can read the passage as a whole (for grammar cloze).
- Read the passage carefully and determine if there are clues and draw arrows to link the clues back to the blanks (for compre cloze).
- Highlight where you got your answers from (graphic/compre MCQ/compre OE). Ensure that your answers are in full proper sentences with the correct tenses based on the question. Always check the question word to ensure that you are answering the question.
e.g. Why (reason) did (past tense) the boys run off when they saw the shadow?
Wrong: The boys saw the shadow and ran off to the nearest exit. (This is an ACTION, not a REASON).
Correct: The boys ran off when they saw the shadow as they were afraid that it might be a monster or a ghost.
- Synthesis & Transformation: Check the clauses carefully.
e.g. 'Unless' always has a positive & negative part.
Unless you complete your homework (POSITIVE), you will not (NEGATIVE) be allowed to watch television.
- Editing: Check the TENSES carefully. Also, to check your spelling, write it on a different page (in pencil) without looking at the wrong spelling given. Sometimes, the wrong spelling may confuse you and cloud your mind. Writing out the word again on another page might take away the false impression of the 'wrong' spelling.
For Maths:
- Calculation mistakes should always be avoided. Using logical thinking, if you are adding up numbers, the final answer should be larger than the original numbers.
- Break long questions into smaller parts. Read and understand what information is given in each sentence before reading the next sentence. Underline/circle key numbers and draw arrows to the names/objects if it helps. Else, you can rewrite the info on the side to help you.
e.g. Tony had 15% more 50c coins than 20c coins. If there were 6 more 50c coins than 20c coins, how much money did Tony have?
Rewriting the info given:
Tony
15% more 50c coins than 20c coins (100%)
50c coins -> 115%
20c coins -> 100%
6 more 50c coins than 20c coins
- Identify the technique needed to solve the problem (constant difference, etc). If in doubt, draw a simple model to compare the information given for a clearer picture.
- Always check to ensure:
(a) All questions have been attempted.
(b) Double check all calculations. *this is when mental calculation will come into good use
(c) Double check that all working has been shown clearly.
For Science:
- Read questions carefully.
- Underline/circle key words in the questions.
- Identify the topic it is related to so that you know what type of answers are expected.
- For MCQ: Always eliminate other answers even if you are sure that your answer is the best answer. Sometimes the meaning of the option could change with ONE word.
e.g.
(1) Most of the mammals give birth to young alive.
(2) All mammals give birth to young alive.
Option 2 is wrong as not ALL mammals give birth to young alive, there are exceptions like the platypus. So in this case, Option 1 is a better answer.
- For open-ended questions, ALWAYS WRITE IN COMPLETE SENTENCES even if the answer seems direct and simple.
e.g.
What energy is needed?
Answer: Heat
You should write your answer as: Heat energy is needed. Or: The energy that is needed is heat energy.
Hope that these tips and reminders will be helpful!!
By now, most schools have yet to finish teaching the topics to be tested in the SA1. On my end, I'm worried that my students will not fully grasp the concepts of the coming topics which their teachers will rush through. I'm glad I've covered those topics during lessons with them but am nervous about them being able to handle the application questions (especially for Maths & Science).
Worries aside, now is the time to start revision.
For English:
- Ensure that they have a habit of underlining/highlighting clues & making annotations.
e.g. Every (singular) member in my family ___ to eat fish. We eat it everyday (present tense).
1. like
2. likes (singular, present tense)
3. liked
4. has liked
- Make it a habit to read through for hidden meanings (for vocab).
- Write down the words together with the alphabets so that you can read the passage as a whole (for grammar cloze).
- Read the passage carefully and determine if there are clues and draw arrows to link the clues back to the blanks (for compre cloze).
- Highlight where you got your answers from (graphic/compre MCQ/compre OE). Ensure that your answers are in full proper sentences with the correct tenses based on the question. Always check the question word to ensure that you are answering the question.
e.g. Why (reason) did (past tense) the boys run off when they saw the shadow?
Wrong: The boys saw the shadow and ran off to the nearest exit. (This is an ACTION, not a REASON).
Correct: The boys ran off when they saw the shadow as they were afraid that it might be a monster or a ghost.
- Synthesis & Transformation: Check the clauses carefully.
e.g. 'Unless' always has a positive & negative part.
Unless you complete your homework (POSITIVE), you will not (NEGATIVE) be allowed to watch television.
- Editing: Check the TENSES carefully. Also, to check your spelling, write it on a different page (in pencil) without looking at the wrong spelling given. Sometimes, the wrong spelling may confuse you and cloud your mind. Writing out the word again on another page might take away the false impression of the 'wrong' spelling.
For Maths:
- Calculation mistakes should always be avoided. Using logical thinking, if you are adding up numbers, the final answer should be larger than the original numbers.
- Break long questions into smaller parts. Read and understand what information is given in each sentence before reading the next sentence. Underline/circle key numbers and draw arrows to the names/objects if it helps. Else, you can rewrite the info on the side to help you.
e.g. Tony had 15% more 50c coins than 20c coins. If there were 6 more 50c coins than 20c coins, how much money did Tony have?
Rewriting the info given:
Tony
15% more 50c coins than 20c coins (100%)
50c coins -> 115%
20c coins -> 100%
6 more 50c coins than 20c coins
- Identify the technique needed to solve the problem (constant difference, etc). If in doubt, draw a simple model to compare the information given for a clearer picture.
- Always check to ensure:
(a) All questions have been attempted.
(b) Double check all calculations. *this is when mental calculation will come into good use
(c) Double check that all working has been shown clearly.
For Science:
- Read questions carefully.
- Underline/circle key words in the questions.
- Identify the topic it is related to so that you know what type of answers are expected.
- For MCQ: Always eliminate other answers even if you are sure that your answer is the best answer. Sometimes the meaning of the option could change with ONE word.
e.g.
(1) Most of the mammals give birth to young alive.
(2) All mammals give birth to young alive.
Option 2 is wrong as not ALL mammals give birth to young alive, there are exceptions like the platypus. So in this case, Option 1 is a better answer.
- For open-ended questions, ALWAYS WRITE IN COMPLETE SENTENCES even if the answer seems direct and simple.
e.g.
What energy is needed?
Answer: Heat
You should write your answer as: Heat energy is needed. Or: The energy that is needed is heat energy.
Hope that these tips and reminders will be helpful!!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Are Special Kids.... A Burden?
Browsing through some forums recently, I chanced upon a debate about whether pregnant mothers should do Down Syndrome's testing or not.
Few factors that were discussed:
1. The test is costly.
2. The test is not 100% accurate and may give false results which lead to undue stress during the pregnancy.
3. The results won't matter, so no point doing the test.
4. Decision to keep or abort lies in the results of the test.
After having worked with special kids and getting to know their families, yes, it is a struggle to bring them up and teach them to be independent. But the amount of joy they bring, it's priceless.
Some of them worry about 'what if I die and I leave the burden of my special child to my existing child'? Then it got me thinking... Burden? What burden? Would you consider your siblings a burden? No matter what happens to my siblings, I will never consider them a burden.
Yes, the child did not choose to have a sibling who is special. But along the way, I'm sure the special child will touch his/her siblings and family love will grow.
One of my friend's brother had a very bad viral attack that damaged his brain. From a bright young man in NS, to a vegetable, then slowly recovering to perform daily tasks but he's no longer the same as before. Did my friend give up on his brother at any point of time? No. In fact, he gave up a relationship with his then-gf to focus on earning money and caring for his brother. And now that his brother is getting better and more independent, he's re-starting his social life. He got his priorities right and now, many girls admire him and he has finally found someone who share the same passion to help his brother. Was he 'burdened' in any way? He told me that he learnt most from his brother than any other experience in the world.
When I was pregnancy with my boy, it never crossed my mind to do the DS testing because DS is not something that is contagious. It is something that we can learn to manage and help the child to learn to be independent over time. So, terminating a pregnancy just because the child may not come out normal has never been my or my hubby's thoughts.
God gives you a child. Treasure the child, even if it's only for a second. Treasure it. No life should be taken away just for convenience or fear of being burdened.
Few factors that were discussed:
1. The test is costly.
2. The test is not 100% accurate and may give false results which lead to undue stress during the pregnancy.
3. The results won't matter, so no point doing the test.
4. Decision to keep or abort lies in the results of the test.
After having worked with special kids and getting to know their families, yes, it is a struggle to bring them up and teach them to be independent. But the amount of joy they bring, it's priceless.
Some of them worry about 'what if I die and I leave the burden of my special child to my existing child'? Then it got me thinking... Burden? What burden? Would you consider your siblings a burden? No matter what happens to my siblings, I will never consider them a burden.
Yes, the child did not choose to have a sibling who is special. But along the way, I'm sure the special child will touch his/her siblings and family love will grow.
One of my friend's brother had a very bad viral attack that damaged his brain. From a bright young man in NS, to a vegetable, then slowly recovering to perform daily tasks but he's no longer the same as before. Did my friend give up on his brother at any point of time? No. In fact, he gave up a relationship with his then-gf to focus on earning money and caring for his brother. And now that his brother is getting better and more independent, he's re-starting his social life. He got his priorities right and now, many girls admire him and he has finally found someone who share the same passion to help his brother. Was he 'burdened' in any way? He told me that he learnt most from his brother than any other experience in the world.
When I was pregnancy with my boy, it never crossed my mind to do the DS testing because DS is not something that is contagious. It is something that we can learn to manage and help the child to learn to be independent over time. So, terminating a pregnancy just because the child may not come out normal has never been my or my hubby's thoughts.
God gives you a child. Treasure the child, even if it's only for a second. Treasure it. No life should be taken away just for convenience or fear of being burdened.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The little terror is now turning into a little angel
The 'terrible twos' seem to be over now for my son. & I'm very thankful!
Recently, he is better behaved and now, it seems like having another one isn't a bad idea.
In the past, we had to punish him with 'naughty corner'. I remember having to scold him for misbehaving (jumping on sofa, climbing window grilles, etc).
Thinking back, we've not punished him since the start of the year.
I've been pondering and wondering... What did we do right? How could we improve?
Then my husband reminded me about how consistent we were in terms of discipline.
We metted out the same punishment without arguements or hesitation.
We correct improper behaviour once we see it. We allow our maid to tell him off straightaway if he misbehaves.
And this has helped my boy to know his limits because everyone takes the same stand.
Even during CNY visitation, we expected him to misbehave a little, especially if he saw the toys at my cousin's place. However, he was on his best behaviuor, asking for permission before playing and helping to keep the toys before we left. And kids being kids, my nephews were possessive of their toys and refused to share certain toys with him. My boy simply chose another toy without any fuss (I was expecting him to make a fuss and probably cry and sulk).
And we were worried that he may open red packets given to him straightaway since he knew that there's money inside (and he knows that he can buy things with money). Talking to him nicely before we left home really helped. Letting him know the expected behaviour really worked!
He thanked everyone who gave him red packets and quickly passed them to me for safekeeping. He also greeted everyone without much fuss (he used to refuse to greet some of my uncles who seemed 'fierce').
I'm thankful my little monster has grown up into a little man. :D And he's so sweet now with his surprises: Kisses and hugs when I'm busy with work, offering me lollipops, sneaking under my blanket early in the morning to snuggle up to me, etc.
With tuition and the upcoming centre, I've been pretty busy lately and I'm glad that he has learnt to manage himself without us having to discipline him all the time.
And recently, his time is occupied with activities and he recently fell in love with Nat Geo Wild on cable TV.
He loves the animals in the wild, the snake-catching shows and even documentaries on different types of insects!
I'm glad that he is taking interest in something I would like him to be interested in and very thankful that he's growing into a curious little man.
Recently, he is better behaved and now, it seems like having another one isn't a bad idea.
In the past, we had to punish him with 'naughty corner'. I remember having to scold him for misbehaving (jumping on sofa, climbing window grilles, etc).
Thinking back, we've not punished him since the start of the year.
I've been pondering and wondering... What did we do right? How could we improve?
Then my husband reminded me about how consistent we were in terms of discipline.
We metted out the same punishment without arguements or hesitation.
We correct improper behaviour once we see it. We allow our maid to tell him off straightaway if he misbehaves.
And this has helped my boy to know his limits because everyone takes the same stand.
Even during CNY visitation, we expected him to misbehave a little, especially if he saw the toys at my cousin's place. However, he was on his best behaviuor, asking for permission before playing and helping to keep the toys before we left. And kids being kids, my nephews were possessive of their toys and refused to share certain toys with him. My boy simply chose another toy without any fuss (I was expecting him to make a fuss and probably cry and sulk).
And we were worried that he may open red packets given to him straightaway since he knew that there's money inside (and he knows that he can buy things with money). Talking to him nicely before we left home really helped. Letting him know the expected behaviour really worked!
He thanked everyone who gave him red packets and quickly passed them to me for safekeeping. He also greeted everyone without much fuss (he used to refuse to greet some of my uncles who seemed 'fierce').
I'm thankful my little monster has grown up into a little man. :D And he's so sweet now with his surprises: Kisses and hugs when I'm busy with work, offering me lollipops, sneaking under my blanket early in the morning to snuggle up to me, etc.
With tuition and the upcoming centre, I've been pretty busy lately and I'm glad that he has learnt to manage himself without us having to discipline him all the time.
And recently, his time is occupied with activities and he recently fell in love with Nat Geo Wild on cable TV.
He loves the animals in the wild, the snake-catching shows and even documentaries on different types of insects!
I'm glad that he is taking interest in something I would like him to be interested in and very thankful that he's growing into a curious little man.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Some recipes I shared in KSP
I couldn't find my beloved bread book!!!
But thankfully, I do have copies of some of the recipes I often use:
Good Old Plain White Bread
500g sifted bread flour
5g dry yeast
50g castor sugar
10g fine salt
260ml cold water
65g butter
Sweet Dough for Buns!
260m cold water
1 egg
50g butter
500g sifted bread flour
15g fresh yeast (cubed form)
100g castor sugar
5g salt
Do not use the bake function. Take the dough out and shape it into buns!
Can add cheese, sausage, etc etc! Your creativity is the limit
Super MultiGrainy Bread
20g castor sugar
20g salt
350g sifted bread flour
150g sifted whole grain flour
20g fresh yeast
260ml water
To add on the surface before baking: 120g rolled oats & nuts
Doe Doe Donuts!
140g sifted bread flour
60g sifted cake flour
30g butter
8g fresh yeast
70ml cold water
1 egg
15g castor sugar
5g salt
Use the quick function for this (only need to let it rise for 30 minutes).
Cut the dough into shape and leave for another 20 minutes before frying. YUM YUM!!
Chinese Buns
200g sifted plain flour
5g instant yeast (dry yeast)
50g castor sugar
2 tbsp corn oil
150ml warm water
Us the quick knead function.
Shape and put fillings as desired.
Steam for 10 minutes.
But thankfully, I do have copies of some of the recipes I often use:
Good Old Plain White Bread
500g sifted bread flour
5g dry yeast
50g castor sugar
10g fine salt
260ml cold water
65g butter
Sweet Dough for Buns!
260m cold water
1 egg
50g butter
500g sifted bread flour
15g fresh yeast (cubed form)
100g castor sugar
5g salt
Do not use the bake function. Take the dough out and shape it into buns!
Can add cheese, sausage, etc etc! Your creativity is the limit
Super MultiGrainy Bread
20g castor sugar
20g salt
350g sifted bread flour
150g sifted whole grain flour
20g fresh yeast
260ml water
To add on the surface before baking: 120g rolled oats & nuts
Doe Doe Donuts!
140g sifted bread flour
60g sifted cake flour
30g butter
8g fresh yeast
70ml cold water
1 egg
15g castor sugar
5g salt
Use the quick function for this (only need to let it rise for 30 minutes).
Cut the dough into shape and leave for another 20 minutes before frying. YUM YUM!!
Chinese Buns
200g sifted plain flour
5g instant yeast (dry yeast)
50g castor sugar
2 tbsp corn oil
150ml warm water
Us the quick knead function.
Shape and put fillings as desired.
Steam for 10 minutes.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wondering & Pondering
Recently I had some time to go back into forums and share...
But as I read, I realised that, it seems like the forum is starting to be an 'exclusive club' where there are personal attacks and a lot of informal groups that have formed.
This is seen in many forums, but I least expected it in this forum. Quite sad to see how people only 'take' but never contribute. And when someone contributes something they don't like, they start a personal attack instead of provide their side of the story.
And now I start to understand why some of my friends refuse to go into such forums. Maybe this is a signal, to cut back on the forum.
But as I read, I realised that, it seems like the forum is starting to be an 'exclusive club' where there are personal attacks and a lot of informal groups that have formed.
This is seen in many forums, but I least expected it in this forum. Quite sad to see how people only 'take' but never contribute. And when someone contributes something they don't like, they start a personal attack instead of provide their side of the story.
And now I start to understand why some of my friends refuse to go into such forums. Maybe this is a signal, to cut back on the forum.
Another Maths Question...
$260 is to be divided among a certain number of people. If half of the people receive $3 each, one-eighth of the people receive $2 each and the rest $4 each, how many people are there altogether?
Divide the people into 8 units (based on 1/8 of the people):
1/2 => 4 units (recieved $3 each) x $3 = $12u
1/8 => 1 unit (recieved $2 each) x $2 = $2u
Remaining => 8 - 4 - 1 = 3u (received $4 each) x $4 = $12u
Total amount of money = $260 => $12u + $2u + $12u = $26u
$26 u -> 260
$1 u -> 260/6 = 10
Altogether there were 8 units of people
8 u -> 80 people
Divide the people into 8 units (based on 1/8 of the people):
1/2 => 4 units (recieved $3 each) x $3 = $12u
1/8 => 1 unit (recieved $2 each) x $2 = $2u
Remaining => 8 - 4 - 1 = 3u (received $4 each) x $4 = $12u
Total amount of money = $260 => $12u + $2u + $12u = $26u
$26 u -> 260
$1 u -> 260/6 = 10
Altogether there were 8 units of people
8 u -> 80 people
A P6 Maths Question from Workbook
Adam and Rahmad shared some beads. If Adam gave 1/3 of his share to Rahmad, Rahmad would have 70 more than Adam. If Adam gave 1/5 of his share to Rahmad, Rahmad would have 10 more than Adam. How many beads does Adam have at first?
If Adam gave 1/3 of his share to Rahmad...
A [----][----]
R [----][----][ 70 ]
Which means that Adam will have 2 units left while Rahmad will have 2 units plus 70 more.
Adam would have a total of 3 units at first.
If Adam gave 1/5 of his share to Rahmad....
A [--][--][--][--]
R [--][--][--][--][ 10]
Which means that Adam will have 4 units (different from the first model) left while Rahmad will have 4 units plus 10 more.
Adam would have a total of 5 units at first.
BASED ON SAME TOTAL for Adam (3 x 5 = total 15 units),
We can change the units into....
If Adam gave 1/3 of his share to Rahmad...
All units multiply by 5 to get a total of 15 units at first:
A [-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-]
R [-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][ 70 ]
If Adam gave 1/5 of his share to Rahmad....
All units multiply by 3 to get a total of 15 units at first:
A [-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-]
R [-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][ 10]
Comparing the above 2 models, we can see that 4 units = 70 - 10 = 60
1 unit = 60/4 = 15
15 units = 15 x 15 = 225
From: http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=280&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=2320
The school teacher's answer is 450 which many parents have debated to be wrong.
If Adam gave 1/3 of his share to Rahmad...
A [----][----]
R [----][----][ 70 ]
Which means that Adam will have 2 units left while Rahmad will have 2 units plus 70 more.
Adam would have a total of 3 units at first.
If Adam gave 1/5 of his share to Rahmad....
A [--][--][--][--]
R [--][--][--][--][ 10]
Which means that Adam will have 4 units (different from the first model) left while Rahmad will have 4 units plus 10 more.
Adam would have a total of 5 units at first.
BASED ON SAME TOTAL for Adam (3 x 5 = total 15 units),
We can change the units into....
If Adam gave 1/3 of his share to Rahmad...
All units multiply by 5 to get a total of 15 units at first:
A [-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-]
R [-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][ 70 ]
If Adam gave 1/5 of his share to Rahmad....
All units multiply by 3 to get a total of 15 units at first:
A [-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-]
R [-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][-][ 10]
Comparing the above 2 models, we can see that 4 units = 70 - 10 = 60
1 unit = 60/4 = 15
15 units = 15 x 15 = 225
From: http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=280&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=2320
The school teacher's answer is 450 which many parents have debated to be wrong.
Pushing Your P6 to PSLE
In response to this thread: http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?p=346466&highlight=#346466
I've posted the following:
or T1 in P6, it's good to focus on the new topics: algebra, speed, circles.
What I'm doing with my students now: Going through the above topics and revisiting percentage, ratio and fraction.
They are starting off with CA1 papers from top schools (1 paper a week).
By end term 1, I would have completed teaching all the topics and we will start more intensive work by starting on challenging problem sums for P6 topics.
By June holidays, it will be intensive Q&A. They try, they ask, I clarify.
Usually by end July, my students will finish their stash of past year exam papers and I'll dig out different challenging questions or revisit certain 'techniques' or 'topics' which they have problems with.
After that, it will just be enough work to keep momentum going.
***
I encourage students to PLAN THEIR TIME WELL.
For my students, I normally encourage this:
Weekdays: Focus on school homework. Once complete, try to do exam papers (if can't finish the whole paper, at least 1 section of the paper).
Weekends: Set aside 2-3 hours a day to finish up the exam papers.
Tuition should comprise of practice papers -> Your kid's tutors don't give them papers to practise? Or they give them in other forms (compiled worksheets)?
My students normally finish the other work (trying new questions/techniques) during lesson, so most of their homework is exam paper (1 per week) and probably around 5 pages of homework per subject.
On top of that, they have to write a compo a week and finish compre OE, compre cloze, S&T, etc.
So far my students all managed to manage their time well with guidance.
You have to teach them to manage their time. And also teach them to plan/spread out their work.
When I assign homework, I normally will show them how to split up the
work so it becomse manageable.
If your child's time is totally occupied by enrichments/tuition, then it's time to rethink your strategy. I personally believe in only have 1 enrichment/tuition class PER DAY. Nothing more (they can't absorb).
With 1 enrichment/tuition class per day, it is definitely manageable. Even my lazy students managed to finish their schoolwork on top of tuition work. And sometimes, they give me a nice surprise by finishing more work than I expected. & she still have piano classes and Chinese tuition. She comes to me 4 times a week!
***
I've posted the following:
or T1 in P6, it's good to focus on the new topics: algebra, speed, circles.
What I'm doing with my students now: Going through the above topics and revisiting percentage, ratio and fraction.
They are starting off with CA1 papers from top schools (1 paper a week).
By end term 1, I would have completed teaching all the topics and we will start more intensive work by starting on challenging problem sums for P6 topics.
By June holidays, it will be intensive Q&A. They try, they ask, I clarify.
Usually by end July, my students will finish their stash of past year exam papers and I'll dig out different challenging questions or revisit certain 'techniques' or 'topics' which they have problems with.
After that, it will just be enough work to keep momentum going.
***
I encourage students to PLAN THEIR TIME WELL.
For my students, I normally encourage this:
Weekdays: Focus on school homework. Once complete, try to do exam papers (if can't finish the whole paper, at least 1 section of the paper).
Weekends: Set aside 2-3 hours a day to finish up the exam papers.
Tuition should comprise of practice papers -> Your kid's tutors don't give them papers to practise? Or they give them in other forms (compiled worksheets)?
My students normally finish the other work (trying new questions/techniques) during lesson, so most of their homework is exam paper (1 per week) and probably around 5 pages of homework per subject.
On top of that, they have to write a compo a week and finish compre OE, compre cloze, S&T, etc.
So far my students all managed to manage their time well with guidance.
You have to teach them to manage their time. And also teach them to plan/spread out their work.
When I assign homework, I normally will show them how to split up the
work so it becomse manageable.
If your child's time is totally occupied by enrichments/tuition, then it's time to rethink your strategy. I personally believe in only have 1 enrichment/tuition class PER DAY. Nothing more (they can't absorb).
With 1 enrichment/tuition class per day, it is definitely manageable. Even my lazy students managed to finish their schoolwork on top of tuition work. And sometimes, they give me a nice surprise by finishing more work than I expected.
& she still have piano classes and Chinese tuition. She comes to me 4 times a week!***
The jump from P4 to P5
Key things to note in helping P5 kids cope with increased volume in questions in P5 English Exam Format:
1. Read Read Read. Instill the habit of reading at least 1 news article a day. If you don't subscribe, read online news and print out 1 or 2 interesting articles a day to get your child interested. Choose an article which is in hot discussion or may interest your child. Draw a word mindmap (using the main topic, branch out related words) to increase vocab and also to understand that certain words will be used in certain scenarios.
2. Have a dictionary ready within easy reach. If budget permits, get an electronic one which can store a word list which you can upload onto the computer and print out. If using the hardcopy, make sure your child knows how to use it.
3. When reading, highlight phrases that always go together (phrasal verbs). E.g. He was taking down the poster when he fell off the ladder.
They will need phrasal verbs for Compre Cloze.
4. Make it a habit to underline/circle/highlight KEY WORDS/CLUE WORDS.
This is what I teach in class for Compre OE/MCQ: Take note of the QUESTION WORD, the clue word (tenses) and the key word (what are they referring to in the question). And if need, make simply annotations. E.g. *circle* "WHY" *write8 " --> REASON" Which means that the question is look for a REASON (not anything else).
5. For S&T, there's a few good books which give good examples and also re-explain the grammar rules. I think it's called "Synthesis & Transformation P6" by Marshall Cavendish. However, for practise purposes, I still prefer Teachers @ Work, Conquer S&T. Use the one from MC to 'teach', then use the exercises in Conquer for more practise.
Hope this helps!!
1. Read Read Read. Instill the habit of reading at least 1 news article a day. If you don't subscribe, read online news and print out 1 or 2 interesting articles a day to get your child interested. Choose an article which is in hot discussion or may interest your child. Draw a word mindmap (using the main topic, branch out related words) to increase vocab and also to understand that certain words will be used in certain scenarios.
2. Have a dictionary ready within easy reach. If budget permits, get an electronic one which can store a word list which you can upload onto the computer and print out. If using the hardcopy, make sure your child knows how to use it.
3. When reading, highlight phrases that always go together (phrasal verbs). E.g. He was taking down the poster when he fell off the ladder.
They will need phrasal verbs for Compre Cloze.
4. Make it a habit to underline/circle/highlight KEY WORDS/CLUE WORDS.
This is what I teach in class for Compre OE/MCQ: Take note of the QUESTION WORD, the clue word (tenses) and the key word (what are they referring to in the question). And if need, make simply annotations. E.g. *circle* "WHY" *write8 " --> REASON" Which means that the question is look for a REASON (not anything else).
5. For S&T, there's a few good books which give good examples and also re-explain the grammar rules. I think it's called "Synthesis & Transformation P6" by Marshall Cavendish. However, for practise purposes, I still prefer Teachers @ Work, Conquer S&T. Use the one from MC to 'teach', then use the exercises in Conquer for more practise.
Hope this helps!!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
A Busy Start to the New Year
This year will be a rather busy year.
1. Recruiting more tutors to join the Home-Based network. Spending time to interview the tutors, have to set aside time to train them.
2. Training of tutors at a partner studentcare centre in Pasir Ris. Fulfilling sessions - going through the syllabus, key techniques the students must know, etc.
3. Preparation for opening of our studentcare/tuition centre in AMK. This is really a blessing in disguise as the shop unit we were eyeing was only suppose to be available next April. However, the current tenant found a new place faster than we anticipated and now, we have a shop space! This will be our first centre and we hope that we will be met with overwhelming response!
4. Working hard with my existing students to ensure that they understand the concepts/topics taught and that they do well in examinations!
Looking forward to a busy but fulfilling year ahead. :D
1. Recruiting more tutors to join the Home-Based network. Spending time to interview the tutors, have to set aside time to train them.
2. Training of tutors at a partner studentcare centre in Pasir Ris. Fulfilling sessions - going through the syllabus, key techniques the students must know, etc.
3. Preparation for opening of our studentcare/tuition centre in AMK. This is really a blessing in disguise as the shop unit we were eyeing was only suppose to be available next April. However, the current tenant found a new place faster than we anticipated and now, we have a shop space! This will be our first centre and we hope that we will be met with overwhelming response!
4. Working hard with my existing students to ensure that they understand the concepts/topics taught and that they do well in examinations!
Looking forward to a busy but fulfilling year ahead. :D
Friday, January 7, 2011
While we teach our children to be kind...
... does it really pay to be kind?
Reading through KSP forum, I realised that there are many parents who instead of act by example to teach their children to be kind, they go around questioning people's intentions when they are kind.
Because of such people, it makes me think again: Why am I being kind?
1. It's better to give than to receive.
2. I genuinely want to share.
3. I have been taught since young, through observing my parents, to be kind.
4. I am also setting an example for my son.
Seems like very little reasons but it makes me wonder... Why are there people who put down others' kindness?
I don't have the answer to that. I can only tell myself that what I'm doing is right, and many parents have shown their support by emailing kind words to me.
Hopefully, their children will be able to learn the right values from their classmates and school teachers.
If they learn from their parents, I will really start to worry for Singapore's future.
Reading through KSP forum, I realised that there are many parents who instead of act by example to teach their children to be kind, they go around questioning people's intentions when they are kind.
Because of such people, it makes me think again: Why am I being kind?
1. It's better to give than to receive.
2. I genuinely want to share.
3. I have been taught since young, through observing my parents, to be kind.
4. I am also setting an example for my son.
Seems like very little reasons but it makes me wonder... Why are there people who put down others' kindness?
I don't have the answer to that. I can only tell myself that what I'm doing is right, and many parents have shown their support by emailing kind words to me.
Hopefully, their children will be able to learn the right values from their classmates and school teachers.
If they learn from their parents, I will really start to worry for Singapore's future.
Training at Student Care
I've been invited by a student care principal to train her teachers in the pedagogy/academic aspects to allow them to be able to help the children with the schoolwork.
I'm very impressed with the student care:
1. Principal bothers to spend money to train the teachers.
2. The teachers are all qualified (at least dip holders with teaching/tutoring experience).
3. The place is cosy and secure (students not allowed to run out of the premises).
4. The focus is a lot on academics. After their school work, they have guided 'tuition time'.
5. Reasonably priced.
6. In-house school bus which services Punggol, Seng Kang and Hougang area.
During the training, I love how the teachers are so keen to know more and learn more.
They are really dedicated and hearing the way they talk about their students, they really bother to get to know each of them and hope to guide them well.
I also shared with them classroom management tips and study strategies they can teach the students.
Well done Ms Dawn from MRC Student Care at Pasir Ris! http://rightbrainteaching.com
I'm very impressed with the student care:
1. Principal bothers to spend money to train the teachers.
2. The teachers are all qualified (at least dip holders with teaching/tutoring experience).
3. The place is cosy and secure (students not allowed to run out of the premises).
4. The focus is a lot on academics. After their school work, they have guided 'tuition time'.
5. Reasonably priced.
6. In-house school bus which services Punggol, Seng Kang and Hougang area.
During the training, I love how the teachers are so keen to know more and learn more.
They are really dedicated and hearing the way they talk about their students, they really bother to get to know each of them and hope to guide them well.
I also shared with them classroom management tips and study strategies they can teach the students.
Well done Ms Dawn from MRC Student Care at Pasir Ris! http://rightbrainteaching.com
Friday, December 17, 2010
Starting up a network of homebased tutors...
Officially left MOE and now, I finally understand how full time private tutors feel.
No 'job security' due to irregular payments (if students go on holidays, etc), no CPF contribution, etc etc.
So, I've decided to recruit dedicated teachers/tutors to join my network. Keen? Check this out: http://mwtuition-joinastutor.blogspot.com.
Moving forward, I hope to find a suitable space to set up a centre.
For now, network of homebased tutors will be good.
New website will be up in around 3 weeks' time if there's no delay. Now, we just need photos to put on the new website. I've decided to get my current students for the photoshoot so that it's authentic (no stock photos of models).
Hopefully all will go well and students will get to choose from a wider variety of tutors who subscribe to my believes: Teaching our next generation to THINK!
No 'job security' due to irregular payments (if students go on holidays, etc), no CPF contribution, etc etc.
So, I've decided to recruit dedicated teachers/tutors to join my network. Keen? Check this out: http://mwtuition-joinastutor.blogspot.com.
Moving forward, I hope to find a suitable space to set up a centre.
For now, network of homebased tutors will be good.
New website will be up in around 3 weeks' time if there's no delay. Now, we just need photos to put on the new website. I've decided to get my current students for the photoshoot so that it's authentic (no stock photos of models).
Hopefully all will go well and students will get to choose from a wider variety of tutors who subscribe to my believes: Teaching our next generation to THINK!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Our Experiences in Life Mould Us into What We Are...
After blogging about my experience on a mission trip last night, I was chatting with hubs and I did some thinking...
And it dawned on me that IT IS these experiences I had in MY LIFE that moulded me into what I am today.
The love for children and teaching started then.
Thinking forward, I'm reminded that our youths today may not have this opportunity to experience life in poverty.
They take everything for granted, assume that everything must be provided.
I hope that I can restart my engine into mission work again. And hopefully, in time to come, bring my son along to experience what I had experienced so many years back.
I think I'll take some time off in June 2011 and join my mum in Balai, Indonesia where they are doing mission work now, with weekly trips up to conduct lessons and interact with the children. Or Christmas 2011. :D
And it dawned on me that IT IS these experiences I had in MY LIFE that moulded me into what I am today.
The love for children and teaching started then.
Thinking forward, I'm reminded that our youths today may not have this opportunity to experience life in poverty.
They take everything for granted, assume that everything must be provided.
I hope that I can restart my engine into mission work again. And hopefully, in time to come, bring my son along to experience what I had experienced so many years back.
I think I'll take some time off in June 2011 and join my mum in Balai, Indonesia where they are doing mission work now, with weekly trips up to conduct lessons and interact with the children. Or Christmas 2011. :D
Touched
Just last week, a very pretty lady added me on FB.
I had no clue who she was as the name was not familiar.
Then, I checked if we have any common friends and she's my brother's friend.
Weird.... because I know most of my brother's friends and I seriously do not remember this pretty lady!
Anyway, I added her to see who she was.
Browsing through her photos, I still could not figure out who she is.
Then, I came to her album labelled "Friendship Village".
The name was extremely familiar. I took a peek.
The background was awfully familiar.
The people in the photo were somewhat familiar.
Then, I saw a photo of a HOT SPRING. TADAH~!
I knew where it was. And I knew why it looked so familiar.
It's Thailand, Yala, Betong. A small village on the mountains near the borders of Thailand and Malaysia.
My first trip there was when I was 14. I went with my mum and some of her friends & my friends to do mission work. We played with the children, visited families, taught the children English, etc. The first time I was there, I felt like a little girl, tagging along with Mummy.
I remember clearly. The friendly smiles from the villagers, the warm welcomes and the wonderful homecooked food!!!
I was very shy on my first trip, and did not really interact much with the children there.
Then, my mum wanted my brother to go and take a trip there. And we organised another trip the following year. This time, my mum put all YOUTHS in the group and we only had 1 adult (she's actually considered youth cos she was only in her mid-20s). The rest of the group consisted of 15 - 18yos. I was the youngest in the group, but my mum said that they all had to listen to me. Why? I was the only one who went up there before. [Finally! A chance to control all the big boys who always bullied me!]
The journey up to Southern Thailand, Hatyai was not easy. I recall taking a coach from Singapore's Beach Road. Then, we travelled through Msia, stopping atAlor Setar (sorry, there's a mistake!) BUTTERWORTH (near Penang) to change into TAXIs to bring up to Hatyai. But we did stop at Alor Setar for breakfast & fuel. Scary experience with rains and the windy roads.
Once in Hatyai, we had to find our way to the travel agency to wait for our contact person from the village. I was the only person in the entire group that recognised him! Tired and sleepy, I had no choice but to shoo the big boys into the travel agency while I stood outside keeping a lookout for our contact guy. Due to miscommunication, he only found us after 3 hours. He went to the wrong travel agency. -___"-
The journey up in a beat up pickup truck took 6 hours. Along the way, I must have wasted at least a dozen plastic bags from all the puking. The big brothers in the trip were nice and ensured I was hydrated (but I hated them for treating me like a baby).
Once we've reached, the big boys (my brother and his friends) were 'lost'. They did not know what to do and where to go. This little sister had to bring them to the 'house' and show them to their room, teach them how to use the toilet (no flush) and show them how to boil their bath water if they wanted a warm shower.
I remember teasing them about being the big boys but needing their little sister to look after them.
When I brought them out to meet the kids for the first time, they could not communicate with them. After my first trip up, I picked up some basic Thai while staying in the village and took up Thai lessons while in SG. It helped alot. The kids started to warm up and some of the older kids could speak Chinese.
We got very close and attached to the kids in a week, and we cried like mad when we had to leave.
I remember the nights we spent, sitting under the moon with the kids, telling them stories about Singapore.
I remember the yummy local treats the kids bought for us after school, on their way home (can't find them in Thai eateries in SG).
I remember the songs we taught them, and they songs they taught us.
I remember boiling eggs with the kids at the hot spring.
I remember eating half boiled eggs right off the shell.
I remember how the infants and toddlers were simply left in cardboard boxes with a blankie to entertain themselves while their parents were working.
I remember how the kids had motorbikes and brought us out on joyrides.I remember sitting at the only 'restaurant' in the village which was built on a stream and watching waste material go down the stream.
I remember how the kids caught a giant spider in the guy's toilet without bating an eyelid.
Anyway, the funny story about the SPIDER....
One of the guys was taking a shower in the toilet.
Then, suddenly, a HUGE spider (the size of an adult palm with fingers included) appeared on the wall of the toilet.
The poor guy RAN OUT of the toilet (I think he remembered to grab the towel to cover the vital parts) SCREAMING!!!!
And the kids came to 'save us' by catching the spider with their bare hands and simply letting it go outside the house.
What an experience!!
It was really a great experience being there, changing the kids' lives.
And they really changed my life too.
That trip taught the big boys to show me some respect as a leader.
And it showed me that when given the right opportunities, anyone can rise up to be a leader.
Then, when I was 16, I met my hubs and 'went steady' with him.
After my O levels, I decided that I wanted to meet the kids again.
This time, it was more of a family trip.
My mum and dad, my sis and I and my hubs (at tt time - BF).
My hubs loved the kids and cried when we had to leave - THIS MAN IS A KEEPER.
And now, seeing this pretty lady on FB, I went to dig out my old photos.
That small little girl we had so much fun with,
blossoming into a pretty young lady with a bright future.
The kids are mostly in uni now...
And I feel so proud of them!
Breaking the cycle of poverty by studying hard like we told them to...
If only our local kids can understand the hardships other face to even get a chance to study...
They may appreciate what they have even more...
I am really grateful that my mum invited me there...
To experience what it's like to be blessed in a different way...
To understand that what we have in SG is really alot more than we can ask for...
And I'm thankful to the kids who touched our lives...
I wouldn't have known the soft side of my hubs if not for them... :D
Will blog about another trip to an orphanage in another part of Thailand when I was 17yo :D
I had no clue who she was as the name was not familiar.
Then, I checked if we have any common friends and she's my brother's friend.
Weird.... because I know most of my brother's friends and I seriously do not remember this pretty lady!
Anyway, I added her to see who she was.
Browsing through her photos, I still could not figure out who she is.
Then, I came to her album labelled "Friendship Village".
The name was extremely familiar. I took a peek.
The background was awfully familiar.
The people in the photo were somewhat familiar.
Then, I saw a photo of a HOT SPRING. TADAH~!
I knew where it was. And I knew why it looked so familiar.
It's Thailand, Yala, Betong. A small village on the mountains near the borders of Thailand and Malaysia.
My first trip there was when I was 14. I went with my mum and some of her friends & my friends to do mission work. We played with the children, visited families, taught the children English, etc. The first time I was there, I felt like a little girl, tagging along with Mummy.
I remember clearly. The friendly smiles from the villagers, the warm welcomes and the wonderful homecooked food!!!
I was very shy on my first trip, and did not really interact much with the children there.
Then, my mum wanted my brother to go and take a trip there. And we organised another trip the following year. This time, my mum put all YOUTHS in the group and we only had 1 adult (she's actually considered youth cos she was only in her mid-20s). The rest of the group consisted of 15 - 18yos. I was the youngest in the group, but my mum said that they all had to listen to me. Why? I was the only one who went up there before. [Finally! A chance to control all the big boys who always bullied me!]
The journey up to Southern Thailand, Hatyai was not easy. I recall taking a coach from Singapore's Beach Road. Then, we travelled through Msia, stopping at
Once in Hatyai, we had to find our way to the travel agency to wait for our contact person from the village. I was the only person in the entire group that recognised him! Tired and sleepy, I had no choice but to shoo the big boys into the travel agency while I stood outside keeping a lookout for our contact guy. Due to miscommunication, he only found us after 3 hours. He went to the wrong travel agency. -___"-
The journey up in a beat up pickup truck took 6 hours. Along the way, I must have wasted at least a dozen plastic bags from all the puking. The big brothers in the trip were nice and ensured I was hydrated (but I hated them for treating me like a baby).
Once we've reached, the big boys (my brother and his friends) were 'lost'. They did not know what to do and where to go. This little sister had to bring them to the 'house' and show them to their room, teach them how to use the toilet (no flush) and show them how to boil their bath water if they wanted a warm shower.
I remember teasing them about being the big boys but needing their little sister to look after them.
When I brought them out to meet the kids for the first time, they could not communicate with them. After my first trip up, I picked up some basic Thai while staying in the village and took up Thai lessons while in SG. It helped alot. The kids started to warm up and some of the older kids could speak Chinese.
We got very close and attached to the kids in a week, and we cried like mad when we had to leave.
I remember the nights we spent, sitting under the moon with the kids, telling them stories about Singapore.
I remember the yummy local treats the kids bought for us after school, on their way home (can't find them in Thai eateries in SG).
I remember the songs we taught them, and they songs they taught us.
I remember boiling eggs with the kids at the hot spring.
I remember eating half boiled eggs right off the shell.
I remember how the infants and toddlers were simply left in cardboard boxes with a blankie to entertain themselves while their parents were working.
I remember how the kids had motorbikes and brought us out on joyrides.I remember sitting at the only 'restaurant' in the village which was built on a stream and watching waste material go down the stream.
I remember how the kids caught a giant spider in the guy's toilet without bating an eyelid.
Anyway, the funny story about the SPIDER....
One of the guys was taking a shower in the toilet.
Then, suddenly, a HUGE spider (the size of an adult palm with fingers included) appeared on the wall of the toilet.
The poor guy RAN OUT of the toilet (I think he remembered to grab the towel to cover the vital parts) SCREAMING!!!!
And the kids came to 'save us' by catching the spider with their bare hands and simply letting it go outside the house.
What an experience!!
It was really a great experience being there, changing the kids' lives.
And they really changed my life too.
That trip taught the big boys to show me some respect as a leader.
And it showed me that when given the right opportunities, anyone can rise up to be a leader.
Then, when I was 16, I met my hubs and 'went steady' with him.
After my O levels, I decided that I wanted to meet the kids again.
This time, it was more of a family trip.
My mum and dad, my sis and I and my hubs (at tt time - BF).
My hubs loved the kids and cried when we had to leave - THIS MAN IS A KEEPER.
And now, seeing this pretty lady on FB, I went to dig out my old photos.
That small little girl we had so much fun with,
blossoming into a pretty young lady with a bright future.
The kids are mostly in uni now...
And I feel so proud of them!
Breaking the cycle of poverty by studying hard like we told them to...
If only our local kids can understand the hardships other face to even get a chance to study...
They may appreciate what they have even more...
I am really grateful that my mum invited me there...
To experience what it's like to be blessed in a different way...
To understand that what we have in SG is really alot more than we can ask for...
And I'm thankful to the kids who touched our lives...
I wouldn't have known the soft side of my hubs if not for them... :D
Will blog about another trip to an orphanage in another part of Thailand when I was 17yo :D
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
iHerb.com is having FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING this month!!!
For those who have read my posts on supplements, you will know that I'm an ardent fan of http://www.iherb.com/.
Simply because their products are cheaper than in SG or other online stores and they ship direct to SG!
And the best part for November, they have a FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING promo!
There's T&C though...
Don't forget to get US$5 off your order if it's your first time ordering!
Use discount code YAF688.
All you need is your credit card (they accept local credit & debit cards)
More goodies to recommend!
FOR KIDS/STUDENTS:
- American Ginseng pills to increase concentration and mental calmness. Good for students preparing for exams.
http://www.iherb.com/Nature-s-Answer-American-Ginseng-Root-90-Veggie-Caps/8358?at=0
- Black Elderberry (Sambucol). To boost immune system. Prevents children from falling ill easily. Aids in quick recovery for flu. (Adult version available too)
http://www.iherb.com/Sambucol-Black-Elderberry-Immune-System-Support-Liquid-For-Kids-Berry-Flavored-4-fl-oz-120-ml/16697?at=0
- For kids who hate veges/fruits! Power packed nutrients (better than artificial multi vits).
http://www.iherb.com/Amazing-Grass-Kidz-SuperFood-Wild-Berry-Flavor-6-5-oz/18227?at=0
- Chewable BRAIN FOOD (fish oil)
http://www.iherb.com/Carlson-Labs-For-Kids-Chewable-DHA-Bursting-Orange-Flavor-120-Soft-Gels/13109?at=0
*** This product is regularly tested (using AOAC international protocols) for freshness, potency and purity by an independent, FDA-registered laboratory and has been determined to be fresh, fully-potent and free of detectable levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCBs and 28 other contaminants.
- ORGANIC LOLLIPOPS/SWEETS! What can be better than rewarding your children with something they like, made from organic fruit juices?
http://www.iherb.com/Yummy-Earth-Organic-Lollipops-50-Pops/10888?at=0
Links back to the other products I've recommended:
http://thelittleonesinmylife.blogspot.com/2010/11/links-back-to-nutrition-health.html
Simply because their products are cheaper than in SG or other online stores and they ship direct to SG!
And the best part for November, they have a FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING promo!
There's T&C though...
International Airmail: Free for orders over $40.00!
(Make sure your order total is $40.00 or more to see the extra savings. This shipping method is limited to orders with a value of up to $80.00 and 3 pounds (1360 grams) of weight)
Don't forget to get US$5 off your order if it's your first time ordering!
Use discount code YAF688.
All you need is your credit card (they accept local credit & debit cards)
More goodies to recommend!
FOR KIDS/STUDENTS:
- American Ginseng pills to increase concentration and mental calmness. Good for students preparing for exams.
http://www.iherb.com/Nature-s-Answer-American-Ginseng-Root-90-Veggie-Caps/8358?at=0
- Black Elderberry (Sambucol). To boost immune system. Prevents children from falling ill easily. Aids in quick recovery for flu. (Adult version available too)
http://www.iherb.com/Sambucol-Black-Elderberry-Immune-System-Support-Liquid-For-Kids-Berry-Flavored-4-fl-oz-120-ml/16697?at=0
- For kids who hate veges/fruits! Power packed nutrients (better than artificial multi vits).
http://www.iherb.com/Amazing-Grass-Kidz-SuperFood-Wild-Berry-Flavor-6-5-oz/18227?at=0
- Chewable BRAIN FOOD (fish oil)
http://www.iherb.com/Carlson-Labs-For-Kids-Chewable-DHA-Bursting-Orange-Flavor-120-Soft-Gels/13109?at=0
*** This product is regularly tested (using AOAC international protocols) for freshness, potency and purity by an independent, FDA-registered laboratory and has been determined to be fresh, fully-potent and free of detectable levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCBs and 28 other contaminants.
- ORGANIC LOLLIPOPS/SWEETS! What can be better than rewarding your children with something they like, made from organic fruit juices?
http://www.iherb.com/Yummy-Earth-Organic-Lollipops-50-Pops/10888?at=0
Links back to the other products I've recommended:
http://thelittleonesinmylife.blogspot.com/2010/11/links-back-to-nutrition-health.html
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Using Word Games to Create Compos
We did a word association game and got the following words:
banana -> boat -> fishing -> seafood -> eat -> stomach -> pain -> toilet -> waste -> disgusting -> vomit -> doctor -> clinic -> hospital -> sick -> medicine -> recover -> discharge -> home -> rest -> wake up -> sleepy -> wash face -> eat medicine -> water -> television -> boring -> computer -> nothing to play -> read -> shopping -> buy healthy food -> change diet
And we created a compo based on the above key words (P4 class):
Plates of all sizes were on our table. The mouth-watering dishes in front of us excited all at our table, except me. What was supposed to be wafts of hungry-inducing foods created an aching feeling in my stomach. It all happened just a month ago…
“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to Michelle! Happy birthday to you!” sang my family as we gathered at a seafood restaurant at East Coast Park to celebrate my birthday. My parents brought my cousins and me to East Coast Park earlier in the day to enjoy some water sports. We canoed and took turns to ride on a jet ski. We also played on a ride called the ‘Banana Boat’ which was actually a float that resembled a banana.
With a grin on my face, I blew out the ten candles on my cake and we proceeded to have dinner. My aunts and uncles went fishing while we were enjoying ourselves and the spread of tantalizing food on the table was the product of their trip. The piping hot dishes were too tempting to resist. I tucked into them with gusto and ate till my heart’s content.
After the meal, we took a stroll in the park in the cool evening breeze and pale moonlight. Suddenly, pain gripped me. A sharp pain in my lower abdomen caught me by surprise. I doubled over in pain, and my parents ran to my aid. I started vomiting and felt like I needed the toilet badly. Soon, all I wished for was to stay in the toilet indefinitely.
My parents got worried and rushed me to the nearest clinic. The doctor examined me and advised my parents to bring me to the nearest hospital instead. Within minutes, I found myself on a hospital bed, being wheeled into a consultation room with a kind doctor. I was immediately given an injection and some oral medication. The medicine tasted horribly bitter, I gulped a lot of water to swallow them quickly. I wanted to spit them out but I knew that they were for me to recover. I took the bitter pills and drifted off to sleep.
When I awoke, I felt much better. My parents had spent the night with me at my bedside and looked tired. I gently nudged them to wake them and asked them to freshen up. The doctor came to review my case and declared that it was food poisoning. My cousins also had the runs but they only needed some medication. I was discharged and went home.
Back home, my mum fussed over me like a baby and cooked some healthy food for me. My dad went to the supermarket to shop for healthy food so that my stomach can recover. I was very bored as there was nothing much to do at home except to watch television programs, play computer games and read. I felt bad to fall ill, and it felt worse to be stuck at home while recovering.
Once bitten, twice shy. I got wary of scrumptious meals from then on.
banana -> boat -> fishing -> seafood -> eat -> stomach -> pain -> toilet -> waste -> disgusting -> vomit -> doctor -> clinic -> hospital -> sick -> medicine -> recover -> discharge -> home -> rest -> wake up -> sleepy -> wash face -> eat medicine -> water -> television -> boring -> computer -> nothing to play -> read -> shopping -> buy healthy food -> change diet
And we created a compo based on the above key words (P4 class):
Plates of all sizes were on our table. The mouth-watering dishes in front of us excited all at our table, except me. What was supposed to be wafts of hungry-inducing foods created an aching feeling in my stomach. It all happened just a month ago…
“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to Michelle! Happy birthday to you!” sang my family as we gathered at a seafood restaurant at East Coast Park to celebrate my birthday. My parents brought my cousins and me to East Coast Park earlier in the day to enjoy some water sports. We canoed and took turns to ride on a jet ski. We also played on a ride called the ‘Banana Boat’ which was actually a float that resembled a banana.
With a grin on my face, I blew out the ten candles on my cake and we proceeded to have dinner. My aunts and uncles went fishing while we were enjoying ourselves and the spread of tantalizing food on the table was the product of their trip. The piping hot dishes were too tempting to resist. I tucked into them with gusto and ate till my heart’s content.
After the meal, we took a stroll in the park in the cool evening breeze and pale moonlight. Suddenly, pain gripped me. A sharp pain in my lower abdomen caught me by surprise. I doubled over in pain, and my parents ran to my aid. I started vomiting and felt like I needed the toilet badly. Soon, all I wished for was to stay in the toilet indefinitely.
My parents got worried and rushed me to the nearest clinic. The doctor examined me and advised my parents to bring me to the nearest hospital instead. Within minutes, I found myself on a hospital bed, being wheeled into a consultation room with a kind doctor. I was immediately given an injection and some oral medication. The medicine tasted horribly bitter, I gulped a lot of water to swallow them quickly. I wanted to spit them out but I knew that they were for me to recover. I took the bitter pills and drifted off to sleep.
When I awoke, I felt much better. My parents had spent the night with me at my bedside and looked tired. I gently nudged them to wake them and asked them to freshen up. The doctor came to review my case and declared that it was food poisoning. My cousins also had the runs but they only needed some medication. I was discharged and went home.
Back home, my mum fussed over me like a baby and cooked some healthy food for me. My dad went to the supermarket to shop for healthy food so that my stomach can recover. I was very bored as there was nothing much to do at home except to watch television programs, play computer games and read. I felt bad to fall ill, and it felt worse to be stuck at home while recovering.
Once bitten, twice shy. I got wary of scrumptious meals from then on.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Links back to Nutrition & Health
Recently received many emails and phone calls/SMSes regarding the above topics. Seems like my old posts got 'lost'.
Reposting the links here:
http://thelittleonesinmylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/supplements-health-food-healthy-diet.html
http://thelittleonesinmylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/nature-vs-nurture.html
http://thelittleonesinmylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/skin-problems-organic-skincare-to.html
http://thelittleonesinmylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/toothpaste-for-infants-and-toddlers.html
Reposting the links here:
http://thelittleonesinmylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/supplements-health-food-healthy-diet.html
http://thelittleonesinmylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/nature-vs-nurture.html
http://thelittleonesinmylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/skin-problems-organic-skincare-to.html
http://thelittleonesinmylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/toothpaste-for-infants-and-toddlers.html
For the first time in many many many years...
I was the parent, not the teacher, at a Meet The Parents session.
My son's preschool had a MTP session yesterday. I sort of expected what the teachers might say, but what was told to me was pleasantly surprising.
1. I expected him to be a monkey in class, like he is at home.
The English/Maths teacher said that he behaves very well, sitting quietly and listening attentively to lessons. Likes to join in group activities and has learnt to wait for his turn without fussing.
2. I expected him to not speak or read Chinese.
The Chinese teacher said that he can read many words given the right environment. And when playing games, she deliberately gives him tougher games and he was still able to get the right answers.
Really surprised that he has been a good boy at school. :)
Brought him out for a reward yesterday.
However, the teachers did mention certain things to be improved:
1. He does not like to play/socialise with the other kids his age. He prefers older kids.
2. He can get quite rough with the smaller size kids.
I guess the first point is due to communication. After watching him with some friends yesterday, I realised that he is very advanced in his speech and articulation of his thoughts for his age (never occurred to us before as we seldom have the opportunity to see him with peers his age). As such, he expects his peers to start conversations with him but they don't. However, with his school bus friends who are older, they chat and play like they had known each other since birth. Similarly with my friend's kid who is older than him, they are like best friends when we bring them out together to the zoo or Universal Studios.
Is this the pitfall of being too advanced? Even the English/Maths teacher commented that he speaks better than all the kids his age but he does not like to interact with them. Hopefully this problem will be solved by the time his peers catch up and can start meaningful conversations with him.
Really enjoyed speaking to his teachers because they really know him and understand him. And of course, the Chinese teacher made me rather happy by telling me that she can see that we have put in alot of effort into disciplining him and teaching him at home because he's different from the other preschoolers she has taught all these years. Happy to have a fellow teacher recognise my efforts as a mother. :)
My son's preschool had a MTP session yesterday. I sort of expected what the teachers might say, but what was told to me was pleasantly surprising.
1. I expected him to be a monkey in class, like he is at home.
The English/Maths teacher said that he behaves very well, sitting quietly and listening attentively to lessons. Likes to join in group activities and has learnt to wait for his turn without fussing.
2. I expected him to not speak or read Chinese.
The Chinese teacher said that he can read many words given the right environment. And when playing games, she deliberately gives him tougher games and he was still able to get the right answers.
Really surprised that he has been a good boy at school. :)
Brought him out for a reward yesterday.
However, the teachers did mention certain things to be improved:
1. He does not like to play/socialise with the other kids his age. He prefers older kids.
2. He can get quite rough with the smaller size kids.
I guess the first point is due to communication. After watching him with some friends yesterday, I realised that he is very advanced in his speech and articulation of his thoughts for his age (never occurred to us before as we seldom have the opportunity to see him with peers his age). As such, he expects his peers to start conversations with him but they don't. However, with his school bus friends who are older, they chat and play like they had known each other since birth. Similarly with my friend's kid who is older than him, they are like best friends when we bring them out together to the zoo or Universal Studios.
Is this the pitfall of being too advanced? Even the English/Maths teacher commented that he speaks better than all the kids his age but he does not like to interact with them. Hopefully this problem will be solved by the time his peers catch up and can start meaningful conversations with him.
Really enjoyed speaking to his teachers because they really know him and understand him. And of course, the Chinese teacher made me rather happy by telling me that she can see that we have put in alot of effort into disciplining him and teaching him at home because he's different from the other preschoolers she has taught all these years. Happy to have a fellow teacher recognise my efforts as a mother. :)
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