Starting from 2024, students in Singapore will no longer be streamed into Express, Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) classes based solely on their Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scores. Instead, a new system known as subject-based banding will be introduced to better recognise and cater to students’ different strengths.
Education Minister Ong Ye Kung announced in Parliament that the current Express and Normal streams would be phased out and replaced with General 1 (G1), General 2 (G2) and General 3 (G3) subject bands. Students with ALs of 4 to 20 will be able to take the G3 suite of subjects, which is the highest level and is similar to the current Express stream. Those who score 23 to 24 will be able to take the G2 suite of subjects, while those who score 26 to 30 will take on the G1 suite of subjects.
Students will be able to take a mix of G1 to G3 subjects. Students who excel in certain PSLE subjects can take them at a higher level from the start of Sec 1, regardless of their total AL score. They will also have the option of taking subjects at higher levels progressively in their secondary schools.
This new system aims to reduce the stigma of being streamed as “Normal” and allow students to learn at their own pace while recognising their different strengths. It also provides more flexibility and opportunities for students to explore their interests and pursue their aspirations.
Watch this video to learn more about the new subject-based banding system:
Reading is seen as one of the most crucial aspects of education for many parents with young children. But most words tend to be unfamiliar to early readers in print, even if they could have spoken knowledge of the word. This is where phonics classes come in handy to equip your child with the skills needed to decode letters into their respective sounds, an essential aspect of learning how to read, write and spell. But are there other benefits to learning phonics? I Love Learning is an established tuition centre in Singapore, and this article will further cover the benefits phonics education brings, and how it can lay the foundation for the success of your child.
Develop better communication skills
Research has shown that children who can communicate well and confidently not only achieve better results academically, but are also more likely to succeed later in life. Exposure to phonics in a child’s early years plays an integral role in building up their library of phonemes, which improves their ability to recognise different rhymes, alliteration and more. This supports their verbal communication skills and paves the way for creative expression with the English language.
Knowledge of syllable structure
A child who has been through phonics classes will find themselves more familiar with syllable structure. For example, recognising that a closed syllable will end in a consonant and have a short vowel, while an open syllable will end in a vowel that makes a long sound. Such English language structures become clearer and easier to understand through phonics education.
Reading and writing well is a transferable skill
Many subjects across a child’s formal education will require a good standard of literacy. Equipping young learners with the skills to read and write well provides them with the potential to excel in many other areas. Subjects like Maths and Science for instance, will involve the understanding of relevant vocabulary. This is how phonics can give your child a head start in understanding subject-specific language.
Provides a workout for your child’s brain
Development of a child’s brain is vital during their early years. Phonics and learning to read serves as an avenue for the formation of new neural pathways in the brain, providing a great way to flex their mental skills. Mental capabilities such as problem-solving, pattern recognition and reasoning are also enhanced in the process.
Confidence to navigate the world
With the right learning environment, phonics classes encourage a love of reading by equipping your child with early-literacy strategies needed to develop independence and prepare for their schooling years. These abilities endow young children with the speaking and literacy skills needed to give them the best start and navigate the world with confidence.
Phonics classes have grown in importance over recent years as a great teaching method that helps simplify the English language for young children. It is a system that can be incorporated into a well-rounded reading program, encouraging young learners to recognise whole words by sight, creating opportunities for extensive reading and creative writing.
At I Love Learning, our aim is to guide every child in reaching their fullest potential and foster a life-long love of learning. Speak with our team to find out more today!
Enrichment lessons are extracurricular classes where students can receive advanced academic guidance, get extra help with homework assignments, or discover new interests outside the classroom setting. Meant to help realise your child’s potential, it’s an environment that places emphasis on nurturing their skills, on top of providing them the opportunity to meet and socialise with equally talented children. While many parents in Singapore might believe that enrichment classes are traditionally for the academically weak, child psychologist, Dr Harriet Tenebaum found that extra-curricular activities are also related to improvements in a child’s confidence and academic achievements.
When it comes to their children, Singaporean parents want only the best. Many are often in search of good, quality enrichment centres to enrol their children in, but choosing the most suitable one can sometimes seem like a daunting task with the plethora of options available. I Love Learning is a leading enrichment centre in Singapore, and we’ve put together this guide on supporting your child’s learning through enrichment centres, some considerations that could affect your decision making process, and the benefits of enrolling your child in one.
How enrichment classes can help your child’s development
The right enrichment centre can go a long way in helping students realise their gifts and talents beyond the classroom. This includes developing a sense of self-awareness, and a better understanding of their schoolwork with programmes that are in line with the school curriculum. In addition, they are also encouraged to positively grow their interests and skills, leading to a more robust understanding of their potential. In this section, we’ll take a deeper look into the ways enrichment classes can aid with your child’s development.
Allow your child to enjoy learning
Enrichment centres aim to bring out the best in every child by honing their individual strengths, providing a safe and supervised space to explore who and what they want to be. This leads to increased confidence in your child through activities that demonstrate different ways of learning, and helps to build a more positive attitude toward academics.
Additionally, enrichment classes for preschoolers aids in spurring growth and early childhood development. Activities are designed to stimulate the senses and encourage an atmosphere of curiosity, learning, and exploration through structured play – all of which builds enthusiasm around the learning process.
Encourage social interaction
Group enrichment programmes can be fertile grounds for children to shape social and soft skills. Most of these classes engage students and require them to work together, creating opportunities to interact and cooperate. Children also get to practise invaluable skill sets for the classroom and beyond, such as active listening, collaborative learning, making connections to the world, and forming and expressing opinions.
Engaging in enrichment activities from an early age develops traits that go on to make a positive impact on the overall well-being of children. This is supported by studies revealing that having mental, emotional, physical and social skills help children grow into more self-confident adults.
Improved study skills
Children can significantly improve the ability to concentrate when they engage in extra enrichment classes outside of school, or commit their time to developing a valued skill. Enrichment classes also teach your child the importance of time management and test preparation, all of which can be used to their advantage during regular school hours. These core study skills help tremendously especially in higher education, as class materials become more advanced.
Help your child stay ahead
A child who craves academic challenges can do so with higher than grade level opportunities through a tuition centre. Have your child go beyond their current syllabus level to stretch their learning abilities. With an already strong foundation, your child will be given the chance to move past their comfort zone and ahead of the pack.
Increased motivation to do well in school
Is your child struggling more with certain subjects in school such as maths or science? Have they been showing a low level of motivation in their studies? These are usually indications that your child is starting to doubt their ability to succeed. If this is the case, math enrichment and primary science tuition can help motivate your child by giving them the needed guidance and an opportunity to excel at the subject in a different environment. Once they’ve experienced how regular practice and commitment contributes to improvement, they’re often more confident and willing to put in that extra effort to enhance those skills outside of the enrichment centre.
Things to take into consideration when choosing an enrichment centre
In a country where much importance is placed on academics, tuition centres are the lifeblood of a community entrenched in the pursuit of better grades. However, some thought is needed when choosing the right one such that your child gets the most out of their experience there. Here are some key considerations you should keep in mind when choosing an enrichment or tuition centre.
Consider your child’s interest
Before enrolling your child for a certain enrichment programme, the first thing you should consider is their interests. Is your child more excited about languages or science? Would your child enjoy learning a new form of performing arts or exploring the inner workings of an engine? Parents will find shortlisting enrichment centres an easier process after getting insight on those answers.
This applies especially to younger children who tend to have a keen sense of curiosity and shorter span of attention. Therefore, matching them with activities that they would be enthusiastic about would be more beneficial than signing up for what you think would be suitable. With this in mind, you can appropriately choose an enrichment centre that will empower your child academically. Look for centres that offer trial classes to gauge a child’s level of interest before you decide to commit to a full programme.
Consider your child’s schedule
Parents should ensure that their child is able to cope with the additional enrichment programmes on top of homework and after-school activities. Try not to overload your child with activities and encourage a good balance between school, rest, and play. Bear this in mind when choosing enrichment classes for your child for the best investment and long-term benefits. In addition, you may also want to take into account the location, and how far the centre is from your house to factor in additional commuting time needed.
Your child’s style of learning
Understanding your child’s learning style enables you to enrol them in classes whose teaching methods suit them best. This is especially important as young children are particularly impressionable, and the efficacy and impact of each lesson can affect the way they perceive learning in the years to come. It is therefore important to find out more about the learning methods employed at each tuition centre before deciding on one. A programme that adopts learning methods and technologies that cater to your child’s learning style would enable them to effectively expand their understanding in a given subject area.
Consider your budget
The cost of enrolling your child in an enrichment centre is a big consideration, and can sometimes even be the deal breaker. Choose an enrichment centre that is within your budget without compromising the quality of the learning experience it can offer.
How different groups of students can benefit from enrichment classes
Enrichment classes strive to increase a student’s knowledge of subjects and concepts that have been introduced during their time in the classroom. Read on to learn about the various ways different students can gain from attending enrichment classes.
High achieving students
Students who are ahead of their peers in maths and english can also face significant challenges in school. This is because some might be so quick to grasp new concepts that they find themselves getting bored easily in class. This may result in feeling distracted or disruptive behaviour during lessons, despite achieving high grades. The children in this group can benefit greatly from the additional challenges and stimulation offered through enrichment programmes.
Students who require extra support academically
Children who are academically behind their peers can benefit from enrichment classes that offer extra help and guidance with homework assignments and academic support. Programmes in the arts, science and languages like primary english tuition classes for instance, can provide additional opportunities for cognitive development from a young age.
Average performing students with a drive for academic success
An average performing student is not destined to be average forever – they just simply haven’t found the area that they best excel in yet! Enrichment programmes expose children to new activities, skills and hobbies. This gives them the opportunity to try new things and learn more about their likes and dislikes. Along the way, they’ll discover new passions and interests that will motivate them to keep working hard in school to achieve their goals.
What makes a good enrichment centre?
With an over saturation of enrichment centres all over Singapore, due diligence is needed if you want to find the right one for your child to give them an edge over their peers. But what exactly makes a successful enrichment centre? We identify the factors that make the difference.
Passionate and qualified educators
Having qualified and knowledgeable educators who are attuned to the individual needs of students is a key aspect that distinguishes an enrichment centre from the rest. Take the time to communicate with your child’s teacher and take note of their credentials and teaching expertise. Apart from that, an educator who is passionate about teaching is also essential in helping your child develop a love for learning. This can be the differentiating factor between a child who dreads going for enrichment classes, and one who embraces the opportunity to learn and possesses a thirst for knowledge.
At I Love Learning, our educators are committed to going a step further beyond academics, to best support the development and learning needs of every child.
Carefully curated curriculum
The curriculum of enrichment classes should be designed thoughtfully to provide development opportunities for all participants. Age-appropriate reading strategies, for example, can support young children to develop greater interest and skills for a smooth transition into their primary school years.
Keep a close watch after lessons start when it comes to enrichment classes for preschoolers. Your child should be enthusiastic about attending classes each week and speak excitedly about it when they leave. Monitor your child’s progress in learning – it is important that your child enjoys the activities. Stop taking them there once you feel the experience isn’t a positive one anymore.
Keeping parents engaged
The influence and support of a parent can play a vital role during a child’s personal and educational development. Communication between parents and educators is essential for making sure that their children are getting the most out of every session. Many studies have shown that getting parents involved in a child’s enrichment programmes has immense benefits for both parent and child; children can build a positive attitude towards studies and advance in their educational journey, whilst parents have a chance to further understand what their child is learning. This is particularly beneficial when children require assistance with their homework, as learning is a continuous process that is not limited to just the classroom.
Smaller class sizes
Enrichment and tuition centres consist of class sizes ranging from individual sessions to small classes. Smaller class sizes come with plenty of benefits for both teachers and students. With fewer students per class, teachers are able to tailor the delivery of lessons to suit each student’s abilities, needs and interests. Students are also given more attention, which means learning barriers can be addressed as soon as the educator notices them.
In addition, teachers are allowed the time to get to know each student, understand their skills, weaknesses and learning preferences. This creates an engaging environment where personalised learning helps students achieve their personal best.
High quality materials
It is vital for a tuition centre to provide high quality academic materials that support your child’s learning needs. Get more information on the syllabus by looking at the centre’s teaching materials and curriculum outlines. Doing so can also help parents understand the teaching methodology of the enrichment centre better, and what you can expect from the syllabus.
Good learning environment
The environment of a centre has an important role to play as this will be the place your child spends their time at regularly. Consider issues like safety features, hygiene and if they provide a conducive learning setting. Classrooms should also be designed with the intention of creating a comfortable space for ideas to be generated and knowledge can be shared.
Good reviews and accolades
Read through reviews of parents and students before you to gain a little insight into the enrichment centre, how effective it was for them, how lessons were conducted, and so on. Talk to your friends and family for good recommendations. You’ll want to ensure there is enough evidence that this is the right place for your child to be.
Tips for building a strong academic foundation
What constitutes a strong academic foundation, and more importantly, how does one go about building such a foundation? If you want to ensure effective learning for your children whether currently or in the future, a solid learning foundation with a disciplined and structured approach is key. Here are some useful tips to set your child on their way to academic success.
Start your children early
Giving your child an early start at learning allows more time for good habits to form, and for the benefits of these habits to be reaped. Skills such as communication and leadership also have to be nurtured and developed over a longer period of time, as compared to knowledge required for school examinations. Parents of preschool children for instance, should monitor progress in English literacy and numeracy closely, as these are the fundamental building blocks your child is required to understand to succeed at subsequent levels.
Encourage a growth mindset
One of the most important dispositions that you will want to have ingrained into your child’s academic foundations is the growth mindset. This is because children who view learning as a continuous process put themselves in a better position to succeed in the long run. Instilling principles of a growth mindset in your child can set them up for academic success through understanding the value of learning, and embracing new experiences.
In addition, the behaviour and guidance of parents are also crucial for shaping your child’s mindset. Studies have shown that praising your child for effort in addition to results, makes them likelier to embrace harder challenges in the future.
Practise and apply
The strength of your child’s academic foundations is developed through practice and application. To reinforce good habits and critical skills, you should consider exposing your child to a variety of situations that put these qualities to the test. Encourage your child to explore his or her areas of interest in a deeper and more comprehensive way, for example.
Provide a supportive environment at home
A supportive home is one of the best strategies to create a positive learning environment, and underpins everything else that goes into building a strong academic foundation for your child. Part of academic performance boils down to a child’s mental state, and a supportive home environment can make a big difference in motivating children to do their best while being unafraid of failure.
Questions you may have
We conclude this guide with some questions parents might have with regards to choosing the right enrichment centre for your child.
Do you offer trial lessons?
Yes, we do offer trial lessons that allow your child to test out the suitability of the programme before committing to it. In the trial class, you get to see for yourself how the class is conducted and judge whether it goes with what you have in mind and matches your expectations. Use the chance to interact with the teachers and other parents to understand how we can elevate your child’s learning journey.
What is your average class size?
At I Love Learning, classes are kept at less than 9 students per class to ensure a conducive environment for your child to excel. The teacher-student relationship in small classes help our educators identify academic challenges early so students can receive the adequate support they need.
What ages do you cater to?
Enrichment classes for children from the ages of 2-16 are offered at our enrichment centre. We take pride in our unique award-winning programmes for children of all ages, guaranteeing that their academic development will be neither stressful, nor taxing.
Is your curriculum in line with MOE’s?
Whether it’s maths enrichment classes or English tuition for secondary school students, our curriculum adopts scientific approaches to accelerate the development of the young minds and sharpen their learning abilities. This is on top of keeping in line with MOE’s curriculum in order to stay relevant to your child’s schooling needs.
Can make-up classes be arranged?
Yes, we offer 1 make-up class for every 6 paid lessons per student. It is encouraged that make-up classes are arranged within the same term. No make-up classes will be given in new terms that have not been paid.
Conclusion
Before rushing to sign your child up for an enrichment class, it is extremely important to first understand the needs of your child, what classes are available and what the curriculums can offer your child.
At I Love Learning, our specially crafted syllabus is designed to help your child master the skills needed at each stage of academic progression, all while ensuring a genuine interest in the subject of study is nurtured. Our enrichment classes are designed to cater to the needs of preschoolers to secondary school children. Get in touch and speak with our team to find out more!
Science is everywhere, allowing us to comprehend life, nature, and the universe in which we live. From observing a plant’s growth to understanding how electricity lights up the world, the opportunities are endless. But despite many children having a strong interest in the subject, most struggle to accurately answer the questions posed to them during exams. This can prove to be discouraging for a child as they venture into the world of science. I Love Learning is a tuition centre in Singapore, and we’ve put together some tips on how you can help your child perform in science. Read on to find out more!
Hands-on learning
Incorporating science into everyday life isn’t as difficult as it seems. Help your child make sense of the world around them by highlighting the presence of science in everyday activities. Draw their attention to objects or occurrences to trigger their curiosity, such as the temperature or the timing that the sun sets. Additionally, allowing your child to set up experiments at home under your supervision also promotes hands-on learning that encourages creativity and problem solving abilities.
Review mistakes from past exam papers
Reviewing mistakes from past examination papers is an effective way to see improvements. Go through past worksheets and exams to assist your child with identifying consistent mistakes. Placing emphasis on practising terms and concepts that are regularly forgotten empowers greater understanding of the material. Alternatively, you may also consider engaging a tuition centre with tutors who can help focus on specific areas your child struggles in. This ensures that an overall comprehension of science is developed.
Avoid cramming
Consistent studying helps retain information much more effectively compared to cramming for long hours in just a single day. As such, creating a schedule that will allow your child to space out their study sessions is key. It’s also important to encourage breaks in between their studying. Taking short, purposeful breaks once every hour can work wonders with keeping your child focused and productive.
Get sufficient sleep
Getting an adequate amount of sleep is not just essential for physical and mental health, but also for cognitive performance. This is because insufficient sleep lowers our level of alertness, making it difficult for us to focus. Prolonged sleep deprivation can also lead to serious health issues like memory loss and weakening of the immune system. Make sure your child gets ample quality sleep in the nights leading up to their exam to secure the best chances of academic success.
Parents may sometimes find it a challenge to guide their children in science due to the technicalities and concepts involved. We hope these tips will be helpful in supporting your child to score and do better for their next exam paper.
I Love Learning is a leading tuition centre that takes pride in fostering a love of learning with our award-winning programs. Reach out to us to learn more about our enrichment lessons if you feel like your child could benefit with some extra guidance from primary science tuition.
Studying for an English exam can be stressful and may seem like a daunting process, especially for children who mainly converse in Chinese, Malay or Tamil in Singapore. Language subjects also tend to be more subjective in nature, so children might find English difficult to master and score well for. However, there are some strategies that can help with obtaining better results in your child’s English exams. I Love Learning provides a range of enrichment lessons from phonics classes to primary English tuition, and we’re here to share some study tips that can be used to ace that next exam paper.
Read the comprehension passage thoroughly
It is crucial for students to fully understand the passage before answering questions when tackling the comprehension section. Start by making it a practise to first read the passage from beginning to end. It would also be worthwhile for your child to reread any sections they might not have understood. Doing so can enable them to contextually make sense of the meaning of any unfamiliar words and phrases. They can then move onto the questions after that has been done and your child has made sure that the text has been completely understood.
Be immersed in the language
Another way to improve your child’s English is for them to be immersed in the language. This can include doing a wide range of reading, such as newspapers, online articles, books, and magazines. It can also mean doing things like watching TV, listening to English language music and so on. These are fun and enjoyable activities to help prepare them for studying the subject.
Frequently speaking the language with friends and family is one other technique that can be used. That is because communication is an active process, with the brain constantly having to think and actively choose the best words and phrases that get imprinted with time.
Engage an English tutor
Challenges of helping a child prepare for their English exams sometimes occur when parents themselves are non-native speakers of the language. Hence, one option would be to enrol your child for primary English tuition so that they are learning from an experienced and professional tutor. Tutors work with all kinds of learners, so they would have the expertise to customise their lessons according to different learning styles. Engaging a professional also ensures your child gets guidance, and the best methods to effectively take on their exam paper with a better understanding of the school syllabus.
Focus on their well being
It is important to focus on your child’s well being as examinations could be an anxiety-inducing experience for some. A healthy state of mind is vital for them to do their very best, so give your child a preparatory regime that focuses on positivity, mindfulness and staying healthy. It is also strongly encouraged that they get sufficient sleep, eat well, stay hydrated, exercise, and take time away from their studies to relax.
We hope these tips will be useful in helping your child score better in English. Combine them with the expert guidance of an English tutor and your child will be on their way to achieving academic success.
As students prepare to take their exams, many of them might feel unsure and a little stressed over how to study for maths. The good news is that studying for a maths exam doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. Maths exam techniques can be picked up by preparing for it with the right strategies, making the process a more manageable one. I Love Learning provides math enrichment classes in Singapore for a range of levels, and we’ve prepared some tips to help you manage your next math exam better, all on top of acing that test! Read on to learn more.
Time management
Instead of leaving everything to the last minute, create good habits by getting some studying done daily ahead of the exam. Incorporate time management by working on topics in blocks of time to ensure you are not switching frequently between topics and getting confused. We suggest spending 50 mins on one topic with a ten minute break before the next – this will enable you to divide your time evenly across all the chapters and topics.
Practice with mock tests
Practising with mock tests is one way of acing your maths exam that is often overlooked. Doing so exposes you to the different types of math questions, preparing you for whatever may come your way. Alternatively, consider signing up for math enrichment classes with an enrichment centre for the right academic support and guidance.
Keep a positive attitude
Preparing for the exam requires your mind to work well. Sitting in front of your textbook all day practising problem sums might sound like a good plan at first, but doing so may cause stress and exhaustion in the long run. It is therefore crucial to also place focus on your mental health even while studying for your exams. Start with taking care of your physical health – have a balanced social life, and find hobbies that will allow you to relax and recuperate amidst the studying. Eating nutrient rich food and staying fit will also help in your preparation. The goal is to perform activities that will keep you feeling refreshed, healthy, and happy.
Bring in a social element
When planning your maths exam revision, make sure to factor in a mixture of group study sessions with friends apart from time alone. Constructive discussions can help you have a deeper understanding of the subject, especially in times when you might not grasp a concept that your friend does. In these cases, it’s a great idea to set up study groups and work alongside your peers. Studying in groups can also keep you on track as you learn from each other.
We hope these tips have been helpful in taking on your next maths exam with confidence. Revising for your exam is hard work, but taking your maths studying seriously from day one will alleviate unnecessary stress when it comes down to taking your exams.
Tuition is deemed as beneficial for a child’s education and learning experience in Singapore. That is why choosing the right tuition centre can sometimes come with a lot of pressure. It is important that parents know how to find the right tuition centre in order to aid their child’s learning. But with such a large pool of tuition services to choose from, selecting the best tutor for your child can often be an overwhelming process. This article aims to help by sharing a few things you should consider before choosing a tuition centre for your child. Read on to learn more.
Location
Locate tuition or enrichment centres that may be near your child’s school or your residence for greater ease and convenience. This allows less time and energy spent on travelling for your child, especially if you intend to send them for classes after school or on the weekends.
Class size
The tuition class size could also determine how they learn. In large classes, there is frustration for both teachers, in the form of managing a large group, and students, in terms of getting their individual doubts cleared. With smaller class sizes, students may find it easier to have their questions answered, and teachers will be able to cater to each student’s needs more easily. This essentially means a smaller class size will allow your child to receive more individual attention, and experience a better learning environment particularly for students struggling with weaker subjects. At I Love Learning, classes are kept at less than 9 students per class, ensuring a conducive learning environment for your child to excel.
Qualifications and experience
When searching for an enrichment centre for your child in Singapore, you want to be certain that the founder places emphasis on a strict hiring process. Tuition is a billion-dollar industry in Singapore. It is inevitable that centers are run by profit-oriented people who are inexperienced in education. When looking for a center, pay attention to the management team. A profit-oriented management team will focus more on profiting than on developing your child to reach his/her potential. i.e. A huge classroom is a result of trying to profit rather than teach optimally.
Look through reviews
Learn how effective the teaching methods of a tuition centre is by reading reviews of what other parents and students have to say about it. Doing so lets you have a better understanding about the specific attributes of the tuition centre that parents and students are satisfied with.
Ability to connect with your child
Finding a centre that your child connects well with will encourage them to be more receptive to the lessons. This is where requesting for a trial lesson can come in handy for parents and students to assess the suitability of the class before committing for the longer term. If your child shows a dislike for the tutor from the onset, this could be due to incompatible teaching methods or personality. Keep in mind that a good learning relationship between the tutor and a student typically results in better academic performance, and a good tutor should be able to connect with and motivate your child to achieve more.
Selecting an enrichment centre for your child can seem like a daunting task. We hope these tips have been helpful in guiding you through choosing the right tutor for your child’s educational needs. Our experienced team of tutors are here to support your child on their learning journey. Reach out to us for more information on our wide range of courses!
The benefits of reading in a child’s development are well documented. But contrary to what most believe, learning to read is a complex process that requires a child to be properly taught various skills and strategies, such as phonics and phonemic awareness. The good news though is that the steps to take in order to build these skills are actually fairly simple and straightforward. Apart from preschool enrichment classes, are you also looking at other ways to have your child become an avid reader? We’ll share some tips to help with kick-starting your child’s love of reading at an early age.
Make a simple word card game
Cut out simple cards and write a word on each card. Locate a staircase nearby and place one or two cards face down on each step. Say a word aloud and have your child find the matching word card. Then have your child read the word. He gets to keep the card if he has chosen the correct word. If it’s the wrong card, he leaves it on the step. The game continues until all the word cards have been found.
Incorporate phonics
Many studies have shown that children with a strong background in phonics tend to become stronger readers as they grow up. A phonetic approach to reading teaches a child how to go letter by letter, blending each sound together. Once a child has developed a level of automatisation, they will be able to sound out words almost instantly, only needing to apply decoding with longer words.
Try doing so using songs and nursery rhymes; the rhyme and rhythm help kids to differentiate the sounds and syllables in words, which is a good and fun way to build phonemic awareness and confident readers. Alternatively, you may also consider signing your child up with a learning centre that provides phonics classes with a well-rounded reading program.
Read aloud to your child regularly
Many people aren’t aware of just how many skills can be picked up through the simple act of reading to a child. Reading aloud to your child regularly not only creates a special bonding time for the both of you, but it also builds key comprehension skills, grows their vocabulary, allows them to hear what a fluent reader sounds like, and more importantly, instils in them a love for books. This feeling of enjoyment while reading is one of the single greatest predictors of reading success in school-going children.
Be patient
Remember that every child has his or her own pace of learning, so it’s helpful to keep in mind that the single most important thing you can do is to make it an enjoyable experience. A combination of reading regularly, mixing things up with the activities you choose, and letting your child pick out their own books occasionally will help them to develop an early love of reading and give them the best chance at reading success.
We hope this article has been helpful for you in getting your child started on becoming an avid reader. I Love Learning has a range of classes for children in Singapore, starting as young as preschool enrichment classes. Reach out to us for more information!
With the myriad of tuition centers out there, what are the few considerations you’ll need to take in order to pick the best tuition center for your child?
Consider these factors:
1. Teacher-Student Ratio
The reason why you are looking for a tuition programme for your child is either because you want your child to get that extra help, or you want your child to reach his/her potential. Either way, you want your child to be given extra attention. Therefore, try looking for classes with not more than 8 students. The bigger the class, the less attention the teacher can render for your child. That being said, a very experienced teacher with excellent classroom management and high energy will definitely be able to handle a larger class.
And that leads us to the next point.
2. Qualifications of Teachers
The experience and qualification of the teachers employed in the center are very important too. The best player may not be the best coach. The same goes for teachers. A scholar may not be the best teacher unless he/she is a scholar in pedagogy (teaching methodology). It is therefore, very important to enrol your child in a center that emphasizes teaching methods and child psychology because such a center will surely produce teachers and a curriculum that really help to develop your child.
However, most centers focus instead, on employing teachers who are MOE-trained and/or scholars. Having experienced teachers who are also trained in child psychology will be the most ideal. ILLAC is one center that focuses on employing not just teachers who are MOE-trained, ILLAC also develops and trains their teachers in child psychology so they are equipped with the knowledge of helping students overcome their weaknesses and develop their strengths.
3. Who Manages The Center
Tuition is a billion-dollar industry in Singapore. It is inevitable that centers are run by profit-oriented people who are inexperienced in education. When looking for a center, pay attention to the management team. A profit-oriented management team will focus more on profiting than on developing your child to reach his/her potential. i.e. A huge classroom is a result of trying to profit rather than teach optimally.
4. Curriculum
Singapore’s curriculum for the primary level is actually very unique. The PSLE is entirely developed locally, unlike the O Levels or A levels that are developed overseas and used internationally. Therefore, when choosing a tuition center for your child, ensure that the curriculum is designed by and developed for locals.
For example, some may think that we should send our children to native speakers of the English language to learn proper English. If the objective is to learn proper pronunciation and intonation, yes, that is agreeable. However, if it is to learn proper grammar and sentence structure, a native speaker will not be the best teacher because they grew up speaking the language without such difficulties. They will never understand why our children cannot understand the difference between “I have done my homework” versus “I had done my homework” because the difference is obvious to them.
Another example will be imported centers. A foreign curriculum, even when translated, will not teach Mathematics the same way we do in Singapore. Singapore’s Mathematics emphasizes a lot on model drawing and these techniques are not commonly learned in other countries. Therefore, a foreign curriculum will unlikely cover model drawing as a problem solving method in their curriculum.
The Best Tuition Center
To summarise, the best tuition center for your child should have a low teacher-student ratio of less than 1-8. Secondly, the teachers should be experienced not just in teaching, but trained in child psychology to be able to develop your child to reach his/her potential. The management team that manages the center should be trained in pedagogy to be able to make the best decisions for their students. Lastly, the curriculum that the center uses should be developed by locals.
PSLE is over! Yes!!! However, please set some limits to your children’s access to personal devices! The internet is wild and dangerous when used without limits. From my personal experience, Google’s Family Link can really help control device-access and maintain peace in the family. Here’s how.
Google’s Family Link is an app that helps you take TOTAL CONTROL over your child’s screen time:
Functions in a nutshell:
– full view of their activity online
– full control over what they download
– set limits on the amount of time they spend on-screen
– set limits on the amount of time they spend on each app
– award Bonus Time for good behaviour
– set bed-time so that the device locks itself when it’s time for bed
– control their devices remotely using Parents’ own handphone. i.e. Need them to come to the table for dinner immediately? Click “Lock now” (the button that sends exhilaration down my spine) and see them walk to the table reluctantly.
Still not convinced? Here are 3 main reasons why you should install the app.
1. Control Till 18 Years Old.
You might think this is only necessary for young kids where you need to control screen-time to prevent hyperactivity and over-stimulation. However, from my experience of dealing with teens whose parents bestowed them with a device right after PSLE, the device is exactly what damages well-behaved kids.
To be honest, I’ve met so many parents of post-PSLE kids losing complete control over their once-obedient little angles due to handphone addiction. Therefore, I highly recommend that Family Link be used on all devices handed over to children under the age of “mature-enough-to-handle-devices-responsibly” year old.
They are never too old for some form of control over devices. Admit it, even we ourselves, can be addicted to the phone, not to mention our own children.
2. Amazing Control You Can Have Over What They Can Access
I find these functions extremely useful because my son is into pop music yet not everything is suitable for him. Family Link not only allows me to control the music he can stream but also lets me:
Set limits on movies and TV shows based on the same familiar rating systems used in theatres and by TV stations
Set limits on the types of books my child can download
Control search options (Google SafeSearch is on by default) and limit the websites my child can visit in Google’s Chrome browser with the option to 1) allow all sites, 2) block mature sites (default), or 3) only allow for certain sites on a list you approve. As the app says, “no filter is perfect” but the default settings should help hide sexually explicit and violent sites
Control my child’s ability to share photos (it’s on by default)
3. Set a Time for Every Activity
Here are some screenshots of what you can set and control.
Set limits on individual appsI allow 2.5h on days he has zoom lessons. The device is otherwise always locked. On days when he wants to be rewarded for work done or good behaviour, I’ll use this function to unlock the tab momentarily. This is a very effective negotiation tool when we want him to do homework 😉
Being able to set time limit is perhaps the most important reason for installing the Family Link! Even though the big exam (PSLE) is over, doesn’t mean the kids can be on the phone the entire day, watching Youtube videos after Youtube videos. It also doesn’t mean they can be chatting on the phone with their friends until daybreak! What’s worse, you will not even know who he/she is chatting with!
Bottomline
This app has definitely taken away my worries of introducing a device to my son. I love the amount of control I get over his usage and prevented many tussles we could potentially have over his uncontrolled usage when we are not at home. Highly recommended! Try it!
