Gifted Education Programs (GEP) are designed to provide appropriate learning opportunities for exceptionally talented children in academics, arts, or sports. These programs are designed to provide challenging academic experiences that meet the unique needs of gifted students. In Singapore, the GEP is a program designed for students to develop their intellectual abilities to their fullest potential. Parents are often concerned about whether their child needs additional preparation classes to enter the GEP. This article will explore why children may require prep classes and offer tips on preparing for the GEP.
What is Gifted Education Program (GEP)?
The Gifted Education Program is a special educational program designed to provide intellectually challenging opportunities for exceptional students. The program aims to develop students’ critical thinking skills, problem-solving ability, and creativity. The GEP is open to students who score exceptionally well in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and have demonstrated an accelerated learning aptitude.
Why Your Child May Need Prep Classes for GEP?
The GEP is a challenging program and students who are unprepared for it may struggle. Children not accustomed to the accelerated learning pace may find it challenging to keep up with the other students. Prep classes may be helpful for students who need to develop their academic skills.
Preparation classes can also expose students to the type of questions frequently asked in the GEP. This can help them to become familiar with the types of questions they may encounter during the GEP test. Prep classes can also help students become more confident and comfortable with the learning process, which can help them to perform better on the GEP test.
Benefits of GEP Prep Classes
1. Develop Academic Skills: GEP prep classes help students develop their academic skills, particularly in mathematics, English, and logic. These classes provide students with additional practice and support to help them improve their academic abilities and become better prepared for the GEP test.
2. Familiarity with GEP Test Format: GEP prep classes can help students become familiar with the types of questions that will be asked in the GEP test. This can include exposure to different question types, such as multiple-choice, short-answer, and open-ended questions. This familiarity can help students feel more confident and comfortable with the test, which can improve their performance.
3. Exposure to Learning Pace: The GEP is a challenging program that requires students to learn at an accelerated pace. GEP prep classes can provide students with exposure to this type of learning environment, which can help them become more comfortable and better prepared for the GEP. This exposure can also help students develop their time management skills, which are essential for success in the GEP.
4. Boosts Confidence: GEP prep classes can help students become more confident in their abilities. These classes provide additional resources and support to help students improve their academic skills, which can improve their confidence level. This increased confidence can translate to better performance on the GEP test.
5. Provides Additional Support: GEP prep classes provide students additional support, resources, and guidance. These classes are taught by experienced teachers familiar with the GEP test and can provide students with tips and strategies to help them succeed. This support can be particularly helpful for students who may not have access to these resources otherwise.
6. Increases Chances of Success: GEP prep classes aim to help students succeed in the GEP. These classes can provide students with the additional support and resources needed to perform well on the test and increase their chances of acceptance into the GEP. This can open up new opportunities for students and help them reach their full potential.
Conclusion
GEP prep classes can benefit students planning to take the GEP entrance test. These classes can help students develop their academic skills, become familiar with the types of questions that will be asked in the GEP test, and gain exposure to the learning pace they will encounter in the GEP. Additionally, GEP prep classes can provide students with additional support and resources to help them succeed on the test and increase their chances of acceptance into the GEP.
Join the many students who have succeeded in the GEP with ILLAC’s prep classes! Our GEP preparation classes have helped numerous students succeed in the GEP. Your child can achieve their full potential with our experienced teachers and comprehensive curriculum.
Reading to children is not only a fun activity to bond and share stories, but it also plays a crucial role in their development. While there is no magic number of key benefits, we can explore some significant ways that reading to a child can impact their growth and learning.
In this blog, we will delve into the top benefits of reading to children, including academic success, cognitive development, enhanced language skills, improved writing skills, family bonding, understanding differences, emotional improvement, and fostering creativity and imagination.
1. Academic Success
Reading to children from a young age sets the foundation for their academic journey. Numerous studies have shown that early exposure to books and reading helps children perform better in school, as it develops their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. By reading to your child regularly, you reinforce the importance of learning and setting them up for success in their education.
2. Cognitive Development
Cognitive development refers to the growth of a child’s ability to learn, think, and solve problems. Reading to children stimulates their brains by presenting new ideas, concepts, and knowledge. It also helps them to develop essential skills such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.
As a child listens to stories, they must process the information, make connections, and think critically about the content, all contributing to cognitive development.
3. Enhanced Language Skills
Reading aloud exposes children to new words, phrases, and sentence structures. This early exposure to language helps children develop their vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, making it easier for them to communicate effectively.
Additionally, reading helps children understand the context in which words are used, further enhancing their language skills.
4. Improved Writing Skills
As children are exposed to different writing styles, genres, and structures through reading, they become better writers themselves. Listening to stories helps children develop a sense of story structure, character development, and plot, which they can apply in their writing.
Furthermore, by learning new words and sentence structures, children can express their thoughts and ideas more effectively on paper.
5. Special Bond for the Family
Reading together creates a special bond between parents and children. Families can spend quality time together, share experiences, and create lasting memories. Reading to your child also allows you to model good reading habits, demonstrate the joy of reading, and foster a lifelong love of books and learning.
6. Understanding of Differences and Perspectives
Books introduce children to different cultures, beliefs, and ways of life. Reading to your child about diverse characters and settings helps them develop empathy and understanding for people who may be different from them. This exposure to various perspectives encourages children to be more open-minded, accepting, and compassionate individuals.
7. Emotional Improvement
Reading to children can help them understand and express their emotions more effectively. Books often address complex emotions, such as fear, anger, or sadness, which can help children learn to cope with and express their feelings.
Additionally, reading stories with relatable characters can help children feel less alone in their experiences and provide an opportunity to discuss emotions and challenges openly with parents or caregivers.
8. Creativity and Imagination
Reading to children sparks their creativity and imagination, allowing them to explore new worlds, characters, and ideas. As children listen to stories, they create mental images of the scenes and characters, which helps to develop their imaginative skills. They can also use these skills in their play, artwork, and creative writing, expanding their capacity for creative expression.
Final Thoughts
Reading to children is an invaluable activity that contributes significantly to their development in various ways. By incorporating reading into your child’s daily routine, you are not only helping them grow academically and cognitively, but you are also fostering essential life skills such as empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
Are you looking for enrichment classes in Singapore? ILLAC is an excellent option for you. Our reading booster programme provides one-on-one reading training for young ones entering primary school in 2023. Contact us and sign up for classes now!
The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is an important exam for children. A high-stakes exam determines which secondary school a child can attend. As a parent, it is important to prepare your child for PSLE to ensure they have the best chance of success. This article will explore how to prepare your child for PSLE.
Create a Study Schedule
Creating a study schedule can help your child to stay organized and focused during the PSLE preparation period. It is important to create a realistic study schedule that considers your child’s other commitments and activities, such as school, tuition, and extracurricular activities.
The study schedule should include time for revision, practice, and rest. It is important to ensure that your child takes breaks and has time for relaxation and play, as this can help to reduce stress and improve their overall well-being.
Provide Resources and Support
Providing your child with the right resources and support can also help to prepare them for the PSLE. This includes textbooks, study guides, past-year papers, and online resources. You can also consider hiring a tutor or enrolling your child in a tuition program to provide additional support and guidance.
It is also important to provide emotional support to your child during the PSLE preparation period. This includes being available to listen to their concerns and providing encouragement and motivation. You can also help your child to develop coping strategies, such as deep breathing or visualization techniques, to manage stress and anxiety.
Practise Time Management
Time management is a crucial skill for success in the PSLE. Children need to be able to manage their time effectively during the exam to ensure that they are able to complete all the questions within the time limits. Practising time management techniques can help your child to improve their performance on the day of the exam.
You can encourage your child to practice time management by setting timed practice papers and encouraging them to complete them within time limits. You can also help your child to develop strategies for managing their time during the exam, such as skipping difficult questions and returning to them later.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Encouraging healthy habits can also help to prepare your child for PSLE. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise. These habits can help to improve your child’s overall well-being and reduce stress and anxiety.
Ensuring your child has a healthy work-life balance during the PSLE preparation period is also important. This includes ensuring they have time for relaxation, play, and socializing with friends and family.
To Sum Up
In conclusion, preparing your child for the PSLE requires a combination of strategies, including understanding the format of the exam, creating a study schedule, providing resources and support, practising time management, and encouraging healthy habits. It is important to ensure that your child has the right support and guidance during the PSLE preparation period to ensure that they have the best chance of success.
Get help with PSLE preparation here at ILLAC. Our programmes deliver innovative learning for children 2-16. Join us now.
Mathematics is one of the most important subjects in the academic curriculum of any student. It is a subject that requires a lot of practice and understanding.
However, many students struggle with maths and find it difficult to catch up with the rest of the class. This is where maths tuition centres come in. A maths tuition centre can be a great investment for your child’s academic future. It can help them to receive individual attention, customised learning, better understanding of concepts, more practice and revision and ultimately, improved performance in exams.
This article will discuss five reasons why you should enroll your child in a maths tuition centre.
1. Individual Attention
One of the biggest advantages of a maths tuition centre is that your child will receive individual attention from the teacher. In a classroom setting, teachers have to divide their attention among all the students, which can be difficult for students who need a little extra help.
However, in a tuition centre, the teacher can give your child individual attention and help them with their specific needs. This can help your child to progress at their own pace and improve their understanding of mathematics.
2. Customised Learning
Every child has their own unique learning style. Some children may learn better with visual aids, while others may prefer to learn through practical examples.
Teachers can identify your child’s learning style and customise their teaching approach accordingly. This can help your child to learn more effectively and retain the information better.
3. Better Understanding of Concepts
Mathematics is a subject that builds on previous concepts. If a child does not understand a concept, it can be difficult for them to progress to the next level. A maths tuition centre teacher can identify the areas where your child is struggling and help them to build a strong foundation.
This can help your child better understand the concepts and improve their overall performance in mathematics.
4. More Practice and Revision
Mathematics requires a lot of practice to master. However, many students do not get enough practice in a classroom setting. With maths tuition, your child will have access to more practice materials and revision resources.
This can help them practice more and revise their learned concepts. This can help your child to improve their confidence in mathematics and perform better in exams.
5. Improved Performance in Exams
Mathematics is a subject that is tested in every academic level, from primary school to university. It is also a subject that many students struggle with.
However, with the help of a maths tuition centre, your child can improve their understanding of the subject and perform better in exams. This can help your child to achieve better grades and open up more opportunities for their future.
Conclusion
If you are considering enrolling your child in a maths tuition centre, it is important to do your research and choose a centre that has experienced and qualified teachers, a good track record of success and a teaching approach that suits your child’s learning style.
Your child can excel in mathematics and achieve their academic goals with the right tuition centre. At ILLAC, we make sure to cater to different learning styles in order to help your child boost their understanding of mathematical concepts. Get in touch with us today to learn how.
Direct School Admission (DSA) Programme is a scheme in Singapore that allows Primary 6 students to apply for admission to secondary schools based on their talent in areas beyond academics. This programme is increasingly popular among parents who wish to secure a spot in a preferred secondary school for their child. Here are five things that parents should know about the DSA programme:
Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the DSA programme, students need to meet certain criteria, which vary depending on the school and the area of talent. Examples of talent areas include sports, music, art, and leadership. It is essential to check with the individual school to ensure that the child meets the requirements. There are also some schools that accept students purely from DSA scheme. Check out this website for more information: Direct School Admission (DSA-Sec): Explore school choices | MOE
Preparing for the Selection Process DSA selection processes vary from school to school, but they usually include an interview, audition, or trial. Students need to prepare thoroughly for the selection process by honing their skills, building up their portfolio, and practising for the interview.
Balancing DSA and PSLE Preparation DSA applications usually open in May, before the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), which is the national examination taken by all Primary 6 students in Singapore. Parents need to strike a balance between preparing for the DSA selection process and PSLE preparation to ensure that their child does not neglect their academic studies.
The Role of the School Schools have a significant role in the DSA programme as they are responsible for setting the selection criteria and conducting the selection process. Parents should research the schools and their respective DSA programmes to ensure that the programme aligns with their child’s interests and talents.
The Importance of Supporting the Child Parents should support their child’s interest and passion in the talent area they wish to pursue through the DSA programme. It is essential to understand that the programme is not a guarantee of admission and that the child’s academic performance remains a crucial factor in securing a place in the school.
In conclusion, the DSA programme is an excellent opportunity for students to pursue their passion and secure a place in a preferred secondary school. Parents should guide and support their child through the selection process and ensure that they maintain a balance between academic and DSA preparation.
For more information on the DSA programme, please visit the Ministry of Education website:
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.
