An ex-colleague from Chartered, who may still be reading my blog sometimes, share an article on FB. I read the article. I'm very impressed with the writer, and his articles.
http://oliveremberton.com/
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
P2 learning journey review
Lynn has completed another fun learning year at KCS, and mummy-me again has experience and thoughts that I'm eager to share..
Last year when Lynn was in P1, we had an easy year. She adapted to the system well, made lots of friends, and did not face any problem with studies. There wasn't any major exam. Based on tests and assessments throughout the year, we were pleasantly surprised when she emerged the top 3 in class.
Going into P2, I was quite complacent. The school issued school term and exam time table at the beginning of the year, which I read through. Then the school organised 2 workshops regarding the syllabus, and a PMT session, which I attended and took note of her weak areas. To sum up, while I'm being kept up to date in general, I didn't think that I need to pay attention to the detail.
The "wake up call" occurred in early Sep. Lynn missed school for 3 days in the last week of Term 3. We usually self medicate if it's common flu, and we try to not be too hang up about missing class. Then the Math teacher Ms Ang called me. If she hasn't, I wouldn't even realise that Lynn actually missed a Term 3 Maths test, with marks that count towards the final results. She asked for MC, but we didn't have one. Lynn told me after I put down the phone, that she already informed me previously of that requirement.
A few weeks later, I attended the class excursion and met Mdm Ong, the form teacher. She reminded me that the exam period is coming up, and there is streaming for P2.
Mdm Ong didn't go into much detail, so I was left to figure things out on my own. So instead of working towards a precise end result, I did 3 things mainly. Firstly, I get myself, WK and Lynn to be familiar with the exam time table, which spans over 3 weeks with 7 different dates (2 Orals, and 5 different written papers)! Secondly, I keep watch over Lynn's health. When she contracted flu again in mid Oct, I had to enforce adequate water intake. Lastly, I did some revision with her, but only on her weaker areas like CL Oral and compositions.
Throughout Oct, Lynn wasn't stressed at all, nor was she pressurized to perform. She also learn skill sets that she can apply in the future to take charge of her own studies and results . For example, taking note of the exam dates is the starting point for revision planning. Another example is that I explain to her that staying away from crowded places will minimize exposure to virus, which is something that I do when I had major performances or exams in the past. The point is, while there are many things that we cannot control, there are many more others which are within our influence ; this is a life lesson that I learn from my dad.
In the end, for the good effort that she put in throughout this year, her results were well enough to earn us another attendance at the year end award ceremony. This time round, she got 2 prizes, one for "academic achievement" (top 3) and one for "Best in Maths".
It was only at the ceremony that I had a lengthy chat with Mdm Ong, then I realised how much I have "missed out". I didn't know that the streaming picks up the top 80 pupils (from the total P2 cohort of 240) to be placed in 2 top P3 classes (the rest of classes are random). Mdm Ong told me that due to this streaming, a lot of P2 parents spend time helping the kids with their revision during the exam period.
She told me how challenging it is for her class to learn the same Maths syllabus as their peers in other classes due to the "age difference". There are 4 best-in-Maths in P2 this year (they all scored 100 marks). I reminded Mdm Ong that the other 3 kids actually got full marks for all 4 papers (Terms 1 - 4), whereas Lynn got full marks for 3 papers (Term 1,2, and 4) only. It really set me wondering. It had turned out to be "unfair advantage" - if Lynn had taken that paper and had not scored full marks, she would not have this "Best in Maths" award. It may well turn out to be "unfair disadvantage - had the school decided to penalized Lynn and not awarded her this prize because she missed one paper. If that happens, it will be due to our complacency that she is not recognized for her talent/interest in Maths, and for the one full year of good work.
WK casually told Mdm Ong that it is my efforts that Lynn got her good grades. In a way, it is a form of acknowledgement. In another light, he is still not convince that what I do is necessary (he didn't hear the part about the other P2 parents' involvement). He is the "cool" parent, while I get the "labels". ~ Recently I got upset from hearing some insensitive remarks, from a kid who told me that he got 52/100 marks for Maths. When I asked him if there's any plans for tuition, he told me that his mum will tutor him. Then he said that while some kids need tuition, he don't understand why kids who are already smart like Lynn goes for tuition. I'm sure it was what he hear from the adults gossiping. I can only console myself that every parent has their own style, and will bear responsibility for the outcome. If it doesn't bother them that he gets 52 marks for P2 Maths, it shouldn't bother me their untruth comments about Lynn going for tuition. ~ As for WK, I'm not going to be too calculative, because I know he is truly not too bothered even if Lynn doesn't do as well as she does now. When I have the opportunity, I will reminded him that he (we) is blessed with a conscientious girl, who got "best in Maths" without any coaching from mummy-me!
Most importantly, I knew that I have done my best in maintaining a fine balance, in order for Lynn to only bloom and excel from my guidance/push, and not suffer any undue stress or pressure. I believe it is solely for her own benefit, and not mine.
So lessons learnt from the P2 exam experience and the above recent episodes are as follow.
One, honeymoon period is only for one year, for neighbourhood school. Recently, I met up with an ex-colleague who became a SAHM 3 years ago. Her elder boy is in P1 this year, in a branded school. She talks about the politics in the PSG that she is in. And there is already CCA for her P1 boy.
Two, learn the school system and process, keep in contact with the teacher.
Three, do not comment/gossip about others' parenting style, especially in front of kids.
Finally, I told Mdm Ong that next year, there is no more pressure on me anymore, as she may not be the top of the class :). Perhaps the more correct way of putting it is that, the focus for me next year will be to build responsibility and accountability in her. 受之于鱼不如授之于渔
Lastly, I hope that once again she will have a happy learning journey in KCS in 2015!!
New principal, Mdm. Sarah Leong, next year onwards
The trophies are for the kids, the certs are for the parents:
Lastly, this is the teacher who is the main contributor to Lynn's fun and fulfilling first 2 years of primary school life. Thank you, Mdm. Ong!
Last year when Lynn was in P1, we had an easy year. She adapted to the system well, made lots of friends, and did not face any problem with studies. There wasn't any major exam. Based on tests and assessments throughout the year, we were pleasantly surprised when she emerged the top 3 in class.
Going into P2, I was quite complacent. The school issued school term and exam time table at the beginning of the year, which I read through. Then the school organised 2 workshops regarding the syllabus, and a PMT session, which I attended and took note of her weak areas. To sum up, while I'm being kept up to date in general, I didn't think that I need to pay attention to the detail.
The "wake up call" occurred in early Sep. Lynn missed school for 3 days in the last week of Term 3. We usually self medicate if it's common flu, and we try to not be too hang up about missing class. Then the Math teacher Ms Ang called me. If she hasn't, I wouldn't even realise that Lynn actually missed a Term 3 Maths test, with marks that count towards the final results. She asked for MC, but we didn't have one. Lynn told me after I put down the phone, that she already informed me previously of that requirement.
A few weeks later, I attended the class excursion and met Mdm Ong, the form teacher. She reminded me that the exam period is coming up, and there is streaming for P2.
Mdm Ong didn't go into much detail, so I was left to figure things out on my own. So instead of working towards a precise end result, I did 3 things mainly. Firstly, I get myself, WK and Lynn to be familiar with the exam time table, which spans over 3 weeks with 7 different dates (2 Orals, and 5 different written papers)! Secondly, I keep watch over Lynn's health. When she contracted flu again in mid Oct, I had to enforce adequate water intake. Lastly, I did some revision with her, but only on her weaker areas like CL Oral and compositions.
Throughout Oct, Lynn wasn't stressed at all, nor was she pressurized to perform. She also learn skill sets that she can apply in the future to take charge of her own studies and results . For example, taking note of the exam dates is the starting point for revision planning. Another example is that I explain to her that staying away from crowded places will minimize exposure to virus, which is something that I do when I had major performances or exams in the past. The point is, while there are many things that we cannot control, there are many more others which are within our influence ; this is a life lesson that I learn from my dad.
In the end, for the good effort that she put in throughout this year, her results were well enough to earn us another attendance at the year end award ceremony. This time round, she got 2 prizes, one for "academic achievement" (top 3) and one for "Best in Maths".
It was only at the ceremony that I had a lengthy chat with Mdm Ong, then I realised how much I have "missed out". I didn't know that the streaming picks up the top 80 pupils (from the total P2 cohort of 240) to be placed in 2 top P3 classes (the rest of classes are random). Mdm Ong told me that due to this streaming, a lot of P2 parents spend time helping the kids with their revision during the exam period.
She told me how challenging it is for her class to learn the same Maths syllabus as their peers in other classes due to the "age difference". There are 4 best-in-Maths in P2 this year (they all scored 100 marks). I reminded Mdm Ong that the other 3 kids actually got full marks for all 4 papers (Terms 1 - 4), whereas Lynn got full marks for 3 papers (Term 1,2, and 4) only. It really set me wondering. It had turned out to be "unfair advantage" - if Lynn had taken that paper and had not scored full marks, she would not have this "Best in Maths" award. It may well turn out to be "unfair disadvantage - had the school decided to penalized Lynn and not awarded her this prize because she missed one paper. If that happens, it will be due to our complacency that she is not recognized for her talent/interest in Maths, and for the one full year of good work.
WK casually told Mdm Ong that it is my efforts that Lynn got her good grades. In a way, it is a form of acknowledgement. In another light, he is still not convince that what I do is necessary (he didn't hear the part about the other P2 parents' involvement). He is the "cool" parent, while I get the "labels". ~ Recently I got upset from hearing some insensitive remarks, from a kid who told me that he got 52/100 marks for Maths. When I asked him if there's any plans for tuition, he told me that his mum will tutor him. Then he said that while some kids need tuition, he don't understand why kids who are already smart like Lynn goes for tuition. I'm sure it was what he hear from the adults gossiping. I can only console myself that every parent has their own style, and will bear responsibility for the outcome. If it doesn't bother them that he gets 52 marks for P2 Maths, it shouldn't bother me their untruth comments about Lynn going for tuition. ~ As for WK, I'm not going to be too calculative, because I know he is truly not too bothered even if Lynn doesn't do as well as she does now. When I have the opportunity, I will reminded him that he (we) is blessed with a conscientious girl, who got "best in Maths" without any coaching from mummy-me!
Most importantly, I knew that I have done my best in maintaining a fine balance, in order for Lynn to only bloom and excel from my guidance/push, and not suffer any undue stress or pressure. I believe it is solely for her own benefit, and not mine.
So lessons learnt from the P2 exam experience and the above recent episodes are as follow.
One, honeymoon period is only for one year, for neighbourhood school. Recently, I met up with an ex-colleague who became a SAHM 3 years ago. Her elder boy is in P1 this year, in a branded school. She talks about the politics in the PSG that she is in. And there is already CCA for her P1 boy.
Two, learn the school system and process, keep in contact with the teacher.
Three, do not comment/gossip about others' parenting style, especially in front of kids.
Finally, I told Mdm Ong that next year, there is no more pressure on me anymore, as she may not be the top of the class :). Perhaps the more correct way of putting it is that, the focus for me next year will be to build responsibility and accountability in her. 受之于鱼不如授之于渔
Lastly, I hope that once again she will have a happy learning journey in KCS in 2015!!
New principal, Mdm. Sarah Leong, next year onwards
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
8 year old logic
Here's something interesting that I want to share; it is about how innocent children think differently from adult.
Here is a math question from her final exam. Read the question first, and determine what is the correct answer before scrolling to below:
To me, an adult, it is quite obvious that the question is asking, or is meant to ask "what is the last TV program that Siti can watch at her own home". It's a math question that test children's ability on "time". Thus the children need to subtract 1/2 hour (travel time) from 1pm (reaching time), meaning to leave home at 1230. Thus the last program is "Detective Alan", which starts at 12noon and ends at 12.30.
I saw on the front page that the teacher had initially mark Lynn's answer as wrong, but then subsequently change to mark it as correct. With this additional 2 marks, she got full marks - 50 out of 50:
When I saw Lynn's initial answer, it was again very obvious to me why she choose "Tales of the World", which is a program that starts at 1pm. And I can also understand why the teacher change her mind in the end, to mark "Tales of the World" as the correct answer too:
The interesting part is coming up now. I chat with Lynn about this question, just to ensure that understanding is correct. Sure enough, Lynn explain that "reach at 1pm, so can watch the 1pm program". Then I asked her who else in her class is in the same situation as her. Her answer is "whole class"! Ha, I was pleasantly surprised!! All the children read the question "correctly", because the question did not specify "watch at their own home", so all of them apply the same logic that "friend's place got TV". I was so delighted by their straight forward thinking. Then I wonder what the rest of the P2 classes did.
When I meet up with Mdm Ong on the last day of school, I asked her my query. With laugher and sparkle in her eyes, she told me that non of the other classes had the same occurrence, ie her class of Oct/Nov/Dec babies was the only whole class to choose that answer!!
Mdm Ong related to me how challenging it was for her to attract and sustain the attention of her young class. Prior to taking this class, she had taught class 1.1 (kids with birthday at the beginning of the year) for several years. She notice a big difference in behaviour. When I went for the bird park excursion with class 2.1 and 2.8 in Sep, I thought it is just coincidental that the whole of class 2.1 seem so mature and how the whole of class 2.8 seem so childish. But now I wonder and I marvel over these interesting observation. What can I say, except, well done 2.8 cuties!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
School holiday
I may have written about this topic before, but I think I will write again.
School holiday is the time of the year when working parents:
(I) Take annual leave. When a working mother apply AL for the school holiday, they get 2 kinds of reactions. If the boss has children, he/she will understand, but will still lament about manpower (cover) issue when you are not around. If the boss doesn't have children, he/she will never understand. He will still approve the leave, but will openly "comment" on the challenge he/she faces with regards to manpower/coverage.
(II) Feel stress. It's an issue that non-parent do not understand. During school terms, most of the kids' time are spent at school and on school activity. During the holiday, suddenly the kids got "nothing to do" for 6 long weeks. It's quite a nightmare, and a lot of mothers feel guilty about not being able to spend enough tiem with the kids.
(III) Do nothing/expect the kid to find their own activities, but then nag non stop at the kids for wasting time/watching too much TV/not helping in house work, etc, etc, etc. And still feel guilty about not being there for them..
I'm type (II), ha! This Nov/Dec, here's the output of my stressful holiday planning:
Materials at home:
4 animal activity books, 1 word search book, 1 mental puzzle book, 1 suduku book,
1 500-pc jigsaw puzzle
1 paper cutting booklet
2 loom band books/1 loom band kit
Outings/activities:
16 Nov (Sun) - stayover at Cousin's place
17 Nov (Mon) - Cousins stayover at our place
20/21 (TH/F) - Fun science workshop at CDAC with cousin
22 (Sat) - Dinner/outing to Changi airport
23 (Sun) - Lunch treat by uncle WL
27 (Th) - Jessin (Aft sch care) outing to Alive museum
29/30 (S/S) - stayover at Nanny's place
1 Dec (Mon - Mental skills workshop at CDAC
6 (Sat) - Log cake making class with cousin
9 (Tue) - Jessin outing to Snow City
13 (Sat) - Sentosa water park with cousins
18 (Th) - Jessin outing to Safra Kidzamaze
24 (Th) - Xmas party at Jessin
I wonder what it was like when I was young? Did I just day dream all day long? I told Lynn that my calendar is full of her items, and that she must do her own planning next time!
Start of the school holidays, at TPY central, 15 Nov (Sat)
New toy (from Mac happy meal)- mould for freezer, and we did 冰棒 with milk!
The product on following day's morning (Sunday)
After she went to her cousin's house, I did my with chocolate milk!
On Sunday afternoon, I took my nail polish and stickers to May's house, and the 3 girls and I painted our nails!
I went for purple while theirs are pink and sliver.
Mabel came for the stay over on Monday. When I came home after work, they ask if we can go "somewhere" as they are bored. So we went to the library, then Mac
The jigsaw that we started on Sat:
The activity books that she loves:
The new loom band books which I have not yet got the chance to read:
School holiday is the time of the year when working parents:
(I) Take annual leave. When a working mother apply AL for the school holiday, they get 2 kinds of reactions. If the boss has children, he/she will understand, but will still lament about manpower (cover) issue when you are not around. If the boss doesn't have children, he/she will never understand. He will still approve the leave, but will openly "comment" on the challenge he/she faces with regards to manpower/coverage.
(II) Feel stress. It's an issue that non-parent do not understand. During school terms, most of the kids' time are spent at school and on school activity. During the holiday, suddenly the kids got "nothing to do" for 6 long weeks. It's quite a nightmare, and a lot of mothers feel guilty about not being able to spend enough tiem with the kids.
(III) Do nothing/expect the kid to find their own activities, but then nag non stop at the kids for wasting time/watching too much TV/not helping in house work, etc, etc, etc. And still feel guilty about not being there for them..
I'm type (II), ha! This Nov/Dec, here's the output of my stressful holiday planning:
Materials at home:
4 animal activity books, 1 word search book, 1 mental puzzle book, 1 suduku book,
1 500-pc jigsaw puzzle
1 paper cutting booklet
2 loom band books/1 loom band kit
Outings/activities:
16 Nov (Sun) - stayover at Cousin's place
17 Nov (Mon) - Cousins stayover at our place
20/21 (TH/F) - Fun science workshop at CDAC with cousin
22 (Sat) - Dinner/outing to Changi airport
23 (Sun) - Lunch treat by uncle WL
27 (Th) - Jessin (Aft sch care) outing to Alive museum
29/30 (S/S) - stayover at Nanny's place
1 Dec (Mon - Mental skills workshop at CDAC
6 (Sat) - Log cake making class with cousin
9 (Tue) - Jessin outing to Snow City
13 (Sat) - Sentosa water park with cousins
18 (Th) - Jessin outing to Safra Kidzamaze
24 (Th) - Xmas party at Jessin
I wonder what it was like when I was young? Did I just day dream all day long? I told Lynn that my calendar is full of her items, and that she must do her own planning next time!
Start of the school holidays, at TPY central, 15 Nov (Sat)
New toy (from Mac happy meal)- mould for freezer, and we did 冰棒 with milk!
The product on following day's morning (Sunday)
After she went to her cousin's house, I did my with chocolate milk!
On Sunday afternoon, I took my nail polish and stickers to May's house, and the 3 girls and I painted our nails!
Mabel came for the stay over on Monday. When I came home after work, they ask if we can go "somewhere" as they are bored. So we went to the library, then Mac
Took out the play dough set so that they can play on Tues
The jigsaw that we started on Sat:
The activity books that she loves:
The new loom band books which I have not yet got the chance to read:
Monday, November 17, 2014
8th birthday
Celebrated sweetie's birthday with a staycation at Siloso Beach Resort Hotel during the 1st Nov weekend.
Did I mention in this blog before, that I wanted a November baby? Lynn's due date back in 2006 was in Mid Nov. There were many Oct babies in my family, so I wanted a Nov baby. As I counted down with excitement during the last 2 weeks of Oct, I thought that my wish will come through. Then on 30th Oct, which was a Monday, the contraction started. Being first-time-preggy, I did not know how to assess the situation. I was admitted early that morning. Throughout the day the contraction pick up extremely slow. Eventually, I only go into the labour ward in the wee hours of Tues morning. Then finally, it was at 2pm in the afternoon that Lynn was finally delivered by C-section. It was a very long delivery process. The next day, my uncle come visiting with my pre-teen and teenage cousins. He told his kids:" Lynnette is a Halloween baby!". I sat on the hospital bed realizing and thinking, what a full-of-tricks baby she is!!
When she was in nursery and kindergarten, she used to resist Halloween, as she finds it frightening. This year, she seem to have changed her attitude. She told me yesterday that the reason she feels strong connection with cats is because cat is a feature of Halloween. She also say that she loves Mr. Midnight story books, because she is born in the "Ghost month" of Oct.
During the staycation, I came to spot a milestone. That weekend, her 3 older cousins were the only ones who came to celebrate with her at Sentosa, as the younger cousins were sick. It was the first time that I "totally switched off", meaning I did not monitor their every action in the sea, or them crossing the road. When we walked to Mac for breakfast on Sunday morning, I was able to relax, to stroll and chat with one of them, while the rest either run ahead or fall behind. After breakfast, I let them run to the beach by themselves while WK tagged behind at a walking pace. It was pure joy to watch them rough up each another in the pool without my own nagging reminders to stay safe (haha!).
Lixing posted a pic of Lynn on Instagram, and commented that "she's growing up too fast,". I can fully understand where this feeling comes from, for those see her only periodically. As a very involved mummy, I experience that the least, as I enjoy every moment that I spend with her. My feeling is that of watching a tiny seedling I planted, one that I nourished with tender care and love, growing a little, day by day, into a youthful and sturdy tree, so full of green leaves that's still budding. The flowers have yet to come, but it is not the overnight transformation that's fascinating; instead it's the inch by inch process that totally captivated my heart and soul.
This year, 2014 had been a special year for me. There's a few more development about Lynn that I will share in my coming posts, but the above paragraph sums up how touched I felt this year.
Friday night, Mum bought a little piece of cake for Lynn:
A lovely photo and a lovely message...
Sweet Matt and quirky Lynn..
Fun in the pool:
2 beautiful photos:
Did I mention in this blog before, that I wanted a November baby? Lynn's due date back in 2006 was in Mid Nov. There were many Oct babies in my family, so I wanted a Nov baby. As I counted down with excitement during the last 2 weeks of Oct, I thought that my wish will come through. Then on 30th Oct, which was a Monday, the contraction started. Being first-time-preggy, I did not know how to assess the situation. I was admitted early that morning. Throughout the day the contraction pick up extremely slow. Eventually, I only go into the labour ward in the wee hours of Tues morning. Then finally, it was at 2pm in the afternoon that Lynn was finally delivered by C-section. It was a very long delivery process. The next day, my uncle come visiting with my pre-teen and teenage cousins. He told his kids:" Lynnette is a Halloween baby!". I sat on the hospital bed realizing and thinking, what a full-of-tricks baby she is!!
When she was in nursery and kindergarten, she used to resist Halloween, as she finds it frightening. This year, she seem to have changed her attitude. She told me yesterday that the reason she feels strong connection with cats is because cat is a feature of Halloween. She also say that she loves Mr. Midnight story books, because she is born in the "Ghost month" of Oct.
During the staycation, I came to spot a milestone. That weekend, her 3 older cousins were the only ones who came to celebrate with her at Sentosa, as the younger cousins were sick. It was the first time that I "totally switched off", meaning I did not monitor their every action in the sea, or them crossing the road. When we walked to Mac for breakfast on Sunday morning, I was able to relax, to stroll and chat with one of them, while the rest either run ahead or fall behind. After breakfast, I let them run to the beach by themselves while WK tagged behind at a walking pace. It was pure joy to watch them rough up each another in the pool without my own nagging reminders to stay safe (haha!).
Lixing posted a pic of Lynn on Instagram, and commented that "she's growing up too fast,". I can fully understand where this feeling comes from, for those see her only periodically. As a very involved mummy, I experience that the least, as I enjoy every moment that I spend with her. My feeling is that of watching a tiny seedling I planted, one that I nourished with tender care and love, growing a little, day by day, into a youthful and sturdy tree, so full of green leaves that's still budding. The flowers have yet to come, but it is not the overnight transformation that's fascinating; instead it's the inch by inch process that totally captivated my heart and soul.
This year, 2014 had been a special year for me. There's a few more development about Lynn that I will share in my coming posts, but the above paragraph sums up how touched I felt this year.
Friday night, Mum bought a little piece of cake for Lynn:
A lovely photo and a lovely message...
Sweet Matt and quirky Lynn..
Fun in the pool:
2 beautiful photos:
Monday, November 10, 2014
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