Comparing Pre-school English Reading and Phonics Enrichment

[corneyAmber]

My personal experience with MA at the kindy level is it is play-based and they don’t focus on getting the child to read. However, even that, I did not find it effective for my child because she could read well by then so the programme did not do much for her.


I was looking for something interesting to stimulate her but in the end the course did not meet our requirements and hence expectations.

I am not sure what ICR does but can read and understand what one is reading is 2 different matters to me.

[adafew]

My DS is currently in P1 session with MA. When I commented the story books might not be age appropriate as my son said the books are all quite simple (like those 2-4 sentences a page?) and I did see books stating it is meant for <6yeas old, the lead teacher actually rebark saying all those books are age appropriate and are carefully selected by professionals (who is/are the professionals they refers to???).


When I mentioned my DS reads and write a storybook summary /day, the center head immediately said that is appropriate for only P2 or P3 level. I told him my son is enjoying this ‘task’ and loves reading. He said my method is incorrect. Trying to show they are professional?? And who are they to garge the level appropriate activities? Don’t they know there are children who might be faster in learning?

I am certainly droping out.

[HappyAvon]

ks2me:

I am not sure what ICR does but can read and understand what one is reading is 2 different matters to me.

Totally agree that reading and understanding what you are reading is 2 different things. Thats where vocabulary will play a part. They have reading comprehension for the child to complete in each story. This is to ensure they understand the stories they are reading which also includes understanding of different words used....Parents will also need to play a part....For my girl, whenever she reads a story and if she came across some difficulty words which she cannot understand, she will ask....Vocabularies must be built up once a child is starting to read....no point to be able to read 10,000 words and not knowing the meaning of each word or how they are used in different scenarios.....Once a child is reading well, we can then expand their vocabularies and to write simple journals....Thats what my K1 girl is doing and she is enjoying it...its a good way for her to express her thoughts and put them into words....

[MMM]

adafew:

When I mentioned my DS reads and write a storybook summary /day, the center head immediately said that is appropriate for only P2 or P3 level. I told him my son is enjoying this 'task' and loves reading. He said my method is incorrect. Trying to show they are professional?? And who are they to garge the level appropriate activities? Don't they know there are children who might be faster in learning?


I am certainly droping out.

My P1 started with reading development iso creative english with BC during P1 as he didn't pass the test. He was given a book to read and he must provide the book review each week. This was marked by the teacher who will provide some positive remarks and suggestions. He was there for 2 terms and then move to creative english.

This helps and he got the hang of it and he is still doing it in P2 though it appears that his teacher didn't ask for it?

So I don't understand why MA said it's not appropriate. :?

[lu_meihua]

hi, i’m keen to know more abt I CAN READ at harbourfront. called but no one reply.


any parent care to share experience?
and how much is the cost fees? duration? tks.

[adafew]

That’s why I am very disappointed with MA (perhaps only this branch) that they are so unreceptive towards negative comments and only want to hear good comments. And they are so protective and work together with parents to give the best to our kids. They forgot who actually pays their salary

[chrismei]

HappyAvon:

ks2me:

I am not sure what ICR does but can read and understand what one is reading is 2 different matters to me.

Totally agree that reading and understanding what you are reading is 2 different things. Thats where vocabulary will play a part. They have reading comprehension for the child to complete in each story. This is to ensure they understand the stories they are reading which also includes understanding of different words used....Parents will also need to play a part....For my girl, whenever she reads a story and if she came across some difficulty words which she cannot understand, she will ask....Vocabularies must be built up once a child is starting to read....no point to be able to read 10,000 words and not knowing the meaning of each word or how they are used in different scenarios.....Once a child is reading well, we can then expand their vocabularies and to write simple journals....Thats what my K1 girl is doing and she is enjoying it...its a good way for her to express her thoughts and put them into words....

hi Happyavon

When did yr girl start to read after attending PRP? It good to hear good comments from you...:)

[qq_guy]

HappyAvon:

qq_guy:

which ctr u go? u start ur gal at what age? as currently my gal is now 3yrs +,july ll be at 4yrs old. as i noe of the first stage is the thinking skill ,ur gal took how many mth b4 she proceed tp next stage?

My girl is with ICR harbourfront and she started exactly at age 4. During the assessment, she was told she can start in PRP (prelim reading programme) since she had mastered all the 1st sound.....Thanks to Zoophonics! She was their daily nursery student. She is now in their reading programme and is left with one more book prior to completion. After this, she will be in stage 2 which introduces basic grammar, written comprehension, advanced spelling and creative writing. I think this will take another 6 months...TCS should not take u too long...Generally 4-6 months and it depends on the maturity of the kids too....

i aso intend to start my gal at 4yrs old,but next yr i aso want send her for english course aso,so i might stop half way for \"i can read\". so is ur child stil in \" i can read\" ?

[HappyAvon]

chrismei:

[When did yr girl start to read after attending PRP? It good to hear good comments from you...:)

I cannot remember exactly but when she was in PRP, we realised that she was reading the Peter & Jane book very well and we thought probably she was reading from her memory...However, one day in Popular, she took the Robin series book and was reading it out...Thats where we know she was starting to read....We gave her a lot of encouragement in her reading and very soon she was enjoying reading books on her own...

qq_guy:

[ I aso intend to start my gal at 4yrs old,but next yr i aso want send her for english course aso,so i might stop half way for \"i can read\". so is ur child stil in \" i can read\" ?

Yes she is still in ICR and will be proceeding to Stage 2 in early May and will take another 6 months to complete. Most importantly, the child must be enjoying in the lessons. she really loves ICR classes and is very eager to complete her homework and learn her spelling list. Maybe its really our blessing....

[titank]

buds:

Titank... brader... you still looking for phonics classes arh?

What happened with ICL.. thought you manage to get in.. :?

Dear Buds 姐姐,

Yes managed to get into ICL weekday slot at 7pm. No choice have to give up as I would have logistic problem esp in the evening. So now doing some research around on phonics program.