Can Enrichment Classes replace Kindergarten?
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well done, wesim! I only wish I possess the same ability as you and Tamarind to do that! :)(actually, many has told me to home school our kid since Pre-N and I only see it now).
Pummanuel, I too, sometimes would yell at my kid(mostly during music instrument practice) but mainly it's becos the kid's tired after school and I'm hard-pressed for time(mind I don't have any helper at home and the wkly cleaner isnt really exactly relieving me of my daily chores). Thus, after much considerations, we felt that this would be a better route as it would allow the kid more time to play and relax. No need to sleep by 8/8:30pm to wake up at 7am to rush to school(I drive the kid to sch, else it'd hv to be earlier than 7!), and then still rush to enrichments twice weekday-ly(only arts and eng which only started 3wks ago - both req by the kid, and music on sat), this is the reason why I daren't sign up for more enrichments which had seemed nec now to back up the school's teachings - most of the teachers teaching Eng aren't able to even pronouce properly, just 'th' is a very good example. I duno about others, but I'm one who's very particular about proper speech/language, 'cos I felt it's super important since we use that to communicate our thoughts and to learn, etc... Actually, I'm rather glad that I'm not working(though it almost killed my sanity during the 1st 2 yrs, hahaha) and only hv 1 kid now, so this route is still possible.
Ermm, actually i think acceptance of learning a 2nd language may also depend on the child and age too? I don't know but when the kid was younger, Pre-N, chinese was resented at school too, but soon it was ok and I heard the kid speaking at home even, so I'd also speak that language at home from time to time, explaining the meaning of each word I use so the kid can learn, at least, from listening first and then knowing its meaning(during my recent search for a ch enrichment school, they'd all told me that it's very important for younger kid to listen first - proper pronounciations, etc).
After reading so much, I'd say that it's rather likely that we'd be going this route of better learning and probably more relaxing way for our child, esp. when it had seemed silly to pay double(it'd amt to more than S$2k! geez, cost more than Uni educatn man!) for 2 ways when just 1 way would work.
Anyone whom would have good recommendations for English and Maths enrichments - they'd have to be not the stressful but with fun/creative learning style, pls do pm me. Thanks!
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smurf:
when I was in P1, most of my classmates attended kindergarten. Only 1 gal I knew, she didn't. and she was very quiet, kept to herself, didn't mix around. and I think she didn't even knew her alphabets during then.
I think at that time, those whom had not attended Kindy(there are some whom are still in this category now), wouldn't have any other form of learning, thus they felt inwardly inclined as they don't seem to understand what's been going on/taught.
These days, there're many other ways of learning, even those home-schooled may not necessarily be unable to mix around with others.
If Kindy's not desired, then there should be other forms of learning for the kid and that must also incl. interpersonal skills amongst kids of own age.
Our kid has had plenty of socialising from GUG playgroup, Pre-N, Nursery and now K1, plus regular meet ups with friends, cousins, so that certainly wouldn't be a problem.
During the few yrs of our kid's PG/schooling days, I've seen kids whom has had attended schools with our kid since beginning are still unable to interact with others, whereas some whom had never attended any class before could mingle soo well. So it's my take that the individual character also plays a part in this area. -
mum05:
My priority for my kids, is for them to spend very little time studying, and much more time playing freely and day dreaming which are essential for a happy childhood.
Thus, after much considerations, we felt that this would be a better route as it would allow the kid more time to play and relax.
Many kids spend most of their time in CCs and kindergarten from as young as 2 years old, and they are constantly being told what to do at what time. It seems to me that such kids don't know how to find things to do when they are free at home, they seem to have lost the ability to imagine, or to think of new ideas.
There are many parents who complain that our education system is too stressful, and that the system does not allow our kids to enjoy their childhood. This is not true. It is entirely possible for our kids to enjoy their childhood fully, and at the same time, be very well prepared academically. The trick is to \"study the smart way\"
Parents must understand what are the important skills that will benefit kids for their entire life.
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This is the reason why I chose an academic kindy:
School is for learning & he can play all he likes when he's home.
Learning time with me is in the morning before he heads off to school.
Plus around 20minutes of reading in the evening.
He gets to play and watch TV the whole afternoon, I don't stop him from playing anything he likes. Recently, he wants his tent & started to play in his tent with his soft toys. If he wants to cycle/rollerblade, take his car down for a ride or play badminton at the playground, we definitely bring him down if weather permits, else he'll just play at the lift lobby.
There's definitely a balance between letting play & academics.tamarind:
My priority for my kids, is for them to spend very little time studying, and much more time playing freely and day dreaming which are essential for a happy childhood.mum05:
Thus, after much considerations, we felt that this would be a better route as it would allow the kid more time to play and relax.
Many kids spend most of their time in CCs and kindergarten from as young as 2 years old, and they are constantly being told what to do at what time. It seems to me that such kids don't know how to find things to do when they are free at home, they seem to have lost the ability to imagine, or to think of new ideas.
There are many parents who complain that our education system is too stressful, and that the system does not allow our kids to enjoy their childhood. This is not true. It is entirely possible for our kids to enjoy their childhood fully, and at the same time, be very well prepared academically. The trick is to \"study the smart way\" Parents must understand what are the important skills that will benefit kids for their entire life. -
KSP:
Enrichment classes can replace kindergarten on the academic portion but not socialise part. In kindergarten the children spent longer hours together not only for studying but do things together like play, sing along and socialise. I feel this is important as this will prepare them for longer hours and social skills when come to pri sch.
my son used to be very mischievous, after yrs in CC (from playgroup to K2) he became a well-behaved kid ...
my daughter, very shy, very timid when she was younger, now became quite cheerful and outgoing, thanks to her stay at CC -
keenDaddy:
my kids CC charge $410 (after $300 government subsidy) after revised up twice before.After govt subsidies, my son's fees are about $500+, the price that one probably pay for a nanny care or 3to4 enrichments. Maybe if you consider child care env is just for \"social interaction\", then it may not be worth it. But, for us, it is basic care - meals, showers (as both parents are working) + structured kindergarten programmes + interaction and all the other intangibles which come with it, it is probably reasonable money to pay. I believe in taking full advantage of the govt subsidies if entitled to.
I agree that if taught properly at home, the kids will also learn. It is just that for both working and busy parents, it is tough at times. So, in our case, the kid is toilet trained, brush teeth, bathing primarily in the CC, and reinforced at home.
So I guess it differs for everyone, so long as that it works for you and your kid. But for my case, I am definitely a strong advocate of the child care setting, as I have seen the benefits for my son.
it is a hot CC in my area. the waiting list to enrol a kid there now is more than 2 years....
I am also an advocate of CC if it is good. It benefits us a lot... in terms of both academi and life skills (basic though)... -
tamarind:
I also agree that we should let our kids have lots of free play and happy childhood. It is important not to stress the kids at such a young age and at worst, might kill the kids' interest in learning later on. Each kid will peak at his own pace e.g. one kid may know all his ABCs at 2 years old and another kid may not have interest at 2 years old but will pick up everything at 4 years old. Hence by 5 years old, the 2 kids are on-level again.
My priority for my kids, is for them to spend very little time studying, and much more time playing freely and day dreaming which are essential for a happy childhood.
Many kids spend most of their time in CCs and kindergarten from as young as 2 years old, and they are constantly being told what to do at what time. It seems to me that such kids don't know how to find things to do when they are free at home, they seem to have lost the ability to imagine, or to think of new ideas.
There are many parents who complain that our education system is too stressful, and that the system does not allow our kids to enjoy their childhood. This is not true. It is entirely possible for our kids to enjoy their childhood fully, and at the same time, be very well prepared academically. The trick is to \"study the smart way\" Parents must understand what are the important skills that will benefit kids for their entire life.
It is true that some parents put their kids in full-day CC and still pack them with enrichment programmes in night and weekends, and sadly yet not spend enough time with their kids.
A CC env does not necessary stifle the creativeness of a child. Given the right env and curriculum, it will be otherwise e.g. CC which emphasis on play-based learning encourages the child to learn through play. Who encourages creativity - a teacher in school who allows the kid to colour the sky in whatever colour he wants ('cause they r trained to do so) or a parent at home who insists the kid to color the sky blue?
We put our kid in the CC; the school does not give homework 'though i know some parents desires that; we do not send him for any other enrichment lessons other than what he attends in school. We spend quality time with him at nights and the weekends, encourages outdoor activities and still leaving him time for playing with his toys (he loves role playing) and some TV. No stress.
I respect the mums who do home schooling - it is not easy and holds much responsibility. My wife also believes that the best care for the kid is parents' care, and followed by centre-based care. She tried for 6 months and felt that she is not suitable for it, though she was trained in the field but with her own child, it is different. So, we opt for her 2nd best choice.
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keenDaddy:
Agree. Finding a good cc is like finding a good maid. Rare, so cling on to it!l
I also agree that we should let our kids have lots of free play and happy childhood. It is important not to stress the kids at such a young age and at worst, might kill the kids' interest in learning later on. Each kid will peak at his own pace e.g. one kid may know all his ABCs at 2 years old and another kid may not have interest at 2 years old but will pick up everything at 4 years old. Hence by 5 years old, the 2 kids are on-level again.
It is true that some parents put their kids in full-day CC and still pack them with enrichment programmes in night and weekends, and sadly yet not spend enough time with their kids.
A CC env does not necessary stifle the creativeness of a child. Given the right env and curriculum, it will be otherwise e.g. CC which emphasis on play-based learning encourages the child to learn through play. Who encourages creativity - a teacher in school who allows the kid to colour the sky in whatever colour he wants ('cause they r trained to do so) or a parent at home who insists the kid to color the sky blue?
We put our kid in the CC; the school does not give homework 'though i know some parents desires that; we do not send him for any other enrichment lessons other than what he attends in school. We spend quality time with him at nights and the weekends, encourages outdoor activities and still leaving him time for playing with his toys (he loves role playing) and some TV. No stress.
I respect the mums who do home schooling - it is not easy and holds much responsibility. My wife also believes that the best care for the kid is parents' care, and followed by centre-based care. She tried for 6 months and felt that she is not suitable for it, though she was trained in the field but with her own child, it is different. So, we opt for her 2nd best choice.
Not every family can have a sahp, so a gd affordable cc is really a big blessing. -
mum05:
not really leh. Last time, no need to go kindy, but got plenty of places/things to do...a lot of outdoors activities...go 'swa deng'play catching, play five stones with friends, etc. :lol:smurf:
when I was in P1, most of my classmates attended kindergarten. Only 1 gal I knew, she didn't. and she was very quiet, kept to herself, didn't mix around. and I think she didn't even knew her alphabets during then.
I think at that time, those whom had not attended Kindy(there are some whom are still in this category now), wouldn't have any other form of learning, thus they felt inwardly inclined as they don't seem to understand what's been going on/taught. -
[quote]I respect the mums who do home schooling - it is not easy and holds much responsibility. My wife also believes that the best care for the kid is parents' care, and followed by centre-based care. She tried for 6 months and felt that she is not suitable for it, though she was trained in the field but with her own child, it is different. So, we opt for her 2nd best choice. [/quote]
It is actually very easy to teach kids at home, especially before P1. Parents have to understand what are the most important skills to teach, and not try to teach everything. If parents can find http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-teach-phonics.html, then all we have to do is to teach 30 mins or less everyday.
Parents also need to have lots of patience, do not expect to see results quickly. If we start at 3 years old, the child may be able to read well at 4 or 5 years old.
The fact is that kids who are taught by parents at home learn much better, and may be far more advanced that other kids, even though the child may be of average ability.
But if parents find that they do not have the patience to teach their own kids, not even for 30 mins a day, then it is probably not a good idea.
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