Comparing English Enrichment Programmes

[kiasumam]

my kids tried similar class with emphasis on drama and expresssing themselves but found that even though they do enjoy but it does not show in grades as difficulty level is not there.. also tried chinese program that is drama and interaction base as my kids chinese is very poor so i wanted to encourage them to speak more. i pull them out of these class and then do one-to-one as more focussed and easier for them to communicate as they wont feel pressure from frens, especially when they are higher levels and need more challenge. just need to get the right tutor who can motivates and click. i found good tutors a few years ago and stick with them. so far kids are excelling better and enjoy the class as the way of teaching is different and helpful ... example for english the tutor emphasise stories and expression, interaction that is challenging and they enjoy it.. in maths also tutor can have more higher level sums to suit to the child as no need to hold back by class. in my boy psle he manage to get quite good score, A and 2 A* but sadly chinese pull him down ... only manage a C i think his interest is not there for chinese too... my opinion is that one-to-one is better as no distraction from frens.


good luck for the new school year!!! :lol: :lol:

[tamarind]

The only way to improve creative writing skills, is to read as many story books as possible. Otherwise no matter how many creative writing classes the child attend, it is not going to help.


It is very important to read good books by great authors, and not just read books by Enid Blyton or Beast Quest, etc. My girl has been reading long English novels since 5 years old, wonderful children's classics like these:
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2010/03/importance-of-reading-books.html

She is now reading books by Diana Wynne Jones and Judy Blume. She writes effortlessly, and at P1, I think her writing is better than many P3 kids. She has not attended any creative writing classes except a few months last year at the creative writing class for P1/P2 at Morris Allen. I put her there because I had to work in China and could not teach her. Her teacher knew very well that my girl could not possibly have learned to write like that in her class. This is the result of reading many good story books since 5 years old. The fact is that I have not taught her how to write, it just comes naturally to her. All I have done is to ask her to read out loud from books to me everyday, and make sure that she understands what she is reading.

The same works for Chinese. Now in P2, she is reading long Chinese novels, and she tells me that she enjoys learning Chinese

[jasmineong]

Yes, I do agree that reading books is the best way. If your child starts reading from a young age…he or she will have a headstart and they can do well especially in comprehension cloze and the vocabulary sections as well. The best thing is they will actually like to write and not do it because we are forcing them to.


But I find the right creative writing class can sharpen your child’s writing skills and give them more strategies to tackle this area. So I spent some time really researching to find a good creative writing class so my child can really benefit. JMHO

[myhomerecipe]

[quote]
I'm sourcing for my P3 too... have you or your friend tried Lorna Whiston creative writing class?[/quote]I heard their fee is comparable to TLB.

[averagejoe]

I live in Pasir Ris but for the past year, I send my boy (in P5 now) for Creative Writing class in Holland Village. Private classes are run by a former teacher at her home in small groups of 6 max. My son’s English grade improved greatly and most of all he actually enjoys writing! The once weekly travelling was worth it & will continue until he finishes his PSLE. If u are interested I can PM u the details.

[averagejoe]

My colleague recommend me to send my P2 girl and P5 boy for English classes in Holland Village. Classes are run by a former teacher at her home in small groups of 6. She also teaches Creative writing. My son’s English grade improved greatly and most of all he actually enjoys writing! I was put on the waiting list for 2 months before my daughter can join her classes. The teacher used to teach in a top primary school and she’s friendly, professional and good with kids. I can pass you her contact if you like.


Joe

[Tac]

Hi averagejoe, you’ve PM.

[Monster Mummy]

jojo:

dparent:

I am looking for creative writing for my son whom is going P4 next year.


We live in the east, preferably in Tampines/Simei or Pasir Ris.

Please recommend.

Thanks.

I stay in PR also, find it hard to find. I have tried I-creative learner, they are home based but limited seats. Kent Ridge at White Sand, they only have creative writing from P4 onward. Winnie is the teacher, she is a script writer, quite impressive right. My kid is only P3 so cant join them.

Ya, i have difficulty find creative writing in the east too.
\\
Have any of you tried of The Alternative Story ctr? If yes, how is your child coping with it. Appreciated, if you can share.

Hi,

Maybe you will try the following link that one of the parents has mentioned. The centre is in Tampines.

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16529

[Working Mummy]

averagejoe:

I live in Pasir Ris but for the past year, I send my boy (in P5 now) for Creative Writing class in Holland Village. Private classes are run by a former teacher at her home in small groups of 6 max. My son's English grade improved greatly and most of all he actually enjoys writing! The once weekly travelling was worth it & will continue until he finishes his PSLE. If u are interested I can PM u the details.

Hi averagejoe, PM you.

[truffle]

I am interested. Can you kindly pm me her contact.


Thanks in advance.

averagejoe:

My colleague recommend me to send my P2 girl and P5 boy for English classes in Holland Village. Classes are run by a former teacher at her home in small groups of 6. She also teaches Creative writing. My son's English grade improved greatly and most of all he actually enjoys writing! I was put on the waiting list for 2 months before my daughter can join her classes. The teacher used to teach in a top primary school and she's friendly, professional and good with kids. I can pass you her contact if you like.

Joe