[Ang Mo Kio/Bishan/Thomson/Toa Payoh] Preschools
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Hey Greenbean2011,
I tink I know u...were u the one who gave out the phonics CD in totsville to other mummies?
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hello jul04,
On regular days (no enrichment), school bus takes approx. one hr to reach Newton kindergarten from my place, because there’re so many kids to pick up.
however, not all kids sitting inside the same school bus happen to take the same enrichment programme as my daughter.
On those days with enrichment programme (eg: Friday), perhaps only 4 kids interested in taking Speech & drama, same as my child. School bus pick up fewer students on such days – unlike regular days where got more kids. Since trip is shorter, so reach school faster, in 15 minutes time.
I live in East, near Kembangan.
School bus fees: $160 per month, 2 way.
My girl wakes up 8.45 am, returns home 4.45 pm, dinner 5.15 till 6 pm.
after that, she naps one hour, 6 – 7 pm.
sleeps 10.30 pm, sometimes 11 pm latest. -
hello smurf,
in yr 2000, my friend’s son attended Kinderland, Pandan valley branch. Back then, they still using their own in-house Phonics.
perhaps over the years they’d changed, started using Zoo phonics.
I think I know who you’re.
you’re that tall, slim, very pretty mommy with long hair… whom I’d met at Totsville last year.
kekekekekeke … nice to meet you here !
how ?
did you use that Zoo phonics cd to play, let yr younger son hear ?
time flies!
your elder son in Pri 1 this year. He likes his new school, teachers, class mates? -
greenbean2011:
Er, no lah...dun say that leh...
I think I know who you’re.
you’re that tall, slim, very pretty mommy with long hair… whom I’d met at totsville last year.
?
My boy ok, he is very kuai in school, coz he is very afraid of discipline master! But I think he is still very blur, sometimes ask him something, he also dunno...haha...
I kinda prefer letterland phonics coz its from UK, so I'm still deciding between montessori and newton... :lol:
I think maybe different kinder land operate differently? :? Some uses zoo phonics some uses others? I'm not sure leh... :oops: -
hello smurf,
following enrichment programmes found at Newton kindergarten are also found in St James kindergarten. The common enrichment programmes are:-
a)\tEnglish speech & drama, by Helen O Grady.
I agree with you that Helen O Grady is good.
the acting scenes for kids are all very expressive, creative, enjoyable and fun !
what’s the purpose of speech & drama ?
===========================
to help a child be confident.
speak confidently, not shy to stand in front of a group of people.
b)\tBrain development - Fast Track kids.
This is the same programme taught in Pat school.
c)\tKinderArt, in the past.
a number of parents feedback that TOL ArtVenture is better than KinderArt. So wef 2011, Newton changed KinderArt to TOL ArtVenture.
for your younger boy, to have the best of both world, perhaps I suggest for initial two years Pre-nursery and Nursery, engage him in Montessori activities. It’s good, gives him a solid foundation in languages and Maths ! Later come either mid Nursery or latest K1, then switch him over to kindergarten.
Since your elder boy had gone through mmk before, and there is no tingxie or spelling at K2 - might as well let your younger boy try out Newton.
If no tingxie or spelling even at K2 – later go Primary 1, when these become suddenly new, compulsory and to be tested in class, the adjustment to him / learning path - becomes uphill. He has to learn tingxie / spelling fast. Fast enough to be ready to sit for spelling tests.
In contrast, if younger boy goes Newton where kids learn tingxie / spelling at K2 – later go Primary 1, it’s something that he’s already very familiar with, as he’d got used to before in K2. The learning curve becomes smooth, not uphill.
My point is – why wait till come to Pri 1 let him struggle, when you have so many years beforehand in kindergarten to facilitate him, help him eased in, get adjusted ? Sooner or later, he got to face spelling / tingxie.
besides, 4 hrs curriculum dosage daily Mon – Fri, will teach younger boy more things. He will definitely benefit more.
Letterland phonics UK (popular in Primary schools) – which you prefer is also there.
extra 10% Chinese dosage daily – will help prepare your younger boy cope with Higher chinese in Primary school.
go MOE website, read – what are the advantages in taking Higher chinese (HCL).
Kids at this age adapt very easily. Adapting to changes is easy for kids, unlike we adults. So do not fret, if you switch him over from Montessori programme to traditional kindergarten - either at mid Nursery, or latest K1 switch.
So long as you explain the reasons gently to him - why you are making that switch to benefit him, even a young child at 3 yrs old is able to understand. The child may be young, but doesn’t mean the child doesn’t understand. Explain to him the reasons one by one, get him mentally prepared.
In any case, you’re already very familiar with mmk, since yr elder boy had gone through it. Recycle worksheets for yr younger one. Let him practise all mmk worksheets; mmk strong in English.
The Catholic vs. Protestant Presbyterian faith between mmk and Newton is neglible, at kindergarten age. When comes to makan, all mean the same thing –give Thanks before eating. Amen ! -
greenbean2011:
hello smurf,
following enrichment programmes found at Newton kindergarten are also found in St James kindergarten. The common enrichment programmes are:-
a)\tEnglish speech & drama, by Helen O Grady.
b)\tBrain development - Fast Track kids.
are part of the reason why I'm considering Newton!
for your younger boy, to have the best of both world, perhaps I suggest for initial two years Pre-nursery and Nursery, engage him in Montessori activities. It’s good, gives him a solid foundation in languages and Maths ! Later come either mid Nursery or latest K1, then switch him over to kindergarten.
I agreed. But hor, not say you want to switch u can switch leh, newton is also quite popular, must see got space or not mah. I spoke to the vice principal, and they said this year, only two classes of pre nursery, so maybe next yr, nursery also two classes...sigh...
Since your elder boy had gone through mmk before, and there is no tingxie or spelling at K2 - might as well let your younger boy try out Newton.
Yah, I'm more keen in newton, but not keen in the school fee...haha...
If no tingxie or spelling even at K2 – later go Primary 1, when these become suddenly new, compulsory and to be tested in class, the adjustment to him / learning path - becomes uphill. He has to learn tingxie / spelling fast. Fast enough to be ready to sit for spelling tests.
actually it depends. Coz a child with very strong phonics may not have any problem, he or she will be able to spell without difficult, just see the words few times and he or she can spell.
My point is – why wait till come to Pri 1 let him struggle, when you have so many years beforehand in kindergarten to facilitate him.
besides, 4 hrs curriculum dosage daily Mon – Fri, will teach younger boy more things. He will definitely benefit more.
Letterland phonics UK (popular in Primary schools) – which you prefer is also there.
I agreed!
extra 10% Chinese dosage daily – will help prepare your younger boy cope with Higher chinese in Primary school.
erm, with his Chinese standard, I can only pray that his Chinese is ok, not hoping for higher Chinese...haha...
The Catholic vs. Protestant Presbyterian faith between mmk and Newton is neglible, at kindergarten age. When comes to makan, all mean the same thing –give Thanks before eating. Amen
you are right! -
greenbean2011:
hello smurf,
following enrichment programmes found at Newton kindergarten are also found in St James kindergarten. The common enrichment programmes are:-
a)\tEnglish speech & drama, by Helen O Grady.
b)\tBrain development - Fast Track kids.
these are part of the reason why I'm considering Newton!
for your younger boy, to have the best of both world, perhaps I suggest for initial two years Pre-nursery and Nursery, engage him in Montessori activities. It’s good, gives him a solid foundation in languages and Maths ! Later come either mid Nursery or latest K1, then switch him over to kindergarten.
I agreed. But hor, not say you want to switch u can switch leh, newton is also quite popular, must see got space or not mah. I spoke to the vice principal, and they said this year, only two classes of pre nursery, so maybe next yr, nursery also two classes...sigh...
Since your elder boy had gone through mmk before, and there is no tingxie or spelling at K2 - might as well let your younger boy try out Newton.
Yah, I'm more keen in newton, but not keen in the school fee...haha...
If no tingxie or spelling even at K2 – later go Primary 1, when these become suddenly new, compulsory and to be tested in class, the adjustment to him / learning path - becomes uphill. He has to learn tingxie / spelling fast. Fast enough to be ready to sit for spelling tests.
actually it depends. Coz a child with very strong phonics may not have any problem, he or she will be able to spell without difficult, just see the words few times and he or she can spell.
My point is – why wait till come to Pri 1 let him struggle, when you have so many years beforehand in kindergarten to facilitate him.
besides, 4 hrs curriculum dosage daily Mon – Fri, will teach younger boy more things. He will definitely benefit more.
Letterland phonics UK (popular in Primary schools) – which you prefer is also there.
I agreed!
extra 10% Chinese dosage daily – will help prepare your younger boy cope with Higher chinese in Primary school.
erm, with his Chinese standard, I can only pray that his Chinese is ok, not hoping for higher Chinese...haha...
The Catholic vs. Protestant Presbyterian faith between mmk and Newton is neglible, at kindergarten age. When comes to makan, all mean the same thing –give Thanks before eating. Amen
you are right! -
I think we have gone OT…haha…
I was thinking of just putting him in sch when he turned 4, and meanwhile, just get those Montessori materials and teach him. Or send him to weekly Montessori phonics enrichment class. After all, if he goes to sch now, he should be playing. And kids these young will not know how to play with others right? -
hi smurf,
Yes, Pre-nursery got 2 classes per session.
But for Nursery, different.
Newton usually open up an extra class to accommodate / cater to outsiders – ie. those who join the school, enrolled only at Nursery.
example
=====
This year, all 8 classmates in my girl’s Nursery class are outsiders.
They have something in common - all come in only at Nursery.
In her class, two transfer cases from mmk, others from other kindergarten, Montessori background, child care centre, etc.
AM session always full house !
PM session less popular, normally got vacancies.
PM session less popular, lagi good!
I’m pleased with her current class size.
In her PM class - 2 teachers with 9 kids.
Good ratio ! fewer kids better, don’t fall sick so often.
I prefer PM session, because fewer kids.
last yr in her previous church kindergarten, class got 20 kids.
every now and then, come back home, fall sick. Xian !
can’t sleep at night. I worried when her fever roller coaster in the middle of the night, reaching 39 degree celsius.
you’re absolutely right !
even if you send him to school at 4 yrs old, it’s perfectly all right.
It’s not too late. In fact, for Pre-nursery level, you can home school him yourself.
issue is – does he listen to you, when you self teach him at home ?
if yr younger boy listens to you, then fine!
Just buy the LMA (large moveable alphabets) Montessori tool set, costs around $200 one time. Teach him Montessori phonics at home yourself. Promotes bonding between mother and child at same time !
I can pass you my set of instructional Montessori phonics teaching material. You zap, then return me. I can share with you, demo and guide you - step by step, how to teach him.
However if he doesn’t listen to you, then bring him for phonics enrichment once a week. Get Serene from Totsville to coach him. She’s patient, systematic, good and kind.
But for Montessori Maths, it’s a lot more complicated !
if you keen - after CNY, there’s this parents workshop coming up, teach parents how to teach Montessori Maths at home to kids.
This trainer called Nafisa very experienced. She > 25 yrs in Montessori education. If you can train yr child at home, good ! save lots of $.
after all, enrichment montessori lessons not cheap.
Last yr, I attended her workshop on Phonics. Very good!
the link is here:-
http://montessoriprogram.com/mathematics
if you keen on parents workshop for Phonics, click here:-
http://montessoriprogram.com/montessori-phonics-workshop
And when your boy turns 4, just place him into a proper kindergarten.
By 4 yr old, he’s mature - time for him to interact with others.
btw, regarding Speech & Drama, Eduplus has a strong emphasis on S&D.
they videotape the kids speaking into the microphone, and playing back their actions....apparently, this is popular with kids and parents....makes the language becomes so much real and alive!
also forces kid to articulate the sounds correctly (esp. good for kids who don't speak Chinese at home) -
hi smurf,
Yes, Pre-nursery got 2 classes per session.
But for Nursery, different.
Newton usually open up an extra class to accommodate / cater to outsiders – ie. those who join the school, enrolled only at Nursery.
example
=====
This year, all 8 classmates in my girl’s Nursery class are outsiders.
They have something in common - all come in only at Nursery.
In her class, two transfer cases from mmk, others from other kindergarten, Montessori background, child care centre, etc.
AM session always full house !
PM session less popular, normally got vacancies.
PM session less popular, lagi good!
I’m pleased with her current class size.
In her PM class - 2 teachers with 9 kids.
Good ratio ! fewer kids better, don’t fall sick so often.
I prefer PM session, because fewer kids.
last yr in her previous church kindergarten, class got 20 kids.
every now and then, come back home, fall sick. Xian !
can’t sleep at night. I worried when her fever roller coaster in the middle of the night, reaching 39 degree celsius.
you’re absolutely right !
even if you send him to school at 4 yrs old, it’s perfectly all right.
It’s not too late. In fact, for Pre-nursery level, you can home school him yourself.
issue is – does he listen to you, when you self teach him at home ?
if yr younger boy listens to you, then fine!
Just buy the LMA (large moveable alphabets) Montessori tool set, costs around $200 one time. Teach him Montessori phonics at home yourself. Promotes bonding between mother and child at same time !
I can pass you my set of instructional Montessori phonics teaching material. You zap, then return me. I can share with you, demo and guide you - step by step, how to teach him.
However if he doesn’t listen to you, then bring him for phonics enrichment once a week. Get Serene from Totsville to coach him. She’s patient, systematic, good and kind.
But for Montessori Maths, it’s a lot more complicated !
if you keen - after CNY, there’s this parents workshop coming up, teach parents how to teach Montessori Maths at home to kids.
This trainer called Nafisa very experienced. She > 25 yrs in Montessori education. If you can train yr child at home, good ! save lots of $.
after all, enrichment montessori lessons not cheap.
Last yr, I attended her workshop on Phonics. Very good!
the link is here:-
http://montessoriprogram.com/mathematics
if you keen on parents workshop for Phonics, click here:-
http://montessoriprogram.com/montessori-phonics-workshop
And when your boy turns 4, just place him into a proper kindergarten.
By 4 yr old, he’s mature - time for him to interact with others.
btw, regarding Speech & Drama, Eduplus has a strong emphasis on S&D.
they videotape the kids speaking into the microphone, and playing back their actions....apparently, this is popular with kids and parents....makes the language becomes so much real and alive!
also forces kid to articulate the sounds correctly (esp. good for kids who don't speak Chinese at home)
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