Comparing English Enrichment Programmes

[hquek]

awfullyKS:

Hi hquek and MLJ,


Thanks for the write up about TAS, bcos of your write up, i sent ds for a trial during the weekend and signed up immediately. He really liked the teaching, he found it fun and could understand what was taught very clearly. He also went for their Easter prog also. He was attracted by the worm and he loved the prog. I hear they do free grammar lessons during their community service work, have you sent your child for it? Is it good?

Grammar is covered in their usual lessons. My friend (in another TAS centre) told me she found the teacher's explanations (yup, they are pretty loud and she could hear through the walls) clear and useful.

I sent my kid for a science community service class and he enjoyed it. Kid loved the demo on mentos + coke = geyser. But methinks there wasn't too much of science covered, and was surprised that they covered some compo stuff also.

When you signed up, did you get a referral? If you did, you could have gotten discount leh. If not, then (if you find them good), recommend to your friends and enjoy some $ off the next term.

[awfullyKS]

hquek:

Grammar is covered in their usual lessons. My friend (in another TAS centre) told me she found the teacher's explanations (yup, they are pretty loud and she could hear through the walls) clear and useful.

I sent my kid for a science community service class and he enjoyed it. Kid loved the demo on mentos + coke = geyser. But methinks there wasn't too much of science covered, and was surprised that they covered some compo stuff also.

When you signed up, did you get a referral? If you did, you could have gotten discount leh. If not, then (if you find them good), recommend to your friends and enjoy some $ off the next term.

Alamak I forgot abt the referral, was so excited I quickly signed up. I will try to save some money next term.

The coke demo was the one at Easter? My ds also told me about it. I was asking about their free grammar prog because I think the more ds is exposed to eng and the diff aspects, the better. And there is a also the prizes to get if he does well which I hope will motivate him. He is the kind that eat soft, does not eat hard (direct translation).

[hquek]

awfullyKS:

Alamak I forgot abt the referral, was so excited I quickly signed up. I will try to save some money next term.

The coke demo was the one at Easter? My ds also told me about it. I was asking about their free grammar prog because I think the more ds is exposed to eng and the diff aspects, the better. And there is a also the prizes to get if he does well which I hope will motivate him. He is the kind that eat soft, does not eat hard (direct translation).

It's ok lah. Water under the bridge..past liao.

Yes, the Easter one. I made a trip down specially so he can go. FYI, during normal lessons, kids are given points (to spur them to do better) and from time to time, I see DS1 coming with small pressies as encouragement (everyone has, I don't think anyone is left out).

Hope your kid enjoys the lessons!!

[awfullyKS]

hquek:

It's ok lah. Water under the bridge..past liao.

Yes, the Easter one. I made a trip down specially so he can go. FYI, during normal lessons, kids are given points (to spur them to do better) and from time to time, I see DS1 coming with small pressies as encouragement (everyone has, I don't think anyone is left out).

Hope your kid enjoys the lessons!!

Yes, am definitely looking forward to his lessons at TAS. Thanks, all the best for your kid too!

[jellybeanz]

awfullyKS:

Hi hquek and MLJ,


Thanks for the write up about TAS, bcos of your write up, i sent ds for a trial during the weekend and signed up immediately. He really liked the teaching, he found it fun and could understand what was taught very clearly. He also went for their Easter prog also. He was attracted by the worm and he loved the prog. I hear they do free grammar lessons during their community service work, have you sent your child for it? Is it good?

Hi awfullyKS,

Do you know if this grammar prog is only for TAS students?

[awfullyKS]

jellybeanz:

Hi awfullyKS,

Do you know if this grammar prog is only for TAS students?

Hi jellybeanz,

I don't think so. Bcos for their Easter prog, they also allowed us to bring non TAS students. I think
for their community service progs, it is open to anyone.

[Belle]

singapore45:

Belle:

You mean they have trial lessons??? Hmmm.. maybe should call them to make appointment too :lol:

Judging by the possible timeslot suggested by TAS, seems like the demand in the East is not like high/ovewhelming. Wonder why such an odd timing on Sunday, 6.30 to 8.30 around dinner time.

I am really eager to look forward to more possible timeslots for P1 in the East. No possible morning, noon or late afternoon classes on Sat/Sun?

Hi Belle,

Yes that timing is odd but it is because their teachers can only make it at that time on Sunday. I know they are willing to start another class on Sunday 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm. Initially my sister also found the timing strange but she signed my nephew up still as she wanted him to benefit from TAS. Now my nephew can write so much better, he is always getting among the highest in the class. So no regrets about it. I think you should really try to join as soon as you can. Because writing takes time to perfect and improve. And esp if the child is a bit weaker, it takes time to see improvement (this is the case for my sister's younger son who goes to the sat class at the east). But the teachers are patient and I can see that they really try their best. Their teachers are willing to explain the worksheets and notes to you as well- I am the one who picks up my sis's kids so I have quite a lot of interaction with the teachers. They are young but hardworking and passionate.

Well,thanks for the pointer..,its a dilemma... I may probably consider the odd timing instead of waiting if left with no choice.

[Gracelimgt]

Hi parents,


How are the TAS workshops like? I would like to sign up for any workshop if there are any for non TAS parents but before I do, I would just like to know a bit more about them. What do they talk about?

[hquek]

Gracelimgt:

Hi parents,


How are the TAS workshops like? I would like to sign up for any workshop if there are any for non TAS parents but before I do, I would just like to know a bit more about them. What do they talk about?

hi Gracelimgt,

I just went for one that was conducted for TAS parents - not quite up your alley but hope it provides a glimpse of what may go on.

In less than 2 hours, they covered the whole gamut on oral, compo, compre, grammar and synthesis. Common mistakes made by kids are pointed out, parents are given pointers on how to work with their kids on specific error areas. Also, I got an idea how they coach compo and compre in their classes. In all, a jam packed but very informative session.

My child is fairly young so there were a lot I never knew (like what is paper 1/2). I remain agog by what my kids have to go through these days.....dunno how they can manage. It really is a scary world out there.

[vksmums]

I went for the workshop held for TAS parents too. It is like what hquek says - it is a scary world out there. English, especially the demands at PSLE level, is quite tough.


I must jia you more with my kids. As to your query about TAS workshops, I went for 2- creative writing and this recent one that covers Paper 1 and 2. I found both very good. I learnt a lot about the techniques used to tackle the different parts of English. And I also started my own star system at home like TAS told us and now my kids work for the stars to exchange for privileges like computer time etc. I find it effective. I have gone for other workshops before and I find that those done by TAS have much more substance. They cover a lot in the time and the delivery is very clear so you can understand although so much is covered.