Comparing English Enrichment Programmes

[Monster Mummy]

HaleyCopterz:

Hi Ladybug3,


I have my kids at TAS since the beginning of this year. I decided to put them in after getting their creative writing book. I used their book to teach my class(I am a teacher) and I find the book very effective. I find it hard to teach my own kids at times as I will get impatient with them so I think its better to out-source.

As a teacher, I understand that English and for that matter even Maths and Science are subjects that may be easy to pass but not easy to master and do well. There are indeed components that are extremely hard to manage- the comprehension cloze for one, vocaabulary and even comprehension. The children must really read very widely to be able to do well in these sections. In schools, many of us also do not have specific strategies to teach these sections or even if we do, it may not be that effective.

So when I sent my kids to TAS, I was also not expecting a miracle. However, what I see is that they really do have specific techniques to teach even the difficult components.

For comprehension, my kids find it easier to understand the passage when they are taught to read the questions first and think deeper when they read (ask why). They also are taught to always take note if they are answering to the question. Now, again, it is not a '100% can work' method as there are times my kids still struggle but I do see that unlike many other centres, there are concrete steps taken to tackle this component.

For vocabulary, they also have mnemonic notes to help the children remember what they are taught which I find very effective because many times, the kids will forget all the vocab we teach them after 1 week.

For compre cloze, they teach them to look for contextual clues which helps at times but I find this is the hardest section to master.

For synthesis, I gave the suggestion that they put their notes in a book so we parents can also revise with our kids at home and they said they were thinking of doing so but after my suggestion, they really took it up and came up with the book within a very short time, and in time for us to revise before the exams. So I give them top marks for effort put in and for really trying to understand the needs of the parents and children and to do something about it.

For science, I also put one of my kids in and my kid loves their science lessons and there are mnemonic notes to help them remember what they learnt better and also they teach them how to identify the key concepts needed to answer a question which I find useful.

So far, I have no regrets signing my kids up at TAS for English and Science and I have tried many other centres but none have as clear a pedagogy as TAS and none give me a such a genuine feeling that TAS gives.

Dear All,

I truly agreed as my son currently attending the course in TAS, I realised that his vocabulary really improved. Even though he need to memorise the dictation every lesson but it is a pleasure for him as it seem that he can memorise everything.

[PretzelT]

Yes, I agree that TAS is effective. Both my children could improve quite fast and my dd improved a lot last year after attending just a few weeks of TAS lessons. But I do know of some children who take a much longer time. They can’t seem to apply what they have learnt and I see some parents get very discouraged. I think every child is different so its best not to join any one centre hoping for a magical cure.


Some of my friends had kids at Han who did well, mine joined but did not like lessons and did not show improvement. So sometimes no choice have to have trial and error till you find the right one.

[aaaaaa]

quirkymum:

Hi all,


I have been asking TAS about their new confirmed classes for Ang Mo Kio. I have some timings. Just to share with everyone if you are looking for new timings.

- Monday 5.15 pm - 6.45 pm (P4 science)
- Tuesday 5 - 7 pm (most prob P1/2 or K2/P1)
- Saturday 2.15 pm - 4.15 pm (level not decided yet).

I am looking at P2 for my cousin's dd. anyone out there also P2 want to form a group to join either tues 5-7 pm or sat 2.15 pm - 4.15 pm?

Hi Quirkymum,

i am interested in joining you for the P2 class on Sat 2:15pm. Let me know if you are able to get more children for the class.

Thanks

[The Alternative Story]

glendt:

Hi TAS,


I am also interested in your P1 prep class. I have been waiting for this class for a while. However, my girl has swimming lessons at that time. I will try to change it to suit your timing but just in case, are there any other timings?

Hi glendt,

Currently the only K2/P1 class we are having is on Tuesday 5-7pm
at Ang Mo Kio.

TAS

[The Alternative Story]

Monster Mummy:

Dear TAS,

I am interested for this timing but can I know currently there are how many students been register for this timing seem it is waiting for at least 4 students before new class started.

Hi Monster Mummy,

For the K2/P1 class, we have currently 2 students waiting to start the class.

You could call us or email us to register your interest, once we have
4 confirmed students, we will start.

TAS

[The Alternative Story]

Hi parents asking about P1/2 class in the East,


We are currently looking into whether we can start a P1/2 class
or P2/3 (with high ability P1s) on Sunday afternoon at the East.

However, we would need to confirm a few details before we
can start this class. We will update you once we can start
such a class.

TAS

[The Alternative Story]

Hi parents asking about NSA,


Currently, we are not starting more NSA classes until
we have more available teachers. Some of the
teachers are also busy handling school programmes.

We have one NSA class on Monday and it is from 3.20 pm-
4.50 pm

TAS

[The Alternative Story]

Hi parents who are interested in English parent's

workshops,

We are going to have one in July for non-TAS parents.

The details can be found at this link:

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=7586&p=424957#p424957

TAS

[chloeleee]

Hi TAS,


Ever since you moved to Ang Mo Kio, I have not been able to put my dd
with you for math and science due to time clashes. Only for English. And for her SA1 her math and science dropped quite a bit. For ds, he also dropped for science by 20 over marks.

I know you have P5 science on sat which I will get my ds to go for. But for dd, I know its only a few more months but could you start maybe a math cum science class for P6? Maybe can ask your existing P6 students if they are interested? I found that the way your teachers taught science and math to my dd and ds was very clear and they could do very well. It really is a pity that now you focus more on English. If you could start something, I would really be very grateful.

[Monster Mummy]

The Alternative Story:

Hi Monster Mummy,

For the K2/P1 class, we have currently 2 students waiting to start the class.

You could call us or email us to register your interest, once we have
4 confirmed students, we will start.

TAS

Dear TAS,

Thanks for your feedback. I have already send an email to register the girl so she must be one of students on waiting list.