The Alternative Story (TAS) - Discussion

[glendt]

applepie:

My kids are currently with both TAS and TLL. Was considering relieving them of their packed schedule by giving up one of them. Asked them and they said they will not give up TLL lessons no matter what. I am now undecided whether to continue to let them continue both or I will decide on their behalf.


In my opinion, TAS is setting a good English foundation for them but then, TLL's incorporation of current affairs into their lessons which make it so interesting for the kids, have made me quite torn in making a decision.

Any advice ?

Same here My kids are both at TAS and TLL. At first I was a a bit pai seh to be so kiasu. But my kids like both and so for now we are staying with both.

My kids started with TLL first, now they are there and have many friends and so they are reluctant to leave. The learning for them is interesting as they get to do presentations and I find their worksheets very good and current.

However, as I find it is more like an enrichment and I wanted my kids to be strong in their grammar, synthesis and comprehension and also be able to tackle the compo component well, I sent them to TAS.

My kids are much more familiar with comprehension questions now and can tackle synthesis fairly well although the synthesis is getting harder and harder.

For composition, they also pick up the writing styles from TAS and I can see improvement. Also I realize that as the class progresses, TAS way of teaching also changes as the students advance. Now for compo recently, my kids were saying they were writing about darkness and being stuck in the lift and the teacher was teaching them how to come up with their own personification versus in the past where they would memorise the good phrases and apply. The teacher told me after they would adjust the strategies once the students grasp the previous way of learning and now they can advance to this higher level. So I am pleased with this, they do not keep using the same methods but try to fit the methods to the students.

But I must say I also like TLL a lot as they spark off interesting discussion topics and give my kids good general knowledge. My kids enjoy their lessons there too as they are interactive. If can manage time-wise, I say go for both as both give a different learning aspect of English.

[TTYL1]

Hi glendt and applypie,


May I know the difference in the teachers of TAS and TLL? Which teachers are stricter, or more engaging, give feedback etc? I think teachers are very important.

[glendt]

Teachers from both centres are good. At least those that my kids are under. They are professional and they can engage my kids well. I have spoken to TAS’s teachers more as they will give feedback to parents if you are there to pick up your children and you want to talk to them. For TLL teachers, there is no interaction so I base what I say on what I can pick up from what my kids say.


The TAS teacher that my older one is under is stricter but both TAS teachers expect certain rules to be followed like they need to bring their books all the time, they must do their homework if not they need to stay back at times. In this way, my kids are rather disciplined in their learning. For TLL, I am not too sure but my kids say the children in their class will listen when the teacher is teaching so I am sure they can control the class well.

[applepie]

Thanks glendt, i fully agree with your comments. anyway, we have decided to let them continue until end of the year before we make a decision.

[hquek]

Pigrabbiit:

Hi ksmummy,

I'm interested. Can I know if the book suits P1 kids? thank you

hi pigrabbit, just kp here a bit. If P1 is an advanced reader, then no problems. I think it's good to keep. there are different parts to the book - one is on spelling mnemonics, some other parts on compos.

DS1 is attending their classes and he has started to bring the book to his classes.

[mummyoftrio]

Hi parents,


Anyone knows if TAS is starting a Pri 3 new class? I would like my ds to join a new class so he can start afresh. I am also interested in their pri prepatory class. I heard they have a class on tuesday. I am looking for weekend classes. Anyone wants to start a new Pri 3 or pri prepatory class with me? I heard they need 4 to start.

[Monster Mummy]

mummyoftrio:

Hi parents,


Anyone knows if TAS is starting a Pri 3 new class? I would like my ds to join a new class so he can start afresh. I am also interested in their pri prepatory class. I heard they have a class on tuesday. I am looking for weekend classes. Anyone wants to start a new Pri 3 or pri prepatory class with me? I heard they need 4 to start.

Hi,

I think that they will be starting P2/P3 new class in Sunday 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

[mummyoftrio]

Hi Monster Mummy,


Thank you! That is a good timing for me. A bit strange cos that means my boy must eat dinner early but one where I am free to fetch him. Now must settle pri 1 prepatory class.

[Monster Mummy]

mummyoftrio:

Hi Monster Mummy,


Thank you! That is a good timing for me. A bit strange cos that means my boy must eat dinner early but one where I am free to fetch him. Now must settle pri 1 prepatory class.

Hi,

No problem. But have you called them for the assessment. And from what I understand this class should be starting in end August unless they have bring it forward.

[coolit]

Interesting to meet fellow parents whose kids are at both TLL and TAS. Mine are at TLL for maths and TAS for english.