Comparing Pre-school English Reading and Phonics Enrichment

[buds]

I was just sharing with a friend with regards to this.

Reading widely does help but that's great for children who read
or who enjoy reading or being read to. Reading voraciously is but
only one of the many ways..

Also never underestimate the benefits of speaking properly as well.

[buds]

Jinglee:

Hi buds..

Heyya Jinglee. :imanisland:

Welcome to Kiasuparents! :welcome:

Jinglee:

I am a mommy of an almost 4yr olds child and looking for a phonics enrichment class. I sent you a message already but didn't know if it was delivered or not..

I actually briefly replied you here in this http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=33762, as i was occupied with my family. Plus SA1 exams have officially started.

Jinglee:

I have been reading many of your posts recently...wow, you are a great teacher I should say.. !!

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php

Jinglee:

I am very much inspired by your passion towards montessori approach, so I decided to give it a try..

It's easy enough for any parent to try. I have a few detailed lesson plans here if you're keen to start on the single letter sounds using the Montessori Method. It's very concrete.

> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=5768

> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/early-math-concepts-home-using-montessori-method

Some extras here..

> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/fun-phonics-resources

> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/do-it-yourself-alphabet-cards-1-montessori-sandpaper-letters

Jinglee:

Meanwhile, I noticed that you stay in the west.. Do you still give classes? I know you are a busy mommy of three.. Just curious to know if you take classes now.. We stay in CCK... Any possibility of you taking classes for my DS..?

I used to stay in the west, hun. We moved to Woodlands abt 2yrs ago and i had my #3 too during that spate of time. So all lessons have ceased since then. Classes will be up and running again but no promises when.. i'm enjoying my time with my first born son and spending all my time with him doing loads of stuff.

Jinglee:

I also went upto MMI in phoenix heights, CCK for the enrichment course...they say that I am the first person approaching them for the enrichment course from outside..means they were conducting enrichment course only for their own students..!! I felt kinda taken back.. They offer one-to-one class at $160 per month , weekly once class.. Is it ok?

Because Phoenix is a childcare set up.. that's why they were puzzled with your inquiry i guess. Phonics curriculum is in their daily lesson, not enrichment. Montessorian children work with the 5 areas on a daily basis. Not only once a week.

Jinglee:

There is also ICR -CCK near my home..my hubby suggests to join there, however I feel montessori approach would be good for my DS..

I had a very negative experience with ICR even at the point of inquiry.. So... I cannot make a fair comment when it comes to them.

Jinglee:

I also have a third opinion..teaching him phonics using letterland phonics... Or using letterland phonics as an additional enrichment...and they don't come cheap..!!

Caaannn.. You can purchase the fun CDs and books that tell stories of each character letter. Letterland is a VERY interesting way of teaching Phonics especially for younger children because of the characters. Despite the flak that some parents give like children get confused btwn character and letter and what nots.. an effective delivery of the lesson can ensure that won't happen. It's usually the lack of understanding of how to efficiently carry out the lesson that this instances occur. I do Letterland as well, so i know.

Jinglee:

Now I am in total confusion.... Can you help me out? Thanks in advance...

No need to be confused. Just give yourself some time to look thru the threads and also do some additional research on your own as well and go with what and how you would like your son to learn how to read. My children were exposed to both Montessori and Letterland and they loved both! All methodologies have its merits.

Best regards,
~ buds ~

:celebrate:

[buds]

iLoveChubby:

Hi buds! :rahrah: :rahrah:

:rahrah: Hi iLoveChubby! :rahrah:

iLoveChubby:

I didnt know you teach creative writing too?!... :evil: :evil: ..

:evil:

iLoveChubby:

I am amazed with K1/K2 kids who can write long compo... i thk my P2 kid still struggling. Guess lots to do with reading.

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/encouraging-your-child-keep-diary

I started my girls on writing at N2 (~abt 4yrs old).. they each kept diaries. :love:
Start writing on a small scale, so it looks simple and fun.. As they grow, they will be seasoned with writing. The only thing i'm anal about is them having neat handwriting. Super anal. My kiddies and students know that. :evil:

They will write really nicely rather than hear me :rant:.
My nagging can be a real ......... :evil:

[Jinglee]

[quote]Heyya Jinglee. :imanisland:


Welcome to Kiasuparents! :welcome:[/quote]Thank you buds..

[quote]I actually briefly replied you here in this http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=33762, as i was occupied with my family. Plus SA1 exams have officially started. [/quote]

Jinglee:

I have been reading many of your posts recently...wow, you are a great teacher I should say.. !!

Oops.. Sorry buds.. I didn't really notice.. :slapshead: Thanks for the reply..
[quote]It's easy enough for any parent to try. I have a few detailed lesson plans here if you're keen to start on the single letter sounds using the Montessori Method. It's very concrete.

> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=5768

> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/early-math-concepts-home-using-montessori-method

Some extras here..

> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/fun-phonics-resources

> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/do-it-yourself-alphabet-cards-1-montessori-sandpaper-letters[/quote]Thanks buds... Yes, I have read those threads already.. Thats how I got to know about your passion..!! I hope I can teach my son like that.. but its a big responsibility... Anyway, I will try my best..
[quote]I used to stay in the west, hun. We moved to Woodlands abt 2yrs ago and i had my #3 too during that spate of time. So all lessons have ceased since then. Classes will be up and running again but no promises when.. i'm enjoying my time with my first born son and spending all my time with him doing loads of stuff.[/quote]Oh... you moved already.. :sad: Enjoy with your little bundle of joy Time sure flies for you very fast these days i guess...with two princesses and a little prince..


[quote] Because Phoenix is a childcare set up.. that's why they were puzzled with your inquiry i guess. Phonics curriculum is in their daily lesson, not enrichment. Montessorian children work with the 5 areas on a daily basis. Not only once a week. :D[/quote]Oh..is it ? No wonder..! But they do conduct phonics enrichment for their students,those who want to excel faster...thats what they said... The lady has asked me to come on sat to start the classes... I am still thinking about it.. I guess I may go down.. :roll:


[quote]I had a very negative experience with ICR even at the point of inquiry.. So... I cannot make a fair comment when it comes to them. [/quote]
I guessed it... read that post too...
[quote]Caaannn.. You can purchase the fun CDs and books that tell stories of each character letter. Letterland is a VERY interesting way of teaching Phonics especially for younger children because of the characters. Despite the flak that some parents give like children get confused btwn character and letter and what nots.. an effective delivery of the lesson can ensure that won't happen. It's usually the lack of understanding of how to efficiently carry out the lesson that this instances occur. I do Letterland as well, so i know. [/quote]Ok... Which one would you recommend of the Letterland products to buy for starting the phonics teaching.. The living ABC software ?
[quote]No need to be confused. Just give yourself some time to look thru the threads and also do some additional research on your own as well and go with what and how you would like your son to learn how to read. My children were exposed to both Montessori and Letterland and they loved both! All methodologies have its merits. [/quote]Yes buds... I have been going thru almost all the enrichment threads... and going thru the websites of the enrichment centers.. after these searches... i find montessori approach to be effective.. :salute:
How long does it take for a child to read after enrolling in a montessori class? Just curious :scratchhead: the directress in MMI told me that they'll also train the parents at the end of each class as to how to work with the child at home.. SO, is it enough if i follow their approach? Or do I need to top-up with additional cds,etc,.. ?

I know I am a bit intriguing ...but i couldn't help it... :idea:

But buds...thanks a lot ...! for such detailed explanation

:thankyou:

Anyway, i think i'll be in this confusion mode for couple of days till I start my DS on Phonics...and later i'll stick to the program..hopefully...

[buds]

Jinglee:

Thank you buds..


Oops.. Sorry buds.. I didn't really notice.. Thanks for the reply..

You're welcome. :please:

Jinglee:

Thanks buds... Yes, I have read those threads already.. Thats how I got to know about your passion..!! I hope I can teach my son like that.. but its a big responsibility... Anyway, I will try my best..

SURE YOU CAN!

Jia you, Jinglee!!! :rahrah:

Jinglee:

Oh... you moved already.. :sad: Enjoy with your little bundle of joy Time sure flies for you very fast these days i guess...with two princesses and a little prince..

Yes! Time sure flies but i still can make time to meet up with my girlfriends for makan, snacks, hi-tea, desserts.. Can't just set time for others and not for myself as well. :please: That includes exercise too.

Jinglee:

Oh..is it ? No wonder..! But they do conduct phonics enrichment for their students,those who want to excel faster...thats what they said... The lady has asked me to come on sat to start the classes... I am still thinking about it.. I guess I may go down..

Excel faster? Kiasu parents then.. And here we have too many parents who complain our national education leaves children behind. :roll:

Jinglee:

I guessed it... read that post too...

Yuh... so you noe wat i mean yah..

Jinglee:

Ok... Which one would you recommend of the Letterland products to buy for starting the phonics teaching.. The living ABC software ?

Software should be the last item on your list. As for me i prefer hands-on resources, like flash cards.. character and letter magnets.. story books add sense to why the characters are called the way they are.. and the audio CDs are just a must-buys for me. The songs are catchy and teaches even letter strokes for proper way to write letters.

Jinglee:

Yes buds... I have been going thru almost all the enrichment threads... and going thru the websites of the enrichment centers.. after these searches... i find montessori approach to be effective.. :salute:

:love:

Jinglee:

How long does it take for a child to read after enrolling in a montessori class?

Enrichment lessons of only an hour a week.... about/between 10 months to 12 months, of course, depending on the child's receptiveness to the programme and the efficiency of the directress. No two children are alike. My opinion is not to rush cos it'd impede the child's learning process. But that's me.

Jinglee:

Just curious :scratchhead: the directress in MMI told me that they'll also train the parents at the end of each class as to how to work with the child at home.. SO, is it enough if i follow their approach? Or do I need to top-up with additional cds,etc,.. ?

I think what she was trying to convey was that after every lesson the parents are briefed on how the lessons are carried out in class. This will help parents understand how the method is taught to the children and that parents can reinforce the method at home if they like. To ehemm... excel faster. *cough* *cough* :lol:

Jinglee:

I know I am a bit intriguing ...but i couldn't help it...
But buds...thanks a lot ...! for such detailed explanation

:thankyou:

Anyway, i think i'll be in this confusion mode for couple of days till I start my DS on Phonics...and later i'll stick to the program..hopefully...

It's fine really.. no worries. Besides, i only reply in threads when i have time.

You take care now..

Best regards,
~ buds ~

[Jinglee]

Hi buds

Iam now sitting in the park at phoenix heights, just left my DS at MMI for his first lesson. Need to fetch him at 10am , and replying to your kind post...
Yeah...we can't find time for exercises most of the time...can't disagree..
I also agree with... Can't rush a child in learning.. I think its better to leave them learn at their own pace rather than rushing the lessons and in the end, the child learns nothing and then need to retrace the learning path all over again..!!
It might take 2-3weeks longer if there child learns in his own pace, but he would learn properly with all his heart and won't forget easily..
As you have mentioned, I don't think I'll but the\"Living ABC\" software, out also costs a lot..!!
I am going to read books to him as usual...and stock to him phonics programme..
Thank you again buds for replying...You take care too...

[Jinglee]

Hi buds

Iam now sitting in the park at phoenix heights, just left my DS at MMI for his first lesson. Need to fetch him at 10am , and replying to your kind post...
Yeah...we can't find time for exercises most of the time...can't disagree..
I also agree with... Can't rush a child in learning.. I think its better to leave them learn at their own pace rather than rushing the lessons and in the end, the child learns nothing and then need to retrace the learning path all over again..!!
It might take 2-3weeks longer if there child learns in his own pace, but he would learn properly with all his heart and won't forget easily..
As you have mentioned, I don't think I'll but the\"Living ABC\" software, out also costs a lot..!!
I am going to read books to him as usual...and stock to him phonics programme..
Thank you again buds for replying...You take care too...

[fightingmom]

Hi everyone,


I have a 4year old nephew who does not speak a sentence in English in full. He is attending nursery now and according to the teacher, he will listen attentively and but only answers "Yes", "No". Those worksheets or homework given out in school - he is able to complete it …

I guess due to the home environment where Mandarin is the main language spoken. I am thinking of sending him to "I Can Read" so am gathering some feedback for those whose children have been through such programme.

TIA

[Jinglee]

Hi buds... I have enrolled my son in MMI@Phoenix Heights...he likes the class... am also practsing with him once in 2days... just for 10-15mins.... haven't started any readers yet...just the school readers... I am waiting till he finishes the 3letter phonetics...

I have been looking for arts class for my DS.. Posted several posts in the \"Arts class\" thread...but not getting any suggestions from anyone... Kindly share your views...

Here's the link..

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4650&start=130

[angelwink35]

Hi ,

Im a new mother and am trying to gage which is the more effective ways in teaching my child reading when he reach sch age. Some childcare they also put in enrichment programmes for students in order to prepare themselves in Pri one.Like creativity writing compo,comprehension, phonics etc.But of course since the sch offer more comprehensive methods and they are normally cost more than normal CC. Or shld I put my child to normal CC like those PCF and then put him to outside enrichment class .Which ways are better?