2012 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[Chenonceau]

Drama Mama:

We must appreciate and acknowledge that every child is unique and not one rule nor strategy work for all. I have a DD and a DS and preparing for PSLE this year with by DS is a whole new ball game all together.


I thought I would be experience enough after having gone thru one pretty comfortably....but I was proven wrong.

Which year did your DD do PSLE? What's different?

[mrswongtuition]

fifiyeo:

All kids will blossom in time to come. Just a matter of time.


Everyone of us here have different ways to manage PSLE and our expectations are all set differently. There is no right or wrong.

These days I'm trying to be more \"zen\" about this PSLE thing. I'm learning to accept the fact that should my DS decide to shock me with more shocking grades this SA1, it is another choice he made. He wants to go for DSA which I really don't know how it will be possible. But I'll let him try anyway so he'll learn his lesson. Not everything in life is served on a sliver platter. I've also learnt that a high IQ does not equal to High Grades. Attitude plays a big deal. My slow tortoise deson't understand this yet.

Words of wisdom!

I agree that not every kid will blossom at the 'right time' which parents expect.

While we do our best to support our kids academically (with assessment books, mock papers, tuition, etc), we mustn't forget their emotional health too.

Attitude can be changed and we can help to shape their attitude. I've helped a few students change their attitudes towards their studies and I'm so proud of them. They may not be top scorers but the progress they've made (from fail till 70+ average) is considered fantastic.

Remember to praise when necessary, and love absolutely.

Regards,
Mrs Wong
[email protected]
http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/mrs-wong-0

[Chenonceau]

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Am currently developing a final year undergrad module on Stress. I found this really interesting paper... see its abstract above. The translation into proper English is as follows.

On days when our kids experience low stress, happy events such as sundaes have ZERO effects on energy levels. On days when kids experience high stress, happy events such as sundaes INCREASE energy levels. In a high stress year like the PSLE, the little things in life that give simple pleasure matter MORE.

So, PSLE Mommies... pamper away!! It's when the going gets tough that a little kiss matters a lot. Go Janet! Sundae away!

But ehhhh... watch those calories because there is some evidence that a physically fit child performs better cognitively too. Physical exercise is important. Study after study shows that children with regular exercise outperform couch potatoes once IQ is controlled for.

[janet88]

The most important thing is my son is sane when he takes the PSLE in Sept. I will not allow the school to make him go nuts. As for his tutors, I know they won’t. He flunked Maths last year…this year, he flunked Chinese for CA1. Told him I do not want to see a repeat for SA1.


After orals next week, mummy wants to enjoy McDonald green apple cone.

[mum42]

janet_lee88:

The most important thing is my son is sane when he takes the PSLE in Sept. I will not allow the school to make him go nuts. As for his tutors, I know they won't. He flunked Maths last year...this year, he flunked Chinese for CA1. Told him I do not want to see a repeat for SA1.


After orals next week, mummy wants to enjoy McDonald green apple cone.

DS completed his orals
Eng should be ok but Chinese conversation think died liao. Asked him about what he thinks about having a cafe in the library. ........... He just looked at teacher .......... :imdrowning: :stupid:

[mrswongtuition]

Seems like many kiddos who don't speak Mandarin often will have some problems with Chinese Oral.


I foresee my son will be one of those.

Just to share, I managed to persuade my friend who is a current teacher teaching Higher Chinese for the past 5 years to start a June holiday course (she's only available during the June holidays).

She's doing up her own materials focusing on techniques and main points to look out for to score. 3 different courses (different components covered), so it's flexible for you to sign up what your child needs only. If you are keen, can get more details from my centre http://www.mwtuition.com.sg.

[Nebbermind]

Think many of them r too afraid to say the wrong things n so they go into this mental block state

Must remind they that if they say nothing, the teacher can’t give them any marks. Just have alot of practice n be spontaneous n not afraid to sound stupid. As long as you say something, they can give u some marks. I put some oral youtube link before they re-org the forum…it is very helpful.

[Horch1979]

I think the most important thing to do is to start early with your child. It would make sense targetting the weaker chapters first rather than doing general revision. I notice sending the child to enrichment classes/holiday programmes tend to keep the urgency in the child hence you can avoid the "bo chap" attitude.


The most important thing is to continuing to motivate the child. Try to avoid negativity and always reward the child as he/she progresses to with the revision

[fifiyeo]

My DS is probably opposite. He’ll be fine for his orals (real talkative fellow) but he’ll die in his main papers doesn’t matter CL or EL. Really can’t figure out he’s thinking when he’s doing his papers. Maybe can’t wait to finish so can go out and play??..

[mrswongtuition]

fifiyeo:

My DS is probably opposite. He'll be fine for his orals (real talkative fellow) but he'll die in his main papers doesn't matter CL or EL. Really can't figure out he's thinking when he's doing his papers. Maybe can't wait to finish so can go out and play??...

I have students who 'space out' during written papers though they do know their work very well (when you test them verbally).
Key is to find methods to help them to concentrate long enough to complete the paper properly.

So far my students respond well to 'incremental timing'. Set a timer for them to complete a certain piece of work and they must sit there until it beeps. If they are done, then redo with a different colour pen.