2012 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[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.

[janet88]

For oral, the child must be daring to speak up. For eg if he/she is the last few students and examiner is rushing to pack up, the child must examiner he/she is not done. Say what what must said or marks will not be given.

Examiner is not allowed to tell the student to leave.

[Chenonceau]

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??...

Aiyo! So cute!!