Primary ONE English Assignment

[janet88]

hquek:

I'll be quite upset if the school set this kind of topic becos definitely parents WILL have to play a part in completing it. If pp are saying that phase 2b is unfairly skewed towards those with time or with money (I'm referring to those better able to afford the time away from work), then such exercises only reinforce. Imagine a child whose parents are busy trying to make ends meet, where got time to help in such exercises?

Even if the mum doesn't need to work, it doesn't mean she is able to help the child with such an assignment. If teacher wants to give such work, it should be done during curriculum time. Not all parents are strong in English to help.

[autumnbronze]

limlim:

autumnbronze:

I didn't want to comment as I do not have a child in primary level.


But going by sheer common sense, I am inclined to agree with FQW's suggestion and rationale.

ok.. updated.

unfortunately the previous data was gone..



Sorrie maybe those who voted earlier can vote again?

Thanks.

:thankyou: Limlim

:rahrah: We agree for once :rahrah:

[Lynn2010]

I believe if the teacher gave this piece of assignment to bring home for homework or expecting the child to do independently, the teacher would have gone through similar work with the children. I have seen this done before.


The teacher would be a moron or out of his/her mind to expect the child to do it well if this was not taught prior.

Which one? (1) taught in class before (2) the child has not seen this in his/her life??

[Busymom]

Limlim


Is this a paper test or is this a "tell" test?

Why I am wondering:
1) I see the word "say" instead of write.
2) the date of test is from 9 to 16 July?

If this is a paper test, why is it not done in school but brought home? If brought home, not fair to give any weightage to the marks.

As for your question whether a P1 is able to write a field report, my answer is yes, some would be able to do it even without enrichment, especially if they are good in the language or have been reading widely.

My DD’s school has also never given this type of assignment or test in P1. In P1, all the writing that they do are on a group basis.

[autumnbronze]

Just wondering out loud and out of curiosity …


Do Kindys/CCs prepare K2 for such exercises?

[Busymom]

limlim:

One thing I had to mention is, the school expects parents to be involved. This is explicit.


Just in case someone may say that I did not present the whole truth.

However, we have to consider that not all parents are capable or available to teach the kids.

In this case, it is fair to give an assignment where external help is \"mandatory\"?

Can't the school just test what they teach or can teach..?

Also, even if I am expected to help.. how do I explain the concept of introduction and conclusion to the young kids.... I am also quite stuck as to how to complete the field report..

Actually, for P1, it can be just a simple one liner or two per section.

Intro
I went to the Botanic Gardens with my class on xxx. It was a field trip to see xxx.

Body
2 sentences to describe what they saw or did. Doesn't have to be fanciful. I'm sure we do ask our kids to describe what they saw or did when out on such school trip. Only difference is, here, they need to write it down.

Conclusion
I had a good time at the Botanic Gardens.

[Busymom]

autumnbronze:

Just wondering out loud and out of curiosity .....


Do Kindys/CCs prepare K2 for such exercises?

In my children's CC, yes, they do a bit of writing in K1 & K2, initially with help from teachers in forming the sentences.

[buds]

FQW:

To consider all possible [major] scenarios, may I suggest that you add option 5) Yes, if the kid has been taught by his parents/family all along and option 6) No, even if the kid is taught by his parents/family all along.


Parents are the primary provider of knowledge to young children; can't under-estimate that. Agree?

Edit: In addition, this survey will be more accurate if you are specific about which period in the P1 calendar you're interested in. For P1's, especially for those with strong parental support, their progress between both ends of the calendar year can be quantum leaps.

Very :goodpost:!

[buds]

Busymom:

Actually, for P1, it can be just a simple one liner or two per section.


Intro
I went to the Botanic Gardens with my class on xxx. It was a field trip to see xxx.

Body
2 sentences to describe what they saw or did. Doesn't have to be fanciful. I'm sure we do ask our kids to describe what they saw or did when out on such school trip. Only difference is, here, they need to write it down.

Conclusion
I had a good time at the Botanic Gardens.

Very :goodpost: Busymom.

[buds]

Busymom:

autumnbronze:

Just wondering out loud and out of curiosity .....


Do Kindys/CCs prepare K2 for such exercises?

In my children's CC, yes, they do a bit of writing in K1 & K2, initially with help from teachers in forming the sentences.

In my years of teaching preschoolers and primary school students... YES.

I have shared one before here at this link.
http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/blogs/buds?page=3

Click P1 Written Expression.

Teachers already covered different favourites with children at that level. Concrete and abstract. Meaning done hands-on AND written.

Assignments brought home for further practice. Likewise school provided activities (suggested) to do at home with children (if they want to or if time permits of course) and also given notes/pointers and starters on \"how to\" plus model/sample completed piece.

Eventual score/grading was based on child's own work in school \"on his/her own\". Children's work exhibited in school. Very impressive. Dunno about general population but all kids if not majority; wrote very well.

Ours was based on Teach Less Learn More : Stellar Programme.

Neighbourhood school.