2012 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[Nebbermind]

hmmm....sometimes I wonder if it's more difficult for SAHM moms to let go of their babies. But this is :offtopic:

[BeContented]

Nebbermind:

hmmm....sometimes I wonder if it's more difficult for SAHM moms to let go of their babies. But this is :offtopic:

Probably yes.

[mummy so kiasu]

concerned_of_PSLE 10:

mummy so kiasu:

[quote=\"pchong\"]
The sch does not have any activity for the kids. The teacher reads her own book in class while the rest of the kids chat and play with each other. So yesterday, the teacher booked the computer lab and let the kids surf net. I'm finding it a waste of time.

That is the problem of bringing forward the PSLE. It used to be mid Oct & now early Oct. Schools had to rush to complete the syllabus & kids now have nothing to do. The school should engage external vendors to conduct workshops such as public speaking, speech & drama or oil painting for the kids to keep them occupy meaningfully.

We hav so many until i can say we are not spared a second.
Tmrw got swordplay. Jus had talk on anti-smoking and 3hours of PE.sweating like mad everyday,still got P6 bazaar, graduation party, visit to 2 museum, multi sporta carnival, church visit,sec1introduction from some company.
See gonna suffocate :slapshead:[/quote]Not all schools line up a list of activities for the P6 kids. My boy plays card & phone games in class. Sometime, the teacher will buy them to the computer room. Really wish the school could organise more activities to keep them occupy meaningfully. May I know which school you are from?

[jtoh]

a child:

Hi, exams just ended today for me so I might be posting more if I'm free (not sure if I'll be though).


Firstly, just wanted to reiterate that some independence for kids are good. My parents never took leave for my PSLE. I had no tuition, though they did get me assessments. It was a gradual independence since I was younger, and they believed and trusted that I would be strong and grow up on my own. I have made many many mistakes on my own, gotten addicted to the internet. I've come out stronger than ever. And now, even though I still have the emotional support of my parents, they never ask about academics anymore. They have no idea which subjects I'm currently taking, or the full list of my extracurriculars. The time we spend is mostly spent together enjoying, holidaying, going to parks and shopping. We never argue over my marks anymore, or even talk about my studies. It hasn't been that bad actually. And even though it seems easy for my parents actually it was really painful for them. To slowly let go, know that my marks will never be top but accept that and love me so much anyway. They painstakingly talked about their own experiences from being poor in farms to their current relative success, we talked a lot about life and they got me to read a lot. This education they provided me is priceless beyond measure. So even though you may want to take charge of your kids education tightly again, send them for tuition - I would suggest instead tell them to read, broadly, widely, books about war and poverty and suffering which touch hearts, history channel, discovery channel, anything - and love learning. And let go, expose them to the world so that they appreciate, and let them learn on their own. Induced success is artificial. You will have to let go one day. Better to do it while the kids are still relatively young, when their opinions you can still influence, and when they are still under your roof. And talk to them on the same level. It has made me grow.

And as I have repeatedly said, the best education you can ever give is to love learning. Read, read, and read even more. There is no hurry to do secondary school exercise books. But read secondary school literature texts? Or rather adult classics, non fiction? Yes, definitely yes. This is the only real learning that I think I have ever experienced in my life. It changed me. So for this time you have before secondary school, I do not recommend sending your kids for tuition. I never went. I went to school, we had few activities but I played cards, read, chatted with my friends. We bonded. We were kids, carefree, happy. That's all the matters isn't it? That we are happy. Because we cannot spend all our time preparing for life. We have to live it, because this is life. And there is no hurry to study, cram, and prepare. There is plenty of time to do that later. Most of my friends and I never did that, and we do fine. And it is my experience that an hour of work in school is worth ten hours of pre-preparatory, because you don't know what to expect and if you do then there is no point in going for school. I don't what to sound like I'm hard selling, but I've been through it and I know that it does not help much. Instead, build foundation. Read to build analytical skills. You get language from reading also, read classics, not comics. Watch channels with proper documentaries and news - cartoons are fine for entertainment, but not learning. And learn to love this, really. I know I keep repeating it, rambling, but that's all I really want to say.

And also thank you for all your affirmative support, it really means a lot to me. I am only in secondary 2, so I don't pretend to know a lot. But this secondary school experience has really been so meaningful for me. And I wanted to share.

Lastly - I know someone asked a few pages before where I school. I attend Raffles Girls' School - and though I suppose many would therefore disregard what I have said as irrelevant and inapplicable to their kids, and I do not claim to be representative of all kids. But I do know that most of our abilities and IQ are within margin of error and I am nothing exceptional. Instead, I really believe that it is all this education and love for life and learning that has made me who I am today

Wise words from a young lady.

[VeryKSMum]

a child:

Hi, exams just ended today for me so I might be posting more if I'm free (not sure if I'll be though).


Firstly, just wanted to reiterate that some independence for kids are good. My parents never took leave for my PSLE. I had no tuition, though they did get me assessments. It was a gradual independence since I was younger, and they believed and trusted that I would be strong and grow up on my own. I have made many many mistakes on my own, gotten addicted to the internet. I've come out stronger than ever. And now, even though I still have the emotional support of my parents, they never ask about academics anymore. They have no idea which subjects I'm currently taking, or the full list of my extracurriculars. The time we spend is mostly spent together enjoying, holidaying, going to parks and shopping. We never argue over my marks anymore, or even talk about my studies. It hasn't been that bad actually. And even though it seems easy for my parents actually it was really painful for them. To slowly let go, know that my marks will never be top but accept that and love me so much anyway. They painstakingly talked about their own experiences from being poor in farms to their current relative success, we talked a lot about life and they got me to read a lot. This education they provided me is priceless beyond measure. So even though you may want to take charge of your kids education tightly again, send them for tuition - I would suggest instead tell them to read, broadly, widely, books about war and poverty and suffering which touch hearts, history channel, discovery channel, anything - and love learning. And let go, expose them to the world so that they appreciate, and let them learn on their own. Induced success is artificial. You will have to let go one day. Better to do it while the kids are still relatively young, when their opinions you can still influence, and when they are still under your roof. And talk to them on the same level. It has made me grow.

And as I have repeatedly said, the best education you can ever give is to love learning. Read, read, and read even more. There is no hurry to do secondary school exercise books. But read secondary school literature texts? Or rather adult classics, non fiction? Yes, definitely yes. This is the only real learning that I think I have ever experienced in my life. It changed me. So for this time you have before secondary school, I do not recommend sending your kids for tuition. I never went. I went to school, we had few activities but I played cards, read, chatted with my friends. We bonded. We were kids, carefree, happy. That's all the matters isn't it? That we are happy. Because we cannot spend all our time preparing for life. We have to live it, because this is life. And there is no hurry to study, cram, and prepare. There is plenty of time to do that later. Most of my friends and I never did that, and we do fine. And it is my experience that an hour of work in school is worth ten hours of pre-preparatory, because you don't know what to expect and if you do then there is no point in going for school. I don't what to sound like I'm hard selling, but I've been through it and I know that it does not help much. Instead, build foundation. Read to build analytical skills. You get language from reading also, read classics, not comics. Watch channels with proper documentaries and news - cartoons are fine for entertainment, but not learning. And learn to love this, really. I know I keep repeating it, rambling, but that's all I really want to say.

And also thank you for all your affirmative support, it really means a lot to me. I am only in secondary 2, so I don't pretend to know a lot. But this secondary school experience has really been so meaningful for me. And I wanted to share.

Lastly - I know someone asked a few pages before where I school. I attend Raffles Girls' School - and though I suppose many would therefore disregard what I have said as irrelevant and inapplicable to their kids, and I do not claim to be representative of all kids. But I do know that most of our abilities and IQ are within margin of error and I am nothing exceptional. Instead, I really believe that it is all this education and love for life and learning that has made me who I am today

You will grow up to be avery fine lady. Well done and good job to your parents too!

[janet88]

Nebbermind:

hmmm....sometimes I wonder if it's more difficult for SAHM moms to let go of their babies. But this is :offtopic:

I am learning to let go of older one...have neglected my P2 for 2 years.

[mommylow]

janet_lee88:

Nebbermind:

hmmm....sometimes I wonder if it's more difficult for SAHM moms to let go of their babies. But this is :offtopic:

I am learning to let go of older one...have neglected my P2 for 2 years.

Janet, I can empathize with you. I, neglected my two younger DDs too, paying more attention to my older one, fussing over DS more. My DDs will tell me that I teach the elder brother more.

Is it true that mothers tend to place more emphasis on their oldest child, teaching and inculcate more good values in them so that he can be a role model for the younger siblings? I try to strike up a balance but somehow the older one takes precedence most of the time. I vow to make up for lost time with my DDs now that PSLE is over. Janet, go hug your DD again and again that you love her just as much as you love your DS. I shall do the same.

[linden2000]

Chenonceau:

janet_lee88:

Hi a child,

I read your post with delight (in fact i printed it) bcos it was posted based on your personal experiences...and for first-timer parents like myself with kids going to secondary school, it's really interesting to read.

Mummies,
The first 5 days after PSLE has been FUN...completely no academic work. He truly deserved that break.

Then I got son to read newspapers everyday and write a diary on day's happenings.
Went to SAP (publisher) website to check out some reference titles. Wow, the English grammar/vocab at sec 1 is no joke :nailbite:
Once sec 1 exams are over, I will borrow some titles for son to read them. Language is very impt especially in secondary...cannot be so lax.

Hi Mummy Janet... if I may... I thought I would make a gentle suggestion here. Would you consider letting your child choose his own titles? I've let my son choose his own readings ever since P2. He didn't like newspapers at all. The main section was boring to him... so I helped him choose non-fiction books that he found interesting.

As weeks piled into months, his choices went up the reading levels until now he is reading books such as \"Churchill's Unnecessary War\" and this 1.5 inches tome entitled Democracy that he borrowed in P5 and tried to force me to read. And only then he turned to the newspapers, but he only reads the Insight articles or other opinion pieces (because he doesn't like all the news about accidents and petty crime)... as well as Time and Newsweek.

Your DS will be Sec 1 soon. Perhaps consider asking him to browse assessments and choosing his own and then drop him off at the library to choose his own books? He is a boy after all and must grow into a man. The earlier he starts on his journey towards being his own man, the better.

Agree that it's definitely easier to get the child committed to the reading if you let him choose. DS is not interested in current affairs, only occasionally when the articles are about education will he be interested. But he reads voluntarily the Science and Tech section of the Economist we have at home so I try to pass the copy to him whenever it's here (a gentle nudge to read it).

I'm still trying to get him to improve his Chinese since there is still Chinese in sec school. Intend to get him to choose some Chinese books and read them together when we have the time.

[linden2000]

a child:

Hi, exams just ended today for me so I might be posting more if I'm free (not sure if I'll be though).


Firstly, just wanted to reiterate that some independence for kids are good. My parents never took leave for my PSLE. I had no tuition, though they did get me assessments. It was a gradual independence since I was younger, and they believed and trusted that I would be strong and grow up on my own. I have made many many mistakes on my own, gotten addicted to the internet. I've come out stronger than ever. And now, even though I still have the emotional support of my parents, they never ask about academics anymore. They have no idea which subjects I'm currently taking, or the full list of my extracurriculars. The time we spend is mostly spent together enjoying, holidaying, going to parks and shopping. We never argue over my marks anymore, or even talk about my studies. It hasn't been that bad actually. And even though it seems easy for my parents actually it was really painful for them. To slowly let go, know that my marks will never be top but accept that and love me so much anyway. They painstakingly talked about their own experiences from being poor in farms to their current relative success, we talked a lot about life and they got me to read a lot. This education they provided me is priceless beyond measure. So even though you may want to take charge of your kids education tightly again, send them for tuition - I would suggest instead tell them to read, broadly, widely, books about war and poverty and suffering which touch hearts, history channel, discovery channel, anything - and love learning. And let go, expose them to the world so that they appreciate, and let them learn on their own. Induced success is artificial. You will have to let go one day. Better to do it while the kids are still relatively young, when their opinions you can still influence, and when they are still under your roof. And talk to them on the same level. It has made me grow.

And as I have repeatedly said, the best education you can ever give is to love learning. Read, read, and read even more. There is no hurry to do secondary school exercise books. But read secondary school literature texts? Or rather adult classics, non fiction? Yes, definitely yes. This is the only real learning that I think I have ever experienced in my life. It changed me. So for this time you have before secondary school, I do not recommend sending your kids for tuition. I never went. I went to school, we had few activities but I played cards, read, chatted with my friends. We bonded. We were kids, carefree, happy. That's all the matters isn't it? That we are happy. Because we cannot spend all our time preparing for life. We have to live it, because this is life. And there is no hurry to study, cram, and prepare. There is plenty of time to do that later. Most of my friends and I never did that, and we do fine. And it is my experience that an hour of work in school is worth ten hours of pre-preparatory, because you don't know what to expect and if you do then there is no point in going for school. I don't what to sound like I'm hard selling, but I've been through it and I know that it does not help much. Instead, build foundation. Read to build analytical skills. You get language from reading also, read classics, not comics. Watch channels with proper documentaries and news - cartoons are fine for entertainment, but not learning. And learn to love this, really. I know I keep repeating it, rambling, but that's all I really want to say.

And also thank you for all your affirmative support, it really means a lot to me. I am only in secondary 2, so I don't pretend to know a lot. But this secondary school experience has really been so meaningful for me. And I wanted to share.

Lastly - I know someone asked a few pages before where I school. I attend Raffles Girls' School - and though I suppose many would therefore disregard what I have said as irrelevant and inapplicable to their kids, and I do not claim to be representative of all kids. But I do know that most of our abilities and IQ are within margin of error and I am nothing exceptional. Instead, I really believe that it is all this education and love for life and learning that has made me who I am today

Thanks for the sharing. Wise words indeed.

[Drama Mama]

linden2000:

Chenonceau:

[quote=\"janet_lee88\"]Hi a child,

I read your post with delight (in fact i printed it) bcos it was posted based on your personal experiences...and for first-timer parents like myself with kids going to secondary school, it's really interesting to read.

Mummies,
The first 5 days after PSLE has been FUN...completely no academic work. He truly deserved that break.

Then I got son to read newspapers everyday and write a diary on day's happenings.
Went to SAP (publisher) website to check out some reference titles. Wow, the English grammar/vocab at sec 1 is no joke :nailbite:
Once sec 1 exams are over, I will borrow some titles for son to read them. Language is very impt especially in secondary...cannot be so lax.

Hi Mummy Janet... if I may... I thought I would make a gentle suggestion here. Would you consider letting your child choose his own titles? I've let my son choose his own readings ever since P2. He didn't like newspapers at all. The main section was boring to him... so I helped him choose non-fiction books that he found interesting.

As weeks piled into months, his choices went up the reading levels until now he is reading books such as \"Churchill's Unnecessary War\" and this 1.5 inches tome entitled Democracy that he borrowed in P5 and tried to force me to read. And only then he turned to the newspapers, but he only reads the Insight articles or other opinion pieces (because he doesn't like all the news about accidents and petty crime)... as well as Time and Newsweek.

Your DS will be Sec 1 soon. Perhaps consider asking him to browse assessments and choosing his own and then drop him off at the library to choose his own books? He is a boy after all and must grow into a man. The earlier he starts on his journey towards being his own man, the better.

Agree that it's definitely easier to get the child committed to the reading if you let him choose. DS is not interested in current affairs, only occasionally when the articles are about education will he be interested. But he reads voluntarily the Science and Tech section of the Economist we have at home so I try to pass the copy to him whenever it's here (a gentle nudge to read it).

I'm still trying to get him to improve his Chinese since there is still Chinese in sec school. Intend to get him to choose some Chinese books and read them together when we have the time.[/quote]yes, don't neglect the Chinese books. Somehow when they get to Sec, they tend to dislike the MT more...don't know why. They just cannot wait to get shot of it - esp boys