The Alternative Story (TAS) - Discussion

[nicnac]

Hmm… I’ve always wondered…what does NSA stands for?

[nicnac]

Hmm… I’ve always wondered…what does NSA stands for?

[jasmineong]

It stands for Newspaper and Storybook Analysis. My youngest is in it. Although this class is more for P4s, and he is in P5, he is in that class as I find it beneficial.


Usually there will be two parts to the lesson, one part they will read an article (like from TIMES magazine, or readers digest or some story) and then the teacher will help guide them to understand the story at a deeper level. Then they will do worksheets which is to teach them how to analyse non-fiction texts. Like how to identify the point of the text, the examples used to support the point etc. It is very good especially for the new syllabus.

I wanted my kid to be exposed to a deeper level of reading other than fiction. he also says he likes the class and it helps him to think more. I feel this class is not suitable if you want your child to get the basics right, like how to do synthesis etc but it is very good for comprehension and for more analytical type of understanding. I find the teacher, teacher Esmonde good also.

[nicnac]

Thank you for the explanation… no wonder I can never figure it out. Sounds really good for those with good foundation, looking for that little extra…


My biggest problem… I can’t find a suitable timeslot for their regular/creativewriting class:(

[jasmineong]

Maybe can try to let them know what is your preferred timeslot? I did that before and when they had an available teacher and a group of 4, we could start that class. But no guarantee…

[hquek]

TSHmummy:

Hi,


I am new in this forum, I heard about TAS from a friend. I would like to know more about how they teach using their books. I know they sell some of their books at Popular. Are those their materials or do they have other materials?

Hi TSHmummy,

I'm not sure exactly how they teach so can't answer how they use their books. But my kids come back with worksheets after every session - so those would be extra stuff outside of the books. Usual headers for those worksheets would include grammar, synthesis, vocab, compre - sometimes there are cloze, compre mcq and punctuation.

[Chloe22]

Hi hi

am new to this forum… read about TAS from the parents.
Was wondering what will be a good age to send my girl for their classes… she’s in P1 this year. Can read but can’t really express herself well in writing.
Any advice pls?

[TSHmummy]

hquek:

Hi TSHmummy,

I'm not sure exactly how they teach so can't answer how they use their books. But my kids come back with worksheets after every session - so those would be extra stuff outside of the books. Usual headers for those worksheets would include grammar, synthesis, vocab, compre - sometimes there are cloze, compre mcq and punctuation.

Hi hquek,

Thank you. Do your kids use the books in class?

[coolit]

Chloe22:

Hi hi

am new to this forum... read about TAS from the parents.
Was wondering what will be a good age to send my girl for their classes... she's in P1 this year. Can read but can't really express herself well in writing.
Any advice pls?

I feel the younger the better. If your child can cope, should send as early as P1 but if your child is already quite advanced then maybe p3 would still be ok.

[hquek]

TSHmummy:

hquek:

Hi TSHmummy,

I'm not sure exactly how they teach so can't answer how they use their books. But my kids come back with worksheets after every session - so those would be extra stuff outside of the books. Usual headers for those worksheets would include grammar, synthesis, vocab, compre - sometimes there are cloze, compre mcq and punctuation.

Hi hquek,

Thank you. Do your kids use the books in class?

p1 books not required. for the p4 class, they use the creative writing book. i recall them using the other books at times in the past years. spelling book is ALWAYS in use, the had gone through the book and then teacher restart.