The Alternative Story (TAS) - Discussion

[Suz855]

firefly38:

May I ask if TAS is suitable for P5? Which do you recommend, their English course or Creative Writing course? Thanks!

My dd joined TAS at p5 after term1 last yr, she took the English course, I must say that though compo writing is in between but overall I can see good progress in dd compo writing. Also, wkly there will be either spelling or dictation of the good phrases n think this regular reinforcement help dd to remember n I am impressed that she is able to apply in her school work... Thus besides improving in compo we also see her making good progress in paper 2 components as well. Overall, I would say that she benefitted from her training session at TAS.

Ps, we are in no way related to TAS just a satisfied parent with a dd still having lesson at the centre.

[iFirefly]

Suz855:

firefly38:

May I ask if TAS is suitable for P5? Which do you recommend, their English course or Creative Writing course? Thanks!

My dd joined TAS at p5 after term1 last yr, she took the English course, I must say that though compo writing is in between but overall I can see good progress in dd compo writing. Also, wkly there will be either spelling or dictation of the good phrases n think this regular reinforcement help dd to remember n I am impressed that she is able to apply in her school work... Thus besides improving in compo we also see her making good progress in paper 2 components as well. Overall, I would say that she benefitted from her training session at TAS.

Ps, we are in no way related to TAS just a satisfied parent with a dd still having lesson at the centre.

Thanks Suz855 for your reply.. My DS2 is in P5 this year.. Looking around for a good English tuition centre for him to attend.. Have heard good reviews of TAS.. Will give TAS a call soon.. Hope it's not too late to start..

Heard that the classes at TAS are big though.. Do you find it a problem? Thanks, once again..

[glendt]

Class size is big but for my kids, it was ok. They could focus as teacher was quite firm. It depends on your kids, some kids find it better for one to one, some smaller classes, others prefer bigger classes as there is more energy and friendly competition.


I like their compo classes but given the lack of time, I chose their normal class which covers both paper 1 and 2. Find it good, both my kids improved.

[hquek]

firefly38:

May I ask if TAS is suitable for P5? Which do you recommend, their English course or Creative Writing course? Thanks!

I think this depend on what your child needs. If command of English is poor, going to creative writing class may not help as much. if the child's english is alright, then can consider just that (creative writing).

They cover a lot in their 'regular' english class - grammar, vocab, synthesis, compre, and compo. End up the pace may be quite fast, child must be able to handle the pace or he/she may be lost.

[Suz855]

Regarding the class size, yes it is indeed big around 12 … My dd class has many boys n I was worried that it will be too disruptive ( sorry hor, a bit stereotype here as boys tend to be more playful n girl more guai) but so far beside ever complaining a p5 boy (yes they let kid join a level up) slowing down the class as he can’t follow the pace she assure me that the teacher is able to get most of the work done n the amazing part is all work cover will be mark and review during class … Also hw wise there isn’t much, she just learn spelling n dictation from the TAS book.


Btw, there is a free trial lesson, you can let your child experience a lesson n see whether he like it … Again quite a far bit is cover in a lesson n some kid might find it overwhelming … Jmho.

[iFirefly]

Thanks glendt, hquek & Suz855 for your valuable feedback & advice.. I think 12 pupils per class is reasonable.. I know of a few tuition centers with 15 or more pupils per class.. :shock:


Will arrange for a trial lesson for DS2 and update here soonest..

[sean wife]

Other than memorizing creative phrases, does TAS also teach on the planning and organizing skills on writing a compo? As in like using who, when, where, what, how kind of questions to plan for the introduction, body and conclusion of the story? So far, at P1 class, they have been asked to memorise paragraphs, biut don’t seem to touch much on how to the planning and organizing part….just thinking, is that like putting the cart before the horse??


Thanks for sharing.

[hquek]

I know the kids are taught to do tension curve - how to build up the story to create interesting points. Also, Ds1 is able to rattle off the start to a story - eg rainy day what to put, sunny day out what to put. This comes from memorising those key phrases.


So I guess the answer would be yes. I gather they start the kids off memorising so they have on hand phrases to apply in certain scenarios. After the kids get that, then they will start learning to apply.

[sean wife]

hquek:

I know the kids are taught to do tension curve - how to build up the story to create interesting points. Also, Ds1 is able to rattle off the start to a story - eg rainy day what to put, sunny day out what to put. This comes from memorising those key phrases.


So I guess the answer would be yes. I gather they start the kids off memorising so they have on hand phrases to apply in certain scenarios. After the kids get that, then they will start learning to apply.

Hi,

Thanks for sharing…your DS1 in P1 class also right? My kids can recite out the paragraphs, but don’t seem like able to apply much. Hopefully in time to come, the application part will surface…

[hquek]

hi sean wife,


yup Ds2 in P1 class. and yes, he is memorising passages. But this time a bit strange because he doesn't have to memorise at home and this only done in class. last time DS1 had to do dictation and spelling, so now DS2 is like having holiday.

I think my expectations more realistic with DS2 so i'm not unduly worried about him not being able to start writing. Will only start panicking when he reaches P3.