PCF/PAP Kindergartens

[Han Seo]

Hi Spring,


Riggs is a phonics program. Phonics is also known as decoding. In a nutshell, the method comprises the following:

1. Emphasis on the sounds, and not the names of each letter: all the sounds of each letter is taught. For example, all the four sounds of ‘a’ are taught (rather than only the long vowel ‘a’ and short vowel ‘a’). The letter names are not emphasized for fear of confusing the children with the letter sounds.
2. the correct way to form the letters and hold the pencils (penmanship) and sitting posture as well. The use of a clock face is used to help children remember the strokes of each letter.
3. Children learn spelling by listening to the sound and spelling the words out.
4. It is highly structured; teachers have to follow a strict sequence of teaching.

My personal opinion on the method is that it may take the fun out of learning if lessons are too structured. It would be better if the letter names/sounds/strokes are associated with familiar objects/things (e.g. animals) so children can relate to them better. Moreover, remembering too many phonics rules at preschool age is unnecessary. It may kill the interest in learning.

Whatever phonics programme, remember that reading is a highly complex process and requires many strategies. Phonics is but one of the many strategies. We need to teach our children different strategies. Also, there must be opportunities for children to apply the phonics learnt in daily, real-life context e.g. writing a grocery list or writing a thank-you card to someone. No point learning all the sounds and rules but do not know how to apply! Also, oral language is an important foundation before learning phonics. If the children have a wide vocabulary, only then will the decoding make sense. I have a six-year old child who can ‘read’ very fluently. Once, after reading a sentence, he asked me, "Teacher, what is the meaning of vegetables?" You see, he can decode the word but he has no idea what it means! So, expanding a child’s vocabulary is very important.

You should ask the school the following questions:
1. What other strategies do you teach the children to use, besides phonics?
2. What kind of opportunities do the teachers provide to help children apply the phonics learnt?
3. How do the teachers encourage a love for reading?

Hope this helps.

[spring]

Hi Han Seo,


Thank youi for your reply. U mean this phonics program is teaching letters sound without using any association with things/object, simply by saying \"this letter makes e 'a' sound? If it is, i tink it wld be v boring for my gal. Actually now my dd is currently using letterland phonics n she had learnt all her letters name n their sounds. She learn them thru lots of interesting songs n stories with e letterland characters! But for riggs, i like e part which u mention tat it include e proper formation of letters n e sitting posture. hmmm... so i tink wad u mean is something like its a very serious kind of \"sit down and learn\" phonics program with alot of straightforward phonics rule which kids might nt be able to understand and enjoy, does nt include any interesting activities which help them to learn it better?

[Han Seo]

Hi Spring,


Yes, my personal opinion is that it is highly regimented. Tables and chairs are arranged in rows to face the teacher.

As I've mentioned, you'd need to look into the total literacy programme of the school and not just the phonics programme. The teachers should encourage children to read and write in real life context (and not merely doing worksheets) and instil a love for reading and writing, in addition to direct instruction.

Go to the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) website and look at their position statement on early literacy:

http://www.naeyc.org

or do a google search on the International Reading Association (IRA) and read some of the latest findings on early literacy.

[Rata]

Hi i am new here. Any feedback on the pre-nursery at JW blk 631?

[Mrs Ang]

Seem that PCF is super popular. All the PCFs around my blk are on long waiting list!

[mummy of 2]

Mrs Ang:

Seem that PCF is super popular. All the PCFs around my blk are on long waiting list!

Got wait list? For the one DS is studying at, the queue starts at 5.30am on the day of registration. :!:

[Mrs Ang]

mummy of 2:

Mrs Ang:

Seem that PCF is super popular. All the PCFs around my blk are on long waiting list!

Got wait list? For the one DS is studying at, the queue starts at 5.30am on the day of registration. :!:

Got!!! I'm staying in Bedok. Where is your DS PCF? Is it kindergarten or CCC?

My q no for the one just beside my blk is 20++, then the one within 15 mins walk is 10++. There is one at CC and they are not going to open class for pre-nursery for year 2009 kids. Becos their class for year 2008 is too big until no more space for year 2009. :!:

[subaru]

hi mummy,

Really need to queue up so early? I dun know how is my nearby PCF... but i m going to register for my son nursery this month... then i think i better wake up n see how... so worry...

[Charmaine_chong]

Hi,


Anyone has good recommendation of PCF near Paya Lebar, Geylang MRT or Mounbatten.

Considering to put my son 4yo to child care or good PCF next year. He is very mischevious, always do something funny to his sister 21mths old. Very challenging for my maid to look after him.

As in PCF, i am looking for good quality that offers enrichment, so that he will spend more time in school.

Currently he is studying in one near Balam Road, only 2hours for nursery, about $50plus a month. Don’t find it good. Has been there since JAn10, no communication book, only see once. Dont know what he is doing in class. Feel like the program not very good. Can see for the price i pay but my son likes to go.

So… if i change, hope to find one and continue till k2. otherwise, he needs to adjust again.

[Dawn Ng]

Today is the registration day for PCF Pioneer at 662B for the existing pupil/sibling. The registration started at 8:30am but the queue started before 7:00am. Since this is only meant for internal why can't they come out with a form to let the parents indicate whether they want their children to continue and solve the \"kiasu\" queueing. Every year must go through the same thing. From prenursery to K2, you need to register 4 times and imagine if you have more then 1 kid. Some parents even take a day off just to come early for the registration. Is this a PCF practice ?