<![CDATA[Advice for my little Girl 6 years old]]>My 6 year old daughter come back from Shanghai in Jan 2013.

As she attend his 3 years in Shanghai International School in Suzhou, her English standard is very poor. She cannot communicate well with her peers and she prefer to speak to us in Chinese, even we try to talk in English.

She is now taking, \"I CAN READ\", but the progress is slow....
Any advice?

Many thanks in advice. :thankyou:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/56278/advice-for-my-little-girl-6-years-oldRSS for NodeThu, 30 Apr 2026 08:56:28 GMTThu, 23 May 2013 09:09:27 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Mon, 17 Nov 2014 06:52:02 GMT]]>You can read storybooks to her every night. 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1416318https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1416318Mon, 17 Nov 2014 06:52:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Mon, 17 Nov 2014 06:51:40 GMT]]>You can read storybooks to her every night. 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1416317https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1416317Mon, 17 Nov 2014 06:51:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Wed, 09 Oct 2013 12:55:18 GMT]]>

Winnie_i:
sembgal:

I know of a preschool that offers authentic Julia Gabriel English speech and drama and it's offered as a compulsory enrichment at a price of $60 a month (4 sessions a month, 1 hr each session) only as compared to what they would have to pay outside if they go to Forum for the lesson. The activity books are exactly the same as the one in Forum Julia Gabriel.


Which preschool? plse advise n TIA!

Spice@Serangoon. Postal code 550125.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1117454https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1117454Wed, 09 Oct 2013 12:55:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Wed, 09 Oct 2013 12:05:26 GMT]]>

sembgal:
I know of a preschool that offers authentic Julia Gabriel English speech and drama and it's offered as a compulsory enrichment at a price of $60 a month (4 sessions a month, 1 hr each session) only as compared to what they would have to pay outside if they go to Forum for the lesson. The activity books are exactly the same as the one in Forum Julia Gabriel.

Which preschool? plse advise n TIA!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1117420https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1117420Wed, 09 Oct 2013 12:05:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 03:58:34 GMT]]>You can try phonics programs to build up your girl’s foundation in English first as it is important to first build the foundation of the language, once she is able to make sense of words, speaking the language will come naturally 🙂


Kidz Literacy Cove offers phonics programs to build on the foundation of the English language. We are using Jolly Phonics and Jolly Grammer in our curriculum and our lessons are also very interactive and holistic as well. We do offer trial classes @ 50% off should you be interested to enroll your child.

We are located at Serangoon Gardens and you may contact us at 97800786 for further enquires! 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1093645https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1093645Wed, 11 Sep 2013 03:58:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:48:20 GMT]]>I know of a preschool that offers authentic Julia Gabriel English speech and drama and it’s offered as a compulsory enrichment at a price of $60 a month (4 sessions a month, 1 hr each session) only as compared to what they would have to pay outside if they go to Forum for the lesson. The activity books are exactly the same as the one in Forum Julia Gabriel.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078950https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078950Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:48:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:25:10 GMT]]>You are most welcome!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078921https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078921Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:25:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:15:52 GMT]]>:thankyou: sushigal

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078908https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078908Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:15:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 08:31:15 GMT]]>Language is all about reading and speaking. We have to create an environment for our children. Child cannot read then parents must spend at least 10-15mins daily to read to them.


When my 2nd girl was in P1 she also cannot read and we didn't know she has special needs too! Her older sister started to read at 3 plus. Most of the time she told me can borrow baby books in the library I told to go ahead. By doing that, was encouraging her to have the love of reading for her. After term 3 then she started to read. I was so happy for her.

Now in P3, infact, teacher put her incharge of a boy besides her to read to him. I'm so proud of her and happy for her too!

It's only in P2 we send her and her sister for Speech & Drama. That was an additional bonus to build her confidence level.

This is the website for the Speech & Drama. You may contact the lady boss who is teaching my 2nd girl now. She is Teacher Margaret Nonis.

http://www.lovekids.com.sg/lovekids/

Money is well spent because we found good English teacher and encouraging teacher as well. They do not speak Singlish. That's what I look for.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078837https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078837Thu, 22 Aug 2013 08:31:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 02:48:36 GMT]]>

sushigal:
Speech & Drama will help your girl in all the aspect.


I have recommended many parents in this website and my neighbours as well.

Most important is the teacher. I can see the improvement of my 2nd girl with special needs able to read and write her compo. I see a more confidence girl now. My 1st girl excel in her English language. Have no regrets sending both of them there.

The teachers are always give feedback to us as parents as often as we want to. From here we can tell how much our child has grown into English language.

It comes with Creative Writing so both gals no tuition for compo course. I saved up my money!
Which speech & drama school your girl goes to?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078433https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078433Thu, 22 Aug 2013 02:48:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 02:14:21 GMT]]>Speech & Drama will help your girl in all the aspect.


I have recommended many parents in this website and my neighbours as well.

Most important is the teacher. I can see the improvement of my 2nd girl with special needs able to read and write her compo. I see a more confidence girl now. My 1st girl excel in her English language. Have no regrets sending both of them there.

The teachers are always give feedback to us as parents as often as we want to. From here we can tell how much our child has grown into English language.

It comes with Creative Writing so both gals no tuition for compo course. I saved up my money!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078383https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1078383Thu, 22 Aug 2013 02:14:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Tue, 25 Jun 2013 16:20:55 GMT]]>

taydave:
My 6 year old daughter come back from Shanghai in Jan 2013.

As she attend his 3 years in Shanghai International School in Suzhou, her English standard is very poor. She cannot communicate well with her peers and she prefer to speak to us in Chinese, even we try to talk in English.

She is now taking, \"I CAN READ\", but the progress is slow....
Any advice?

Many thanks in advice. :thankyou:
My advice to you is continue with 'I Can Read' programme. In addition, get an experienced tutor to coach your child in English.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1024234https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1024234Tue, 25 Jun 2013 16:20:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Fri, 24 May 2013 14:14:03 GMT]]>Hi


I totally agreed wif pirate… I uses cartoon 喜羊羊 for chinese instd… Hee
& it works… They totally luv d songs n d series!! As most chd cant reject TV so i believe is d best way of exposure!!

Also since she is 6YO… I believe she’s in k2?
Hv u consider a chdcare enviroment? Wif full exposure of english as d mainstream lang & social interaction wif kids her age… Definately b improvement!!
Last yr DS has a china boy joining his class… Fr zero communication in english to fully able to hold a decent cinversation in d yr end concert… I wd hv said d Trs n d enviroment contribute to it!

Wish u d best!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009327https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009327Fri, 24 May 2013 14:14:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Fri, 24 May 2013 14:13:27 GMT]]>

presentatheartmum:
As a preschool educator, I believe that the child needs confidence more than anything else in mastering a language. First, recognise that the child's current level or standard in English. Mark it down somewhere. Second, do as much as you can in English, in baking, in daily routines and interactions. Comprehension comes before reading and then comes writing. Third, read with her. Read anything she likes or is interested in. Listening to songs, rhymes will help. When she's receptive to the language, prepare readers to read with her. always encourage. repeat the same book for a week to let her feel that she can do it. when they have sufficient positive experiences, they will then attempt to do it again. To me, the key is to allow the child to feel interested and confident in the subject. not just know it. To end, i think it's crucial to remember some things not to do with young children.... (1) Do not comment about what the child cannot do, just be patient and repeat. reptition is the key for young kids. (2) Don't be over ambitious about the standard they have to attain. Celebrate when the child acheives another 10 words. Be happy with yours and her acheivements. everywhere is a reading opportunity. signs, letters, toy boxes, do not limit it to just classes. it's just my two cents worth. 🙂

Totally agreed. Always be positive and be patient 🙂

Sometimes the kids feel stress too..

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009326https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009326Fri, 24 May 2013 14:13:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Fri, 24 May 2013 13:04:44 GMT]]>As a preschool educator, I believe that the child needs confidence more than anything else in mastering a language. First, recognise that the child's current level or standard in English. Mark it down somewhere. Second, do as much as you can in English, in baking, in daily routines and interactions. Comprehension comes before reading and then comes writing. Third, read with her. Read anything she likes or is interested in. Listening to songs, rhymes will help. When she's receptive to the language, prepare readers to read with her. always encourage. repeat the same book for a week to let her feel that she can do it. when they have sufficient positive experiences, they will then attempt to do it again. To me, the key is to allow the child to feel interested and confident in the subject. not just know it. To end, i think it's crucial to remember some things not to do with young children.... (1) Do not comment about what the child cannot do, just be patient and repeat. reptition is the key for young kids. (2) Don't be over ambitious about the standard they have to attain. Celebrate when the child acheives another 10 words. Be happy with yours and her acheivements. everywhere is a reading opportunity. signs, letters, toy boxes, do not limit it to just classes. it's just my two cents worth. 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009299https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009299Fri, 24 May 2013 13:04:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Fri, 24 May 2013 11:57:20 GMT]]>

pirate:
I offer a different perspective.


We insist on speaking to DD in Chinese at home. My mother used to nag about not speaking to DD in English. She entered nursery not speaking a single word of English.

After a few months in the predominantly English environment of her primary school, she is now more comfortable with English than Chinese. I worry more about her Chinese than English. And we are a Chinese speaking household.

Lastly, an unorthodox thing you may want to consider too: Cartoon Network. Just make sure the audio is at English and not Mandarin.
Glad it's worked for your child. Just a question - is your daughter more extrovert or introvert? I have one of each, and we did what your did (only the reverse) when they were little and going to kindy in China - we spoke only English at home and hoped they would learn Chinese in school. It worked for the extrovert but not the introvert. My theory is that extroverts will learn to speak more readily because they really want to communicate, while introverts just withdraw.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009283https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009283Fri, 24 May 2013 11:57:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Fri, 24 May 2013 07:12:55 GMT]]>I offer a different perspective.


We insist on speaking to DD in Chinese at home. My mother used to nag about not speaking to DD in English. She entered nursery not speaking a single word of English.

After a few months in the predominantly English environment of her primary school, she is now more comfortable with English than Chinese. I worry more about her Chinese than English. And we are a Chinese speaking household.

Lastly, an unorthodox thing you may want to consider too: Cartoon Network. Just make sure the audio is at English and not Mandarin.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009215https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009215Fri, 24 May 2013 07:12:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Fri, 24 May 2013 05:56:16 GMT]]>

taydave:
My 6 year old daughter come back from Shanghai in Jan 2013.

As she attend his 3 years in Shanghai International School in Suzhou, her English standard is very poor. She cannot communicate well with her peers and she prefer to speak to us in Chinese, even we try to talk in English.

She is now taking, \"I CAN READ\", but the progress is slow....
Any advice?

Many thanks in advice. :thankyou:
\"I can read\" -
Is very slow for her, because is only once a week enrichment.
Send her for Kumon English. You should be able to see faster progress. She needs a heavier dosage. Everyday must be exposed to English, not just once a wk.

Some people from Hong Kong - their kids speak Cantonese at home everyday. When they come to sg, the kids have problem adjusting to our sg school environment. But after they attend Kumon English, it helps them. Now the kids can speak English confidently, and read storybooks fluently.

Now, apart from just sending her to Kumon -
Very impt, your girl herself need to develop an inherent interest in reading story books. This, you can help her by bringing her our national library children section storybooks section. First, you capture her interest by borrowing storybooks with big picture in the centre, with a few short sentences. You guide her to read, pointing at the colorful picture. Ask simple qns along the way. As you sense her interest grow, then slowly, slowly introduce her to storybooks, with more words. Fix a week sometime in the week. Make it a point to bring her to national Library, borrow books for 2 weeks, return books, then re-borrow again.

So while the daily Kumon English is helping her, the library books borrowed are also helping her concurrently, grooming her into an avid reader slowly through patience one day, like watering a flowering plant and watch it slowly bloom. The day you see her grabbing a storybook and reading by herself independently - is the day of recognition for your hard work. Our national library offers a wide range of storybooks. Is a good place to begin with.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009198https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009198Fri, 24 May 2013 05:56:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Fri, 24 May 2013 02:45:41 GMT]]>Take it easy… they will adapt naturally.


My kids cannot speak proper English when they enter P1. Now coping fine…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009142https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009142Fri, 24 May 2013 02:45:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Fri, 24 May 2013 00:14:56 GMT]]>A few more suggestions: since there is a long vacation coming up, you could find someone to spend time with your daughter and speak only English. A chatty teenager who likes kids would be ideal. They can do crafts, science activities, play board games, go to the playground etc. I got a student to do that for my kids the summer before they started Chinese kindy and it was a painless way for them to start speaking and understanding more. The student we engaged liked them so much she used to come round during the weekends even after school started! This is especially good if your child is a bit shy because she can’t avoid speaking in a 1-to-1 situation. My 14yo daughter is helping a 6yo girl in China now doing exactly this (learning English), and the girl has progressed from nodding and shaking her head to 2 word replies after 2 weeks.


There are also quite a no. of audio books available now, and NLB has some for loan too. You can try and see if your daughter enjoys them.

If your daughter is shy to actually speak English or finds it awkward, reciting rhymes and poetry may help. Find the simple, funny ones like Dr Seuss and nursery rhymes and read them to her (or get an audio book or DVD) until she can repeat them from memory.

Hope this helps.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009065https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1009065Fri, 24 May 2013 00:14:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Advice for my little Girl 6 years old on Thu, 23 May 2013 09:48:31 GMT]]>In learning language, speaking and understanding always come before reading and writing. You should focus on her comprehension of speech and speaking more than getting her to read at this stage. You can read English stories to her daily (at least 15 mins, 30 mins is better), let her watch English TV shows, and make opportunities to have her speak English. In general, you will not see much improvement for about 6 mths as the English has to ‘soak in’, then suddenly it will click. I have seen this in foreign kids who attend English-medium international school in China, and it was the case (in Chinese, not English) when my kids went to Chinese kindergarten and school in China.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1008851https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1008851Thu, 23 May 2013 09:48:31 GMT