Guest:

phankao:

Only thing is, yes, acknowledge the benchmark for express is at a higher level than for children who are not homeschooled. But why should there be a difference in apply for sec 1.

But yeah, homeschoolers actually do not participate in s1 posting. They have to apply directly to the schools they want. So maybe they only get the \"leftover\" places as such.

But this is really unfortunate for this homeschooler because I heard most people who appealed to schools this year with low T-score also get admitted. eg. 230 appeal can get into a girls school when it's usual COP is about 240. So with 25x, can get into a reasonably good sec school.

ks2me:

Only irreversible ones I am watchful.

So homework falls under reversible mistakes. *heng ah*

2ppaamm:

phankao:

Altho' many do suceed from their parent's tight reins, so it does work both ways too, I guess! And you'd notice that most \"genuises/prodigies\" had their parents as their 1st teachers.

I do believe parents should be kids' first teachers... including reading their ABCs, learning simple social skills, responsibilities, right and wrong. However, I believe in getting them make their decisions. However, lately, I realise that sometimes, because I give so much liberty, I have to bear to see them make mistakes.

I have rationalised that it is perhaps for their good. Knowing it is the wrong road to take, but let them take anyway. I have also recently decided not even to correct homework, let the teachers do it.

I believe there is merit in making mistakes so that when they grow up, and make mistakes, they will be able to overcome them...

Wondering if that is plain lazy or is that right???

Blobbi:

Friend, I think you can do all this also because your kids are up there in the brains department. No offense to anyone. but some kids really do need more help than others. PSLE is a fixed hurdle for everyone regardless of where the child is on the developmental curve. I can imagine some of your friends thinking, \"Cham lah. If don't make the cut-off to a good school, then there'll be all sorts of negative peer issues if he gets into a weaker school on top of all the usual teenage angst\".

I know of some kids without tuition, but they have significant home help leh. I really like your message of helping your kids by empowering them to help themselves, and maybe some parents miss out on this detail, but all parents are trying to do their best (although I agree wtih ks2me - there are some who over-try :shock:). Maybe one way to think of your friends is, one year of drilling in the crucial year is better than 6 years?

You've given the people who've read your posts fabulous ideas and renewed strength- already, I've benefitted from it :). But there's a lot of diversity out there. My humble pinion lah.

autumnbronze:

2ppaamm,


I have been following your posts and really have benefitted/learnt so much from your input/sharing.

I :salute: you, again

You have chosen unconditionally to take the road less travelled and never looked back.

You are truly amazing because its so so obvious that your kids' (that too 5 of them) needs/happiness takes precedence over all else.

You are an inspiration to me, and of course I am sure to many others as well.

Enuff said liao ....

2ppaamm:

Like you and I, many of my friends started off with a set mind that they will never succumb to tests and exams of our local system. All of us look for the best learning paths for our kids. Then, as the years wore on, I see this circle of friends slowly decreasing. I dare say, I'm almost alone in this right now as my kid reach Sec 4 age. Why? This thing called PSLE.

2ppaamm:

:goodpost: Lock! Sorry it took a while for me to respond. I was busy with my work... so I can only write some of my thoughts now.

Just like to share that I too homeschooled my children. All of them in preschool, and then 2 of them through pre-college. I also sent them to government schools. Why? Simply because even though I know I can help them all the way, I needed a backup. My children opted out of every enrichment, PSLE preparation, and other classes, to the surprise of their teachers. I don't teach or tutor once they reach 10, as the kids grow, I realise homeschooling evolves into self-studying, which means giving the materials to them, and they have to learn to be independent.

Like you and I, many of my friends started off with a set mind that they will never succumb to tests and exams of our local system. All of us look for the best learning paths for our kids. Then, as the years wore on, I see this circle of friends slowly decreasing. I dare say, I'm almost alone in this right now as my kid reach Sec 4 age. Why? This thing called PSLE.

2 examples:
1. In 2006, some parents sent a letter to ST Forum about the English situational writing paper and its difficulty, (anything new)? And I remember this friend laughing at these folks and asked me how I felt (I had a PSLE boy). He said people should have a life, not worry about PSLE. 2 years on, when it was his son's turn to do PSLE, this same friend sent his son to a hot house centre, which administers 5 hours of tuition daily. And, because he was so 'lacking', the teacher made him stay another 2 hours. His PSLE score was 26X. Parents were so proud of him... At what price? I thought to myself - his precious childhood?

2. In 2008, another friend came to me, worried about her son who will be taking PSLE in 2009. She has not given him any tuition so far, and his work was indeed lacking. But, she told me, 2009 will be different. She ended up paying $100 per hour for a maths tutor. Her son's PSLE score? 255. Again, smiling from ear to ear as her son opt for an IP school.

Teachers, friends and coaches all feel that my kids should score so much higher if they were to study harder, have some more solid drilling etc etc, and they tend to judge and point at my ignorance as a mother who believes in a different form of education.

As I continue to journey this lonely path, I keep reminding myself that education is more than just getting a good score. The only gratification I get is to see my kids happier than most.

And, what do I think is most lacking in our schools? Every school system in the world lacks of something academically. Singapore is no different. Singapore schools lack laughter, replaced by pressure from teachers, parents and peers. Have we forgotten the joy of learning?

2ppaamm:

And, what do I think is most lacking in our schools? Every school system in the world lacks of something academically. Singapore is no different. Singapore schools lack laughter, replaced by pressure from teachers, parents and peers. Have we forgotten the joy of learning?

ks2me:

2ppaamm:

Every school system in the world lacks of something academically. Singapore schools lack laughter. Have we forgotten the joy of learning?

Wah I think your this arrow hits the bull's eye straight, no deviation at all! Bingo!!!

2ppaamm:

Every school system in the world lacks of something academically. Singapore schools lack laughter. Have we forgotten the joy of learning?

Lock:

I send my children to mainstream primary sch and try my best to instil the love for learning at home. I try to expose them to subjects that are not covered in sch eg geog, history n literature. I try not to put too much emphasis on test n exam results. I try to let them develop at their pace.

My girl is already in P3 this year and I am proud to say that she is in the best class in her school even as I try to do the above. My son is just starting P1 this year and I am keeping my fingers crossed that he will turn out as well as the sister.

phankao:

Altho' many do suceed from their parent's tight reins, so it does work both ways too, I guess! And you'd notice that most \"genuises/prodigies\" had their parents as their 1st teachers.

phankao:

Altho' many do suceed from their parent's tight reins, so it does work both ways too, I guess! And you'd notice that most \"genuises/prodigies\" had their parents as their 1st teachers.

ks2me:

2ppaamm:

Another story about a father who is more concerned about himself than his children. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-550549/How-child-prodigy-Oxford-130-hour-prostitute.html You guys must have heard about the hothoused mathematician who became a prostitute. Note: His father claimed his kids are not that smart, it was his style and inculcation that helped them get places in the university. It's all about himself... His children are his marketing engine (for his methodology and his books).

Yes, read about that case. I think it happens in all times. Mozart grew up very afraid of his father because the father would force him to do many things for his music, similarly for Beethovan. At that time, music was their survival for Mozart's family so his father was doing it to ensure they all could make a living but perhaps also a little overboard even for a living. Well, the children did become great people but did not lead very peaceful and good lives in their time. So what price to pay for being great??? Their greatness only benefit people now in reaping lots of commercial gains out of them.

So are such parents exploiting their children on the pretext of caring for them? I don't know.

2ppaamm:

Another story about a father who is more concerned about himself than his children. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-550549/How-child-prodigy-Oxford-130-hour-prostitute.html You guys must have heard about the hothoused mathematician who became a prostitute. Note: His father claimed his kids are not that smart, it was his style and inculcation that helped them get places in the university. It's all about himself... His children are his marketing engine (for his methodology and his books).

Blobbi:

Yah, I really pity the son. The father's agenda seems to be all about himself. What I really hope is that the boy (and what a gorgeous young boy he is) will be able to find himself and grow up as a fulfilled person, rather than believe he has some genius destiny to fulfill. There is no heavier burden than living up to expectations, and these are super-sized ones that have been repeatedly pounded into the world.

Lock:

I send my children to mainstream primary sch and try my best to instil the love for learning at home. I try to expose them to subjects that are not covered in sch eg geog, history n literature. I try not to put too much emphasis on test n exam results. I try to let them develop at their pace.

ks2me:

2ppaamm:

But I still pity him. No, I pity his son. Why use his son as the publicity and ego machine? How is he going to grow up? Yes, it's true Singapore lost a genius. So did he.

Yes I so agree with you. Going to war with his son is not helping him in any way. If he has kept quiet and let the press report on him, I think most of us would think he was unfairly treated.... See the irony of things?

2ppaamm:

But I still pity him. No, I pity his son. Why use his son as the publicity and ego machine? How is he going to grow up? Yes, it's true Singapore lost a genius. So did he.

Lock:

I read the discussions on homeschooling with great interest. I homeschooled my son when he was K1 n K2 and I would have continued to homeschool him if MOE is not discriminating the homeschoolers. (yes. That is obvious and we know)

Though I am confident to cover the 4 subjects at primary level, I do not have enough specialised knowledge to teach secondary school subjects. Hence, I will have to send my kids back to mainstream secondary school when the time comes but, regardless of the PSLE results, homeschoolers can only choose the secondary schools after the secondary posting exercise is done for mainstream students, whatever vacancy that is left will be offered. This is the condition that I have to accept if I want to continue to homeschool my children. I feel that I should not deprive my kids of the chance to study in the sec sch of their choice.

sleepy:

Discrimination is secondary only if these parents have the capabilities to continue homeschooling beyond primary school years or found an alternative education path like 2ppaamm. Otherwise they would have to consider mainstream secondary schools at some point in time

2ppaamm friend's kid was not posted to the secondary school of his choice although he qualifies. Even if some parents feel that homeschooling is best for their children during their formative years, this discrimination is usually sufficient to deter most parents from considering this option :scared:

Lock:

What do I do now?

I send my children to mainstream primary sch and try my best to instil the love for learning at home. I try to expose them to subjects that are not covered in sch eg geog, history n literature. I try not to put too much emphasis on test n exam results. I try to let them develop at their pace.

My girl is already in P3 this year and I am proud to say that she is in the best class in her school even as I try to do the above. My son is just starting P1 this year and I am keeping my fingers crossed that he will turn out as well as the sister.

2ppaamm:

But I still pity him. No, I pity his son. Why use his son as the publicity and ego machine? How is he going to grow up? Yes, it's true Singapore lost a genius. So did he.

ks2me:

Actually when I just read the news of his issues in Singapore for his gifted son, I empathised with his situation. However, after reading his blog, I felt that he simply wanted attention and stirred more trouble.

Honestly, a child prodigy can be groomed whether MOE step in to help or not, especially when he claims to be gifted himself. I always believe gifted parents know how to handle their gifted kids' demand better since they grow up that way and would have picked up alot of ideas how to groom one with self experience. Other than going to MOE for help, I believe there are alternatives.

I am always of the idea that gifted kids self-learn very well, no doubt they need some amount of guidance. At the way he demands, it looks more like he is demanding everyone to notice his son's talent, so rare to find in a small place like Singapore. And unfortunately he thinks his race plays a part in his misfortune. I thought it was the attitude. I think a different race with the same attitude will hit the same wall like this :stupid:

Well, there is probably one thing he is not aware of, in most gahmen dept, even schools' admin, people are generally not very forthcoming nor friendly. Perhaps the tempo of their job plus the lack of motivation, since it is supposed to be an iron ricebowl, the same bland attitude is quite common and there is no sense of urgency. If he is going to take offence at that and start a race war, he must have been sleeping most of his time when he was a Singaporean. Yes his experience is annoying, but he is not alone lah.....the only difference is he felt he had a big gun(his child prodigy) to shoot whereas most of us do not have.

If he talks about prejudice, he thinks only he gets prejudice due to race? No, it is more like who is in power makes the decision at that point of time. We have PRCs(turned PR) holding powerful positions in some of the well-known organisations here and we the citizens' kid have to compete with PRCs kids for certain placement for those organisations. Is it without prejudice? Some say \"yes\" because our local kids are just not good enough, some say \"no\", it is definitely prejudice because the % is lop-sided. So prejudice is everywhere....just don't take it out of context.