Hi


LCentral covers all aspects of the Singapore syllabus in their \"Success\" programme. It covers reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and all the exercises that go along with them.
Comprehension, composition, grammar clozes, mcq and vocabulary are just some of areas targeted by the Success programme.

Lift Off is the reading level and it will enable your child to become an independent reader. Whilst comprehension is a fundamental part of the programme, the main objective is reading. Along with this, your child will learn certain grammar rules and practice oral reading aloud.
However, all the exercises are of a lower level of difficulty when compared to Success.

You can go into any branch for a free assessment to determine which level your child falls into.
I believe ICR also offers free assessments so you can go in and compare the materials and speak to the staff/teachers.

You can also check out the respective websites: http://www.lcentral.net and http://www.icanreadsystem.com

Hope this helps!!

Hi agnesost,


Both ICR and LCentral are similar in their approach to reading. Both systems will get your child reading in a short amount of time. The LCentral method is 33 weeks and the ICR programme is 48 weeks.

Both require parent support throughout the course (about 30 mins a week to practice), but this support is especially important in the first 6 weeks.
Your child will be reading independently after completing either one of these programmes, so I suggest you make an appointment for a free assessment (both schools offer this), ask to see the materials and also go with your gut instinct with regards to the teacher.

Hope this helps,

Engtutor

Hi parents,


Just to let you know, a new LCentral branch in Tampines will be opening up in September.
Check the website for contact details: http://www.lcentral.net

Hi


For information about LCentral, please see the Literacy Circle thread in this forum. Last year, Literacy Circle rebranded to become LCentral.

Regards

Engtutor

Please see the Literacy Circle thread for more information on LCentral. The school rebranded and is now called LCentral.

2centsworthy:

I just learnt that a Mr Oh now owns LCentral... and it's no longer the same Literacy Circle. But still has the same native teachers. I have 2 friends who sent their kids to Literacy Circle in end 2008. In 2009 their PSLE year both dropped out from there. My neighbour sent 2 kids there in 2008 and 2009... they too dropped out in early 2009. According to my contact, Mr Oh bought over Literacy Circle at end last year. So... you might want to check on the differences they made to the program. I also was told that this Mr Oh also has control over the local Helen O'Grady speech and drama centre. I am familiar with the Helen O'Grady in the year 2004... but it's been so long.

LCentral is operated and owned by an Australian master franchisor and each centre is individually owned by a franchisee. LCentral rebranded when Literacy Circle was bought out last year. The materials are aligned with the MOE syllabus and each centre employs native english teachers to deliver their programme.

HappyAvon:

Engtutor:

Hi starlight,


If you went for the assessment at ICR and they recommended that your child enter their reading program, I am sure they thought your child could benefit from it.
Ask them about their PSLP program for kindergarteners who can read and which will introduce them to P1 work. Though please note that this program rarely gets recommended for students who are not in K2 (unless they have completed the ICR reading program).

Alternatively, LCentral has a program for pre-schoolers who can read called PFS (Preparation for School). If, after assessment, the teacher feels the reading is of an adequate standard, they may recommend this program for your child. It caters mostly to K2 children, rarely but possibly K1's.

Hi Engtutor, I had sent my K1 DD to Lcentral for assessment and she is recommended to start PFS (Preparation for School)..This is the same SUCCESS programme right? I understand the SUCCESS programme is ongoing and follows the MOE curriculum...Will the programme being too exam focused be suitable for K1 child? Will she be able to handle and enjoy the lesson? Maybe u can advise further? Thanks!

Hi HappyAvon,

I have sent you a PM.
Christina

Hi starlight,


If you went for the assessment at ICR and they recommended that your child enter their reading program, I am sure they thought your child could benefit from it.
Ask them about their PSLP program for kindergarteners who can read and which will introduce them to P1 work. Though please note that this program rarely gets recommended for students who are not in K2 (unless they have completed the ICR reading program).

Alternatively, LCentral has a program for pre-schoolers who can read called PFS (Preparation for School). If, after assessment, the teacher feels the reading is of an adequate standard, they may recommend this program for your child. It caters mostly to K2 children, rarely but possibly K1’s.

sharon1234:

hi Engtutor,

You seem to recommend LCentral. I wonder if you have any personal experience with LCentral...
I am looking around for a effective Creative Writing program for my dd.

Hi Sharon,

I am a teacher at LCentral. Just informing everyone who wants to know about our holiday writing program.

Titank,

The holiday program is quite intensive, planning and structure is also covered. Yes, P1's will be taught how to write a well structured paragraph.
Exercises to expand vocabulary are used for the higher primary level.

Engtutor

Hi,


Literacy Circle is now called LCentral: http://www.lcentral.net. Check the website for the the closest location to you.
The programs are 4-5 days (depending on the centre).

Intensive creative writing course @ $200 for 5 days ($40 per day)
Phonics course @ $150 for 5 days ($30 per day)

Please note that your child does not have to attend all the days.

Engtutor