wan2bdad:

Are my 3-year old son suitable to take phonics class? We have trained him to read by memorising the words.. I think this is the way we are being trained in our school days...so is Phonics classes useful?

definitely, i think now is the chance to explore a new way of learning. there are enrichment centres in Singapore that provide good phonic class.

tamarind:

Hi smurf,

There are some rules :

http://www.learnchineseeveryday.com/2009/07/25/pinyin-tutorial-change-of-tones/
In Chinese it happens that sometimes we change the Tones of certain Pinyin syllable to improve the clarity or ease pronunciation difficulties, here are some general rules:

When two 3rd tones come together, the first tone changes into the 2nd (but its tone mark remains unchanged), e.g. “你好 nǐ hǎo” (How are you) is actually pronounced as “ní hǎo”.
When a syllable in the 3rd tone precedes a syllable in the 1st, 2nd, 4th or neutral tone, it is pronounced in the half 3rd tone, that is, the tone only falls but doesn’t rise, e.g. “你们 nǐ men”.


Change of Tones of “不” and “一”
“不 bù” is pronounced in the 2nd tone (bú) when it is put before a syllable in the 4th tone or a syllable in the neutral tone developed from 4th tone, e.g. “不谢 bú xiè” (Don’t mention it), “不是 bú shì” (No, it isn’t). But “不” is still pronounced in the 4th tone (bù) when it precedes a syllable in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd tone, e.g. “不新 bù xīn” (not new), “不来 bù lái” (not come), “不好 bù hǎo” (not good).

“一 yī” is pronounced in the 2nd tone (yí) when it precedes a syllable in the 4th tone or a syllable in the neutral tone developed from the 4th tone, e.g. “一块 yí kuài” (a block/bar), “一个 yí gè” (a piece). But “一” is pronounced in the 4th tone (yì) when it precedes a syllable in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd tone, e.g. “一天 yì tiān” (a day), “一年 yì nián” (a year), “一起 yì qǐ ” (together).

Nice explanation!!

junemum72:

Anyone knows which centre in the east has creative writing for k2 students?

maybe you can try applepie creative writing. not sure if they have for K2

Any recommendation on English Speech and Drama with integration of Language development, character development and positive attitude formation?

60% maybe out of 10 can read 6 correctly?

Not very sure about Kumon chinese programmes, know them more in other programmes.

You can actually try Coronade.


It really depends on your budget. If you really want save money, can try Capitol Hotel also. Not bad, and very convenient.

Anyone heard of http://www.applepie.com.sg/category/holiday-programs-for-kids-in-singapore offered by Applepie Language?

is there any other http://www.applepie.com.sg/category/holiday-programs-for-kids-in-singapore?

ningy:

Hi

Has anyone taken a buget flght to KL and then to Sunway Lagoon ? Not sure whether there're coaches/ buses from the airport to Sunway Lagoon. If taking a cab, is there a kiosk selling taxi coupons at the airport too ?

TIA.

Not really. Actually you can take the arrowline, it go straight from Singapore to Sunway lagoon.