I think the priority is largely based on my hubby and my oberservations. I'll start from observing how they do their work at home and school. Eg. if she's poor in Maths. I will try to assess whether she has problems understanding the question, or problem finding the solution, or is it plain carelessness. If it is the first case, i'll improve her language skills first instead of working on her Maths. If it's methodology, she has to relearn her heuristics, either from me or from others. If it is carelessness, I wouldn't send her to enrichment centres, but will increase my alert in this area and train her to be more careful in her daily chores. Eg. like packing her bag, sweeping the floor. I believe it's an attitude that needs changing.


For my kids, roughly this is what they have per week....
Academic enrichment either none or one. If the child is weak, i'll choose the one she wants to see most improvement in. Can't afford to overdose 1 kid, else will have to undernourish another...

Music lesson is a must have for everyone though.

Outdoor play time (eg. cycling/inline skating) once/twice a week.

aiyo... Guess this forum made me seriously reflect and recount all events. didn't realise so much work has to be done by parents leh!

Kudos to all moms and dads! jia you.

hi


I'm working part-time juggling with 4 kids (2yrs to 12 yrs). I understand how difficult it is to arrange the schedule and transport for each n everyone of them. But I'm thankful that the puzzle seems to fit when I prioritize my kids' needs.

Some enrichment centres I found to be good for my kids are: Morris Ellen, Lorna Whiston, The Learning Lab, Maths Olympiad Training Hub. I send them based on their present weakness and the potential I see in them. I used to believe that my kids can do without any extra help besides their schools. As the years go by, I realised this new generation is so different. My brighter child needs more challenges and extra stimuli, the less intellectual one needs more guidance, the average child needs more play n motivation. It's really difficult to have different teaching styles at home. If I sense a difference in their learning curve, based on their attitude, concentration, enthusiasm and results, I'll know that programme/ teacher is making a difference in my child's life.

When a child struggles and is willing to be helped. I see my role in their lives to be that support, to source around for the best possible help we can offer them.

Financially, the kids were guided to do their own budgeting. They are given a set of standards to achieve in schools. If they attain the target, they can plan their little excursions or outings. However, if the finances need to be directed to help in their academic developments, the 'play' budget has to be sacrificed. They will decide which 'playarea' to sacrifices. Trust me, this makes my role much easier, as I'm not the 'bad' person taking the benefit away from the kids. As such, they understand that extra lessons are only to help them and is dispensable. They all know Mommy loves to see them play!

Hope my sharing helps.

hi itskryptic


Like you, I’ve devoted much time to monitoring my children. Very rightly so, each child learns differently. I have more than 3 kids and I definitely understand this.

For better understanding of the situation, perhaps I’ll provide more info. I’ve been with my kids throughout their learning process and especially so for the enrichment programmes which we commit ourselves to. I believe a year’s monitoring is a reasonable amount of time for a fair assessment of the programme. I do not support changing centres unless it is deemed necessary. Fortunately, for my kids, I managed to enrol them for other programmes to try for a shorter period (ie a month) and results are remarkable.

As parents, it’s always a joy to see our kids love learning and not feel frustrated. I’m happy to see my kids grow in their love of learning in other centres. And especially so when I can see results.

Itskryptic, I’m glad MS works well for u.

Hi,


My reply might come a little late. I have 2 children in MindStretcher EL programme. They had been there for more than a year. From my personal evaluation, the progress is rather slow. In fact, the weaker areas eg. comprehension and composition still remains. 1 of my daughters is in the high achiever EL class. I’ve yet to see results too.

I’m intending to switch enrichment centres for them. The only factor holding me back is the cheaper fees compared to other centres. So, if you can afford more, my personal advice is to try others. Mindstretcher is okay as a safety net, so that your kids won’t fall far below average. But to see improvements for average kids, maybe it takes a while more.

Any other parents would like to comment?