Folks,


Just wanna share some pointers with you regarding science kits.

Avoid the plastic prisms. They don't work. Kiddo bought one from a science fair in his school canteen and it doesn't refract light well. Nothing comes close to the glass ones in the school's science lab.

If you are getting a microscope, get one that you could use, too. If you can't focus and see, chances are kiddo will not be able to see, too. Most of the microscopes in TRU are more toy than apparatus, in my opinion. The shop at Omni-theatre carries some decent scopes.


Cheers!

Padre

P/S: Yes, I have both the prism that can't refract light and the microscope that is permanently out of focus.

The best time to start IT is NOW.


Computers have already become an integral part of our lives.

I might have mistaken but I sensed that somewhere between pg 2-3, there were some confusions equating IT to computer games.

From even a very young age, we can show our children how we use computers in our life. Showing them how we use email or web cam is a good start. I chat with my family via webcam whenever I go on business trips.

Build up a list of good children’s website and visit with them from time to time. In fact, I frequently involve kiddo in our meal planning. We would visit allrecipe.com and he would help me select the recipes. Designing and printing invitation cards are also good activities to begin with.

Kiddo also got to use my digital cam. At the end of our outings, it would be his job to download the photos from the cam to the PC. Iguess it is all these little things that made him comfortable at operating computers.

Kiddo was first exposed to ‘formal IT education’ at P1 as part of the school’s curriculum. By P2, he was already proficient in using Word and Powerpoint. This has come in useful in upper primary. His projects are quite heavy and typically require submission of 2 drafts before the final report. All these require the use of word processors. Being able to type fast is a naturally an advantage.

In fact, in his current school, Ask and Learn is the chosen e-learning platform and being comfortable with using a computer definitely helps when attempting the timed assessments.

So, help your kids get acquainted with your home PC. They will need to use it someday.


Cheers!

Padre

Folks,


I stayed in the Chalet some time back.

It's a very kampung kind of lodge with detached bathrooms.

Yes, a big part of the island has been gazetted for the Tropical Marine Science Institute (http://www.tmsi.nus.edu.sg). They have an outreach programme where the public can sign up to visit the research facilities. Unfortunately, our visit did not coincide with one.

Some of the things we did during our stay:
1. Walking among the multitude of fiddler crabs on the beach
2. Taking an intertidal walk during the low tides. You'll be surprised at what you can see.
3. Watching the sun set.
4. Watch the mainland's cityscape light up the horizon.
5. Cooking in the well-equiped kitchen was some fun for the whole family.

Cheers!

Padre

P/S: The turtles on Kusu island are really, turtles. They live in a very deplorable condition in the man-made lagoon. Some baby turtles were starved to death. They, in turn, became food for their siblings. So sad....

Hi leeven,


Congratulations.

I hope you have a better idea of what to expect after the briefing on Wednesday.

My kiasu wife actually visited the schools we short-listed when kiddo got into GEP last year. They both liked ACS(P).

Incidentally, ACS(P) is holding a fund-raising carvinal tomorrow. Bring your family there to have a taste of ACS culture, esp the parental involvement. I think it would not be incorrect to say it's 'unparalleled'.

Finding a parking lot would be a challenge but shuttle service is available from Newton Food Centre CP.

Cheers! :celebrate:

Padre

Ok Buds,


Avatar changed for your sake

Hi Joy,


Do you have the subscription contact?

I think it's a very good magazine. Kiddo usually picks it up from Cheers but the circulation is rather irregular so sometimes, he came away disappointed

Please share the contact with me if you have.

Many thanks!

Padre.

Hi guys,


Thanks for the warm welcome.I've wrapped up my work for today so I'm back to scour the forum for :?:

Kiddo just got back his SA2 results. I think he could do with some help with Maths. I was able to coach him for all his subjects but when he started GEP, I have to wash my hands off Maths - too chim, can't help him.

Hopefully, there are good holiday Maths programmes that he can sign up for.

Two more weeks to school holidays! Yes! No more reveille at 5:30!


Padre.

Hi everyone,


I'm father to a 10 yo and a 2 yo, both boys.

I stumbled upon this site when I was looking for Maths courses for my elder son.

It's heartening to see so many concerned parents coming together to share valuable resources for our children's sake.


Cheers!

Padre

P/S: Anyone else feeling like this? :snooze: