Literacy Circle - Discussion

[Happybirdks]

Hi


I am also interested in LC too for my K1 son. Just happened to pass by the Thomson branch, was looking at the notices on the door when one of the in charge person came out to talk to me. He is friendly and chattyl, but I do not know anything about the teachers and system there.

Is it mainly a reading program, where kids learn phonics? Do they provide overall english enrichment for older kids?

st999, can share your experience at the LC thomson branch?

[Happybirdks]

Just went to LC website to take a look.


The thomson branch seems very small and cramped. Is it really like that, st999?

Engkidz, the new one at Bukit Timah has a very spacious looking front area. Exactly which part of BT is it in?

I am staying in balestier area, so trying to see which is more convenient.

Thanks

[Trina]

Hi Happybirdks


It is located within Bukit Timah Plaza where NTUC Finest is. It’s on the same floor as Pizza Hut. There are 3-4 classrooms and very spacious.

Not sure about the program for preschoolers but from P1 onwards, the kids are taught various aspects of the language including grammar, vocabulary, reading etc. Spelling happens every week and they do compo, compre, oral, discussions etc every other week.The syllabus conforms to the MOE standards.

Hope this helps!

[st999]

Hi Happybirdks,


No, I don’t think Thomson branch is cramped. In fact, it is one of the best environment I’ve seen so far for enrichment classes, and I’ve seen quite a few while searching for the right ones. You should go inside and have a look yourself. They also have 2 larger classrooms upstairs.

My son is also in K1 this year. He has been going to LC since March or April last year. He had good foundation on phonics from his N1 teacher, so he progressed quite fast. He was in the LaunchPad for 3 terms before switched to LiftOff in Oct last year, and he is the youngest one in his class (other kids are in k2 or p1 already). Now his K1 teacher is saying that he is one the few kids in class who can read quite well. I have to credit this to LC for their good teachers and system, and to my hubby and myself for revising with him everyday. The biggest credit goes to my son; he is a hard-working kid.

I don’t know about other systems or LC for primary schoolers, so can’t comment on that. But the teachers I’ve seen at LC are all very nice. I definitely have no regret for not sending him to other better known schools.

[Engkidz]

Happybirdks:

Hi


I am also interested in LC too for my K1 son. Just happened to pass by the Thomson branch, was looking at the notices on the door when one of the in charge person came out to talk to me. He is friendly and chattyl, but I do not know anything about the teachers and system there.

Is it mainly a reading program, where kids learn phonics? Do they provide overall english enrichment for older kids?

st999, can share your experience at the LC thomson branch?

Hi Happybird

Yes my dd is in BT and it is on L1 of Bukit Timah Plaza (right above NTUC). It's the newest centre and it is still building up its classes. There are alot of tuition centre there and LC is downstairs from most of the others...
When I was shopping around I find that ICR and LC very similar and then they tell me that LC was started by ex ICR teachers! So I actualy question the teacher in assessment as I want to know which is best. She said that the program are similar but that there are a quite a few diff and then help to explain them to me.

So I tell u this because like ICR, LC have 2 phonics levels to prepare your little ones for the reading level (Liftoff), but then it have 6 Sucess level which are for Pri school students who can read. They teach exam skills, techniques and all the while encourage interaction in the class.
I think as this company is a franchise, the teaching is the same. My dd's teacher is asessed every 3 month for quality control.

I shop around quite a bit but very happy with my choice

[Happybirdks]

Hi Trina, st999 and Engkidz


Thanks so much for your info.

I just checked the street directory and found that the BT branch is too far off! I was hoping it is on the other end of BT, nearer my place. I will probably settle for Thomson branch.

I don’t think the website has the fees listed though, so can I know how much is the fee? How long is one session by the way?

[Engkidz]

Happybirdks:

Hi Trina, st999 and Engkidz


Thanks so much for your info.

I just checked the street directory and found that the BT branch is too far off! I was hoping it is on the other end of BT, nearer my place. I will probably settle for Thomson branch.

I don't think the website has the fees listed though, so can I know how much is the fee? How long is one session by the way?

Happybird the lesson is 90mins once a week.
The weekday rate is $399.85 per term, which is guarenteed 11 lesson.
I can't remember how much the weekend rate is but I think it's about $50 extra per term.

They waived the registration fee for me because I am Popular member. There is a refundable deposit of about $100 if I remember correctly. My dd materials is $15. Check with them when you go in for asessment for other promotion. Also there is a refer a friend promotion now so check with the branch you sign up with (I already refer my friend!).

[st999]

Happybirdks:

Hi Trina, st999 and Engkidz


Thanks so much for your info.

I just checked the street directory and found that the BT branch is too far off! I was hoping it is on the other end of BT, nearer my place. I will probably settle for Thomson branch.

I don't think the website has the fees listed though, so can I know how much is the fee? How long is one session by the way?

It's around $40 to $42 per lesson, each lesson is 1.5 hrs, lesson fees are payable per 10 or 11 lessons/term. I don't remember the exact number cuz we made the payment couple of months back. There is registration fee, but they sometimes run promotion to wave it. You can check with the centre for the promotion and correct amount. Also, as mentioned in previous posts, they do have the referral program that both referrer and referree get $30 or $60(in feb10) off the term fees.

I saw the picture on their website where you see a crowd at the reception area. I think it's probably taken when they were having open house. Anyway, you only see the crowd before/after classes when parents are dropping off/picking up their kids. It's usually very quiet after such busy time.

It's better if you go visit their centre and talk to the people about the program. Also, you might want to schedule in advance so that you can have your son assessed at the same time. It will give you a better understanding of their program and materials, and you can also meet at least one of the teachers.

by the way, there are a zoophonic and other enrichment centres in the same development. You can also check them out and do the comparison. Bear in mind that what works for one may not work for the other.

Good luck.

[titank]

Hi All,


Currently I have a training slot for my DD with ICR but it is on a weekday evening 7pm. Therefore really need to look at either ICR or LC for my DD where can settle on a weekend.

I'm considering between LC (Jurong East), LC (Thomson) & LC (Bt Timah). Maybe would need to bring my DD for an assessment then can decide further to take up.

From this thread, it can seem that the Bt Timah is the newest outlet. If anyone have try the foundation stage can share how is it so far? Seem like my DD whether have assessment a not would still be ending up in the foundation stage instead of launchpad.

[titank]

Here are the promotions, which one is the best? If get the one refer one whether still able to get free registration a not?


(1) Popular Card members are entitled to a waiver of the registration fee of $40 and 10% off the course fee for the next term.

http://www.postimage.org/

(2) DBS Cashline account holders are entitled to a waiver of the registration fee of $40 and 10% off course fee for next term.

http://www.postimage.org/

(3) OCBC credit card members can enjoy a 6 month interest free instalment scheme for payment above $500.

(4) Introduce-A-Friend Voucher


http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=PqQDHmi



(5) Parents who pay for two full terms’ course fees upfront are entitled to an additional 5% off the 2nd terms’ course fee. However the 2nd terms’ course fee is not refundable in the event of withdrawal.

(6) Ongoing SAFRA Club Promotion
• Waive registration fee ($40)
• 1 Free lesson (for the first term only)