All About Preparing For Primary One

[BlueBells]

Hi JedaMum,


The creative writing class focus mainly on creative writing, ie. composition, and how to be more descriptive with words. Most English enrichment classes do encompass creative writing as part of its curriculum.

[jedamum]

simplyjo:

Just a few day ago, my eldest told me her father has a \"safety violation\" cos he was talking on his phone while driving! She later explained to me that she had pick up the words from TV programme :

I know which programme!!!
http://atv.disney.go.com/playhouse/safetypatrol/index.html!

[wsjjsl]

ChiefKiasu:

jedamum:

:shock:

Wow! Thanks!
I nearly fainted.... :?

Yeah... I used to think P1 is nothing and that all those parents trying to prepare their kids early for Primary school are just kiasu and want to make their children top the class - until I realize the school itself expects the children to be already steeped in such a culture! So by the time parents come to this realization, they panic and try to start the processes of external enrichment courses, and that gives the children a LOT more stress since they also have to cope with the work in P1.

IMO, parents who prepare their children early are really helping to give their children less stress by the time they go to school. The danger that kids will be bored in class is nothing compared to the self-confidence and self-esteem that the children gets when they have already been exposed to what the teachers are teaching.

It's like what I went through with my daughter. Both of us suffered through P1 because I did not prepare her with pre-P1 classes. All her other classmates are \"running\" where she is still trying to \"crawl\". Now I've prepared my son so hopefully he will have a better P1 than his sister.

[barney]

Can I check is it necessary to send the kids for P1 preparatory classes? My friends with primary school going kids have been asking me if I've already sign up any P1 preparatory class but I really do not know if it's necessary and if they are good?


Anyone who has sent their kids for such classes, please advise. Haiz, it's going to be one of those last minute preparation for me again.... :oops:

[2galsmum]

Precisely, once you start enrichment classess/ preparatory classes.....I guess you can never stop.


I start my gal, thinking they can enjoy mixing with other kids, but ends up become more and more kiasu after learning from others, what they do to their kids....hee. Some can line program from morning until late afternoon and willing burn own weekends. Really take my hat off!

Even though, we have been like that since they attend enrichment classes, even if we stop one, we will plan another for them.

[tamarind]

I don't believe in P1 preparatory classes, simply because I am very scared of last minute work. It is just too stressful.


Ideally a child should start preparing for P1 from 3 years old :lol:

A child should start to learn phonics at 3 years old. By 4 years old, he should be able to read simple books, for example, the Ladybird Keyword series book 3 and above. He should also be able to spell 2 and 3 letter words using phonics techniques.

By 5 years old, the child should start to write words. By 6 years old, in sentences. The same for both English and Chinese. For maths, the child should at least know simple addition and subtraction by K2, and probably start memorizing the 2 and 3 times table

Actually all the above can be done by the parents at home, not necessary to go to enrichment classes. The key is to start early, from 3 years old, and do consistent work every day.

[kaitlynangelica]

tamarind:

I don't believe in P1 preparatory classes, simply because I am very scared of last minute work. It is just too stressful.


Ideally a child should start preparing for P1 from 3 years old :lol:

A child should start to learn phonics at 3 years old. By 4 years old, he should be able to read simple books, for example, the Ladybird Keyword series book 3 and above. He should also be able to spell 2 and 3 letter words using phonics techniques.

By 5 years old, the child should start to write words. By 6 years old, in sentences. The same for both English and Chinese. For maths, the child should at least know simple addition and subtraction by K2, and probably start memorizing the 2 and 3 times table

Actually all the above can be done by the parents at home, not necessary to go to enrichment classes. The key is to start early, from 3 years old, and do consistent work every day.

Problem is I find the kids can't focus when the parents try to teach. But when you send for classes, they get scared of the teacher so they make an effort to pay attention. Also, I think in the classes, there is a certein amount of peer pressure.

[jedamum]

2galsmum:

Even though, we have been like that since they attend enrichment classes, even if we stop one, we will plan another for them.

Very true!!
My boy's math enrichment is ending and i have already check out creative writing courses.
It's the schedule/timing and bleak economy that is holding my kiasuism back....

[tamarind]

kaitlynangelica:

Problem is I find the kids can't focus when the parents try to teach. But when you send for classes, they get scared of the teacher so they make an effort to pay attention. Also, I think in the classes, there is a certein amount of peer pressure.

My 4 year old boy cannot focus whether it is in school or at home. His teacher has no patience teaching him. So no choice, I got to teach him at home.

[2galsmum]

tamarind:

Ideally a child should start preparing for P1 from 3 years old :lol:

Agree with you. I really wish to teach them myself, but ends up either scolding furiously or trying to be funny with them.. so I think better leave it to the teachers while we, the parents be the good guys!!