<![CDATA[P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples]]>Hi,


I’m not sure if this is the right page for this post. Chief, please feel free to move it if it is in the wrong place.

I’m a mom to twins who are in K2 this year. After reading all about what many of the schools expect from children in P1 and also what many of the parents are doing, I am now coming to the realization that my kids are under prepared! Other than child care they have just started Kumon for Maths since this month.

Is there any one with twins and/or higher order multiples who are in the same boat as me (P1 in 2010). I would like to know if both your kids are the same where it comes to studies and how do you manage to get them both to study at the same time (without any fights happening)

Thanks!
Vividlaurel

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/2002/p1-preparation-for-parents-of-mutliplesRSS for NodeSat, 13 Jun 2026 14:24:49 GMTThu, 12 Feb 2009 06:14:32 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:57:36 GMT]]>

VVJJ:
Morning vi,


Like i mentioned, these signs should disappear when kids enter into P1. Hence, there's really no concern about this at the current moment since your kid is still young. Just keep monitoring them and correct them whenever they made the alphabet flipping mistakes.. Mine is cos she's still showing these signs depsite being in P3 alreadi that i had to bring her for dyslexic assessment...
Thanks VVJJ. I haven't still spoken to her teacher but will this week. Let me see what she has to say. Maybe I'll moniter for for a few months and if this continues, I'll have her tested.

How are the reactions to your daughter in school? Is the school supportive of her dyslexia?

Vididlaurel

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/18119https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/18119Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:57:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 01:07:09 GMT]]>Morning vi,


Like i mentioned, these signs should disappear when kids enter into P1. Hence, there’s really no concern about this at the current moment since your kid is still young. Just keep monitoring them and correct them whenever they made the alphabet flipping mistakes… Mine is cos she’s still showing these signs depsite being in P3 alreadi that i had to bring her for dyslexic assessment…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17790https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17790Mon, 23 Feb 2009 01:07:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 02:59:42 GMT]]>

Twins:


Haha, I myself, am a leftie (yes, the mummy!!). My 3 boys are all right handed. My mum never forced me to change. And they say lefties are bright and creative... :lol:

All the best!!
Hi Twins,

Thanks for the encouragement. I also hope it's not dylexia and just something she outgrows. In any case on Monday, I'll talk to her teachers and see what they say.

Vividlaurel

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17670https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17670Sat, 21 Feb 2009 02:59:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:41:11 GMT]]>

vividlaurel:
VVJJ:


She's a left handed, like me.. but mild dyslexic.. so coaching her is enough to drain my energy away. On the other hand, i'm actuali glad that i'm able to accomplish the task daily whenever i tuck them to sleep. A kinda of self satisfaction 😄

Hi VVJJ,

I want to ask you something - you mention that your younger gal is left handed - my girl is also the same. When she or you were younger, did you and she write letters/numbers from left to right instead of right to left? My girl for example if she has to write the number 56 will write instead 65. She knows she has to write 5 first and then 6, but she starts from the right side of the box meaning will write 5 first and then put 6 before it. To her she is right, but when we read it it is wrong. Also she writes mirror images of words a lot. I had asked her K1 teacher about it and she said that many kids in her class used to do it. But now I am getting worried - if she is like this in P1, she'll lose a lot of marks in exams and also in class work. Do you think I should test her?

I'll be really grateful if you can answer my questions.

Vividlaurel

Hi vividlaurel

Haha, I myself, am a leftie (yes, the mummy!!). My 3 boys are all right handed. My mum never forced me to change. And they say lefties are bright and creative... :lol:

Don't worry about the writing in reflective ways. My elder twin (in K2) writes \"9\" as \"P\", plus he so confidently gives me the completed work thinking it was all \"so easy\"!! A lot of other reflective examples as well but hard to put down here as some characters don't exist!!

Bottomline is - - they will outgrow it - i have friends who told me and I aslo read it somewhere. Just gently remind them when they make the mistake.

As for the writing from right to left, hmm, that's interesting and it didn't happen to me so I can't comment. but again, I believe with mummy's guidance and gentle reminders, the child can be \"conditioned\" properly.

All the best!!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17626https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17626Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:41:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:34:17 GMT]]>

VVJJ:
Hi Vivi,


When she's younger, she used to write the \"flip\" ways.. eg.. d to b, 65 can be 56. Capital letter can appear in the middle of a word. I thought she will outgrown by the time she's in P1. P1 and P2, she's still having problems.. and to make it worse, she can difficulty in spelling. Earlier this yr, I send her to Dylsexic Assocation for assessment. And now, she's confirmed a mild dyslexic and will need to attend their course on phonics.

Usually, kids will correct themselves by the time they are in P1. I had myself to blame for not noticing this earlier.

Vivi, you can refer to http://www.das.org.sg for more details.
Hi VVJJ,

Yes, my girl also does all that your girl used to do. Now I am a bit worried, maybe I should get her tested at the association before she goes to P1. I just checked the link you sent to me and see that a note from the teachers is needed. I'll talk to her teachers on Monday and then maybe send her for testing. Better to know now instead of later when it may be too late. Thanks for the link...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17550https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17550Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:34:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:22:42 GMT]]>Hi Vivi,


When she's younger, she used to write the \"flip\" ways.. eg.. d to b, 65 can be 56. Capital letter can appear in the middle of a word. I thought she will outgrown by the time she's in P1. P1 and P2, she's still having problems.. and to make it worse, she can difficulty in spelling. Earlier this yr, I send her to Dylsexic Assocation for assessment. And now, she's confirmed a mild dyslexic and will need to attend their course on phonics.

Usually, kids will correct themselves by the time they are in P1. I had myself to blame for not noticing this earlier.

Vivi, you can refer to http://www.das.org.sg for more details.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17548https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17548Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:22:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:15:41 GMT]]>

VVJJ:

She's a left handed, like me.. but mild dyslexic.. so coaching her is enough to drain my energy away. On the other hand, i'm actuali glad that i'm able to accomplish the task daily whenever i tuck them to sleep. A kinda of self satisfaction 😄
Hi VVJJ,

I want to ask you something - you mention that your younger gal is left handed - my girl is also the same. When she or you were younger, did you and she write letters/numbers from left to right instead of right to left? My girl for example if she has to write the number 56 will write instead 65. She knows she has to write 5 first and then 6, but she starts from the right side of the box meaning will write 5 first and then put 6 before it. To her she is right, but when we read it it is wrong. Also she writes mirror images of words a lot. I had asked her K1 teacher about it and she said that many kids in her class used to do it. But now I am getting worried - if she is like this in P1, she'll lose a lot of marks in exams and also in class work. Do you think I should test her?

I'll be really grateful if you can answer my questions.

Vividlaurel

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17547https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17547Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:15:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:56:29 GMT]]>Hi Vivi, Twins,


Thanks for the encouragement and feedback.. Yes , have been reading to the boys nightly.. I just hope to see miracle.. and hope they will be able to read back to me one day.. Now it seems that they memorise the sentence whenever they read the story back to me.. I wanted them to recognise, not memorise.. difficult task and need lots of patience..

My P6 gal has lots of homework daily. Local education is not easy. However, I'm spending more time on my younger gal instead.. She's a left handed, like me.. but mild dyslexic.. so coaching her is enough to drain my energy away. On the other hand, i'm actuali glad that i'm able to accomplish the task daily whenever i tuck them to sleep. A kinda of self satisfaction 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17537https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17537Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:56:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:48:25 GMT]]>

Twins:


Haha, I should also add that I too have 3 kids - - the twins and a 3.5 yrs boy (they are 21 months apart!) \"Hard life\" for me when the youngest was born! But now all 3 boys having fun with each other.

Above all, as parents, let's all remember to help our beloved children enjoy the journey of continuous learning!
Hi Twins,

I now know that there are many courageous moms out there! How you could take this decision I don't know....For me every month that I am late, I get the jitters! :oops:

I am a working mom now, but am seriously considering working either flexi hours or on a part time basis once the kids go to P1. I know that if I am around, it will be easier to teach them and yes, knowledge of English is very important as even Maths is English based.

Last I loved your last line - lets all together helps our lovely kiddos enjoy learning...

Thanks girls, I am really glad I found you all here... :celebrate:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17521https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17521Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:48:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:43:25 GMT]]>

VVJJ:
Hi Vividlaurel,


dun be shocked!! I've 2 gals as well.. total 4 kids.. my eldest gal is sitting for PSLE this yr.. 2nd gal in P3 😄

I'm still considering school for my boys.. wanted to put them to Maris Stella but i have rec'd many feedbacks fm my friends that since my boys can't really understand Chinese, i should reconsider another school..

What's ur view?
Wow VVJ!

How do you manage??? :? With just these two I am exhausted all the time. I just can't imagine 2 more kids - one in P6 too this year!

Ok, its confession time, I'm not a Singaporean and so I don't know the school system here. But if your boys are not that fluent in Chinese and if Maris Stella is a SAP School, then maybe you should reconsider putting them there. Isn't there any other good school nearby? Also do your girls go to a girls school?

Vividlaurel

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17520https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17520Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:43:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:24:04 GMT]]>

vividlaurel:
Imp75:

twins of 2.5 yrs old + 1 singleton of 4.5yrs old.


Wow Imp75, they must all be a handful! All boys?? :lol:

Hi vivialaurel

Haha, I should also add that I too have 3 kids - - the twins and a 3.5 yrs boy (they are 21 months apart!) \"Hard life\" for me when the youngest was born! But now all 3 boys having fun with each other.

However, I took a much thot-thru decision to be a SAHM for this year (actually on no pay leave and am thankful to my boss for supporting my decision) and so far, am enjoying the bonding time I have with them, plus the extra time I now have to read to the twins and guide them in Maths.

I realise with the last few weeks spent on them so far, the younger twin actually has improved in attention span and I can see him trying. He still takes a longer time to grasp but he does eventually \"get it\"! For me, I'm cultivating my Patience level (ha ha! - it can be trying sometimes).

VVJJ: My Little advice to you is that apart from the extra classes for your twins, you should consider giving some time to them each day, maybe for a start - reading to them - if you haven't already started. Just 15 mins sitting with them to read them a book every day, I assure you, you can see a difference after some weeks - this is great bonding time with them, and nothing beats reading, reading and reading. It also cultivates the children's interst in reading. After a while, my boys even start to take the books out and asks me to read or tries to read on their own. The ability to read is also important in that it helps the child to read the problem sums in Maths, which are now even found in P1 Maths - no longer just \"2+4= _\" or \"10-4=_\".

Above all, as parents, let's all remember to help our beloved children enjoy the journey of continuous learning!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17475https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17475Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:24:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:12:26 GMT]]>Hi Vividlaurel,


dun be shocked!! I've 2 gals as well.. total 4 kids.. my eldest gal is sitting for PSLE this yr.. 2nd gal in P3 😄

I'm still considering school for my boys.. wanted to put them to Maris Stella but i have rec'd many feedbacks fm my friends that since my boys can't really understand Chinese, i should reconsider another school..

What's ur view?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17474https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17474Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:12:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:30:41 GMT]]>

VVJJ:
Hi, I'm a newbie here.. found the site by chance 😄 and i must say it's a useful site!!


I've a twin boys too.. going to P1 next yr.. hyperactive and refuse to learn anything. Elder is smart but tends to forget fast too. Younger one is slow. I'm having problems coaching them given that they have short attention span. In addition, think they do not know the seriousness of \"study\". I'm also getting worried cos most kids by their age should be able to read/write..

Have enrolled them for english/chinese/maths extra classes. Now crossing my fingers that they will be able to at least grasp something fm these lessons...
Hi VVJJ,

Welcome here! Guess there are quite a few twins who will be in P1 next year! Some of your problems are quite similar to me, maybe we should exchange notes!

Which school are you looking at?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17470https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17470Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:30:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:29:09 GMT]]>

Imp75:
twins of 2.5 yrs old + 1 singleton of 4.5yrs old.

Wow Imp75, they must all be a handful! All boys?? :lol:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17469https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17469Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:29:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:19:01 GMT]]>Hi, I'm a newbie here.. found the site by chance 😄 and i must say it's a useful site!!


I've a twin boys too.. going to P1 next yr.. hyperactive and refuse to learn anything. Elder is smart but tends to forget fast too. Younger one is slow. I'm having problems coaching them given that they have short attention span. In addition, think they do not know the seriousness of \"study\". I'm also getting worried cos most kids by their age should be able to read/write..

Have enrolled them for english/chinese/maths extra classes. Now crossing my fingers that they will be able to at least grasp something fm these lessons...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17468https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17468Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:19:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:37:03 GMT]]>twins of 2.5 yrs old + 1 singleton of 4.5yrs old.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17465https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17465Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:37:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:51:29 GMT]]>

Imp75:
Hi all Multiple Mummies


How do you \"teach\" your multiples when they were much younger, say 2 yrs old? Do you have issues on their concentration span or motor skills?
Hi Imp75,

At around the age of 2, my kids had an attention span of just few minutes (max would be 10 mins). So I would try to teach them all the time. Like if we are going somewhere, show them say a bus and say bus starts with the letter B. Or say if car is parked in carpark C, then ask for something else that starts with the letter.

Do you have twins/triplets?

Vividlaurel

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17458https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17458Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:51:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:39:03 GMT]]>Hi all Multiple Mummies


How do you "teach" your multiples when they were much younger, say 2 yrs old? Do you have issues on their concentration span or motor skills?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17453https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17453Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:39:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:33:23 GMT]]>Hi Nonkiasu and Twins,


It’s lovely to see that there are quite a few of here, with twins of the same age.

Twins, I also have the same problem as you - my son who picks up things fast, will try and coach his sister, who needs time to do her work, it’s very frustrating I know!

Since we live in Bukit Panjang, I am planning on Beacon Primary for my two.

Vividlaurel

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17435https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17435Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:33:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:24:53 GMT]]>

mmpiglet:
Hi Vividlaurel,


I have twin sons who will be in P1 next year. I am also having a hard time preparing them for P1. So far they have maths, chinese and reading enrichment classes.

Both of them are different when it comes to studies. My elder boy hates doing homework whilst the younger one is ok with it. They were born in December, thus they are quite slow compared to their peers. I am not able to make them study at the same time, so I will do work with them one at a time but only a very short period of time as they have short attention spans.
Hi mmpiglet,

Yes for me too, both are different. My son, although he picks up things very fast and has a good memory, just hates to write. He will make all sorts of excuses to avoid writing and if forced to write, will write shabbily. My daughter on the other hand needs more time to get things in her head. Also since she is a lefty, her sense of perception is a bit distorted and she often writes things from right to left instead of the usual left to write, so I need to sit with her.

Since I am working full time, I am not able to spend as much time with them as I would like to. Do you have any hints that you can share? We can share ideas since both of us are essentially in the same place.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17432https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17432Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:24:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:35:15 GMT]]>Hi nonkiasu,


Oh ya, I let my boy use magic pens too, think it made a big difference to his attention span as he can use different colours for all exercises. Now he's a proud owner of a new box of 48 coloured magic pens I just replenished for him. He has lots of chops and stickers too for that matter. He has never used pencils since young. Actually magic pens are alot smoother to write and grasp as compared to pencils.
[quote]Hopefully, there is no side-effect using marker to learn writing.[/quote]But now, bec K2 starts to have H/W, he will use pencil just for his school work. Don't think there is any side effect lar... Think his handwriting (from magic pens) is very neat too, using lead (pencils) usually very untidy as his hands will touch and leave marks around the paper, not to mention, got to erase the mistakes, so got all the rubber shavings all over plus need sharpen the pencils somemore.
[quote]Is this your daily schedule? [/quote]By and large, that's almost it. Of course, different nights, I will do different topics just for the variety. So at hand, I have easily 20 books to choose from. Sometimes, I will print out self-made 'mock tests' to make him do those so that he's used to the syllabus for pri school. Questions are from the pass year test papers from those popular schools.

This KiasuParents website is very good for the parents here are so generous to share all the good sites and useful info. Just that you got to follow their threads to 'dig' those gold (good sites) out.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17159https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17159Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:35:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:18:16 GMT]]>

winth:
We usually start our work at 7pm, so I had to skip dinner (with some snacks beforehand)..

Hi, Winth. Wow, so organised. I am impressed too! Is this your daily schedule?

Altho I spend 1.5 hrs w each of my son each night, a lot of the time is spent on art-and-craft esp my elder one who likes drawing and colouring. All 3 like to cut. So when they are bore with my teaching or writing, they will get to do art-and-craft and back again. Own time own target, no time limit on any activities. Also, I will let them choose what they want to learn or write.
Once I uses the red and blue marker pen to emphaise the words, they wanted to use the marker to write too. I let them be and surprisely, they are so happily writing away - much longer duration than using pencil. Hopefully, there is no side-effect using marker to learn writing.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17156https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17156Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:18:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:47:45 GMT]]>

mmpiglet:
Hi Vividlaurel,


I have twin sons who will be in P1 next year. I am also having a hard time preparing them for P1. So far they have maths, chinese and reading enrichment classes.

Both of them are different when it comes to studies. My elder boy hates doing homework whilst the younger one is ok with it. They were born in December, thus they are quite slow compared to their peers. I am not able to make them study at the same time, so I will do work with them one at a time but only a very short period of time as they have short attention spans.
hi mmpiglet and vividlaurel

I'm a mum with twins boys in K2 this year too! Hello hello , so nice to hear there are so many pairs of twins of the same age!!

I too, have to separate the boys when i coach them...my elder one is the one who picks up very fast and enjoys \"helping\" the Di Di by giving him the answer - - so frustrating for me, and di di!!

I believe as a mum to your own kids, you will know best on what motivates them, keeps their attention span up etc. Perhaps a little reward at the end of the session may work. Or start a reward chart where u give a star sticker (or something meaningful) if they complete your given task. 10 stars will mean a certain reward...trip to the zoo, an ice cream treat etc. With twins, the reward chart can create a little healthy competition between the 2.

Just my 2 cents worth... 😉

May I know what school you have in mind for your twins?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17152https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17152Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:47:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to P1 Preparation for parents of mutliples on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:26:03 GMT]]>Winth


I salute you la ! even can sacrifice your dinner to coach your son ! kudos to you !

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17146https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/17146Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:26:03 GMT