<<64 Days to 2015 PSLE Oral Examination>>



Myth: Oral is a test which your child cannot study for.
Truth: Your child can excel in the PSLE English oral exam he/she make constant practice and learning. Most students that scored A* for English do well for the oral component (It takes up 15 percent of the English paper). Fortunately oral skills are learnable and with practice and repetition, your child can conquer and ace the oral test.


Myth: “I told him to skip the difficult words in the reading passage… told him to come up with a story if he doesn’t know anything about the conversation topic.”
Truth: In our experience of teaching and coaching, we sometimes find well-meaning advice like the above-mentioned one to be more harmful than useful as the examiners are intelligent and experienced, they will not get fooled by this simple “trick”


“I have tried teaching my son to be more open not to be shy.. to speak louder...make eye contact… but he still lacked the confidence and not very fluent in articulation. How ah?
This is a common problem parents and classroom teaches face. So hopefully the following tips help your child to prepare better for the upcoming PSLE Oral Examination


Reading aloud
Pupils are assessed on their ability to PRONOUNCE and ARTICULATE WORDS CLEARLY, as well as their ability to read FLUENTLY with appropriate EXPRESSION and RHYTHM.
(What your child can do now – Read 2 oral passages (or a short essay) every day and treat it like the real Oral test. For every word that your child do not feel confident in articulating well, check the dictionary for the pronunciation of the word. Also, make sure your child is reading to someone (could be you) and checked if the listener is engaged and interested or was bored by the monotonous tone of your child)
- Pupils who read the passage quickly seldom score well because of 2 main reasons. Firstly, the accuracy of their pronunciation and fluency of the language will be affected. Secondly, the examiner might not be able to understand the pupil (During the actual test, the examiner will not tell the pupil that he/she is reading too fast, so your child have to gauge for himself). Hence, it is important for pupils to read at the right pace and pitch. However, some pupils still have the tendency to read the passage at a fast pace.


Conversation
Look at the teacher throughout the session. Keep eye contact and give him/her your most beautiful smile. Charm the examiner.
(Everyday, set aside 8min for this practice session. Sit down with your child and ask him/her an open ended question, different themes every day. So by the actual Oral Examination, your child would have experience handling questions from various themes and be more confident in his/her answers)
- For the actual examination, it is better to prepare words to say to buy time (so that your child can have more time to think for a more comprehensive answer)
Lastly,the oral examination can be treated like a performance, your child may not be confident in speaking, but for the 10-15min of the test, he/she have to show the examiner he/she is very confident and is proficient in speaking.


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<<64 Days to 2015 PSLE Oral Examination>>



Myth: Oral is a test which your child cannot study for.
Truth: Your child can excel in the PSLE English oral exam he/she make constant practice and learning. Most students that scored A* for English do well for the oral component (It takes up 15 percent of the English paper). Fortunately oral skills are learnable and with practice and repetition, your child can conquer and ace the oral test.


Myth: “I told him to skip the difficult words in the reading passage… told him to come up with a story if he doesn’t know anything about the conversation topic.”
Truth: In our experience of teaching and coaching, we sometimes find well-meaning advice like the above-mentioned one to be more harmful than useful as the examiners are intelligent and experienced, they will not get fooled by this simple “trick”


“I have tried teaching my son to be more open not to be shy… to speak louder…make eye contact… but he still lacked the confidence and not very fluent in articulation. How ah?
This is a common problem parents and classroom teaches face. So hopefully the following tips help your child to prepare better for the upcoming PSLE Oral Examination


Reading aloud
Pupils are assessed on their ability to PRONOUNCE and ARTICULATE WORDS CLEARLY, as well as their ability to read FLUENTLY with appropriate EXPRESSION and RHYTHM.
(What your child can do now – Read 2 oral passages (or a short essay) every day and treat it like the real Oral test. For every word that your child do not feel confident in articulating well, check the dictionary for the pronunciation of the word. Also, make sure your child is reading to someone (could be you) and checked if the listener is engaged and interested or was bored by the monotonous tone of your child)
- Pupils who read the passage quickly seldom score well because of 2 main reasons. Firstly, the accuracy of their pronunciation and fluency of the language will be affected. Secondly, the examiner might not be able to understand the pupil (During the actual test, the examiner will not tell the pupil that he/she is reading too fast, so your child have to gauge for himself). Hence, it is important for pupils to read at the right pace and pitch. However, some pupils still have the tendency to read the passage at a fast pace.


Conversation
Look at the teacher throughout the session. Keep eye contact and give him/her your most beautiful smile. Charm the examiner.
(Everyday, set aside 8min for this practice session. Sit down with your child and ask him/her an open ended question, different themes every day. So by the actual Oral Examination, your child would have experience handling questions from various themes and be more confident in his/her answers)
- For the actual examination, it is better to prepare words to say to buy time (so that your child can have more time to think for a more comprehensive answer)
Lastly,the oral examination can be treated like a performance, your child may not be confident in speaking, but for the 10-15min of the test, he/she have to show the examiner he/she is very confident and is proficient in speaking.

HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILDREN TO ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN 4 PRACTICAL STEPS


#01: CREATE A ROUTINE
Parents have to understand that they need not be the teachers and solutions to the child’s academic questions, they should be focusing on playing the role of a FACILITATOR. “Kids benefit from having structure in their home life,” says Michael Popkin, PhD, author of Helping Your Child Succeed in School and founder of Active Parenting Publishers. Draw up and establish a routine for your child early in the schooling life to reap maximum benefits. The routine serves as a guide for the child to live a systematic and productive childhood. Do monitor and enforce it closely when it Is at the initial phase, and if necessary, provide some gifts and rewards as motivation to get your child interested. Following a routine is also beneficial for the child in the long term as the importance of routine will be instilled in them as they will be better able to make their own plans and schedule as they get older.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Sit down with your children and work out a routine that compliments his current school timetable. Ensure that your children do have a say in the final outcome of this set of routine as this will instill a sense of accountability to them.

BONUS
Use IT Tools. Google Calendar is highly recommended for coming out with a family schedule. Key dates such as project deadlines/exam dates/family outing can be updated so that everyone in the household will be aware of it and make the necessary arrangements.


#02: USE THE RIGHT WORDS
Parents often speak to school-going children in an instructional and commanding voice. They have forgotten how they used to speak to the young ones so tenderly when they were only in pre- school. Once they step into formal schooling, parents speak to them like drill instructors with the expectations that they have to follow word for word. According to study, most children who are underperforming or underachieving in school experience low self- esteem and neglect. Put focus on effort rather than grades, “If they get a report card and they’ve got A’s and B’s and also one C, don’t just jump in on the C. Start with a focus on what they did well. Then talk about how they feel about the C and whether that represents good effort for them or if they need to work on it.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Examine your tone and attempt to speak with more patience and gentleness. Speak affirmation instead of accusations. They will respond more eagerly and will be more opened to share their struggles and joy with you.

BONUS
Let the kids overhear you praising them to others. See the positive aspects of your children and be proud of it, share it with people and the child’s self-esteem and self-confidence will be raised significantly.


#03: Create a suitable environment for your child
Provide your child with a proper and conducive study area that promotes learning. Ensure that this is a consistent designated study corner for your child. Most importantly, this area has to be significantly away from all possible distractions. We all know how TV and computers can be a huge competitor for your child’s attention, hence we really have to limit these activities to the minimum, at least on school nights. Try not to tempt your children by watching TV when they are doing their work.(Because as adults are facing a really tough battle with this temptation, don’t expect the kids to win this battle)

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Sit down with your child and list out all the possible distractions. Then, zone out the study corner in the house that would best fit the distraction-free criteria.

BONUS
Entertainment-only coupons. Each week, give out 5x1hour Entertainment-only coupons to your child which can be redeemed for TV/computer/leisure purposes. More coupons can be given to them as reward for their effort. Any coupons remaining at the end of the week can be cashed in for $2.


#04: Tripartite relationship is the KEY
This tripartite relationship involving Students, Parents and Teachers can only be well maintained if every stakeholder puts in an appropriate amount effort to do their part. For parents, do take the time and effort to communicate with the teachers, make the teachers your best ally. Work closely with them and hear from them the side of your child you may not see. Furthermore, tap on their expertise and seek feedback from them on how you can truly help your child specifically in the academic aspect.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Build a healthy relationship with teachers. You can start by writing a formal letter to thank them for their guidance and effort to nurture your child, after which ask them for their opinions and suggestions on how to improve on the current situation.

BONUS
Do give due praises to the teachers and form a strong relationship with them. They will be more inclined to go the extra mile to help you out as they see their efforts are being appreciated and affirmed. Take the effort to attend Parents Teachers Meeting and have a good discussion session with the teachers.

HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILDREN TO ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN 4 PRACTICAL STEPS


#01: CREATE A ROUTINE
Parents have to understand that they need not be the teachers and solutions to the child’s academic questions, they should be focusing on playing the role of a FACILITATOR. “Kids benefit from having structure in their home life,” says Michael Popkin, PhD, author of Helping Your Child Succeed in School and founder of Active Parenting Publishers. Draw up and establish a routine for your child early in the schooling life to reap maximum benefits. The routine serves as a guide for the child to live a systematic and productive childhood. Do monitor and enforce it closely when it Is at the initial phase, and if necessary, provide some gifts and rewards as motivation to get your child interested. Following a routine is also beneficial for the child in the long term as the importance of routine will be instilled in them as they will be better able to make their own plans and schedule as they get older.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Sit down with your children and work out a routine that compliments his current school timetable. Ensure that your children do have a say in the final outcome of this set of routine as this will instill a sense of accountability to them.

BONUS
Use IT Tools. Google Calendar is highly recommended for coming out with a family schedule. Key dates such as project deadlines/exam dates/family outing can be updated so that everyone in the household will be aware of it and make the necessary arrangements.


#02: USE THE RIGHT WORDS
Parents often speak to school-going children in an instructional and commanding voice. They have forgotten how they used to speak to the young ones so tenderly when they were only in pre- school. Once they step into formal schooling, parents speak to them like drill instructors with the expectations that they have to follow word for word. According to study, most children who are underperforming or underachieving in school experience low self- esteem and neglect. Put focus on effort rather than grades, “If they get a report card and they’ve got A’s and B’s and also one C, don’t just jump in on the C. Start with a focus on what they did well. Then talk about how they feel about the C and whether that represents good effort for them or if they need to work on it.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Examine your tone and attempt to speak with more patience and gentleness. Speak affirmation instead of accusations. They will respond more eagerly and will be more opened to share their struggles and joy with you.

BONUS
Let the kids overhear you praising them to others. See the positive aspects of your children and be proud of it, share it with people and the child’s self-esteem and self-confidence will be raised significantly.


#03: Create a suitable environment for your child
Provide your child with a proper and conducive study area that promotes learning. Ensure that this is a consistent designated study corner for your child. Most importantly, this area has to be significantly away from all possible distractions. We all know how TV and computers can be a huge competitor for your child’s attention, hence we really have to limit these activities to the minimum, at least on school nights. Try not to tempt your children by watching TV when they are doing their work.(Because as adults are facing a really tough battle with this temptation, don’t expect the kids to win this battle)

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Sit down with your child and list out all the possible distractions. Then, zone out the study corner in the house that would best fit the distraction-free criteria.

BONUS
Entertainment-only coupons. Each week, give out 5x1hour Entertainment-only coupons to your child which can be redeemed for TV/computer/leisure purposes. More coupons can be given to them as reward for their effort. Any coupons remaining at the end of the week can be cashed in for $2.


#04: Tripartite relationship is the KEY
This tripartite relationship involving Students, Parents and Teachers can only be well maintained if every stakeholder puts in an appropriate amount effort to do their part. For parents, do take the time and effort to communicate with the teachers, make the teachers your best ally. Work closely with them and hear from them the side of your child you may not see. Furthermore, tap on their expertise and seek feedback from them on how you can truly help your child specifically in the academic aspect.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Build a healthy relationship with teachers. You can start by writing a formal letter to thank them for their guidance and effort to nurture your child, after which ask them for their opinions and suggestions on how to improve on the current situation.

BONUS
Do give due praises to the teachers and form a strong relationship with them. They will be more inclined to go the extra mile to help you out as they see their efforts are being appreciated and affirmed. Take the effort to attend Parents Teachers Meeting and have a good discussion session with the teachers.

HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILDREN TO ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN 4 PRACTICAL STEPS


#01: CREATE A ROUTINE
Parents have to understand that they need not be the teachers and solutions to the child’s academic questions, they should be focusing on playing the role of a FACILITATOR. “Kids benefit from having structure in their home life,” says Michael Popkin, PhD, author of Helping Your Child Succeed in School and founder of Active Parenting Publishers. Draw up and establish a routine for your child early in the schooling life to reap maximum benefits. The routine serves as a guide for the child to live a systematic and productive childhood. Do monitor and enforce it closely when it Is at the initial phase, and if necessary, provide some gifts and rewards as motivation to get your child interested. Following a routine is also beneficial for the child in the long term as the importance of routine will be instilled in them as they will be better able to make their own plans and schedule as they get older.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Sit down with your children and work out a routine that compliments his current school timetable. Ensure that your children do have a say in the final outcome of this set of routine as this will instill a sense of accountability to them.

BONUS
Use IT Tools. Google Calendar is highly recommended for coming out with a family schedule. Key dates such as project deadlines/exam dates/family outing can be updated so that everyone in the household will be aware of it and make the necessary arrangements.


#02: USE THE RIGHT WORDS
Parents often speak to school-going children in an instructional and commanding voice. They have forgotten how they used to speak to the young ones so tenderly when they were only in pre- school. Once they step into formal schooling, parents speak to them like drill instructors with the expectations that they have to follow word for word. According to study, most children who are underperforming or underachieving in school experience low self- esteem and neglect. Put focus on effort rather than grades, “If they get a report card and they’ve got A’s and B’s and also one C, don’t just jump in on the C. Start with a focus on what they did well. Then talk about how they feel about the C and whether that represents good effort for them or if they need to work on it.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Examine your tone and attempt to speak with more patience and gentleness. Speak affirmation instead of accusations. They will respond more eagerly and will be more opened to share their struggles and joy with you.

BONUS
Let the kids overhear you praising them to others. See the positive aspects of your children and be proud of it, share it with people and the child’s self-esteem and self-confidence will be raised significantly.


#03: Create a suitable environment for your child
Provide your child with a proper and conducive study area that promotes learning. Ensure that this is a consistent designated study corner for your child. Most importantly, this area has to be significantly away from all possible distractions. We all know how TV and computers can be a huge competitor for your child’s attention, hence we really have to limit these activities to the minimum, at least on school nights. Try not to tempt your children by watching TV when they are doing their work.(Because as adults are facing a really tough battle with this temptation, don’t expect the kids to win this battle)

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Sit down with your child and list out all the possible distractions. Then, zone out the study corner in the house that would best fit the distraction-free criteria.

BONUS
Entertainment-only coupons. Each week, give out 5x1hour Entertainment-only coupons to your child which can be redeemed for TV/computer/leisure purposes. More coupons can be given to them as reward for their effort. Any coupons remaining at the end of the week can be cashed in for $2.


#04: Tripartite relationship is the KEY
This tripartite relationship involving Students, Parents and Teachers can only be well maintained if every stakeholder puts in an appropriate amount effort to do their part. For parents, do take the time and effort to communicate with the teachers, make the teachers your best ally. Work closely with them and hear from them the side of your child you may not see. Furthermore, tap on their expertise and seek feedback from them on how you can truly help your child specifically in the academic aspect.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Build a healthy relationship with teachers. You can start by writing a formal letter to thank them for their guidance and effort to nurture your child, after which ask them for their opinions and suggestions on how to improve on the current situation.

BONUS
Do give due praises to the teachers and form a strong relationship with them. They will be more inclined to go the extra mile to help you out as they see their efforts are being appreciated and affirmed. Take the effort to attend Parents Teachers Meeting and have a good discussion session with the teachers.

HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILDREN TO ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN 4 PRACTICAL STEPS


#01: CREATE A ROUTINE
Parents have to understand that they need not be the teachers and solutions to the child’s academic questions, they should be focusing on playing the role of a FACILITATOR. “Kids benefit from having structure in their home life,” says Michael Popkin, PhD, author of Helping Your Child Succeed in School and founder of Active Parenting Publishers. Draw up and establish a routine for your child early in the schooling life to reap maximum benefits. The routine serves as a guide for the child to live a systematic and productive childhood. Do monitor and enforce it closely when it Is at the initial phase, and if necessary, provide some gifts and rewards as motivation to get your child interested. Following a routine is also beneficial for the child in the long term as the importance of routine will be instilled in them as they will be better able to make their own plans and schedule as they get older.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Sit down with your children and work out a routine that compliments his current school timetable. Ensure that your children do have a say in the final outcome of this set of routine as this will instill a sense of accountability to them.

BONUS
Use IT Tools. Google Calendar is highly recommended for coming out with a family schedule. Key dates such as project deadlines/exam dates/family outing can be updated so that everyone in the household will be aware of it and make the necessary arrangements.


#02: USE THE RIGHT WORDS
Parents often speak to school-going children in an instructional and commanding voice. They have forgotten how they used to speak to the young ones so tenderly when they were only in pre- school. Once they step into formal schooling, parents speak to them like drill instructors with the expectations that they have to follow word for word. According to study, most children who are underperforming or underachieving in school experience low self- esteem and neglect. Put focus on effort rather than grades, “If they get a report card and they’ve got A’s and B’s and also one C, don’t just jump in on the C. Start with a focus on what they did well. Then talk about how they feel about the C and whether that represents good effort for them or if they need to work on it.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Examine your tone and attempt to speak with more patience and gentleness. Speak affirmation instead of accusations. They will respond more eagerly and will be more opened to share their struggles and joy with you.

BONUS
Let the kids overhear you praising them to others. See the positive aspects of your children and be proud of it, share it with people and the child’s self-esteem and self-confidence will be raised significantly.


#03: Create a suitable environment for your child
Provide your child with a proper and conducive study area that promotes learning. Ensure that this is a consistent designated study corner for your child. Most importantly, this area has to be significantly away from all possible distractions. We all know how TV and computers can be a huge competitor for your child’s attention, hence we really have to limit these activities to the minimum, at least on school nights. Try not to tempt your children by watching TV when they are doing their work.(Because as adults are facing a really tough battle with this temptation, don’t expect the kids to win this battle)

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Sit down with your child and list out all the possible distractions. Then, zone out the study corner in the house that would best fit the distraction-free criteria.

BONUS
Entertainment-only coupons. Each week, give out 5x1hour Entertainment-only coupons to your child which can be redeemed for TV/computer/leisure purposes. More coupons can be given to them as reward for their effort. Any coupons remaining at the end of the week can be cashed in for $2.


#04: Tripartite relationship is the KEY
This tripartite relationship involving Students, Parents and Teachers can only be well maintained if every stakeholder puts in an appropriate amount effort to do their part. For parents, do take the time and effort to communicate with the teachers, make the teachers your best ally. Work closely with them and hear from them the side of your child you may not see. Furthermore, tap on their expertise and seek feedback from them on how you can truly help your child specifically in the academic aspect.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Build a healthy relationship with teachers. You can start by writing a formal letter to thank them for their guidance and effort to nurture your child, after which ask them for their opinions and suggestions on how to improve on the current situation.

BONUS
Do give due praises to the teachers and form a strong relationship with them. They will be more inclined to go the extra mile to help you out as they see their efforts are being appreciated and affirmed. Take the effort to attend Parents Teachers Meeting and have a good discussion session with the teachers.

HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILDREN TO ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN 4 PRACTICAL STEPS


#01: CREATE A ROUTINE
Parents have to understand that they need not be the teachers and solutions to the child’s academic questions, they should be focusing on playing the role of a FACILITATOR. “Kids benefit from having structure in their home life,” says Michael Popkin, PhD, author of Helping Your Child Succeed in School and founder of Active Parenting Publishers. Draw up and establish a routine for your child early in the schooling life to reap maximum benefits. The routine serves as a guide for the child to live a systematic and productive childhood. Do monitor and enforce it closely when it Is at the initial phase, and if necessary, provide some gifts and rewards as motivation to get your child interested. Following a routine is also beneficial for the child in the long term as the importance of routine will be instilled in them as they will be better able to make their own plans and schedule as they get older.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Sit down with your children and work out a routine that compliments his current school timetable. Ensure that your children do have a say in the final outcome of this set of routine as this will instill a sense of accountability to them.

BONUS
Use IT Tools. Google Calendar is highly recommended for coming out with a family schedule. Key dates such as project deadlines/exam dates/family outing can be updated so that everyone in the household will be aware of it and make the necessary arrangements.


#02: USE THE RIGHT WORDS
Parents often speak to school-going children in an instructional and commanding voice. They have forgotten how they used to speak to the young ones so tenderly when they were only in pre- school. Once they step into formal schooling, parents speak to them like drill instructors with the expectations that they have to follow word for word. According to study, most children who are underperforming or underachieving in school experience low self- esteem and neglect. Put focus on effort rather than grades, “If they get a report card and they’ve got A’s and B’s and also one C, don’t just jump in on the C. Start with a focus on what they did well. Then talk about how they feel about the C and whether that represents good effort for them or if they need to work on it.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Examine your tone and attempt to speak with more patience and gentleness. Speak affirmation instead of accusations. They will respond more eagerly and will be more opened to share their struggles and joy with you.

BONUS
Let the kids overhear you praising them to others. See the positive aspects of your children and be proud of it, share it with people and the child’s self-esteem and self-confidence will be raised significantly.


#03: Create a suitable environment for your child
Provide your child with a proper and conducive study area that promotes learning. Ensure that this is a consistent designated study corner for your child. Most importantly, this area has to be significantly away from all possible distractions. We all know how TV and computers can be a huge competitor for your child’s attention, hence we really have to limit these activities to the minimum, at least on school nights. Try not to tempt your children by watching TV when they are doing their work.(Because as adults are facing a really tough battle with this temptation, don’t expect the kids to win this battle)

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Sit down with your child and list out all the possible distractions. Then, zone out the study corner in the house that would best fit the distraction-free criteria.

BONUS
Entertainment-only coupons. Each week, give out 5x1hour Entertainment-only coupons to your child which can be redeemed for TV/computer/leisure purposes. More coupons can be given to them as reward for their effort. Any coupons remaining at the end of the week can be cashed in for $2.


#04: Tripartite relationship is the KEY
This tripartite relationship involving Students, Parents and Teachers can only be well maintained if every stakeholder puts in an appropriate amount effort to do their part. For parents, do take the time and effort to communicate with the teachers, make the teachers your best ally. Work closely with them and hear from them the side of your child you may not see. Furthermore, tap on their expertise and seek feedback from them on how you can truly help your child specifically in the academic aspect.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Build a healthy relationship with teachers. You can start by writing a formal letter to thank them for their guidance and effort to nurture your child, after which ask them for their opinions and suggestions on how to improve on the current situation.

BONUS
Do give due praises to the teachers and form a strong relationship with them. They will be more inclined to go the extra mile to help you out as they see their efforts are being appreciated and affirmed. Take the effort to attend Parents Teachers Meeting and have a good discussion session with the teachers.