[It works] Mind Stretcher Writer's Toolbox

In our family, as much as possible, we try to cope without enrichment.

However... In teaching composition, hubby and I met our dead-end. After spending time with our daughter doing a couple of English composition practice papers (more than three BOOKS) we admitted that we need a professional help. White flag.

Searching around, we found Mind Stretcher Writer's Toolbox program. So now, these are the pro and cons:

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1. Basically, every week a student need to compose, teacher will check, student depart with homework of copying her/his work with correction. This method, painful but effective, the idea, vocabulary, structure, and the corrections are committed into memory. Progress is visible. 

2. They also learn idioms, simile, poems, riddles, tongue twister, ... A good variety. Our daughter loves the jokes part. 

3. Reasonable fee, for that quality. 

4. They told me that class will still goes on even though with one student. That's a commitment I like!

5. Organized parent teacher meeting, so we get to discuss kiddo progress... Or lack of..

6. This is not related to Mind Stretcher but I think is important. To be able to express one's idea, written and verbal, is critical, no matter what profession you are in. Or, no matter what subject you are doing in school.

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I believe, nothing is perfect. Thing I hope to be changed is their system to notify no-lesson day. Parents are supposed to rely on letter or SMS. It's not exactly fail proof. I'd prefer a lesson calendar.

As with other post, I receive no compensation for my opinion. Still paying the course fee in full, GST and all...

14 August '16 update:

Regretfully, this year, I observed a decline in the teachers retention and quality. This is a real issue for any enrichment center. Material is still good. But of course, delivery is equally important.

[It Works] Letterland

Long time ago, I was a little skeptical about Letterland. I thought of it as just another one of hyped-up-commercially-exploited creation.

However, we've been converted now.

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1. Catchy tunes. My 3 years old son has been humming the tunes for a few months now.
2. Fun fun fun stories. Even my daughter cannot stop reading the book.
3. Bright beautiful colorful characters, both in illustration and in their story roles.
4. Well developed method of phonics introduction, making it easier for children to remember. 5. We did zoo-phonics with our first one, and we're impressed by the more wholesome approach. From single sound introduction, to digraphs, to more as we've yet to explore.
6. Letterland has almost everything we can think of. Games, workbook, storybook, flashcards,... To make learning continuous and fun.
7. They are available everywhere, not exclusive from the school.

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1. Limited range of product in Singapore.
2. They don't provide free online games as other brands do nowadays.
3. Some stuffs are literally breathtakingly expensive.

Another one is minus for me, plus for my son. He can't stop doing the workbook. So one book was finished up pretty quickly. :)

Kids Clinic @ Bishan

Darling daughter recently had nasty bout of high fever (for the first time, she exceeded 40degC). It lasted for 5 days. Friends and family were very supportive, lots of prayers for the poor girl.

A few also questioned the medicine. I know they only meant well. When the fever shot up, she looked very limp and weak, I myself wonder whether I'm doing the best for her. But amazingly I had this thought, that her doc surely has given the best possible treatment.

I came to realize how much I trusted her pediatrician, Dr Oh Meng Choo. She is thorough, even with very long queue outside, accurate, and kind.

The staff are great too. Helpful and friendly.

I am still impressed with thoughtful system implemented in the one pediatrician clinic. It works. Well, not perfectly, but they are indeed efficient.

Three nights in a week, they are open at night. Great help for working mothers!

So there... To all mommies who need a good doc:
Kids Clinic @ Bishan
Blk 116 Bishan St 12
#01-28 Singapore 570116

Tel: 63568909
Fax: 63569336

http://www.kidsclinicbishan.com/

PS: For a good doc, I'm willing to wait for an hour or two. So please be prepared. To me, result worth the wait.
PS2: I am also not fond of giving a lot, various, strong medicine. Dr Oh's prescription is normally simple, rarely antibiotic unless necessary.

PS3: She also does an excellent ear piercing for kids. First creamy local anesthesia is applied on the earlobes. Then the piercing is done in swift and comforting manner. Nice!

[It Works] Berries World of Learning School

We are non-Chinese-speaking family. Both hubby and I know nuts on the language.

However, realizing the benefit of speaking the language in this everything-are-made-in-China age, we were quite adamant (until now) that our offspring pick-up our ancestor's tongue.

Background wise, my first born has tried 'Growing Up Gifted' bilingual enrichment class and Hua Language School before (both are located in United Square).

And since Nursery age we were introduced to a tutor who comes to our house once a week. She's also good, but I'm not sure whether she'd like to be broad casted here.

Last year, back from Parent-Teacher-Conference, I searched for more Chinese school to top up the home tutor. Because the teacher's feedback is that kid-no-1 oral Chinese needs improvement. So we contemplate between increasing the home-tutor frequency and an enrichment class. Finally we opt for class, where, by right, she can interact with her class mate. And... different exposure is good too...

Landed on Bishan's Berries.

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1. They, at least they do give impression of, know their stuff. Curriculum, teaching materials are well prepared. Simple toys such as telephony-cups are included, which yield young kids motivation. If not to learn the Chinese, at least to go for lessons.
2. Teachers are kids friendly. Especially this year, I started 3 years old kid-no-2 too. He loves his teachers there now, after less than 2 months.
3. Gradually difficulties level is increased or mixed. Initially, I thought that they are teaching easier words to accommodate English-speaking kids. But I grew to realize that they are trying to strike a balance. Delicate work, but hey is works.
4. This impressed me. They have a unique system where you can collect lesson-voucher as MC replacement (can be used to offset next term fee). Taking make-up lesson at any day is highly encourage too. Arrangements are surprisingly easy. On top of the two method, we can also arrange one-to-one make up class with shorter class duration. With three option, it's difficult to waste the fee. Leaving me thinking, why didn't all school do the same...
5. The teachers do speak English. Even if it's simple English. Kids won't be so scared then.

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Bad thing for me, but good for the kids.
Parents beware. Berries GIVES homework. Full stop. Every week, kids need to complete a homework which the parents are expected to mark.
Bright side, forcing me to learn too...

How? Let's leave it for another post, need to put two rascals to sleep now. They've been joking and joking on the bed.

[Post published edit] In June '13 haze, Berries has proven to be a good educational institute. They have reacted promptly to enable home based learning for the week affected by the haze. It is not required of them, but they did it. Three cheers for all service provider that goes the extra mile!