Tuition vs No Tuition

A minister ever mentioned before "Tuition is not needed under our education system"  She received backslash from parents who currently have mid to upper primary kids or who's kids have just completed their primary school years recently. Why not, make her do the silly Math questions? Why not make our Education Minister do too? 

So, do our kids need to have tuition or not? 

This is my take - only if the kid needs it. You know your child better, I still believe that parents are the best teachers. However, I'm aware that not many mummies can leave their jobs to be a SAHM. Also not many SAHM are not as crazy and pro-education like me who is very hands on.

It doesn't mean that kids who have tuition score better than those who do not.

And why did I sent my older girl to tuitions then? I held back certain subjects until a later time when I can't manage, then I outsource. And although my girl has tuitions, I still do work with her. Afterall she only gets to see her tutors once a week. I take over some things which I can coach her in, and if I can't - I taichi to the teachers. I believe to educate a child, we need a close teamwork with the teachers in school and at home. 

 

TIME MGT

Having tuition takes up time. I've seen it for myself, with a younger kid and an older kid I've been struggling to manage time between the two. When I plan a tuition, it must blend well with the other kid. But if one teacher tells me I need to change a schedule - OMG! it's mad. I can't change!! If I had one kid to manage, probably it'll be easier for me. I have friends who start to laden their kids with tons of classes in Kindergarten. Poor kids, they'll be burnt out even before Primary 6. ( No wonder we have more suicidal kids; more problematic kids. ) Anyway, out of concern I tell my friends to cut down their kids' classes. But they tell me "No... it's absolutely necessary!" Okay, I keep my mouth shut.

When the child gets older, supp classes, SYFs, extra practices etc.. Poor child is exhausted. It has come to such an agony when I scream at my girl to quickly finish up her school homeworks. (I need to stress the 's') We practically live each day just doing homework ; tuition work. 

Without tuition, the child definitely saves up time. All she needs to do is non-interrupted time after school's late dismissal to do her work at home. And if she has time to revise - GOOD!

SCHOOL TEACHERS THINKS KIDS CAN DO IT THEMSELVES OR TAICHI TO TUTORS

Many a times I told my girl, she's really lucky to have me around the house to teach her when she don't understand anything. I have a working mom who complains to me that she has no time to help her girl in her work. Many a times, she comes back home at 7+ and sees that her girl's school homework is not done. Her girl doesn't understand what's going on in school. Oh my! 

I did explain to my girl, tutor only comes once a week how is she suppose to wait for the tutor. That's what some SAHM or FTWM with tutors do. But I don't. I stupidly take the burden of explaining to her when I can use the time to blog; to bake; to read my books; to re-study Japanese; to make hairbows; to basically nuah in my bed or watch TV.

SCHOOL TEACHERS DON'T TEACH, DO THEY?

Hmm...... it seems like school work is being thrown to girls to do without explanation. They think all kids have tuition outside? High ability kids? Well, I'm sure no matter how high ability they are, kids will still have some questions they don't know how to do. If they knew, they shouldn't be here they should be in GEP. 

In this example, I'm sure parents will find having a tutor is a necessity.

SYLLABUS

Some parents with young kids ask me in jest "you sure need to have tuition or not? Don't the school teach?" 

I can't comment much about languages, coz' languages is not a rote learning subject. You either can speak well or not; you either can write well or not.

However for subject like Math. It's a debate-able subject every year "PSLE Math Paper is hard this year." The textbooks the kids use - yes they're tested. Apart from that, they're also tested on HTO questions which are not in the books. Who's that idiot who came up with 'a bee flying from Flower A to B and another bee flying from Flower B to A at a speed of xxx km/h. Then the bee stop somewhere and continue flying and blah blah blah'. If I see the bee, I'll surely whack it dead. No need to find out anything.  

So exposure to all these kind of questions, which usually take up 4-5 marks, is extra by the schools. In girls' school, they have different booklets for different tiers. Girl being in first tier, gets exposed to all the difficult questions. Some parents have been complaining over the years since our girls were in P3 that their kids were not exposed to those difficult questions so they kindda remain in the same class throughout the remaining years in school. So, is it fair to them? In that case, I feel having a tutor is necessary. A 1-1 is advised, going to those high notch high ability tuition centres will not help.    

I agree that banding classes is necessary. Imagine the poor teacher with varied capability students in the class struggling to go slow or fast in covering topics. And if a higher capable kid is not being challenged in the correct setting, will slack. I always remember the incident when che-che's P1 FT told me she knew everything was being taught and she was made to explain to the whole class. The whole class stared at her in bewilderment. Needless to say the teacher then realised why my girl always go into Lala-land in class. So, did I load her too soon? Is it my fault? Ehh.... I don't think so. 

 

Conclusion : 

Every parent must know what their child needs. Certain famous tuition centres may work for others but not your kid. It took me years to find a good English tutor for my girl. My girl like the Chinese tutor, maybe coz she's not strict? Hmm..... kids are the ones facing the teachers they must be comfortable with them. Teachers will not spare them either.     

PSLE then and now

Four months into the new year and I'm already so exhausted.

So, who's sitting for PSLE I wonder? I'm a repeat student 27 years later. The only difference is that I wasn't so bothered with grades. 

THEN
My mom is illiterate, the only subject she could teach me was Chinese. However, I only remember the ruler she used to whack me asking me to pay attention. 27 years later, I whack my kid to pay attention. Retribution! Then, grades wasn't that important afterall we have an affiliated secondary school. Moreover KC's reputation then wasn't so bad.

MIDWAY TO NOW

Somehow in between that lost time, I have no idea when Primary school became so different. I remember reading my then boyfriend's nephew kindy or was it primary work : (can't remember exact words but somewhere along this line)

My ______ is my father's brother. His ______ is my Aunty.

My cousin's _______ is my Aunty.

I was shocked.

Then fast forward few years later, I look at my girl's work. No more uncle; aunty; grandma thingy - thank God. But manageable for me, then came those ridiculous Math questions which we never did before. I studied alongside with her, I went for workshops. I challenged her. That nephew said it's really getting harder and harder this time round. However, things are just not the same anymore. 


TUITION THEN
Then, tuition was rarely heard of. We just struggled and study what is in the book.  If someone mentions he/she has tuition, we gasped in horror. He/she must be doing really bad in school.


TUITION NOW
Now, tuition centres and tuition teachers are making big bucks out of kiasu parents. Even the stellar students are not spared, parents wants them to get even better grades. 
I jumped into the bandwagon as well. I'm glad I have great teachers tutoring her at home and at the centres she goes. They're patient and give feedback to me regularly, I scold my girl if she ever made the teacher angry coz it shows that she wasn't paying attention. But then again, after a full day in school I wouldn't be surprised that she goes into Lala-land midway class. 

AFTER SCHOOL THEN
It was home after school, we were so carefree. We could play after school, watch TV programs. Then, our parents brought us out for jalan-jalan after school. My CCA was some library duties. I remember my "SSshh.. silence please." Telling the girls to keep quiet when my voice is much louder than theirs. Haha! I don't remember staying back for remedial or supp classes.

AFTER SCHOOL NOW
Kids have CCAs, and if they're in niche CCA - good luck!  
Poor kids have to stay back in school for supplementary classes then have tuitions, piano lessons....  Now, we still bring our kids out to shopping centres - that is for their tuitions.

RESULTS THEN
Our parents not so bothered then.

RESULTS NOW
It is important you get good results to get into a good secondary school

PARENTS THEN
Parents continue working as per normal. It's only an exam what? What's the big deal?

PARENTS NOW
Some take leave in the beginning of the year, some take leave few months before. Somehow 8 out of 10 would take leave. Every concern parent would know this is the ultimate exam to determine the child's next 4 years or 6 years.

SYF

Took these pictures off the vendor's website. I'm feeling so sad... my girl's last SYF with her Primary school.
Will she get to continue with Handbells next year? I hope so. 

SYF 2014 - Our girls

 

Che-che doing a Shelly's ring. Two bells in each hand

 

At Republic Poly. Photograph by courtesy of YL

The girls

 

Their previous CCA teacher, who has left the school, came to support them. So sweet of her!

SYF 2014 - The Bitches

The preceding months before SYF had been hectic. Therefore I'm glad the SYF is finally here, we can put a stop to going back to school for additional day.

 

CCA teacher called to ask me for help to the venue in the afternoon few days before, but I had to turn down their  request as I need to be in school to pick the lil' one. I'd go down from school to Republic Poly to support them, if I can get there in time. I offered my help in the morning.

Some other mummies came too, but it seems like they were only there to help their own kids. Hmm..... some people are just so self-centred. Nevertheless, YL and I work well as a team. *a round of applause* She did the hair, I did the make-up.

 

And when the girls were leaving, I realised no other mummy was there to help YL so I kindda hinted to the other mummies (who were taking a ride there) that they needed help. All of them are Bs.. they gave me a strange look; blinked their eyes and turned their heads away. If I shout "money on the floor", I bet those bitches would turn around and look at the floor. TMD!! Assholes! Don't ever let me see you again! Anyway, they aren't PVs at all. Thank God, the school don't need selfish people like them.

 

One of them even ask me sacrastically "so why aren't you helping out then?" Look bitch, I spoke nicely to everyone you don't have to come and question me. I should have told the bitch, my helicopter is waiting for me in the school rooftop, I need to fly out to Saudi Arabia to sign my oil business deal.

Anyway, I told her a valid reason that I have to pick my younger daughter in the school. That bitch is not only a bitch with no heart, she has no brains too! Her stupid proposal "Eh... if you trust me I can help you. I'll help you pick up your little girl then you can accompany them. You can come and pick her up later." I must be insane if I trusted her, a stranger, a bitch, a stupid woman. I was about to snap at her if she can recognize my daughter,  if my daughter would trust her, I don't think she'll even stay in school. And since she has no brains, I'm sure she will not have the onus to get lunch for my girl.

Wah....... 我长到这么大，从来没有看过一个像她这么笨的人 . Anyway, looking at how sloppy she is, she might even walk out of the school gate forgetting my girl. Then my poor girl will be traumatised.  

 

Anyway, YL said that those selfish bitches simply walked to watch the performances the moment they reach the destination. I'm surprised that the teachers asking for help, did they tell them they needed help? If they didn't, then they should know they shouldn't just depend on us two right? True, we will help when we can but if we're busy they need to have other parents coming in to help.  If they did inform them of the help required and those bitches ignore..... I believe in karma.

 

Cool down.... relax....... not worth getting angry with them.

 

Ballet exam

Lil' one went for her first ballet exams today. She's over the moon. She had to remind me to put on make up for her and she obediently kept her lips still. Haha! Vain girl!  

Gallop into the Horse Year

 Good health ! Good results !

Goodye Ms Subaru

After driving for many years, it's time to finally let her go.

We got Ms Subaru as the second car in July 2007 , mainly for me to chauffeur the girls around. Its low fuel consumption; compact size is simply attractive. Plus I'm not that tall to look like a giant in a dwarf car, though hubby looks like one when he drives this car on weekends.
The girls used to like it, I had the Hello Kitty chairtable for them in the car, they eat on the go. I know this would attract unwanted pests, but our schedule is really tight. Plus I clean the car diligently. 
I love Ms Subaru coz' for a dummy like me, parallel parking becomes so easy. I've seen how cars tried to park a not too big lot and drive off after failed attempts, I take their lot and have the smurk look on my face as I walked out of the car. 

Subsequently over the years my girls have grown bigger. The car has become a little too squeezy for them. Last year when both girls have to carry big bags, it became worst. It was a battle of the faster hands win. They have no place to put their schoolbags, so they stack up and then start fighting. "My bag is at the bottom, the bag dropped to my side, I have no place etc..."  I get so immuned to their fights. When hubby's not around, they always ask me to drive his car but I refuse. I'd only drive if I had alot of bulky stuffs to buy.

Anyway, we've made the decision to sell one car this year and obviously it has to be Ms Subaru.

Thank you for serving me so well. I'm going to miss you. 

The bogus doctor

Doc McAricia's patient logbook.

She gave me a wrong diagnosis last night too.

Complaint I had headache, backache and fever. She said

"you have a baby". LOL

Asked for massage coz I'm having backache. She quipped

"I'm a doctor, I don't do massages."

Better still, when she realize she didn't he time to play n her clinic is going to close in 15mins, she declared "nur mind!

I'm going to extend my closing time."

Goodbye my dear friend. We'll meet again

Our dearest friend whom we got to know in MMI is leaving SIN for home. We're sad ...

Kids having fun jumping while the mummies are busy talking

Farewell Gifts for N and the boys.

Ohh... I love this coin bank. It says there Vacation Fund. Save up money for your air-tickets to SIN, Deccy

Mei-mei love to touch baby A, keeps stroking her legs and .... ok back at home she told me she wanted a sister. Nah! I must be crazy if I ever listen to her.

1st day of school

It's funny, I don't seem to welcome this year. It's probably because this is THE YEAR for my first born.

With my first-born, everything is a FIRST TIME for me. For the first time I learnt how to change a baby's diapers; bathe; how to feed and what to feed. It was my first time 'building a solid foundation' for my kid in academic ways

 

When she went into Primary 1, I followed her. When her grades plummet in beginning of Primary 3, my heart ached. When she excelled, I shared the joys with her. When I say I cursed and swore at the education system in Singapore,  I'm not joking. The thought of me, at 30+++, still studying with her irks me. (Though I must admit I do feel good when she thinks so highly of me asking me every question) Solving and challenging her to work faster than me in solving those stupid stupid ridiculous Math questions. Cracking my brain to think of how to answer those Science Section B questions, guiding her. Funny! I never seem to crack my brain that hard when I took my PSLE?!

I'm not a genius and I'm learning along as she grows. And I'm proud to say I'm an experienced slave driver.

 

There are times when I learn from my own mistakes but this year we can risk to make any mistakes at all.

This year will be my first timer as a PSLE-er. ARGH!! I have no idea how well prepared she is. I scream at her daily reading her compositions.

I wanna cry.. I've a whole bookshelf filled with composition books that Popular bookstore had transferred their stock to me - if you know what I mean.

I made her memorise phrases and she don't use it. I practice Oral with her and she doesn't score that well. I get frustrated when she mispronounce her words, I get angry when she , in her haste to get it over and done with, give me slipshod picture discussion. I wanna wring her neck when I see how careless she is in her Math. So what if she is a divergent thinker? She has no logically thinking when I scold her over the same thing all these years. Needless to day, this year is not a year to repeat those mistakes and rightfully gain back the marks that she has been losing. I think I do sound a little panicky huh? (Duh! I think I just repeated my sentence!!)

 

On another note, here's to more "complaints from lil' one's teachers" - I want to get myself drunk. Hmm..... I wonder what silly and funny things she'll do in school.

 

To my girls, STUDY HARD!!  

 

Tracking on motherhood & enjoying it

As blind at a bat; as blur as sotong

Che-Che so funny just now. She hasn't been wearing her specs for 2 days coz didn't like her spare specs.

So she's been squinting her eyes trying to see things.

Just now, after crossing the carpark road (with mei-mei & me) to the car. I asked Aricia to quickly get into the car coz it started to drizzle. I look around for Che-Che who "suddenly disappeared" she was trying to open the door (behind left door) of the car next to hubby's. Hahaha! The chey-meh-gu (blind cow in dialect) was still mumbling "ay the door is locked."

Espana & Portugal

Went on a trip to Spain and Portugal. Left SIN on 26th November and came back on 7th December. On the whole it was a good trip and the girls made friends with one of the girl. The organised tour is not so rushing, we get back to hotel rather early - which is good. Unlike China tour, you piah all the way till 9+, next day morning call at 5 or 6. I'm always tired coz' I'm always the last to sleep in any tour we go.  

 

Granada is beautiful, Toledo is old and nice, Lisbon is my opinion is boring.

 

*sob sob* No trips in June as .... ahem ahem.... crucial year for che-che. But yay to year end, it's USA!! The girls want LA, che-che hasn't been there yet but I think she forgot her trip to the east coast and would like to bring her there again. It'll be a first for mei-mei and she exclaims "I need to go there to buy my Doc McStuffins toys!!"

 

Pictures uploaded (not arranged for some pics)

Click here

 

Big girl is 11.

No birthday party for the big girl this year (again). I think I'm getting old such that I get so mentally and physically drained at the end of the year with all the exam preparations.

 

Brought the girl out for a fun outing at Wild Wild Wet. We haven't been there in ages, mei-mei hasn't even been there at all. Took a few pictures before leaving the camera in the locker. I would have loved to take more pictures but it would mean I can't soak in the water.

 

 

Signs that che-che is getting older (obviously), the two younger ones played together while she decided to do her own thing. Soon, she'll be doing things she wants to do. Soon, she'll decide to go out with her friends instead of us. Soon, soon, soon..... oh well better treasure the time we have with her now.

 

She saw cakepop for the first time and was so awed by it. I told her I can do this, it's really easy and her eyes went *ding* can we do it? Can we bake? I haven't baked for a long time.

Proceeded back to the East (haha! Idling in the East from Mon to Fri is not enough, on Sat also must go back there?!?!) Deal is hubby has a birthday voucher, so instead of using on himself he used it for his girl. I mean, who would buy a birthday cake for himself right?  

 

Family pictures with my nephew. I have 3 kids - heehee!

 Brother - another November child. 6 days after che-che's birthday.

 

One last photo shot before we return home

我的小宝贝啊！

Today my lil' one told us she went to the school chapel to say Hail Mary 10x. (We had a good laugh...y was she there?) So l asked her did she hold on to rosary. Her answer "no mummy. But u must buy me the card!!"

The funniest incident that happened quite some time back during school mass. Priest said "u can sit or kneel". My lil' one went to kneel. 😆 Hahahaha! We burst out laughing 😂 and then she said "but he said we can sit or kneel. I can choose what!"

I've reminded her time n time n again to pls remain seated during communion. I hope she did.

** edited : footnote written in 2023

My lil' one always never fail to make us laugh @ Aricia Ting

Really hoped she didn't think it was food and she went up during communion 🤭

 #wernotcatholics#

Studying

It’s the weekend but kids in Singapore don’t have much time for play once they are at a certain level in school. Che-Che’s in P5, after this last exam it’s play for a short while before cramming again during the school holidays. P6 next year lor! 

Going through thick and thin books together.

Andrea and Shellie May are now myopic.

Footnote written 10 years later (we can travel thru time. Haha!) in 2023 :

If we have enough rooms now, I would have converted one room into study room. Still feel that a bedroom should be a bedroom

Her birthday present

The most important birthday present arrived late due to some small mishaps. But well.... better than not getting them at all.

Her surprise - a personalized McAricia shirt

 

Wearing the shirt with the hairclips which she received a long time ago

7th Oct 2013 #Birthday wishes or postings on FB#

6th Oct - Celebrating me being young for the last day. 

Happiness is when you've got someone to help you blow out the candles ; another to help you cut the cake. Then I need someone to feed me.

A virtual card from bro 

🎼Happy Birthday to You🎶

Greetings to you on this your special day and wishing

you 💍🌹🎁🍡🎈🍸 and many happy returns of the day❗

Children's Day 2013 goodies

The second last Children's Day goodies I'm giving che- che 's class.  Had a hard time deciding what to give the girls this year. I'm proud to say that the girls love their personalized gift.

The raw products. It was a tiring process designing everything but I simply love it when I see every small little bit materializing 

Excited!

Personalized clips 

I love this the moment I piece up everything

Boxed up

Edible goodies for the girls

And not forgetting the simple goodie bags for  Aricia's classmates