Hi Everone,

I only just got to know about this website a few minutes ago. Nice to meet all of you.

Wondering if anyone can recommend me a good Higher Chinese Enrichment Centre for secondary two.

Han Language? Tien Hsia? Busy Bee? Jiang? Help please ...

If you do have actual experience with the school/centre, it would be better.

EDANSON

Hi,

I think it helps to ask ourselves the purpose of us sending our kids for enrichment. Is it because we think our child is weak and need stimulation in certain area, or it is because he shows talent in something and we would like him to unleash his potential?

Would our kids 'lose out' if they don't attend this class or that class? Ultimately, I think it's what we consider important for our kids. Can any lessons replace special parent-child bonding time? Maybe staying competitive is good, but it doesn't have to be enrichment. Character can be built through daily events or going for regular exercises.

hmm...

my elder boy is coming to 5 this yr (K1) and i have enrolled  him for yamaha earlier this yr..swimming classes recently, going down to an MPM center to check it out later and thinking also to enrol him for arts class if still have time to squeeze (seriously not enough time man..if i am a full time mum, different story then)

i do wonder whether is it too much classes to enrol already..was talking to gfs the other day then realized they gave their kids even more classes but really wonder where got the time for FTM! weekends will be burnt right??  are we parents in sg too kiasu and obsessed in sending our kids for extra classes!?  I think if family is still staying in Australia (we used to stay there for 2 years as my elder boy was born there), i do not think he will be attending too many classes, would be spending time playing and go to beaches.

it is true, the kiasu feeling did pop out from me when i heard my gfs are sending their kids to so many classes as I started thinking if i do not send my boy for classes, he will "lose out" right? or feel short changed?  ah..but seriously does kids need so many classes?   

Hi

I am thinking of sending my girl, age 5, for piano lessons.  Which is  better?  Personal or Group Lessons eg. Yahama or Cristofori...

thanks...

Hi

I would think enriching our kids based on their interest will be a more rewarding experience than dragging them there every session. If there are homework to be done, it will also be exhausting over their existing school work. Learning becomes a drag than interest. Over-emphasis of enrichment may lead to the child stopping to communicate, as no matter what they say is just an excuse of not attending classes. Such becomes very disruptive to family bonding and understanding.

I have a child who is not coping well early last year, due to being transfer to the best class of the level. He lapses on handing in all homeworks for the entire semester and starts having poorer grades across all subjects. As like any parents, we start looking for enrichment classes, hoping this helps. Eventually, he starts developing other problems, which relates to anxiety and depression for wanting to perform better. With that, we stop all enrichment classes including school supplementary and start spending more time with him. We also coaches him at his own pace with more engaging activities, which he prefers. Later on, for Science which he is particularly interested, I also found a Science class which does experiments. We brought him there is to see if he likes the place and the activities. We also explain to the teacher on our child condition which he is able to manage. Now in P5 (not in the best class anymore) he seems a much happier child,.

Sometimes, in trying to help our child, we may be doing the opposite in stretching them further with extra classes that they already hate to go. No child wants not to do well and impress! Now moving back, shouldn't school be fun, exciting, rather than solely an Academic 'GLADIATOR' competition.

What I hope now is to find my childs' needs, interest and strength, so that we as parents can cheer them on, in exploring their other interest. Enrichment classes should be based on what they like and the centres should be a place they feel comfortable. Constant feedback from the child and encouragement is needed. However, parents should also be mindful in providing space for the childs' exploration instead of micro managing them. This will allow them to substain their interest further to enjoy what they are doing. 

Father of 3...

i think it's great that in spore, we have a wide variety of enrichment classes offered in the market. it's how we parents leverage on this advantage that brings out the best in our kids. basically the child must have the passion or at least the interest in the class. or rather in some cases, need to choose the right class to spark the interest (eg. for chinese - essential cos they need to pass this in exams next time or for knowledge as a chinese) if the child enjoys going for classes, then its easy cos no need to force him/her to go. but if she's not interested, its a waste of time and money. just remember that if the fees r affordable and the prog is able to bring out the best in your kids, it's probably worth it to give it a try.