A first time PSLE mama

Today I celebrate the daughter's hard work for the past 6 years in primary school, I celebrate surviving this journey with her as a first time PSLE mama, and I celebrate keeping tuition out of schedule till this day. I do need to share our strategy, but will keep that for another post. On top of this celebratory mood, it's the man and my 15th wedding anniversary. How apt that it falls nicely with the daughter's last paper. 

Six primary school years may have been long, but it bolts by once your child begins primary school. Over the years, the daughter grew so much in wisdom, strength and independence. There's so much more to rejoice than just how well she conquered the exams. Just thinking of our education system, raising a kid in Singapore is no easy feat. I do deserve a pat on my shoulder on this journey done well.

PSLE is a big acronym. Every child's know. I was so filled with nervousness and worries as the exam days neared, feeling even more intense when her first paper began. It felt like I was going for the exam! But how to stay calm?! It's a nationwide exam that paves the path ahead. The better you do, the wider and brighter your options are! And of course, coming from a parent who doesn't do academic enrichment, I had our expectations very much managed, but not without the absence of worries.

PSLE is over!

First paper went well, she said it wasn't easy, but manageable. Then came Maths, my heart sank when she related that she was mentally challenged by a few questions. I felt my heart-aching for her, but I know that's how notorious our Maths has been. It's not to devastate anyone, but to distinct those who are able and unable to do, to facilitate scores differentiation when it comes to results and school selections. There's just this allocated vacancies in the popular schools, and it doesn't go to everyone. In this new scoring system, where more possible scores fall in the same Achievement Level (AL) range, there is a stronger urge to define.

The daughter related that her classmates were in tears and upset that they couldn't do some questions, or complete the paper. This is a scene not sighted only at PSLE. It happens at all other exams, be it mid year or prelims. We have every parental right to teach and guide them through those moments, growing their mindset. The comfort here is that, majority feels the same. No one is alone.

Not that questions set were out of syllabus, they were a test of learnt concepts with in-depth thinking skill. I've to say though, luck plays some part in the years they do their PSLE. Some years, we do not even get any uproar from parents and some years, we hear noise. Exams are not meant to be easy that everyone aces it the same way. It has to be distinct. No doubt, the years have not been easy with much disruptions to curriculum plans and lessons. But I wouldn't be content if the kids did an easier PSLE based on compassionate grounds. On the other hand, why aren't parents blaming their tuition centres for not preparing the kids well? The amount of fees have to justify right?! I wasn't upset, or outrage at all. It's just the way things are when we try to be rational about it. Rather than trying to find excuses or fault.

We can take the opportunity to teach resilience, not blame. Resilience is such a powerful trait that encompasses the elements of self-control, emotional awareness, positivity, reasoning, self care, patience and so many more! It's key to positive character building. In midst of teaching our child, we learn in the process too. We learn to choose our words and reactions meaningfully. Are we mindful in speaking encouragement and kindness to our dejected child? It's definitely not the time to bring forth the tiger in us. Praise should be made culture in parenting.

The last we want to exemplify is to fault find in others and on the things that won't change. Be it the course of an event or outcome. If it does, it sets an unpleasant precedence for the PSLEs ahead. Anyway, what goes behind any consideration is not something visible to us. Instead, let's focus on helping our kids take responsibility and learning into their own hands, grow in strength, resilience and most importantly kindness. Have good thoughts and speak uplifting words. The world is harsher than this math paper. Life did not promise a bed of roses.  

To our surprise, the daughter gave us softie and 'Thank You' card each. For guiding and encouraging her through the years to this day.

Thank you cards the daughter gave us

 

Let's raise a generation of strong and kind warriors! Where each trial, test and exam is a new found maturity for our child. 

What's over is unchangeable. Celebrate because both child and parents have partnered hard. While Helen and Ivan are busy weighing their coins, we shall take time to do the things we really enjoy before life starts getting busy again next year. Consider now till the release of results, what our expectations are and how will we manage them. I'm sure another nervous mama as we near that day! Let's always remember that love is unconditional, whatever the grades are. 

22 Chinese idioms and phrases Mr Ong Ye Kung used during The Political Debate

It's wonderful that our children are able to do bilingualism, here in Singapore. More often than always, we are proficient in English than Chinese. Quite naturally, watching the GE2020 Political Debate in Chinese was not quite our style of absorption.

Nonetheless, I carved out some time out of my Korean drama to catch The Political Debate on mewatch. It sounded too attractive after hearing and reading praises about how our education minister, Mr Ong Ye Kung (PAP) pulled off his Chinese debate impressively with Leong Mun Wai (PSP) and Bryan Lim (SDP).

It was a blow away for me! I'm convinced that he's the education minister for a firm reason. Great exemplary model for our students. So kids, anyone can master bilingualism.

Screengrab from mewatch

The debate was a well-worth trade for an episode of my Korean drama. And now, I'm trading another episode or more to gather my learning and takeaways from the debate. Which I'm now ashamed of the 'A2' Chinese scored during my 'O' level. Never too late to learn, I'm listing the idioms and phrases Mr Ong used during the debate. 

Are we having PSLE oral next week? These may come in as supplementary, PSLE mamas. 

22 Idioms and phrases used in The GE2020 Political Debate - Chinese

1. 挨家挨户 (āi jiā āi hù)

Definition: to go from house to house/house-to-house (search)

造句：小明挨家挨户地寻找失踪的小狗。

2. 在职训练（zài zhí xùn liàn）

Definition: on-the-job training

造句：这家公司对员工在职训练的重视，令我印象深刻。

3. 息息相关（xī xī xiāng guān）

Definition: closely bound up (idiom); intimately related

造句：阳光、空气和水与人的生存息息相关。

4. 腐败无能（fǔ bài wú néng）

Definition: Corruption and incompetence

造句：政府的腐败无能，感受到维新改革的必要。

5.  数一数二 （shǔ yī shǔ èr)

Definition: reckoned to be first or second best (idiom); one of the very best

造句： 他的成绩在学校里是数一数二的

6. 斩草除根 (zhǎn cǎo chú gēn)

Definition: to cut weeds and eliminate the roots (idiom); to destroy root and branch/to eliminate completely

造句：对身上所有的坏习惯我们应斩草除根。

 

7. 卷土重来（juǎn tǔ chóng lái）

Definition: to return in a swirl of dust/to make a stage comeback (idiom)

 造句: 失败一次并不可怕，可怕的是我们连卷土重来的勇气都没有。

8. 与时俱进（yǔ shí jù jìn）

Definition: abreast of modern developments/to keep up with the times/progressive/timely

造句：如果不与时俱进，就不能跟上时代。

9. 燃眉之急（rán méi zhī jí）

Definition: fire burns one's eyebrows (idiom); desperate situation/extreme emergency

造句：这事已是燃眉之急，千万拖不得。

10. 门可罗雀 （mén kě luó què）

Definition: you can net sparrows at the door (idiom); completely deserted

造句: 所有的大型商场都将变得门可罗雀。

11. 于事无补（yú shì wú bǔ）

Definition: unhelpful/useless 

造句：发生这样的事情，你再怎样解释也都于事无补了。

12. 出人头地（chū rén tóu dì）

Definition: outstanding (idiom); a pinnacle of virtue and ability

造句：我们现在刻苦学习是为了将来能够在社会上出人头地。

13. 任人唯贤（rèn rén wéi xián）

Definition: to appoint people according to their merits (idiom); appointment on the basis of ability and integrity

造句：招聘人才不可以以貌取人，必须要有任人唯贤的精神。



14. 背道而驰 （bèi dào ér chí）

Definition: to run in the opposite direction (idiom); to run counter to

造句：虽然是无话不谈的朋友，他们俩的想法却总是背道而驰。

15. 行行出状元（háng háng chū zhuàng yuán）

Definition: in every trade, a master appears (idiom); produce outstanding achievements in any task with enough love and diligence

造句：行业没有高低之分, 只要自己努力, 行行出状元。

16. 知足常乐 （zhī zú cháng lè)

Definition: Satisfied with what one has (idiom)
造句：基本满足，一个人只要能知足常乐就会得到快乐。

17. 水火不容（shuǐ huǒ bù róng)

Definition: completely incompatible; incompatible as fire and water

造句：这对夫妇老是吵架，相互之间水火不容。

18. 才华出众（cái huá chū zhòng）

Definition: outstanding talent (idiom); incomparable artistic merit

造句：他从小就才华出众,一直是我们家的骄傲。

19. 勇往直前 (yǒng wǎng zhí qián)

Definition: To advance bravely

造句：在学习的道路上，我们要勇往直前，不怕困难和挫折。

20. 马不停蹄（mǎ bù tíng tí）

Definition: unrelenting/without stopping to rest

造句：父亲刚回来，又马不停蹄地赶到公司开会。

21. 牛头不对马嘴（niú tóu bú duì mǎ zuǐ）

Definition: inconsistent; inappropriate

造句：老师提出的问题他由于精神分散而没听清楚，回答得牛头不对马嘴。

22. 保底不封顶 （bǎo dǐ bù fēng dǐng)

Definition: don’t cap the top, but uplift the bottom

造句：保底不封顶，不要规定最高限度，而是提升底层。

Excerpt from MOE website

The final one is my favourite - which he meant about not capping achievements and limiting opportunities, but to uplift those who are at the bottom in order to close achievement gap. No one is intended to be left behind. I don't think our kids need back to back tuition to fit the society. Till this day, we are still holding back on academic enrichment, even though teaching my own kids erodes the good parts of motherhood in me. That will be another story to tell.

So yeap, above are 22 out of the many idioms and phrases Mr Ong used during the GE2020 Chinese Political Debate. There were lots more impressive vocabularies used, but I'll just list these for keepsake, for my learning and teaching journey. Hopefully, the kids will throw in 1 or 2 of these into their Chinese oral and composition.
 

Mr Ong grew up in a Chinese speaking family and read only Chinese comics when young. I'll look at Chinese comics differently from today.

Oh, the last time I checked, our education minster doesn't set the PSLE or 'O' level Chinese paper. Phew! 一天学一点，have fun learning and re-learning!

P.S: 造句 is adapted from various sites, with most adapted from zaojv.com. The looking up of words and definition were from Chinese dictionary app, Bravolol. An app I use often to help the kids with Chinese.

KooBits Maths Digital Learning [GIVEAWAY]

1 in 2 Singapore primary school students are using KooBits problem sums to improve their Maths. That is about 8000 plus Singapore primary students. In the case of our household, the daughter isn't using KooBits in school, but the son is. Ratio of 1:2 indeed. 

KooBits develops digital tools and platforms to help children learn better. They engage children with beautifully designed software and learning content. KooBits software tools are intuitive, interactive, media-rich and highly motivating. Co-developed with top educators and experts in child development, KooBits learning contents are age-appropriate, relevant and aligned to the latest education curriculum and syllabus. One of the top Maths learning platform in Singapore.

How do you like the idea of going beyond the traditional classroom barriers? I love that we do not have to travel in and out for enrichment classes, love it for being flexible and self paced. And of course, it takes lots of independent learning. But that is where we are gearing our kids up to, isn't it?! Assignments can be assigned within KooBits by their, yours truly, Mama. As a Mum who doesn't send my kids for any academic enrichment, I love this fantastic idea. 

Such learning platform is perfect for our family dynamics. 

How KooBits help with the learning journey 

Proven Maths Learning Method: Singaporean Maths model method is highly recommended by educators worldwide. Because it helps pupils understand maths questions clearly and solve word problems effectively.

Questions breakdown and walkthrough: KooBits breaks down the question and walks through entire solving process with video tutorials so your child knows exactly what to do and feels confident implementing every step. 

Great solving details shown in the video below, a primary 3 Maths question. It breaks down word problems using bar model method learned from the video lessons. 

Every child learns differently, and we make decisions differently. This digital platform may be used as an additional supplement or even more perfect if your child isn't doing any Maths enrichment. I like that it helps reinforce what they have learned in school. It definitely helps us see the value of flexibility and potentially exclude commuting hours in our schedule, if we ever do Math enrichment.

OVERVIEW

Upon log in, you will find these tabs on the Dashboard:

- Brain games: Games that give that brain a workout and a breather from work. This mini arcade section is only available from 8am to 6pm daily. It only allows a maximum play time of 25 minutes daily. And to play, your child needs 1 Koko credit per day. That is earned by doing assignments! 

- Challenge: There are 10 bite sized challenges for complete daily. A daily task for the kids. This portion of work is only available from 6am to 10pm. Just so the kids do not compromise on sleep hours, I guess.

- Homework: I am able to assign homework and deadline based on the schedule of MOE (Quick creation) or customise (Custom creation) by selecting specific skills and questions. I prefer the latter, so I can assign based on her school's learning pace. Best part, I do not have to self mark the work. Everything is automatically marked and explained, if there are wrongly answered questions.

 

- Self Practice: This is very much self led and allows independent revision. The practices are all topical and each skill level comes with both lesson and practice. Lessons are usually short videos of detailed explanation and diagram visuals. The practices are also categorised into mechanical sums, problem sums and high ability questions. It covers a wide range of questions from easy to challenging questions, to stretch minds of the little learners. And if there is any question our child stumble upon, a video tutorial with step by step solution of models and diagrams is just a click away. 

So yes, it is a whole lot of independent learning and discipline with KooBits.

- StoryMath: A comic story that tells of the adventure of a fox. And the chapters are unlocked gradually. Just so the kids do not get to captivated with reading, and forgot about Maths practice. 

We love this whole idea of practicing Math with the element of fun. It is nicely presented and extremely enticing in engaging a child to learn Math. Even for one who has Math phobia. This subscribed package has all topics and practices covered. The subscription is only at $8 per month or $99 per year. Get a 10% discount off a year subscription if you sign up with this paypal link. After discount at $89. Readers exclusive discount! 

GIVEAWAY

We have a 2 months of KooBits subscription for giveaway to 4 winners. 2 on Facebook and 2 on Instagram. Do ensure that your child is not subscribed to the school's KooBits account to participate. Your child only needs one account for all access.

FACEBOOK

To participate, simply: 

1. Like Mum's calling on Facebook

2. Like KooBits on Facebook

3. Tag 3 friends whom you think will find KooBits useful, in the comment section of this Facebook post. 

INSTAGRAM

1. Follow @mumscalling

2. Follow @mathproblemsolvingsg

3. Tag 3 or more friends in the comment section of the post (ONE tag per comment please)

You may try your luck on both Facebook and Instagram. Giveaway ends on 08 Feb 19, 2359hrs.

Terms and Conditions:

• Winners will be picked by random.org
• Winners will be announced on Facebook and this blog post
• Winners will have 24 hours to respond, failing which a new winner will be drawn
• Date and Time of workshops are firm
• All incomplete entries will be disqualified
• All entries will be verified before the winner is announced 
• To be fair to our sponsors, social media accounts set up purely to take part in contests will be deemed ineligible to win.
• Giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed, administered or associated with Facebook or Instagram 

Grades can define a future

Jazz was studying for her Chinese ting xie when my brother came to tell her, "No need to study so hard, it is okay to have a low PSLE score." Then proceeded to tell us of all the social media shares on #lifebeyondgrades. Before I can start fuming at her uncle, Jazz responded, "It is not actually okay you know, jiu jiu." Glad she got the concept of studying right.

Revising her 默写 while brushing

#lifebeyondgrades campaign is a good intention. But honestly, I couldn't bring myself to say grades is not everything. Yes, they are some inspirational testimonies shared, but what works for others may not work for us. What touches most would be stories of how good grades can get one out of poverty.

What is life beyond grades when our children is a journey of no map? They have no concrete idea of what lays ahead. Let us not deny having good grades help us feel safe in the uncertainties ahead.

Our best bet as a school going child, is still good grades.


What are acceptable grades? 

Saying grades don't define us may not be entirely true. I have 3 classes of thoughts for this:

1. Those who have worked hard with their best, but DID NOT achieve a high score.

2. Those who have worked hard with their best, AND achieved high score.

3. And those who DO NOT study, simply because they are not bothered about outcome.

Which is/are the most worrying group/s in terms of stress? I think classes 1 and 2 may require our guidance on expectations and time management, but more tenderly, we want to keep a look out for those who have put in so much, but ended with an undesired score.

We want to be encouraging and accepting.

Class 3 has probably not seen the light of studying. They may have belatedly realised hard work and rewards are co-related. Sharing successes of low scoring testimonies is a worrying factor for group 3. It makes them want to snuggle in their nests longer. 

And this, class 1. If you tell those who have worked hard to achieve grade success that life is beyond grades. It sounds unjustified to all their hard work.

Juggling it all!

PSLE is not a defining exam, it is just a milestone to another long journey ahead. Exams should keep the family and community united, regardless the outcome.

We should celebrate and support those who have worked hard and put in their best effort. And for those who have not seen light in studying, so be it. It is fair too, to say our child is not strong in academics to begin with. Look beyond that, they will have some skill set or academic path to develop on. He is not out of the system, just that another pathway may be better. Whether Express, normal academic, normal technical, DSA, IP or re-sitting their PSLE, there are different pathways to help them cope better. We do have arts and sports school too.

We must believe in late bloomers.

Managing the education system

Trust the system. It is through it that can we better assess our children to find a mould that fits them. No one will be left behind.

I am a Mum concerned about not just with character development, but grades too (Read on). No, they don't have to be the cream of the crop. It is basic discipline! Managing school work is a good skill developed young. And these are the ages best to inculcate good study habits. Unless yes, if my child has learning disability that requires aid out of mainstream school, that will be a different story.

Grades are nothing if we have one terrible behaviour. We have more to gain than lose by raising children of good educational results and wonderful personality. Our society of their generation will be beautiful. Whether low income or high income families, we just need a thing in common to move up, the severe hunger for knowledge. Nothing is at disadvantage.

We do not do any academic enrichment. It is more important to protect their free time for play.

Big sister helping younger brother with work

Education consumes almost 1/4 of our life expectancy. It will be wiser to join the system, if you can't beat the system. Unless you really detest it so much, that you have already got a migration plan in place or a stack of money ready for overseas education. It is because of our system that Singaporean workers are highly sought after in most countries. I count it our blessing to be living here, with my children doing a world class education at an extremely affordable fee. If you are a Singaporean.

There is no perfect system because imperfect people exist.


The change

The PSLE scoring in 2021 will be based on achievement level, somewhat like 'O' level. Doing away with the T score. This is said to meet more on learning objectives than having children focused on trying to outdo their peers. That is another move to eliminate grades stress. How effective will it be? I somehow remember my PSLE score better than my 'O' level results. Less emphasis right?

The coping
I find school highly manageable if we impart the skill of independent learning, and ingrain the habit of disciplined work in them. That is of course I only have up to P3 to speak for. Do not fully believe one who has not been there. 

Consistency is a best key. Together with the kids, we put in daily time for bite sized work and revision. Saturday is mostly our sabbath day, where we focus only on rest. No classes or work. It is not easy to teach our own child, but if we can find time to send them in and out of classes, we have time to teach. It is unreasonable too, to penalise parents on academic enrichment. We all have different family dynamics. 

I shared Jazz's schedule previously. Sad to say, that schedule is back in routine. She is back to competitive training for gym. And if you ask, must she gym? I say that is what she loves. I cannot imagine piling her up with tuition of additional worksheets. That would leave her almost no time for play and the stuff she loves.

Schedule that needs a change

Last week, I made the call to halt Jazz's violin lessons. I was worried for her mental and physical when she sounded upset with the heavy load of school work.

 

Have an open communication channel with our child. Look out for distressing signs and be quick to intervene. Rejig their schedule if you need to. We play an extremely important role of managing their mental state, for as long as we can. Even up till their University years. The ultimate stress is yet seen at 12 years old.

Stress comes in angles of 360 degrees. Not just from academics. We must remember to play and relax at every opportunity. Our kids love play dates!

Grades Don't Define Us?

So, if you tell a consistently hardworking child and parent that grades aren't everything and it doesn't define a future, we feel poked. That is the basic responsibility and purpose of being a student. Why would anyone bother to study hard if they can live a successful life beyond grades? Leave that to the children born into the rich and royalty. The best insurance for now is to do their best in achieving good grades. We have progressed! We do not have jobs of farmers, fishermen or miners today, we do need good grades for wider door of opportunities.

And studying the nature of some kids, which may be brought into adulthood, the introverts and shy are less likely to talk their way across or up to achievements. If you agree, gift of gab can add favour to life and PR you to the right people. Having good grades can prove more than an ability.

Being a stay home Mum today is not one that I foresee. I may joke that my best skill and knowledge to date is my driver's license, but the years I had behind books is no wasted knowledge. My kids know they can look up to me for help in schoolwork. But actually, if I could turn back time, I would work harder to achieve more in academic. Just so there were wider options when I stepped into the job market decades ago.

Having a degree is too common in today's world.

Most times, it really is the innate perfection of a child acting up, much more than our environment. We do not want to unknowingly bring across that perfect grade is a goal.


Love is Unconditional

Remember, when we first became parents, we discovered that love is unconditional. We know in midst of the many failures and disappointments our children go through, our love for them is unwavering. They may feel it even more than us. We want the best for our child, but whatever the outcome or grades, we must always remember to celebrate hard work and best effort. 

I believe good grades can give us a little more certainties. But that doesn't mean I do not accept their shortcomings in academics.

Fuel box for PSLE warriors

I share this love pack I made for our little friends, our PSLE warriors. May I share the love virtually with you all! Wishing  all PSLE and 'O' level students the very best in success! Success is also defined by how much you love yourself by taking care of your health and well-being!