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Maths can be both an easy and challenging subject. While it is one of the few subjects that students can get a perfect score in, it is also just as easy to make careless mistakes or even misunderstand an entire concept, whether it is K2 Math or JC Maths. Fortunately, with enough practice, it is definitely possible for anyone to clinch that “A” in Maths. Let’s talk about some common questions students often ask us when it comes to K2 Math and JC Maths.

How can I complete questions faster?

One of the biggest problems our students face is not being able to finish their Maths paper on time, especially with higher level subjects such as JC Maths. If you are experiencing the same problem, fret not, this does not have to be a problem forever. The main reason why students may take longer than they should to complete some questions is because they have insufficient experience with the particular question type and need to think their next steps through. Ideally, with enough practice under your belt, you should be able to solve most Maths questions naturally without hesitation.

To identify the areas where you may need more practice, try timing yourself for each question. Look at the number of marks the question allocates, especially for multi-part questions. If you are taking more than a few minutes to answer a part that is worth only two to four marks, it may be a sign that you need to be more familiar with that question.

Do I need Maths tuition to score well in Maths?

With the majority of students attending tuition these days, those who do not have Maths tuition may wonder if they are missing out. Maths tuition is definitely not a prerequisite for scoring well in Maths, but it can help you get that leg up if you need some clarification or study help.

The main plus point that Maths tuition provides is a tutor who can explain a model answer and give tips for exams. With enough hard work and dedication, it is definitely possible to score well in Maths just by practising on your own. However, if you feel that you need the extra guidance or discipline, it could help to consult a tutor. You may not need a tutor all the way through your school years – some students may find one term of sessions helpful to give them an extra push, and then they are able to float on their own.

Do I need to be good in mental sums?

For K2 Maths, children should be able to solve simple mental calculations, such as adding single digit numbers. While mental sums are generally not required until Primary school, it is still a good idea to train children in mental calculations early on as a good foundation for their later years.

Students are allowed a graphing calculator in JC Maths papers, but it does not mean that they should become too reliant on calculators for simple operations. In fact, having to key in straightforward addition or subtraction equations into a calculator may hinder your speed in completing the paper. Always double check more complex calculations, but being familiar with common multiplication tables can help you to work a question out faster.

How much of Maths will I use in real life?

After a gruelling paper marking the end of your Maths studies, all you may want to do is to put that stack of Maths notes aside and forget all about it. But is there a shred of important information in there that you may need to use in real life? This is a question we often hear from our students.

For K2 Maths, don’t put everything aside just yet. The content that children learn in kindergarten is not just used in practical situations, it is also the foundation they need to excel in Primary, Secondary and JC Maths. In fact, most Primary One students soon realise the huge jump in difficulty from their kindergarten Maths material. Even after school’s out, we highly recommend parents to help keep their children’s minds sharp during their break before starting Primary school. Once children have the basics of K2 Maths down, lower Primary Maths becomes a piece of cake.

On the other hand, JC Maths may appear less applicable in real life. Who needs to remember how to calculate trigonometry and integrations if they’re not planning to become a mathematician, scientist or engineer? While most people will probably never use most of their JC Maths knowledge in daily life, there are still plenty of problem-solving skills there that had been built up over time, all the way from kindergarten until JC. Additionally, students taking seemingly unrelated STEM courses in university may find themselves revisiting their old JC Maths notes for some core Maths modules in their curriculum. You never know when JC Maths may come in handy, so don’t skimp on the effort. At the very least, taking high-level Maths in JC can equip you with plenty of soft skills that will be useful later on.

Coding classes in Singapore are the new in-thing for children of all ages. Whether your kids are in kindergarten or finishing JC, it is never too late for them to start learning to code. While not every child will end up in a job that requires coding knowledge, taking a basic coding course in Singapore is still extremely useful in equipping your child with valuable problem-solving and critical thinking skills. In today’s technologically enhanced world, it definitely pays for the future generation to be tech-savvy and know their way around a computer. That’s why basic coding courses in Singapore are so popular because they make for a great introduction to the world of computers regardless of one’s skill level.

Top factors to consider in choosing a coding class in Singapore

Personal Interest

Code is comprised of many different languages that humans can use to communicate with computers. Just like there are different languages in each part of the world, there are also different coding languages in the technological world, be it for websites, mobile apps, computer systems, or machines. For example, JavaScript is commonly used to teach students about front-end applications, while Python is the go-to starter language for server-side programming and algorithm processing. JavaScript may be a more suitable choice if your child wants to learn to build websites, whereas if your child is interested in coding for robotics, they may benefit more from learning Python. Some people may find certain coding languages easier to learn than others, so it is all about trying different things until you find your cup of tea.

Additionally, there are also coding classes in Singapore that do not focus on one particular programming language, but rather teach the raw fundamentals and concepts of coding. These are often taught to very young children in a visual format, where children can drag and drop different coloured blocks that simulate how real code works. In this way, kids can be exposed to the very basic concepts of coding, including conditional statements, loops, input, and arrays, all in a fun and entertaining style. If your child does not know what they want to pursue yet, this can be a great option to build up some programming soft skills without actually specialising in any language yet.

Cost and Packages

The pricing for coding class Singapore can vary wildly. They may have different payment schemes, such as by month, by term, by semester, or even by lesson. Some schools require you to pay a deposit or the full amount upfront. It is a good idea to do some research on the school for coding you are looking at and find out what their payment schemes are like. If classes are still something very new to you and your child, you may want to look for a more flexible or shorter term package to test the waters first. This could help avoid situations where you end up committing to an entire year of lessons, only to find out after the first few classes that your child does not enjoy it. Check the flexibility of your package and whether you could potentially transfer your child to another class in the same school if they might prefer a different teacher, learning environment, or coding language.

Teaching Method

Picking the right class for your child is just like searching for the right tuition centre. Every teacher has their own approach to teaching programming, and some children may prefer certain styles over others. One major consideration should be whether you want the class to be held online or in-person. Ever since the pandemic, the number of online classes has risen exponentially, and now it is fairly common for programming classes to be held online instead of in a tuition centre. Online classes have their benefits – your child can save on commute time, learn from the comfort of their room, and you can simply let your child learn on your home desktop instead of investing in a portable laptop to bring to class. However, online learners may also miss out on the social interaction with their fellow classmates. If your child prefers more engagement with the class and their peers, you may want to look for a face-to-face class instead.

Kickstart your child’s coding journey today!

In the end, there is no single best coding school as it all depends on you and your child’s individual preferences. If you are not sure what to go for, try looking at the different classes each school offers and what your child can gain out of them. You may be able to find schools for coding offering trial lessons, which can greatly help in giving you an idea of how a typical class is conducted.

The upcoming primary Maths examinations is rarely a fun time for the students, teachers, and even parents involved. PSLE Maths is understandably a difficult subject for most students, especially in the recent years with more complicated questions and problem-solving skills required.

Why is Too Much Stress Bad?

Some amount of stress is good – without any pressure at all, students could become complacent and procrastinate on their revision if they feel that there is nothing to revise for. On the other hand, too much stress is also detrimental to students’ wellbeing, which can cause them to feel that they are unable to cope with the demands of their studies any longer. An adequate amount of stress is an important ingredient in teaching children about discipline, motivation, time management, and focus. However, it can be all too easy to go overboard with the workload. A good amount of stress can be self-induced, which stems from children’s beliefs of the standards they are expected to meet and whether they perceive that the goal is realistically achievable for themselves. For children dealing with the first major examination of their life, the pressure from parents’, teachers’ and their own expectations can quickly add up and become an obstacle that discourages learning.

Sometimes, the most productive students are not those who slave at their coursework the entire day, but rather, those who are able to manage a good work-life balance – in other words, knowing when to work hard and when to play hard. It may seem counterintuitive, but did you know that incorporating frequent breaks into your child’s study schedule can actually help them to concentrate better on their studies? If your child is under too much stress from studying for their PSLE Maths paper, what about trying these methods to take their mind off their Primary Maths exams for a while?

Make a Schedule for the Day

Many people tend to be optimistic and plan for what they believe they could achieve in a day. However, most of us probably know that the perfect plan almost never happens. Instead of trying to cram as much work as possible into a single day, it may be more realistic and motivating for your child to start small with their revision. Pick out one or two particularly weak topics and dedicate the entire day to honing your child’s understanding of those concepts. It’s always better to have extra time left over, than to end the day feeling like you only accomplished a fraction of your to-do list! Additionally, making a daily plan also gives your child a reason to take a break from their schoolwork so that they can work on their plans for the next day. Daily plans are something you can look back on with your child, sometime down the road towards the big paper, and see how far they have come.

Exercise, Eat Healthily, and Get Enough Sleep

Even though examinations are typically intellectual in nature, never neglect the importance of staying physically healthy as your child speeds towards their PSLE Maths examination. Long hours of studying late may beg for a convenient cup of instant noodles, but a well-rounded meal and a quick walk outside will do far more for your child than any extra minutes they could squeeze in to study. Additionally, many healthy superfoods have properties that can enhance mental power, including omega-3 foods, fruits, nuts, and vegetables.

A healthy person has increased blood flow to the brain, which helps them think better and be more alert. This improves cognitive ability both when studying and during the actual exam, making it easier for your child to memorise and recall key concepts, spot careless mistakes, and engineer new ways to solve a problem.

As a pro tip, try combining study breaks and exercise sessions into one! A fun badminton game with your child can be a great bonding opportunity, as well as a chance to get them some physical activity while letting their mind rest from studying. A brisk walk can give your child some space to mull over their work, while refreshing their perspective on that difficult problem from an earlier study session.

Stay Positive!

As an old saying goes, the battle is lost only when one admits it is so. The road to scoring well in PSLE Maths can be a long one, but it is important for your child not to give up. Don’t let setbacks and previous grades define your child’s future. There is no reason why a student who failed their preliminaries cannot ace the actual exam, as long as they are willing to put in the hours and effort to learn from their mistakes. And as a parent, you are the biggest cheerleader of your child. The most powerful thing you can do for your child is to believe in their success!

Technology is starting to play an increasingly dominant role in how kids interact with each other and with their parents, and it is important that kids develop the necessary skills to make their use of the technology as fun and safe as possible.

With the growing number of apps and online games targeting younger users, kids are genuinely expressing interest in them to learn and be better at it. Moreover, such knowledge will help them to adapt to new technologies that are likely to play a bigger role in their future too.

Knowing this, you probably want to know some of the best interactive coding classes for kids to help them kick start their programming journey.

Which coding classes are a good start for my kid?

There are plenty of coding classes for kids that teaches them a myriad of things such as how to make 3D models, code in HTML, PHP, Python or Java, or even download ready-made code to create animations, games, and music. Choose one that your kid is most excited to learn about!

1)  Scratch

Scratch is an open-source, simple programming language developed by the MIT media lab that is considered a must-have for a young coding enthusiast.

Here, children can learn by making their own objects and animals and then experimenting with shapes and colours to add movement. In the end, children save their work and turn it into their own programmes, movies, and games. It’s free as well!

2) Codecademy

The founders, Zach Sims and Ryan Bubinski, created a popular coding class site called Codecademy that teaches students of all ages and backgrounds how to code.

The website, which began its services in August 2011, currently has a wide variety of programming courses such as object-oriented programming, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Logo, Ruby, and more.

The website offers self-paced courses at various levels, from coding challenges to full-fledged courses that include discussion forums and exercises. The website is beautifully crafted and curated for young coding enthusiasts to learn more flamboyantly.

3) Roblox

For the young gaming enthusiast, Roblox is the best place for your kid to power his/her imagination. Since 2020, Roblox has become an international phenomenon whereby it is one of the world’s most popular platforms for playing video games, but it is more than that.

Children can use their imagination to learn how to create their own 3D worlds, in which they can create virtual avatars, pets, or play multiplayer games with their friends.

Kids could also participate or join an initiative called ‘Hour of Code’ which allows them to learn about programming and computer science for an hour.

This site is something they can look forward to!

4) Tynker

Another amazing game-based coding platform is Tynker. They help kids learn programming through making games and creating interactive stories with physical blocks, animations and the creation of their own characters.

Kids can learn by playing games, designing their own characters, or even creating their own codes. The platform also offers lessons and projects to improve their coding abilities such as robotics, creating Minecraft worlds, and basic programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, HTML and CSS.

This platform has definitely made programming fun, exciting and simple while still being informational for your kids!

5) Kahoot!

This game-based learning platform offers free, fun and entertaining games which are about problem-solving and collaboration. Your kids can learn to code in a specific domain with a specific theme or try a mix of themes such as Music, Nature, and Math. Kids could also participate in skill and challenging quizzes to win prizes and badges.

Teachers, who are searching for a quick and simple way to create interactive, gamified learning experiences, can use Kahoot to create games that are highly engaging.

6) Code.org

One of the fastest-growing online learning platforms in the world, Code.org works to make computer science and coding more accessible to students and teachers across the world.

This non-profit organisation strives to solve global educational challenges and is committed to making computer science and coding an integral part of the school curriculum.

On the Code.org platform, kids can learn how to create games, apps, websites, and more that are relevant to their daily lives through fun and accessible learning experiences. Check it out!

7) Blockly

Blockly is an incredible programme that teaches the fundamentals of coding in one of the simplest and most intuitive ways. It uses drag-and-drop blocks to guide learners through a level of a computer game, creating interactive stories, interactive characters and storytelling.

Through the platform, children can learn the basics of programming and build on what they know. They could also create projects that display their creativity and imagination in a variety of ways, and they can also work collaboratively to complete their projects.

Conclude

Coding is one of the most rapidly growing job areas in today’s world and you can be sure that many tech giants are investing in computer science education for kids. The best part is that there are many learning apps that can help kids learn about coding with just a few hours of the day to make learning fun and accessible.

It’s always great to get your kids learning about computer science at a young age too since they are curious little ones who are willing to learn about anything that excites them too.

Say Goodbye to your Child’s Learning Struggles with English!

English is not only a subject but a common language too!

English is seen as a language instead of a subject. It is one of the most common main administrative languages here in Singapore and in other parts of the world that we can work and communicate in. This language has many phrases and words with multiple different meanings. Hence it will be more challenging to grasp and excel without a thorough understanding.

Importance of English:

Having a solid grasp of English lays the foundation for a large part of your child’s education and life beyond that. Most Singaporeans struggle in speaking and writing perfect English. Your child’s skills for listening, reading, speaking, and writing is essential not just to understand lessons in English but also to help understand other subject concepts such as Maths and Science.

Our highly qualified teachers encourage students to develop their solutions and problem-solving paths to push their boundaries. Learning this skill helps your child get high academic scores and helps them build a strong foundation in their future career!

If any of your children are struggling in English or want to score better in English at school, enroll your child in our English classes to help them secure high academic scores in their English subject.

Our primary English and secondary programs in English help your child build confidence to enjoy learning new concepts and skills while nurturing a love for learning in school. Our highly qualified teachers teach English lessons for both primary and secondary students.

Types of tuition in Singapore

Tuition is essential for every school student. This will help them to get high marks in their academics. However, to score good marks in their academics, your child needs to devote a lot of time, effort, preparation, and hard work. There are three types of English tuition in Singapore that you can choose any of those types includes the following:

1. Group tuition
2. 1-to-1 private tuition
3. Online tuition

What is Group tuition?

Group tuition involves tutors teaching a given number of students, not a whole classroom. This group tuition arrangement will enable the tutor or teacher to focus exclusively on a small number of learners, usually in a separate classroom or working area.

What is 1-to-1 private tuition?

Personal tutoring is conducted at the student’s home or any convenient location.

What is Online tuition?

Online tuition is Home-based or off-site learning conducted online. A stable internet connection, a device with a microphone, and video software are essential for online education. Your child doesn’t sit for long periods like physical classes in this online class. The class may be conducted through apps like Zoom, google classroom, seesaw, etc.,

How to pick the correct primary and secondary English tuition for my child?

In Singapore, there are plenty of English tuition centers to choose from. You have to pick the right tuition center for your child since it is more important to give them a great future. You have to choose the tuition based on teaching experience, track record, and students feedback.

What can you expect from us?

Our primary and Secondary English tutorial classes focus on creative writing, close passages, comprehension, and others. As a result, your child can confidently tackle all sorts of challenges in their examinations. In addition, your child can think and learn smarter through our all-rounded education and Teaching Smart methods.

You can see improvements in the summary making. You can expect your child to answer any questions accurately within a second. Our education system will help your child gain vital knowledge and learn unique concepts required during examinations. We are giving you an assurance that your child will learn new ideas and perspectives in every lesson.

Other ways that help your child improve their English knowledge include reading books, which is a great way to improve their English; practicing verbal English with a native English speaker can help them learn English. In addition, tutoring programs can often help your child improve their English.

We are Nurturing Critical Thinkers and Effective Communicators

The transition to secondary school is a momentous step for every child. Your child will be filled with nervous excitement and wonder. If they have been admitted to the school of their choice, the whole family will likely invest time and effort to reach this pivotal stage.

Our programs empower students to navigate the academic and social landscape in secondary school to build the confidence to manage schoolwork and communicate with others. So why are you still delaying making your child’s life easier? Enroll your child in our English classes to help them secure high academic scores in their English subject as well as shine their future!

Every year, the PSLE exams, including PSLE English exams send adults and especially the primary 6 collectives into a frenzied flurry. It can be stressful, knowing how a few exam papers taken at a time in our youth can really shape and influence the future prospects to some degree. News outlets, daily discussions, activities, and even sleep all become punctuated by the impending exam, during this time of year.  On the part of the parents, there is also considerable pressure involved to fully participate in the process so as to have the best outcome for your child. Here are some tips and suggestions that your family can engage with, in preparation for their PSLE English examinations that will also prepare them for the curriculum in Secondary English.

Practice with targets in mind

Practice is necessary, but keep it specific. Make sure your child is focusing on areas that will genuinely make a difference as the exam date approaches. It might be too late to learn new abilities and methods for exam tasks on which they have performed poorly in the past.

Instead, look at tasks where they have managed to get a half-decent grade. These indicate that there is a strong knowledge base to build on. Concentrating on these is more likely to result in improved grades.

To accomplish this, have open and honest discussions with your child about which things to prioritize and which to abandon or at the very least devote less time to. It will also relieve tension on your youngster if they are not concentrating on things that they do not comprehend.

Utilize Exam Skills

Your child’s language skills are as good as they will get for the exam in the weeks leading up to the big day. Don’t have them memorize word lists or model answers.

To counter this issue, insist on time limitations by buying an egg timer, or using your phone when doing assignments. Time management is made up of a number of components; That means setting your fixed time limit, carrying out the exercise, answer checking, reflections, and then stipulated, small breaks between before repeating the process. These methods will help you organize your learning load into manageable chunks, as opposed to an unorganized load!

Read Plenty

You could say that the time spent learning how to read is equivalent to time spent learning how to write. Encouraging extensive reading at any age will always have a beneficial impact on the reader, especially when paired with reflections.

Reading them aloud and discussing why they’re good, for example, how is the story made interesting? What distinguishes the report? Discussing topics with your youngster improves his or her understanding. Keep in mind that this isn’t the same as memorizing!

Review Old Compositions

Your child will have amassed a sizable collection of old compositions by primary 6. Get them out of the bottoms of their backpacks and behind desks! For last-minute correction, they’re gold mines. They will, on one level, comprise errors that your youngster makes on a regular basis, such as simple past. They’re also wonderful for encouraging your child to consider ideas that will assist them to improve their writing and prepare them for Secondary English, whatever their level may be.

Inquire about the sentences they wrote before and why they were happy with them. Which ones do you think they’d want to change, and why? What are some ways they could make their parts more engaging or concise? It’s a good idea to double-check that they’ve comprehended and considered their teacher’s criticism.

As a parent, it’s crucial to remember that your child may find it difficult to show you their work, especially if it looks akin to a sea of red ink! Don’t panic or pass judgment; the point is to talk to your child about how they would approach the exam differently.

Embrace positive focus

Finally, there’s the essential holistic stuff that every parent is capable of! Whether your academic method is to be more hands-on or not during the period of the final revision, it is always of utmost importance to ensure that your child feels confident and ready on the exam day.

Children who enter an assessment room just thinking about their flaws are already on the defensive, psychologically speaking. Each child has a unique skill set unlike the others, that can best be nurtured through encouraging parenting. Find out what your child’s unique skill sets are by observing and enquiring about what sorts of activities, and subjects they like. Once the exams are over, your child may have skills or natural gifts outside of the exam arena, and it’s always good to remind them of what they are good at.

Mental maths is a key skill to have in any situation, regardless of whether you are taking PSLE Maths, Secondary Maths, or JC Maths. While some papers allow you to bring your own calculator, Maths tutors still recommend avoiding overreliance on calculators, both for the papers where calculators are not allowed, and also so that you will not have to waste time keying a simple equation into your calculator. Regardless, mental sums help sharpen your mind and can come in handy even when you’re not in the examination hall – you can use your mental maths skills when making a purchase, converting currency in a foreign land, calculating the fastest route to a destination, and so on. Read on to learn some tips you can use to strengthen your mental maths skills that will help you in your PSLE Maths or JC Maths paper.

Use Round Numbers

If you are dealing with “not-so-nice” numbers – such as a number that does not end in “5” or “0” – calculating a simple addition or subtraction can seem challenging. If you need to calculate 427 + 503, an easier way instead of trying to add the numbers up front would be to shift the 3 from 503 over to 427, giving you 430 + 500. This makes it much more straightforward to add the two numbers since they are both multiples of tens, giving you the result of 930.

You can also use a similar method for an addition such as 298 + 350. Most students hesitate for a moment when they see 98 added to 50 since it is not a straightforward calculation. Instead, you can simplify the calculation by adding 2 to 298 to round it off to 300, and then adding 300 and 350 to get 650. From this number, subtract the extra 2 you added earlier, resulting in the correct answer of 648.

This technique can apply to any type of calculation, not just addition or subtraction. If you need to multiply 39 by 5, you can round 39 off to 40 by adding 1. Multiply 40 by 5 to get 200, then subtract the extra 5 (from the 5 times that you added 1 to 39) from the answer to getting 195. It’s usually easier to do mental calculations with numbers that are multiples of 10, so make use of this to round your numbers off and calculate them faster.

Learn Quick Multiplication Tricks

You can always memorize the times table, but calculating any multiplications beyond that can be difficult, especially if the multiplication involves two or more multiple-digit numbers. What’s the product of 34 and 19? Most people may have to think for a while about that.

One of the easiest multiplications to calculate mentally is any number multiplied by 10. All you have to do is add a 0 to the end of the number and you’ll get your result. For example, to calculate 12345 x 10, just add a 0 to the number which will give you 123450.

Although it is slightly more complicated than multiplying by 10, you can also calculate any number multiplied by 11 with a trick. To multiply any single-digit number by 11, simply put the number side-by-side to form the two digits of the result – for instance, 5 x 11 is 55, and 6 x 11 is 66. For two-digit numbers, you can add the two digits of the number and insert this result in between the two digits. As an example, to multiply 15 by 11, take 1 + 5 which is 6, and put it in between 1 and 5, which gives you 165.

Learn Divisibility Rules

To find whether a number is divisible by a certain single-digit number, you can follow these divisibility rules instead of going by trial and error, which can take up valuable time that you may not have in the exams.

• A number is divisible by 10 if it ends in 0.
• A number is divisible by 9 if its digits are added together and this result can be divided by 9.
• A number is divisible by 8 if it ends in 000 or its last three digits can be divided by 8.
• A number is divisible by 7 if you remove its last digit, double that digit, subtract it from the remaining number, and the result is divisible by 7.
• A number is divisible by 6 if it is even and the sum of its digits can be divided by 3.
• A number is divisible by 5 if it ends in 0 or 5.
• A number is divisible by 4 if its last two digits can be divided by 4.
• A number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits can be divided by 3.
• A number is divisible by 2 if its last digit is even (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8).

Essay-writing is a common struggle for young children, and it can be frustrating when they have trouble communicating concepts. However, with the proper support from parents and teachers, kids can develop a better understanding of essay structures in no time. The earlier students start to understand the flow and structure of essays, the easier their overall experience will be in school. This can be solidified through additional primary English or PSLE English tuition in Singapore as well.

It is a common belief that language struggles are innate, but recent research has shown that this may not be the case. In fact, there could be many factors behind poor performance in English classes or other language classes. Understanding these causes can help students and parents find ways to improve their child’s ability in English. That said, here are three main reasons why kids continue to struggle with essays:

A limited understanding of the English language

Essays are, in the end, a gauge of how well children can express themselves through the written medium. A firm grasp of written language structure and flow is essential, and it is heavily different from spoken structure and flow. Specifically in Singapore, there are a large number of spoken colloquial terms that are disallowed from making their way onto the written form.

As such, loose studies and rote memorization of grammatical rules and vocabularies are insufficient to make good writers. Good writers need to know how to engage their readers; whether in fiction or non-fiction and no matter the topic, a grasp of the reader mentality is essential. This is something that can only be gained by doing two things: reading and writing.

Students should be encouraged to read far and wide beyond the scope of what is recommended by their teachers: story books, young adult novels, articles, and non-fiction classics are all fair game. While they are reading, students will also be able to learn more about the world and therefore, about other subjects.

A lack of feedback

Essays are often subjective, and the skills related to writing are often difficult to convey or train, especially in primary English or PSLE English classes at school, where teachers are often concerned with teaching whole classes instead of individual writing styles. Instead of encouraging a wide expanse of reading, teachers frequently need to go over assignments in class that relate to vocabulary memorisation, grammatical rules, or dictation. Reading is provided only in a structured format, and students are provided a list of books they ‘should read’.

Instead, two things are more relevant in improving your child’s writing. The first is to encourage them to go to the library or provide them with a Kindle, so that they may increase the amount they read. It can be about anything: from glassmaking to baking to politics and the rise of K-Pop, the library has it all. There is no need to restrict your children to the information they read; the exposure will simply strengthen their ability to write.

The second thing is to get a personalised tutor, if possible, for your child. School assignments are standardised, but language isn’t. Allow the tutor to push your child and provide personalised feedback for their essays and work. Let them help your child explore the meaning and depth of linguistics, and the breadth of words in the English language. In this way, your child will be able to improve their skills in a way that is more personalised to them than simply following along with the school’s templated format.

Discipline in writing

Many artists are creators, and frequently we hear of artists who lack inspiration and are unable to create. The same can be said with writing.

However, this mindset is a mistake for school-based essay writing. Inspiration is necessary to be able to write an outstanding piece of literature; however, in primary and PSLE English, what is needed is discipline and practice in the use of essay-writing skills. Many authors and writers adopt a habit of writing a certain number of words a day regardless of whether they have inspiration or not.

Think about it this way: a painter with inspiration cannot convey that inspiration if they do not have the techniques. No matter how profound, if their techniques are subpar, their work will also be subpar.

Train your child in those techniques, and allow the inspiration to come from their experiences and from their reading. Inspiration cannot be trained, but technique sure can be. That is where English tuition for essays will focus on.

To summarise: read, and then write. That is how your child will get better at essay writing. The English language is both expansive and limited at the same time, and a firm grasp of it is necessary for students to be able to succeed in their academics as well as their working life.

For tips on how your child can improve their English essay-writing abilities, do refer to the rest of the articles on our blog!

Deciding whether coding is right for your child can be a tricky matter, but by letting them learn to code, you’re giving them a head-start to a world full of opportunity and help them achieve their dreams. Here are 7 benefits why.

As a parent, you would want your kids to be able to succeed in life by having a great career and to be able to persevere in this wonderful yet complicated life on Earth. But how is success related to kids learning how to code? Experts suggest that getting kids enrolled to coding programmes at such a young age will help them think more logically and develop life-long skills such as problem-solving, visualisation, organisation, and even confidence. In fact, it’s a prime time for kids to absorb all kinds of information and they are smarter than you think.

This provides an edge to them in the long run when the world continues to evolve towards a more automated future. To understand more,  here are seven potential benefits of enrolling your child in a coding class in Singapore.

Technology today is so much more advanced than it was 20 years ago.

No discussion of our technological evolution would be complete without a nod to the ever-growing marvel that is the World Wide Web. And by teaching your kids about how technology used to be 20 years ago (and how it is today), they will have a better understanding of why we all need to care for the Internet. A coding class for kids will allow them to gain deeper insight into why technology should be nurtured with care, and how it will allow them to participate in a global economy.

Your kid will gain a vast amount of knowledge.

Our world is so interconnected that we can never really be far away from everything, from our friends, family, world events and even community issues. Getting your child enrolled in a coding programme will help them get a peek at some of the lesser-known (but very important) aspects of our community. You wouldn’t want your child to feel as if they are just another digital blob in the crowd. And getting them into the Coding Nation could prove to be the perfect way to inculcate the values of a “smart citizen”.

You’ll get them set for the future

I’m no psychologist but getting them into this learning programme at such an early age will help your kids to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technology and future trends. The information will give them the confidence to tackle the real world and push for a career in technology. And Global Education is one of the best institutions that offer a coding class in Singapore.

It gives them exposure to a number of professions

You could point out that coding isn’t just about learning the language but it opens a pathway to endless careers that require IT knowledge. And that doesn’t include only programmers or software engineers, but also professional IT consultants, graphic designers, financial analysts, marketing specialists, and a lot more. As the demand for technology experts continue to grow, teaching your kids coding will only give them a better insight into what the future holds and what their aspirations will be.

It will help expand valuable skills such as logic, problem-solving, and organisational skills.

Getting them involved in coding classes will allow them to learn to solve their own problems and challenges. It will also help them to develop the habit of solving problems by thinking logically while getting them acquainted with problem-solving skills that are necessary for this modern age. It will be interesting to see how your kids would tackle the trickier task of solving a problem if given the flexibility to code it up in a different way. That will bring them closer to their target career, and give them better tools to help them grow in the future.

It could shape them into a conscientious and thoughtful citizen.

Computer science is the language of the future. But it also seems to be the language of today with more schools teaching the concepts of coding and helping kids be prepared for what’s ahead of them. As kids and teenagers continue to learn about the evolving nature of technology, it will also make them be more mindful of how impactful technology can play for society. This will help them gain a better understanding of how they can contribute to make our world a better place. In return, kids will foster a sense of empathy, teamwork and diplomacy as they get older.

Finally, it teaches them how to be resilient in the face of adversity.

Most believe that one of the most important lessons that we should teach children is how to deal with challenges and be more resilient when adversity is in the picture. One recommended option is to get them involved in the coding nation as it will offer them a sense of how to deal with any challenges thrown at their face. With experience and time, they will learn to handle their problems in a different manner and be more resilient. This will equip them with better coping skills to tackle life’s toughest situations.

Final Thoughts

As technology continues to disrupt, change and transform, kids need to have the skills and knowledge to cope with these changes. By allowing them to be exposed to coding, they will get a taste of what’s ahead in the world of technology and bring them into the 21st century. So it will be a win-win situation for all.

The importance of critical thinking skills has been gaining popularity over the past decade. Although formal education is beginning to promote critical thinking skills more extensively, for many of us, it has become more of a necessity in our everyday lives.

Kids should also develop these skills when learning English because it is an extremely useful tool for understanding the information more fluently and providing a way to evaluate sources and draw conclusions.

Having said that, this article will explore 7 important reasons why critical thinking skills can help your kid excel in primary and secondary English in Singapore. But before we get to that, you must first understand the meaning of critical thinking.

What are critical thinking skills?

Critical thinking is an important and useful skill that everyone must learn. And the best time to start is during school by engaging them in primary and secondary English. This is especially important because critical thinking isn’t limited to one field but it can be applied to anything we do and how increasingly useful it will be as we grow and learn.

Key areas that critical thinking skills should cover include reasoning, problem solving, critical analysis, exploration of alternative explanations, personal interpretation, and logical reasoning. At some point of time, everyone has got to think critically and it’s always best to teach kids how to think critically from an academic perspective like primary English and secondary English.

7 Important Reasons Why Critical Thinking Skills Is Important?

#1 Critical thinking skills are imperative for English language learners.

As a subject, English is an important language for kids to learn but one of the key reasons why some kids struggle with the subject is because they are unable to think critically or interpret from what they have read, heard or observed.

As teachers, they will need to infuse this skill trait into young learners so that they can think for themselves and derive meaning from it. This is one of the reasons why critical thinking skills are crucial for English language learners.

#2 Critical thinking skills help your kid understand the context and write better

How your kid writes or puts their writing through critical thinking skills can make a huge difference on how well they understand the material, in return, also help them to write better and clearer.

We can’t expect kids to master this skill right away but once they do, they will be able to summarize an argument accurately, locate the thesis of an argument, and provide evidence to support their thesis. This is the critical thinking skills that we want our kids to learn at an early stage and the better they get at it, the more they’ll learn to apply it to the rest of their life.

#3 Increased ability to synthesize and translate information

When kids read a book, they must learn how to  analyse the language, the vocabulary, and the sentence structure. That way, they will be able to make sense of the information and interpret them more clearly. Without a strong understanding, they would often sidetrack and have a difficult time understanding or comprehending the context.

Here, we can encourage young kids to read more on any book they love reading and justify them in their own sense. That way, the kids will become well-informed and confident readers and thinkers.

#4 Critical thinking skills aid critical reading and writing skills

Students and teachers alike agree that critical reading and writing skills are a good place to start when it comes to learning critical thinking skills. Critical reading and critical writing skills help us understand a book, article or an idea in a different way.

Critical thinking skills teach students to use their critical thinking skills to understand and evaluate text and literature. Critical thinking skills help us understand the stories and the subjects in a text, the way it was written and how it was arranged.

When kids get the ability to analyze texts better, they can develop greater comprehension, and deeper critical thinking skills. This way, they will be able to better identify themes in literature and choose appropriate texts for the student’s learning.

#5 Improved vocabulary skills

Sound reasoning and clear analysis of a text is the mark of a successful reader, a skill critical for success in reading and writing.

Yes, more than a language, language skills are a crucial component in a student’s daily learning process. And learning the ability to interpret the text is one of the key components of reading and writing that help children learn to read and write better.

#6 Increased ability to focus and evaluate English literature

Having great knowledge about what we read and why we read it helps us to understand more complex and interesting ideas. Reading great works of literature and understanding the context is critical for students to be able to write well and understand complex ideas. Thus, it is crucial that parents encourage reading of literature and encouraging kids to understand the culture and context of the world.

#7 Changes their point of view

By spending time reading and learning how to interpret the meaning in a text, kids would become very well versed in the subject and take a different perspective to whatever topic they are studying.

When it comes to applying this skill to something they are passionate about, it can even change their whole outlook on the world. It can help them develop a keen insight into how things work and what it means to live in the world.

Critical thinking is important in order to understand the world around us. It is important to be able to interpret and understand things by studying the details and context in every issue, from economics, politics, medicine, sociology and more.

Conclusion

These are some of the most relevant reasons as to why critical thinking skills are important in reading and writing during primary English and secondary English. The same skills can be applied to subjects like science and mathematics. Children should not be dependent on adults to tell them what is a fact or a lie. They should be able to identify the facts in books and determine the validity of certain claims. This will make them become better researchers, creative thinkers and analytical writers.