I have been struggling on this for a while.
If u notice, it’s a trend now for parents to send their kids to weekend classes of all sorts from as young as 18 month-olds. I used to do that when I was a stay-at-home-mum. I sent both of them once a week to some right brain programme that’s suppose to stimulate and develop their right brain. But I have since stopped all classes since I started working. Coz it’s too much of a hassle plus I am not sure whether they would really benefit from it.
A poll with friends over the holiday seasons made me worried. They are sending their toddlers to at least 3 or 4 classes weekly including subjects such as Phonics, Chinese, and activities including swimming, ballet and music. I can imagine how hectic their weekly schedule can be. Which is why I am hestitant to take that plunge.
I thought the schools should teach them these things. But no, children today, armed with the “extra” enrichment class are most of the time performing ahead of the curriculum in school.
I am panicking a bit because my boy still hasn’t really learnt how to write his name. He will be K1 (5 years old) this new year. And he doesn’t seem to recognise the alphabets yet, not to mention about phonics and reading. I attempted to teach him from scratch at home but it has not been easy because we would end up arguing what he needs to do.
Thus in the end I might have no choice but to selectively send him to some classes. I don’t want to be one of those kiasu parents and I know life would get very hectic for all of us.
But can someone pls tell me if he is already behind or it’s ok to let him take his own pace.
I have watched my brother send his daughter to piano, to ballet, to swim classes, while in RGPS. I wonder if she really enjoys or if it benefits her. Anyway, it went on for her whole 6 yrs of Pri and now she ended up in her second or third choice of seconday school. PSLE wasnt too good. I think its been just too much pressure oh her.. and she seems dreadfully afraid of her mom too. But you are right, if you dont send them to those enrichment classes, how to keep up with the Wongs and Lims of the island.