I wanna be a Spaceman

Something I tell all my students at the beginning of the year is to look at their general direction in life.


“How was their previous year?”
“What do they think they wanna achieve this year? “
“How can they achieve this?”

I know it might be a bit too overwhelming for a Standard 4 child to grasp, but it’s always good to develop this ‘introspective’ way of thinking. Don’t be silly as to aspect a Standard 4 student’s answer to be the same as a Form 4 student. Everyone will have different things to say and this exercise gives a profound insight into a child’s mind.

I would highly recommend parents to do this regularly. Ask the children open-ended questions that’ll allow the child to make their own decisions. Empower them with these decisions. And at time's even teach them about consequences of their decisions.


“What do you think you deserve if you get good grades in your exam?”
“What should be your penalty if you don’t come back before your curfew?"


These questions will really open up their minds and almost force them to articulate their thoughts. These mental and emotional exercises are necessary to develop a well-rounded personality. It not only empowers them, it would also build their self confidence.

But just like any other exercise, this one takes a lot of practice- for the child as well as the parents.

Tackling rudeness in Children

CHILDWISE
by Ruth Liew

WHEN I asked my friends what they regarded as rude remarks from their children, I received mixed responses. They disagreed on what is considered rude. Perhaps it should be established from the start that it is considered rude when children intentionally use words to hurt other people’s feelings.

If an elderly person remarks that today’s children are rude and ill-mannered, he or she is probably right. Experts such as Michelle Borba, author of Don’t Give Me That Attitude, said that eye-rolling and general sassy behaviour is occurring more often among younger children. Teenagers are no longer the only ones who do back talking and display bad attitude.

How did our children learn to be rude and frivolous in their behaviour? Just take a look around you. There is less politeness around these days. People don’t exactly go around saying, “Please” and “Thank you” anymore. When you walk down the street and someone accidentally bumps into you, there will be no word of apology forthcoming.

We need to get our children on the right track by responding appropriately and learning to use kinder words when we are upset or angry. Parents are children’s role-models when it comes to showing the right behaviour and using acceptable language in our everyday communication.

Years ago, I remember teaching a four-year-old whose verbal communication was laden with profanity. When I approached his mother to discuss his colourful language, she laughed it off by saying: “Oh, my little Andrew is just like his dad!”

Read more...

George of the Jungle

In the spirit of the New Year, I felt it was about time I cleaned up the 'jungle' before it get's out of control. Along with my trusty garden shears, I took on this mission anticipation. I snapped, chopped, and pulled all the creepers and giant weeds that was dangerously taking over my garden. I knew it was okay because they were only weeds... And noone grow weeds, do they?

After a few months of not tending to the garden (then again, when have I ever), I had quite a fight on my hands. The green shoots have now become wood and it's really interesting to find the creepers finding root in hard concrete and even under the tiles.

In the end, with endless sweat and toil, I persevered and finally got things under control. What was once a crazy, messy jungle is now nothing more than an over-sized salad roll.

Coolios! Now for the back...

Superduper, best of the best Twenty Ten (2010)

Welcome back to school kids!! It is the start of a new year, and the beginning of a new DECADE! It is the best opportunity to start fresh. If you feel you didn’t do so well in the last year, now is the time to do better. If you feel that you did well, try and see if you can improve on some of your weaker subjects. There are always things to improve upon.

Let’s see what we all can do to improve ourselves. Here are some New Year Resolutions (determination to do something. In this case, a self improvement) you can do for the year.

• I will do my homework in time. 
  
• I will sleep early and wake up early.
• I will be healthier. Drink milk and water, and limit carbonated drinks.
• I will pick up a sport or a hobby.
• I will go outdoors and not just stay in the house playing video games and watching TV.
• I will be nice to my parents, teachers and elders and show respect to them.
• When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk with an adult about my choices
• I will help out in my community - through volunteering, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.
• I'll be nice to other kids. I'll be friendly to kids who need friends - like someone who is shy, or is new to my school.
• I will be more responsible.

Here’s to a great 2010. Let’s make this a kick-ass, awesome, best of the best year, like, EVER!!