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.