Alexis’ progress at the British Council.

We are going 3 months into Alexis’ course. I promised an update so here we go.

Alexis is definitely enjoying her time at the British Council, so much that I overheard her conversation with Lauren asking her sister to join her at the British Council as well.  She has been taught well and her vocabulary has improved leaps and bound.  Her writing, as compared to 3 months ago, is also neater and she is able to read 90% on her own now.  I like how the centre encourages the child to use their creativity; Alexis told me that her teacher would ask her to doodle on her file. She absolutely loved this idea! Other than having her creativity unleashed, the doodling on the file gave it an identity – her identity, and she named it the Galaxy Folder.  Her worksheets are filled with her ideas of rainbows and unicorns. I read her latest writing and it immediately brought a smile. Her sentences sounded ridiculous but her teachers are so encouraging with her writing. I am not sure if the occurrences are totally related but ever since attending the British Council, Alexis has been writing a lot at home. You know I always remember this quote that my secondary school teacher shared with me – “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited; imagination encircles the world” – Albert Einstein.

Besides encouraging the child to use their imagination, the teachers at the British Council also requested the children to bring their toys! Wow! Can you imagine Alexis jumping into the car delightfully planning about the toys to bring for her lessons? The reason for bringing the toys was for a show and tell.  Each child was supposed to hide the toy in a bag and describe the toy that they brought to their classmates. 

Everyone in class would ask questions pertaining to the toy and try to uncover what it was.  How I wish I could be there to witness all these but the British Council is rather strict with photo-taking in the class. This is to protect the privacy and safety of the students and staff. I am happy to share that despite me seeking their permission of a photo to share on my blog, the school politely rejected. This shows that they valued the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the centre more than just wanting to gain publicity. Kudos to the management of British Council for that!

We are in the last term of 2020 and since I am preparing Lauren for PSLE next year, I tried to get a little ambitious with Alexis. I bought some P1 assessment books and I am truly surprised that she was able to understand most of the questions in the assessment book! Reading the comprehension was a breeze for her too.  

We have slightly more than a month to go before we complete the year for K2. I shall be back with another round of review and then I will share on the British Council’s course for Primary 1. Before we go, have a look at what Alexis’ Student Report. 😊

For more information about the British Council’s English enrichment courses, visit www.britishcouncil.sg/ylcharlenesim

Follow:

Sew much fun with Sew Into It

One of the activities Lauren had done during the March holiday was a sewing class organised by Sew Into It.  I personally chose the class because I wanted to incorporate some conductive activities in the week long holiday.  Activities that would challenge her mentally and keep her learning.. I know it is only one week but Lauren needs to be constantly engaged.

P3162452

After attending the class with Lauren, I would strongly encourage mummies to bring their kids for a try. You will be amazed at the developmental benefits children could gain at learning to sew at this young age.

Sewing requires concentration and focus, problem solving skills, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.  It challenges the left brain thinking and is a great way to express ones’ creativity and individuality.

P3162425

Studies have shown that children who learn to sew gain many mental and physical developmental benefits. There are various tasks involved in sewing a simple project, such as following pattern instructions, fabric selection, color coordination, sizing and fitting. All these help stimulate creative thinking, promotes self-esteem and perseverance. Completing a sewing project from start to finish fosters a sense of accomplishment that can boost a child’s morale and self confidence. And, the tactile nature of sewing helps strength a child’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Sewing also provides children an avenue to express their creativity. It is a productive way for kids to use personal time and create independent work.

P3162411

My preselected Ellie the Elephant

P3162412

Lauren’s pigeon

P3162442

Choice of fabrics

P3162441

Samples of Animal softies

I booked the Animal Softie Workshop for Lauren and myself. It was a 3 hours session with fabrics and designs selected beforehand. The class size was capped at 6 students who were managed by Amy, Karen and 2 assistants.  Students were supervised closely by the attentive teachers on operating the sewing machine and the basic sewing techniques.

P3162435 P3162431 P3162436P3162421

Lauren impressed me with her ability to operate the sewing machine on her own. (Karen was standing next to her watching her) It was her first time sewing anything. In fact she did way better than me.. *ashamed*

P3162472

Amy and Karen also shared how to handsew the finishing of the softie at the end of the class. Lauren did prick her fingers a couple of times but she said “life goes on…”

P3162476

So after 3 hours, our animal softies were completed!!! Obviously Lauren was a better handicrafter than Mummy (look at Mummy’s weird looking elephant…) I like to defend myself by saying maybe left handers take more effort in any handicraft… That is my personal excuse. :p

 

Sew Into It has many workshops for adults and children. You can visit their website here to find out more about their workshop schedule.

P3162479

 

Sew Into It is located at

Address: 333 Kreta Ayer Road #02-32 S(080333)

Contact no: +65  87779924

Follow: