Learning Chinese made easy and convenient with Lingoace

I can't help but to get more serious in Emmalyn's school work as she turned Primary 2 after getting by an "easy" Primary 1. With all the HBL, SLS and WFH last year, I simply don't have the bandwidth to focus on excelling in school work. Survival was the key. 

I panicked a little when her teacher called and shared that she needed extra guidance at the start of this year. I'm thankful that she has since improved alot with more effort from her teacher and both of us as well as lots of prayers! At that moment, I knew that as a working mother, I needed extra help in guiding Emmalyn in her school work because weekends and evenings are simply insufficient. 

Hence, I started Emmalyn on Lingoace classes at the start of the year and she has recently completed a term of Chinese lessons. Here's my honest review:

1. Quality Learning

Lingoace provides quality and immersive language learning to students aged 4-15 years old, with their headquarter based in Singapore. With over 2000 teachers supporting 100,000 students across 80 countries, they are indeed very established. 

It provides a range of online lessons for various students' needs in mastering Chinese language. For Emmalyn, she attends the SG synchronised class. The lesson is interactive, personalised yet structured and follows MOE syllabus closely. The teacher tailors the class according to Emmalyn's standard and they are really patient. I'm so glad that she could follow the class really well! 

During the lesson, the teacher will teach a set of Chinese words and explain their meanings, how to write it and use it. Before the start of the class, she would go through the homework that was submitted in advance of the class via the system. Most of the words overlap with the school syllabus but I like that they teach few other words to expand their Chinese words bank. Over the week, I will get her to complete the worksheet at her student care and then go through with her to reinforce her learning. 

2. Convenient and Flexible

The lessons are conducted remotely so It's really convenient. Emma took the classes on weekends at our home and sometimes grandparents' home. Each lesson runs 55 mins and there are options of individual and group sessions. 

I must also mention the unique point of Lingoace – it has very structured yet flexible system to support the classes. Classes are booked on the system and parents can change class timing conveniently. I love the flexibility as we could find other timings when there are clashes in our schedule. Class materials and worksheets are in there too! 

How effective are the classes?

Honestly, 55 mins of @lingoace_global is not enough but it's definitely a great help for us! Unless the child has natural flair for Mandarin, extra hours of revisions, practice and reading are still necessary after school once they started primary school. It's hard for me to spend hours to revise with her after work and on weekends - the last thing she want to do with me is to revise her work. But she's always cool to attend enrichment classes. Keeping her Chinese enrichment lesson short and sweet makes it efficient and fuss free for all of us. 

After a term with Lingoace, I see Emma more opened to speak and read Mandarin and I'm so glad that we are seeing some progress! More to work on! 加油，芊惠。

It’s hard to compare the syllabus with the mainstream Chinese Enrichment classes as most of the classes run about 1.5 hours – 2 hours. Emmalyn has not attended other mainstream Chinese Enrichment classes. In my opinion, I find that Lingoace lessons enforce what the children need to know and are easy to follow. Thus, it builds up confidence in the language without taking a toll on both the children and parents.

What are the fees? 

1-1 classes (4-7 years old, 30 mins): $22.50 per class

1-1 classes (7-12 years old): $44.90 per class 

1-4 group classes (7-12 years old): $32.10 per class

*fees as of May 2021.

Lingoace classes are booked based on credits. Parents can purchase the credits in packages (look out for promotion that offers bonus classes) and plan their classes accordingly. 

I can't say that the online format of the classes would work for all children as it depends on her child's personality. However, I would strongly recommend you to go for a trial to have a first hand experience to see if it works for your child. Emmalyn is one who can't sit still and likes to move about - she sometimes stand as she eats her meal. However, the teachers were very patient. They didn't restrict her movement (while sitting down) but still manage to grasp her attention with questions and reading.

If you are interested to try the free trial class, hop over to this link to sign up! 

Emmalyn's Fun with Abacus 1-Year Progress Update

I panicked a little as I flipped through Emma's math activity books before the start of her primary school. The school asked us to tear the perforated workbook according to units, staple and name them. There is algebra and statistics in a simpler form! I don't remember learning them so I wondered if Emma could catch up as she doesn't have any other mathematics enrichment apart from Abacus at Fun with Abacus.

Emma started learning abacus in February and it has been a year since she's on it. Over the year, she learnt about number bonds (P1 must know!), using abacus to do sums of ones and tens, started on hundreds and also anzan. She can count some sums of ones and tens using an imaginary abacus. 

Anzan, also known as 暗算, is the japanese way of calling mental calculation. Mental calculation or mental arithmetic just uses brain without any help from devices like abacus and calculator. Children who are well trained could work out the sums at super speed. While I don't need her to be able to do that, it would be a bonus if she could calculate faster.

During the class, it's alot about doing the sums - practice makes perfect. It requires alot of concentration and discipline. It was challenging for Emma as she's a rather active girl who can't really sit still. But, we did see improvements in her attention span. And the teachers are also extremely patient to keep guiding her. 

The children will be given a few pages of homework to practise and re-enforce their concepts. There are times she did really well when she wants to but also times that require some more encouragements.

Even though she's can be quite careless at her counting, I can see that still very comfortable with numbers. From her Primary School mathematics activity book, I can see that she's coping well with the sums so far. And, I must credit to Fun with Abacus for building a foundation in mathematics for her. There are still so much for her to pick up and I hope she will continue to love numbers & mathematics. 

If you would like to train up your children mental capacity, go check out their trial or the March Holiday programme. You can choose to attend 3 sessions at any time slots during the month of March at $90. Quote  "Ashlynthiablog" for a $20 off! The programme is opened to children between 4 to 10 years old. Check out the timings here. 

Through this programme, your children will:
1) Get to know the structure of the Abacus.
2) Know the place value of Ones and Tens on the Abacus
3) Learn to do addition using an Abacus

You can also go for a complimentary trial lesson when you quote "Ashlynthiablog". 

Call or whatapps them at 97865383 or email them at course@funwithabacus for more details!

Related post: Emmalyn's journey with Fun with Abacus (3rd month update)

Aureus Academy - Interview with Drum Teacher, Putera

In a blink of the eyes, Emma crossed her 1 year mark in learning drum with Teacher Putera last month!

With just 30 mins drum lesson at Aureus Academy each week and at the very most additional of 15 mins practice at home, I still wondered how did Emma manage to learn drum. I think we spent too little time on it. When we first started, I wasn't sure if we would make it past 6 months. But, to my surprise, Emma's actually progressing well and efficiently under the guidance of Teacher Putera. She finished learning a few songs and performed once at a rectial. She's still working on the various drum beats and how to read the notes. 

I was curious to find out how Teacher Putera helped Emma to learn and did an e-interview with him to find out more! 

How long have you taught drum? And how long have you taught at Aureus Academy?

Throughout my professional career as a performer and educator, I have been teaching music, drum and percussions for about 5 and a half years and i have taught at Aureus Academy for 3 years.

Share about your music journey.

I have always shown a great interest in playing music as a kid. However, i have never got the chance to formally learn about playing and performing music until i was 13 years old. I have always been taking music seriously apart from my academic as a teenager ever since. After i graduated from high school, I got into a music school for my undergraduate studies right away. Since then, I have been performing throughout South East Asia like Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong and etc. Apart from that, I also got a chance to perform in Europe.

What keeps you going as a drum teacher?

As a drum teacher, I think it is a different kind of satisfaction and experience from performing when i manage to share the knowledge and patience on playing music.

Share your favourite moment as a teacher

As a performer myself, watching my students overcome their fears and gain confidence to perform in front of large audiences has to be my favourite moment!

What's your teaching style?

Every individual has different kind of interest. For me, i always try to find what my students are interested in and apply that in my teaching style to get them going. I believe having fun while learning gives them the chance to play without feeling pressured. 

What's the challenges you faced as a drum teacher?

As mentioned earlier, every individual has a different style, for me as a teacher I have to get to know each and everyone of my students in a short matter of time so that they can progress better.

What you think of Emma?

For about a year of sharing my knowledge with Emma, it is clear that she is one of my most talented student. As a young student, Emma have shown a very positive, exponential growth in playing drum. She also has a great attitude in learning and she always managed to digest the inputs that i gave in lessons very well.

What's one advice to children who learn music instruments?

Always try to find joy in playing music and never give up. Hardwork and determination pays off!!

Dont even start it because it requires great commitment, interest and discipline to persist! Or try it! It's ok even if they don't continue. What's your take?

I always believe if you never try, you never know. Not only in the feel of music but anything that we do in life. Sometimes, we do not even know that we have the talent on something until we experience it for the first time. I always encourage my student to try new things and to never give up on the things that they love.

I totally agreed with Teacher Putera. I'm glad that I took the first step to join performing acts in my younger days. Looking back, I don't know how I danced and sang on stage. But, they were my best childhood memories and definitely made me who I am today. No regrets even though I couldn't dance now anymore. At least, I've the memories to count on! 

I'm not sure if Emma's indeed as talented as Teacher Putera commented. So many drummed so well at the recital! Hubby and I often wondered if it's indeed easy to children to pick up drum or perhaps Emma has some flair in it or Teacher Putera is awesome! I think it might be the latter. Emma loves Teacher Putera and enjoys his lessons. He's patient, fun and teaches in a way that Emma can understand.

Thank you, Teacher Putera and Aureus Academy for bringing music and drum in her life!

Related posts:  

Emma's first drum rectial at Aureus Academy
Emma started drum with Aureus Academy

Emma's P1 Registration!

9 July - it was finally the day for us to register for Emma's primary school! After dropping Avalyn at the childcare, we headed to Hubby's old school to register Emma at his school under Phase 2A1.

 

 

Hoping to involve Emma in the process and let her check out the school, we brought her along even though it's not required. She didn't exactly know what to expect, but she was excited as we passed by the school regularly, talked and prayed for her primary school. We were the 29th parents to register at around 9am and it took us less than 30 mins. The registration process includes filling up the registration form, checking of document and the registration. The school officer explained that the result would be out on 12 July but we can check on the MOE website for updates at night. If there are lesser applicants than vacancies, we are in! If not, applicants outside 1km would need to ballot to get in.

After the registration, we had a quick breakfast at the school canteen and explored the main areas. Being my first time there, I felt comfortable there. The school isn't a new, but is well maintained. It has a rich history yet gives very humble and solid grounded feel. Emma observed the surrounding and watched the big sisters & brothers intensely. I could sense a tiny tinge of uncertainty in her. I told her about buddy and assured her that she will be familiar with the school in no time!

We then took the opportunity to spend the rest of the morning having some undivided time with Emma before catching up with my mother and brother. I asked if she prefer to spend time with us alone or together with Avalyn, and her answer was no surprise. I'm glad that she's happy to be us and Avalyn. When picking a toy, she didn't forget Avalyn and also picked one for her. Avalyn was so thrilled to receive it when we picked her up! So thankful for this pair of sweet sisters!

When 8pm ticked, I quickly checked the MOE website for the application updates. Yay! Thank God! There are lesser applicants than the allocated vacancies for our phase! So, Emma is in! It was a great relief, hopefully there is no system error or whatsoever! There will be an confirmation SMS on Friday. Emma clapped as I shared the good news with her!

My prayer over the last month for Emma was to let her get into the primary school that she will be happy and grow well (not just academically) in. So, whether it's Hubby's old school or else where (which we haven't decide), it's all in God's hands.

Now that we are in, I give thanks for God's blessing and pray that Emma will enjoy her primary school journey! The days ahead will no doubt be more challenging for all of us and I pray for extra wisdom and strength to cope with whatever coming ahead!

Emma's 1st drum recital at Aureus Academy

It was a proud parent moment! After 10.5 months of drum lessons, Emma had her first drum recital! She drummed to "Fight Song" in front of a group of around 30 parents and children.

I know it was silly but my heart pumped faster as the emcee called out her name. I felt that I was the one walking forward to perform in front of the crowd. It didn't help to have the room dark and spotlight on. Hubby walked her halfway to the front and went to the dedicated spot for parent to take video. Avalyn and I watched her played by the side as I anchored my gadgets to capture the precious moment. 

She looked calm and displayed a silent confidence as she sat herself down at the drum set. With Mr Putera by her side, Emma drummed her way with her hot pink drum sticks. As she hit the last beat, everyone clapped. We were glad that it went well. In fact, all the children, aged from 5 years old to 12 years, drummed well too!

Teacher Putera had indeed taught the children well. From one who can't drum, Emma could now read the scores and drum the beats. There were some children who drum solo, some who drum without scores, some who drum impressive beats and some who drum more passionately than others. But, I see Teacher Putera giving the same encouragement and support to the children. I'm so thankful to his dedication and patience in his teaching.

Another person that I need to give credit to would be Hubby! Besides being the one who sent her to lessons, he also spent many nights practising with Emma before the recital. Honestly, it wasn't without any whines, cries and rewards since we hardly practise on usual days. Emma would very much prefer to play than practice and we hardly practise outside lessons. However, which children enjoy doing repetitive stuff?

After the recital, we asked Emma how she felt. She wasn't sure but she seems to feel good about performing. She was also happy to get a toy as her reward after the recital! Hubby and I both thought that it's very useful to have recital as the students get to put what they have learnt to test and watch others children drum. It's motivating to see other children performing especially when their classes are conducted one on one. Overall, it has been a very fruitful journey so far! Thanks Aureus Academy!

Emma's journey at Fun with Abacus

Mama: Emma, how's your abacus class?

Emma: Good! 

Mama: Good! Next time, you can count properly. 

Emma: No, count fast!

It was just her first lesson and she somehow understood why she's learning abacus. When we were there at trial class, Teacher joy shown her how fast the children at Fun with Abacus could do their calculations. They were even much faster than one could press the calculator. She was impressed. How did they do it? They used mental calculations. After mastering abacus, the children actually move on to learn mental calculations. How cool!

Kuno Method: 10 thinking strategies for preschoolers

Life is a puzzle. They said it's always the small pieces that makes the big picture. I think it's more than finding and having the small pieces. What matters most is to be able to piece and match the pieces into a big picture.

That's why I value what @kunomethod has been guiding Emma in. In a fun and interactive approach, they aim to help children build a strong foundation for primary school, acquire logical and lateral thinking with a structured curriculum and in-house challenges & puzzles.

However, I think these basics are not just for her jump to Primary School education but for her golden growing up days as well!

Few months back, I attended a talk about 10 thinking strategies for preschoolers by Mr Kuno and thought they are useful to share. 

Try teaching the children the following 10 ways of thinking to work their brain and developing their thinking skill!

10 thinking strategies for preschoolers

Drumming with Aureus Academy! Emma's 6th month update

"Let it go!", Emma replied without a second thought when Teacher Putera asked her what's her favourite song. After 7 weeks of 30 mins class (3.5 hrs in another word), she finally drummed a complete piece. It wasn't perfect but it was good enough for us. My heart swelled with joy and pride when Hubby shown me Emma's first complete drum pieces! I wasn't there as Hubby is usually the one to accompany her.

Emma's first 11 weeks with Mr Putera was spent going through the basics with "We will rock you", "One call away" and "7 years". Then, another 10 weeks or so on "Let it go!" and now just started another new song - "Fight Song". 

After 6 months of drum classes at Aureus Academy, we see progress! . It takes alot of coordination to drum and I'm glad she could even follow. Emma is now able to get the beats alot better. She seems to be able to read the notes a little but she sometimes look to Teacher Putera for confirmation. Generally, she knows which part of the drum to hit at Teacher Putera's counts. However, she still needs to work on the notes reading and do the counting herself. She's kind of memorising the beats now. Unlike piano or vocal, there isn't any book for drum. Thus, it's useful to get a really good teacher for drum class.

Emma's progress with Morris Allen English Enrichment

Books, small tables and chairs.

To my surprise, the classrooms at Morris Allen looks like a mini library more than anything. I was expecting a classroom with just table and whiteboards since it’s a English enrichment class. But, I’m glad that the class is more fun than I could imagine.

5 things for a Big Sibling-to-be to know before new baby arrives

The challenges that come along with becoming a big brother and sister are so real.

 

One day, Daddy and Mummy shared a big news about having a new baby in time to come. And, this brought about great excitement and fantasy to the big brother or sister-to-be. Then, the excitement gradually changed into a seemingly long period of waiting and changes. Suddenly, Mummy got rounder, tired easily, couldn't carry or run around with him or her and the list goes on. Things then got more challenging when baby arrives. Depending on the age, gender, personality and various factors surrounding the child, he or she might cope with it very differently.

 

5 things for a Big Sibling-to-be to know before new baby arrives

 

As a big sister-to-be, there are lots for Emma to learn and adapt in her new role. Thus, I've been spending more time talking to Emma about being a big sister and helping her understand what lies ahead. I doubt she can be fully prepared for the new baby at 4 years old, but I pray that she can embrace her new role with lesser difficulties by knowing and keeping these 5 things close to her heart. While these might be harder to younger children to understand, I believe the little ones will understand bits and pieces of it over time.

Emma's swimming journey with Little Swim School

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A little progress each time adds up to big results! 

I could still remember how excited Emma was when she first started her swim lesson. She enjoys being in the water but I'm very sure attending a swim lesson is nothing like she'd imagined. 

There were new faces, deep pool, pool activities and water toys. It was a totally new experience. She had clinged on me like Koala bear (she still does at times), didn't have any courage to plunge and had to dip slowly. However, the heated pool, encouraging coaches and mummy/daddy quickly eased her so she managed to participate in most of the activities. 

Potty Training for Toddlers

Following some signs of readiness for potty training from Emma, we embarked on our potty training adventure at the start of this year!

Emma's swimming journey & 8 things I love about Little Swim School

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Emmalyn turns 3 years old on a historical and glorious day for Singapore!

On 13 Aug, Joseph Schooling set a new Olympic record, left the world in awe and made Singapore so proud! Along with his gold medal, countless are inspired to achieve bigger dreams in life. Of the many clips and reports swimming around, I particularly love the interview with Joseph's parents. I see the love, support and strength they have showered upon him. It left me pondering about parenting and I pray that the Lord would bless us the wisdom to upbring and help Emma unleash her own potential as well.

3 ways to encourage young children to read

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Reading is a way for me to expand my mind, open my eyes and fill up my heart - Oprah

Like many working parents, the time spent with our little ones is as precious as it can be. Emma turns in at 9pm so the night time on weekdays is pretty short. All in all, we have 2.5 hours for cooking, dinner, bath, play, learning, milk and getting ready for bed.

As much as I could, I would love to spend the entire night time bonding with her. Every night is different with a mix of individual & accompanied play. When I wasn't exhausted from a long day at work, I would engage Emma in random activities like art crafts and role play.

However, there are some desperate nights when my brain was on the verge of shutting off and I had no extra energy to spare. We do without TV on weekday nights so I usually ended with reading books for some bonding time. She enjoys stories and with so many benefits to reading, why not?

Fun books from Once Upon A Bookstore!

Children are made readers on the lap of their parents - Emilie Buchwald

If I got to list down the things that Emma does every day, that would include books reading.

We read together at our free time, read while she takes her milk or fruits and read to her soft toys. When we are busy, she would sometimes read them by herself too. She doesn't exactly know how to read yet, but she loves the illustrations, colours and characters. She'd even memorised many phrases & sentences of the books by heart. 

It's great that she enjoys reading as it helps to stimulate her brains, improve her languages and make her happy. Besides, it's also my favourite (relaxing) family bonding activity after a long day at work.

Scissor Cutting with Toddlers

 "Ma ma, I want to do art craft!", that's what I wake up to these weekends-days.

Emma and I spent a good amount of time doing art crafts of random sorts and she had been trying to snatch the scissors from me for the longest time. I think she uses scissor in school (in fact she didn't) but it didn't cross my mind that it's time to entrust her with a scissor until her sunday school teacher, an awesome mommy of 4, guided her to cut at the class more than a month back. 

So, I decided gave it a shot - handed her the smallest scissor that I could find at home and a piece of construction paper. After of couple of practice sessions, she is able to control her scissor so much better. I went on to read up more about cutting activities and found out that cutting is such an important skill for the toddlers.
 

 

Importance of using scissors

1. Build up muscles of her hands and palm for many developmental tasks

The opening and closing of the hand will build up her muscles for many developmental tasks like writing, painting, holding on to things (eg. utensils, toothbrush) and pulling of pants.

Explore the world with Little Passports + Giveaway

We've a young globetrotter in making! 

Emma has unlocked Gold Coast, Bali & Bintan and we will be traveling to Hong Kong next month! It'll probably take many long years before we can conquer the world, but nothing is going to stop her (us) from exploring the world now and I mean right now.

Look, Emma's all set to check out the world with her bright orange Little Passports suitcase!

When to start potty training?

And so, it has been 3 weeks since Emma started using her potty daily. While we thought it was the good work of her school teachers, it turned out that they aren't starting it in school until mid year.

Hubby and I believe it's better to start potty training when Emma's ready so it was really the last things on our mind. And true enough, she caught us by surprise and initiated potty training. She's just ready after seeing her older peers going toilet. At 2 years 4 months, she's now able to go diaperless for a couple of hours before bed and pee when she wakes up. How awesome is that?

While some children started training between 18 - 24 months, there isn't any magic number as to when to start the training. From what I've experienced and read, it's probably best to wait till the child shows sign of readiness to avoid unnecessary frustration and stress. So, what are some signs for readiness?

HIYA PURE Hello Kitty Baby Skin Care Review + Giveaway

Bath time has always been our great bonding time where we splash, tickle, sing, laugh, dance, play bubbles and chit chat.

I still remembered the first time when I bath Emma in a bathtub when she was about 4 weeks old. It was under the supervision of my confinement lady and I was so worried to hurt her delicate body. I even had all the steps recorded down in my phone.

Fast forward to 2+ years later, she now soap herself and stand under the running shower while I help her to wash away the foam. She's usually chirpy but sometimes broke down as she didn't want to stop bathing. Yes, that's how much she enjoys bathing.

After much trial and error, I figured out that I need to prep her so that she won't protest. After saying "Ok, it's time to stop", I'll give her 5 gentle counts for her to finish up her stuff. So far, it is working well to reduce her tantrum, especially to end the activities that she enjoys.

When I received the HIYA PURE hello kitty baby skin care range, I know Emma's bath time is going to be more exciting than ever! Apart from having the cute hello kitty prints that Emma loves and cares about, these products have lots for me to rave about:

5 ways to encourage toddlers to brush their teeth

When it comes to the cleaning or checking of mouth, Emma used to shut it really tight and turned her head away. For many months, she didn't mind playing and biting with the toothbrush but she simply refused to brush or let me help her brush. 

I tried many ways but she just continued to bite her toothbrush as if it was a teething toy but was fine to gurgle her mouth every day. I didn't (couldn't) give up as it is really important for her to take care of her teeth. 7 long months went by and Emma finally started to brush properly a few weeks back! She even asked to brush teeth after her 1st and last milk feed now.

Teeth brushing doesn't come natural for all the children and if you have a strong willed child like Emma, here are some ways you can try to help your child with brushing.

5 ways to encourage toddlers to brush their teeth

1. Start young 

It's good to start brushing as early as their tooth erupt and slowly cultivate the good habit. We started off using a cloth to clean her mouth then a baby toothbrush before she turned 1 year old. However, the serious brushing affair only started when she was about 19 months. 

If you haven't start brushing yet, it's never too late to start!