Reviews Archives - Page 5 of 21

My CoolSculpting Journey – What to Expect on Day of Treatment at Halley Medical Aesthetics

Among the things that I have done in my thirties, the decision to walk into Halley Medical Aesthetics to slim down my thighs must be the boldest of all. I am of a tall and bigger built than most ladies and because I am tall, the fats are kind of evenly distributed and thus, not too obvious on the outer appearance.

However, my thighs are the ones that bothered me constantly since they look really unglamorous with skirts and shorts. So, freezing my fat cells by CoolSculpting is the answer that I have been waiting for! And what is nice about doing CoolSculpting with Halley Medical Aesthetics is that not only am I able to shorten my treatment time due to the number of machines they have, I am able to receive weight loss counseling while waiting for my treatment to complete.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting by Zeltiq is a treatment to reduce stubborn fat bulges that may not respond to diet or exercise. It freezes and eliminates stubborn Fat by delivering precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin. These treated fat cells are crystallised (frozen), and then die. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells, leaving a more sculpted silhouette. Further, the sub-zero freezing does not damage the skin or surrounding tissue. The CoolSculpting effects are long term as the treated fat cells are gone for good. It takes as early as 3 weeks and mostly around 3-6 months to see the full slimming effect.

Here is my sharing on the day of treatment, what happens during the non-invasive treatment and how I feel after!

What to Bring Along on the Day of Treatment?

A book, mobile phone and a cardigan. The book and mobile phone are to kill time and cardigan to keep warm as it may take a few hours if you are doing multiple treatment areas at one go in an air conditioned room. I also wore a long skirt just in case any redness may show after treatment. This redness, however, will go away with time.

How Long is the Treatment?

I was told to expect a 4.5 hours block of time for the entire treatment because there would be 4 applicators to be applied, alternating with 2 sets on my outer thighs and inner thighs. This also includes the time taken for the doctor to determine the areas that require freezing, marking them out, and preparing me for the treatment.

What to Expect on the Day of Treatment?

On the day of the treatment, I was happy to see familiar faces again and I was more relaxed. Jean Tong, the CoolSculpting programme manager and nutritionist, took my weight, blood pressure and measurements before we proceeded to see Dr Terence Tan in his consultation room. After a brief consultation session on my recorded measurements and confirming the target areas to work on, we proceeded to the CoolSculpting room. Over there, the exact target areas were drawn on my thighs and 2 therapists helped to set up the CoolSculpting machines and apply the first 2 applicators.

Applicators Used and Time of Treatment

Do you know that Halley Medical Aesthetics is one of the few clinics in Singapore that uses 2 CoolSculpting machines at the same time (or DualSculpting), therefore cutting down the treatment time by half?!

In fact, I would be one of the first to use a new applicator named, CoolAdvantage that will shorten usual treatment time by almost 50% with increased comfort. Without this CoolAdvantage and DualSculpting capability, I would have to do one applicator after another, resulting in a treatment time of about 4.5 hours. But instead, I only spent about 2hours plus for the treatment!

The applicator that was used for my outer thighs was the CoolSmooth PRO, with a treatment time of approximately 1 hour and the one used for my inner thighs was CoolAdvantage which only took 35 minutes.

Before the applicator was positioned on my thighs, the therapist placed a gel pad on the treatment area which will protect my skin during the procedure. Upon application, I could feel a tugging suction on my thigh area as the fatty tissue was drawn into the applicator cup. There was an intense coldness, which gave way to numbness after 5-10 minutes. It felt like a cold ice pack was placed on my thighs.

After applying the CoolSmooth PRO applicator on my right outer thigh, they then proceeded to apply the CoolAdvantage applicator on my left inner thigh. Once they are done, the therapists made sure I was comfortable by propping cushions to support my legs and covered me with blanket to keep warmth.

Soon, I was used to the cold and the suction feeling and was able to read my book. It is kinda cool to know that I could relax while getting fat cells destroyed in comfort. Also, no sweat needed to achieve slimmer thighs, it is THAT easy! As there was no invasive procedures and medication, I felt safe and did not worry if there would be any side effects because there would be totally none.

The CoolAdvantage applicator on the inner thigh was soon completed after 35min. The therapist came over to remove the applicator and massaged on the applied area. She kneaded and moved in circular motions for a few minutes. There was some slight discomfort but it was bearable. This step is very important as it helps to break down the crystallised fat cells and improve the fat reduction. Only when the treatment was done for the right outer thigh can they switch over: CoolSmooth Pro on my left outer thigh and CoolAdvantage on my right inner thigh.

How did I feel at the end of the treatment and weeks after?

At the end of the treatment, I felt a tingling sensation for the treated areas as my thighs were trying to get used to the numbness. The discomfort lasted for about 5 minutes and was gone. I was able to walk around and went about changing into my clothes. There were no obvious signs that I had just done a CoolSculpting treatment at all except for some mild redness on the treated areas, which went away totally the next day.

For the first 2 weeks, I only felt numbness at the treated areas. It felt weird whenever I touched the areas as though they were not my flesh. Other than this sensation, there was nothing different with my thighs except that I was starting to feel that my pants and jeans were no longer as tight as they used to be!

By the 4th week, I could fit into my pants and jeans easily and comfortably! In fact, on the appearance, they already look slimmer than before! And we are talking about just 4 weeks and ONE treatment! In fact, one treatment is sufficient to achieve the slimmer thighs I wanted! Yeah! It is encouraging to see the obvious difference and I am surely looking forward to seeing the full results!

Active Slim Programme

During the treatment, Jean introduced a weight loss programme to me to complement CoolSculpting. As I mentioned in my first post, I preferred to lose weight without using weight loss medications. So the team at Halley Medical Aesthetics customised a programme called “Active Slim”, which is now a standard item on their menu, for me that only invoivled nutrition counseling and meal replacements. Jean prescribed me Optifast, a meal replacement by Nestlé to help in my weight loss to reach my ideal BMI, as CoolSculpting helps in a slimmer silhouette and not weight loss. Optifast is the only meal replacement drink approved by Health Promotion Board and only meal replacement brand used in major hospitals.

I was initially rather skeptical about taking meal replacement, as I am one who enjoys eating and has a strong philosophy of not slimming by diet means. But Jean assured me that I only needed to take it once a day and it contains all the recommended vitamins and minerals needed with total calories count of only 160kCal. I could supplement that replaced meal with a fruit or small serving of salad for the fibre intake.

As I usually take a quick breakfast with a piece of bread and jam and a glass of milk, perhaps taking Optifast is a better choice as it gives me the nutrients I needed in the form of tasty strawberry milk. I could prevent myself from eating junk breakfast like roti prata or chee cheong fun.

So, making the RIGHT CHOICES when it comes to eating is important to help me stay healthy. What’s more, I get a slimmer body in return! Isn’t that wonderful?

Furthermore, taking meal replacement is not forever. Once I reach my targeted weight and BMI, I will just need to eat as per normal but choose my food options wisely to maintain my weight from then on. Considering all these factors, I was willing to give it a try.

Stay tune for the next post on Active Slim and CoolSculpting Results!

Follow me on my CoolSculpting Journey! Read about my CoolSculpting Consultation post here!

277 Orchard Road #03-15
Orchard Gateway Singapore 238858
T: 6737 8233
halley.com.sg
facebook.com/halleymedicalaesthetics
instagram.com/halleymedicalaesthetics
blog.halleymedicalaesthetics.com

10 Things To Do While Staycationing at Village Hotel Changi

We are back for the second time to Village Hotel Changi! This time round, our youngest was old enough to enjoy the ‘Play and Stay’ package to the fullest! The first time we stayed in this hotel, Master 5 was only 3 and there were some things he could not do by himself. So, now, 2 years later, he is able to join us in all activities and yes, he has a bed for himself too.

We are back for the second time to Village Hotel Changi! This time round, our youngest was old enough to enjoy the ‘Play and Stay’ package to the fullest! The first time we stayed in this hotel, Master 5 was only 3 and there were some things he could not do by himself. So, now, 2 years later, he was able to join us in all activities and, he had a bed for himself too.

The check in was a breeze as it is with all Village Hotels Chain. If you do walk around the hotel premise, you will notice that this hotel has many conveniences for the guests in mind!

Booking machines for all cab companies / Luggage wrapping service for travellers / Shuttle Service to Town / Airport and Business Parks

Vending machine for Snacks on the go and Cup Noodles that do not break the bank / Vending machine for Hot soupy food, noodles and rice

I am impressed that the Hotel caters all these conveniences, even though there are so many choices at the nearby Changi Village hawker centre and numerous coffee shops.

A Tour of the Rooms

We had 2 connecting Deluxe Rooms. One room had a king size bed and a roll-away bed upon request and the other one had 2 single beds. Both rooms accommodated our family perfectly. Previously, Master 5 used to sleep in baby crib but now a roll-away bed is more comfortable for him. We put the bed side by side to our King Size Bed so that I could pat him to sleep and be near him.

One of the best thing about Village Hotel Changi rooms is that each room comes with a bathtub! Each bathtub has a window! We could watch out for the kids easily from the room if the blinds are up.

We have learnt that a bathtub is almost a MUST-HAVE for staycations! Why? Because on days when the pool is icy cold, the kids can still get their water fix in the tub! Also, after a cold swim, it is a heavenly treat to frolic in a warm tub. That is what a staycation is about: maximising the hotel room and amenities to the fullest!

Next, you will also want to know that each room comes with a handyphone just like the one we saw in Village Hotel Katong! This free network phone is for guests to use during their hotel stay. It is so handy to carry along without incurring hefty phone charges and data roaming charges. Best of all, you need not pay a single cent for using it!

This is the bedroom view overlooking the Koi Pond and the Infinity Pool is up there.

Considering this is more of a hotel for travellers with its proximity to the airport, the rooms have all the things needed for them.

Room amenities

– Individually Controlled Air Conditioning
– Hair dryer
– In-room safe box
– Iron and ironing board
– Electric Kettle
– 42″ LED TV
– Cable TV Channels
– Wireless Broadband Access
– Handy Phone
– Toiletries
– Towel
– Clothes hanging line
– Torchlight
– Fridge

Hotel services
Free Wifi
24 hour security
24 hour guest services
Concierge
Business services (faxing and photocopying)
Laundry services
Parking

What are nearby the hotel within walking distance:

Changi Ferry Terminal for those who wish to go to Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa or even day trip to Desaru!
Changi Beach for a swim and beach play and Cycling
3 Playgrounds
Civil Service Club for Bowling
Changi Village Hawker Centre for food
Public Transport

Breakfast Spread at Saltwater

There is a decent variety for the breakfast buffet at Saltwater restaurant at Level 1. Most of the foods are local cuisine, like Otah, soup noodles, rice, porridge, etc. They have Western cuisine like pastries, chicken ham, chicken hotdogs, hashbrown, cereals, etc. Service was good and food is Halal. The glass doors at the side has the Swimming Pool view, hence, we could eat in peace while we were able to see our kids in full view when they ventured near the pool.

10 Things to Do during our Village Hotel Changi Staycation:

1) Eating Cup Noodles and eating snacks on the bed

Hey! This is one of the things that the kids very much look forward to! We hardly eat cup noodles at home and not allowed to eat snacks on the bed. Well, rules are certainly more relaxed when we stay in hotels!

2) Playing card games, Reading and Relaxing

We never fail to bring some cards, simple toys, bath toys, books and writing materials to our staycation. These can entertain the kids while the adults are busy unpacking stuff.

3) Swimming in 2 Swimming Pools!

The number one reason that we love Village Hotel Changi is because it has not one, but two swimming pools! One on the top level as an infinity pool with awesome view, and the other on the first level outside the dining area with a glass wall. You can watch your kids swim in the big ‘fish tank’ swimming pool at the leisure of having your breakfast!

4) Checking out the vicinity

Village Hotel Changi puts up this small handy booklet to introduce the places to check out within walking distance. We left the hotel earlier for dinner to have a leisurely walk over at the Changi beach area. As Changi Village is quite far out from the city, we hardly come to this place. Hence, staying at this hotel allows us to enjoy the beach and sight fishermen’s harvest for the day.

5) Bowling at Civil Service Club Changi

As part of the staycation package, we were given a game of bowling each at Civil Service Club which is directly opposite the Hotel. The bowling lanes have bumpers for kids. Just tell the staff which bowler needs a bumper, and when it is his/her turn, the bumper will be erected. The last time we came, the elder kids needed bumpers and the youngest was not old enough to bowl. This time round, the elder kids could bowl without the need for bumpers and there was a shoe size suitable for the youngest and hence, he could join us for the first time!

6) Cycling at Changi Village

Also as part of the Play and Stay package, we were given a coupon each for an hour of cycling. The bicycle shop, which is really a hardware shop with some rental bicycles, is located just directly facing the Changi Village Hawker Centre. I must say that the bicycles had seen better days and you may not find the best bicycles here to ride on. There was only 1 or 2 bicycles with child seat and not much choices for kids bicycles. We made use of the coupons anyway, and cycled along the Changi beach together, stopping to play at the playgrounds on the way.

7) 3 Playgrounds at Changi Village

There are 3 playgrounds at Changi Village if you do not already know! The one with the plastic tubular slides is located just beside the hawker centre while the other 2 are along the Changi Beach.

8) Soaking in Bathtub

This is a must-have as I had mentioned earlier! Love the window view beside the bathtub!

9) Koi Feeding

There is a Koi pond that your kids can feed the fishes in it. For both times that we stayed here, we skipped the complimentary feeding activity because we had too many things to do. Further, we have a mini koi pond in our house and that explains!

10) Play Snake and Ladder

There is a huge Snake and Ladder on Level 1 of the Hotel just beside the breakfast area in the chill out section. This is a good bonding activity with young and old.

Play and Stay Package

If you are bringing your kids or even parents to stay in Village Hotel Changi, you may want to book their Play and Stay Package which includes:
– One-night accommodation
– Complimentary buffet breakfast for two at Saltwater Café
– Complimentary two-hour bicycle ride OR
– 2 games of bowling per stay
– Complimentary koi feeding (first-come first-served basis, please enquire at front desk)
– Complimentary Changi Village cycling reference guide
– Complimentary parking

Superior Room – S$200.09 inclusive of all tax
Deluxe Room – S$223.63 inclusive of all tax
Club Room – S$258.94 inclusive of all tax

Room rates subject to availability and sometimes, there are super good deals that you could look out for!

I would say that this is pretty affordable to have a short staycation over a weekend for family bonding fun! Click here to check availability for the rooms!

Village Hotel Changi
1 Netheravon Road Singapore 508502
Email: info.vhc@fareast.com.sg
Hotel: +65 6379 7111 / Reservations: +65 6881 8888

Disclaimer: We were invited for a one night stay in Village Hotel Changi. We love the Far East Hospitality’s chain of hotels with its warm hospitality each time we checked in!

Achieving Slimmer Thighs with CoolSculpting at Halley Medical Aesthetics

Since my first born, I have piled up 10kg over the 12 years! There was a period of time, where my weight increased steadily till I hit my highest of 14kg above my pre-pregnancy weight and it did not seem to be stopping.

In fact, my BMI had been tipping to the unhealthy range and it worried me greatly. As a result, I tried to exercise more regularly by jogging 2 to 3 times a week, mixed with brisk walking, but the result was disappointing. My weight increased slightly and I learnt that perhaps some are fats converted to muscle weight. It seems that exercising also maintains my weight unless I run excessively which will be bad for my already aching knees.

Not only that, I find that I cannot fit into my pants which I bought 3 years ago and hooking up shorts require a deep breath in prior. So, is there really no way to go back to pre-pregnancy state without poking needles and swallowing pills?

That’s when I come across Halley Medical Aesthetics to start my slimming journey with CoolSculpting, a non-invasive way of achieving a slimmer silhouette.

My First Consultation Visit

Hally Medica Aesthetics

On my first visit to Halley Medical Aesthetics, I was a little nervous. After all, I have never walked into any clinics for slimming purpose. I was not too sure what to expect on the first consultation visit. The clinic is located at Level 3 of Orchard Gateway, which is very accessible by train with the nearest station at Somerset MRT. The moment I pushed through the tall glass door of the clinic, I was greeted by the friendly receptionists. The atmosphere was well, definitely not like a General Practitioner Clinic, but more of a spa setting with warm lights and lush armchairs.

Shortly, I was greeted by the nutritionist, Jean Tong. She brought me to a room to take my weight and measurements. Her pleasant demeanour certainly helped to soothe my anxiety. After that, we proceeded to see Dr. Terence Tan, who is the medical director of Halley Medical Aesthetics. As I knew that I was not going to some sleazy beauty spas with non-certified machines to do my treatment, seeing an experienced doctor certainly made first-time customers like me feel at ease.

Dr Terence Tan

Dr. Terence Tan was all smiles when we exchanged greetings. Well, I certainly needed a friendly and good-humoured doctor like him to feel relaxed. He asked about my concerned areas. I told him my wish to slim my thighs down as I love to wear short skirts and dresses. My tummy area is flabby but it does not bother me more than my fat thighs.

Consultation

After he took a look at my weight and BMI measurements, he suggested that I needed to work on my weight along with CoolSculpting. For best results, it would be ideal to bring down my weight fast and follow by maintenance with good diet along with the amazing effects of CoolSculpting.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting machines

Dr. Terence Tan went on to explain how CoolSculpting works. The CoolSculpting system by Zeltiq is designed to reduce stubborn fat bulges in specific areas that do not respond to diet or spot exercise. It requires no surgery and no downtime. The CoolSculpting procedure freezes and eliminates stubborn Fat by delivering precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin. These treated fat cells are crystallised (frozen), and then die.

Over time, your body naturally processes the dead fat cells and eliminates these dead cells, leaving a more sculpted silhouette. Further, the sub-zero freezing does not damage the skin or surrounding tissue. The CoolSculpting effects are long term as the treated fat cells are gone for good. The number of fat cells reduced by CoolSculpting in treated areas is approximately 20 to 25%.

We Stop Producing Fat Cells After Age of 5

Love Your Body

Everyone stops producing fat cells when they hit the age of 5. If you have children under 5, please do not overfeed them to prevent their body from producing excessive number of fat cells. After the age of 5, any increase in weight and overflowing muffin top can be due to the growing size of the fixed number of fat cells within our body. If we overeat or take in too much unhealthy foods, the fat cells INCREASE and if we keep to a good diet, the fat cells DECREASE in size. Thus, CoolSculpting helps here as there are lesser fat cells in our body to grow fat.

Sounds good right?

It puts my mind at ease that CoolSculpting is the only FDA-cleared non-surgical fat-reduction treatment. One thing to clarify is that Fat Reduction is different from Weight Loss. CoolSculpting DOES NOT reduce weight, it reduces the number of fat cells. Hence, a good diet and exercising are still important for overall good health and maintenance of a slim silhouette after a CoolSculpting procedure.

Dr. Terence Tan and Jean also emphasised on keeping a good diet and lifestyle changes that go hand in hand with CoolSculpting treatment. In fact, most people will be motivated to change to a good lifestyle and careful with food options after they have finally achieved the slim silhouette they longed for! No one would want to go back to the previous unflattering body shape after much slimming efforts. I am pretty sure I will be sticking religiously to a good diet plan and exercising to keep a good health in check.

Deciding Which Target Areas For Treatment

After the consultation, I was ushered into another room that Halley Medical Aesthetics has dedicated to CoolSculpting. Jean drew several outlines of the unflattering areas of my thighs and tummy. Doctor then came in shortly after to discuss with me on which areas to target for my treatment and that set the decision on the actual treatment for the next visit.

Measurement

Halley Medical Aesthetics’ weight loss programmes usually comes with 3 prescribed weight loss medications but I wasn’t comfortable with that. So Dr. Terence Tan, who was totally understanding about my decision, customised another slimming alternative for me which involved nutrition counseling with Jean. Yes, the no-medication way. Stay tune for the next post on the actual CoolSculpting treatment and, my experience and thoughts on it!

Halley Medical Aesthetics
248 River Valley Road #01-01
Singapore 238302
Tel: 6737 8233
www.halley.com.sg
facebook.com/halleymedicalaesthetics
instagram.com/halleymedicalaesthetics
blog.halleymedicalaesthetics.com

Cold Storage Kids Run 2017 – 10th Year Running!

Cold Storage Kids Run 2017 is celebrating their 10th Anniversary this year! It has become one of our must-go run every year. Now, for every run, there is a goal or cause to it (Please don’t just run for the sake of the goodie bag!). For Cold Storage Kids Run, it is aimed at promoting the goals of healthy eating, active living and spending quality family time through running together. This is so in line with what our family does, especially in bonding together!

Poster Mummy and Boy! That’s Us!

Do you spot who are on the advertising poster this year? It is amazing to see ourselves on it! Many readers told me that they “see” me everywhere! Friends and relatives saw the poster splashing across The Straits Times and message me to ask if that mummy was me! So, yes, the mummy and toddler in hand are ME and my Master 5! This picture was taken on our first Cold Storage Kids Run in 2015. I can still remember the cameraman flashed his camera at us non-stop the moment we crossed the starting line! We are so honoured to be chosen as the Poster Mummy and Boy very much to our surprise!

2 Adults can join family run!

Cold Storage Kids Run remains to be our favourite kids run event. Why is that so? You can read it all here in this post! Best of all, the organisers hear participants’ feedback and this year they allow 2 Adults to join their kid in the family fun run! In previous years, only 1 Adult can join the child and it was only me running with my youngest and I would have love for the Daddy to join as well! I am so glad that this year they made this change!

This year is also the last year that my Missy 12 can participate with us as she will not be qualified as a “child” next year. So, this run is really very special to us to be able to participate together as a family. It is also the first time that all 5 of us will get a Cold Storage Kids Run running tee each! The categories that we sign up for are Speedy Orange, Sporty Apple and AIA Vitality Family Fun Run.

Where’s the venue?

If you do not already know from the poster, this run is held at Palawan Green, Sentosa on 28 May 2017, which is a fresh change from the usual venue of Gardens by the Bay. Expect to breathe the sea air, and enjoy the sun and sand (hopefully not too hot!). Flag time has also been pushed back slightly to 715am to minimise rush and congestion for a better run experience.

What are the Categories?

Here are the Categories available in Cold Storage Kids Run 2017:

Runner Entitlements (child):

Limited Edition Cold Storage Kids Run 10th Anniversary Running Tee
Limited Edition Cold Storage Kids Run Bag
Exclusive Cold Storage Kids Run Finisher’s Medal
Limited Edition Cold Storage Kids Run Fan
Limited Edition Cold Storage Kids Run Water Bottle
Finisher Race Certificate*
Fantastic Sentosa Offers and Vouchers
Free Admission Into Sentosa

For more information and to look at the pictures of what is in the goodie bag, click here.

Discount Code!!

Do use our discount code in the poster above OR below to register and you will get 10% off! This code is valid from now till 10 April 2017.

KRSREF17

Race Day Details
Date: 28 May 2017 (Sunday)
Location: Palawan Green, Sentosa Island (next to Beach Station)
Time: 715am – 12pm
Registration period: Now – 10 April 2017 at www.kidsrun.com.sg
Activities include a family carnival, and lots of fun activities (to be updated)!
Don’t forget to check out their facebook page for updates once you have registered.

Hope to see you there! 🙂

PSLE English Workshop for Parents – How to Tackle The English Paper

This is not an Adult English Course, in case you are wondering. It is more of a crash course in understanding how to tackle the English Language Paper in PSLE. All of us were there to learn tips and how to teach our children. Some parents were more interested in knowing how to obtain A* for the paper, some wanted cheat sheets that the private tuition centres have and school teachers do not, and for me, I want to learn as much as I can and incorporate into our daily 30 min revision of English with my Missy 12. I am there to absorb knowledge and learn how to teach, not so much as to obtain A*.

Spanning over 2 Saturdays of 6 hours each, the parents, including me, who attended the Marshall Cavendish Education PSLE English Workshop for Parents certainly wasted no time in learning.. PSLE English!

This is not an Adult English Course, in case you are wondering. It is more of a crash course in understanding how to tackle the English Language Paper in PSLE. All of us were there to learn tips and pass our takeaways to our children. Some parents were more interested in knowing how to obtain A* for the paper, some wanted cheat sheets that the private tuition centres have and school teachers do not, and for me, I want to learn as much as I can and incorporate into our daily 30 min revision of English with my Missy 12. I am there to absorb knowledge and learn how to teach, not so much as to obtain A*.

I think for many of us, we came out from the workshop feeling that we had squeezed the trainer all his possible knowledge in the PSLE English paper. The best part is, the trainer was super accommodating and selfless in sharing his tips and such. All in all, for me, I have learnt lots in the 12 hours of workshop!

The trainer is Joel Lim, who had conducted an enjoyable workshop for my Missy 12 a couple of weeks back in the PSLE English Workshop for Student. You may read about what she learnt in this post.

We learnt about the format of the English paper and weightage of marks, Comprehension, Letter-writing, Situational writing, Essays, Synthesis and Transformation, Comprehension Cloze, Oral, Listening Comprehension and many other details to look out for when attempting the English paper. Joel gave a very good advice before we started the workshop proper:

Listen to your child more, and Speak Less.

How true and what a timely reminder! Often, we fail to LISTEN attentively to our child when they talk, and more often than not, I find my voice filling the air from the moment I come home from work till they sleep. It certainly does not seem healthy!

Now, let’s see what we have learnt in each segment in the English language paper.

On Composition

Joel taught us Composition tactics. He shared to us from the examiner’s point of view when reading and marking a composition. Not only that, he printed examples of composition from a weak writer, an average writer and a strong writer. In the class, he analysed the writing skills and trademarks of different kinds of writers. This certainly helps me greatly in teaching my girl what to look out for and how not to fall into these pit holes. I shall be sharing more on what I have learnt from the workshop in my PSLE Series on Composition writing soon.

On Comprehension

He used a past PSLE Comprehension Passage and taught us the steps in tackling it:
1) Read the passage (and read again for a second time)
2) Annotation
3) Ask Questions and Answer them in your head
4) Complete Questions

He drew arrows on the passage and explained to us how he infers and asks questions in his head when reading the passage carefully. It may seem tedious but I find it very useful to teach my Missy 12 with the details of going through word by word, phrase by phrase and sentence by sentence. I believe with sufficient practices, she will get into the habit of ‘Inferencing’ and able to answer questions more confidently.

On Synthesis and Transformation

We were recommended some good assessment books and it is really up to individual to review if these books suit the styles of your child. Joel went through the following book on Synthesis and Transformation which I immediately went to buy from Popular bookstore. I find the layout of the book helpful in presenting transformed words in table form, and addressing some difficult ones like “who and whom” usage in synthesis. Do check this out and see if it suits your child.

One thing we learnt is that for Synthesis and Transformation questions, there are no half marks and hence, either your child get full 2 marks or he/she will get zero mark even for a missing word. Thus, practicing more questions is probably the key to tackling this segment.

On Comprehension Cloze

We briefly touched on this and Joel had shared the following pointers from again another “My Friend Has Diarrhea” kind of abbreviations for easy remembrance: Round Aunty Farts Chocolate Rainbows!
Round – Read once first to get background information
Aunty – Annotate: summarise, drawing arrows to relate, asking questions and answering them
Farts – Fill in the blanks with as many words as you can think of in pencil
Chocolate – Choose the best answer for each question
Rainbows – Read again, use instinct to judge appropriateness of answers

Well, there are quite many ways that I have learnt on tackling Comprehension Cloze from various sources. Hence, I shall similarly share on my PSLE Series blog posts with one on tackling the Comprehension Cloze. Stay tune!

On Oral and Listening Comprehension

Joel recommended another good book for this segment. I really emphathize with our children these days. Even something so simple and easy to score like ‘Listening Comprehension’ and ‘Oral’ need strategies and a dedicated assessment book for them. I remembered we had never needed to prepare for them during our PSLE times! But, now, the PSLE standard has up many notches and Oral is really similar to an interview session in my opinion. Perhaps, if I were to take the PSLE Oral, I may not get good marks too since I tend to stutter or tongue-tied at impromptu questions, especially if the topic is not so much of my interest!

Do spend some time to go to Popular Bookstore to hunt for this book and read the tips given. I find that some are quite common sense and some are really good tips. But given the limited time, I would not be able to prepare my girl much for Oral and Listening Comprehension. Maybe, I should start prepping her during our conversations on bus rides to get her used to speaking and quick thinking.

Apart from sharing tips and tricks on all the English Paper sections, Joel is very kind to share his own resources on “Commonly Mis-spelt words” and Synthesis and Transformation Rules table among other things. We could feel that he understood why we would drop all schedule to spend 2 Saturdays learning from him. And he genuinely wanted to help us parents to help our own children.

After his workshop, I tested out the tips on my girl and for the first time, seriously, she answered 8 questions in a top school Comprehension passage correctly! While I am not expecting miracles, I can tell that my girl is gaining confidence in doing her English paper. By and by, I am sure we will get there!

Marshall Cavendish has 1 more Parent Workshop in this series:
PSLE Math Workshop For Parents
Date: 1 & 8 April (2 Saturdays in total)
Venue: Times Centre
Time: 9am – 430pm
Fees: $180

Do check out the website for more information and upcoming workshops.
I have a timetable here on the upcoming ones for your reference:

Disclaimer: I was invited to attend the Marshall Cavendish Education PSLE English Workshop for Parents. Thank you MCE and PR company for the chance to learn and teach my children. I strongly recommend concerned parents to attend MCE Workshops which I really benefited a lot!