Shape Run 2017 – Fun to Run as a Family

This is the first time we are running Shape Run and as a family of 5 in the 1.8km category. And perhaps the last family run that I can sign up Missy as a child. Kids grow up so fast! Kids size shoes do not fit her anymore too! I hope that regardless whether my children are running as Child or Adult, our family can keep up running together for as long as possible.

Shape Run 2017-1

This is the first time we are running Shape Run and as a family of 5 in the 1.8km category. And perhaps the last family run that I can sign up Missy as a child. Kids grow up so fast! Kids size shoes do not fit her anymore too! I hope that regardless whether my children are running as Child or Adult, our family can keep up running together for as long as possible.

Shape Run is an all-women run event, so it was kinda interesting to see Daddies and Sons running too! Well, they were running in the 1.8km family run. The Shape Run official run tee-shirt is in pink and comes with a grey crop top. While we were wondering if the male runners would be wearing pink, we were glad to receive a lovely blue version for all of us instead.

On the morning of Shape Run, we were all up and about by 7am, well, most of us. Interestingly, Master 5, who is usually the earliest riser in the family, always chooses to sleep in on days we need to wake up early. Despite all the buzz in the house, he stirred lightly and continued sleeping. What we usually do is to do whatever we need to get ready and wake him up 10 minutes before we leave the house.

Shape Run was held at the Kallang Practice Track. It took us a while to search for the Start Pen entrance to realise that we came from the opposite direction. We saw the Start banner and quickened our pace to wherever the entry to the Start Pen was. We spotted a few blogger families wearing the same blue tee-shirts as us and that made it easy to spot if we were heading the right direction. However, seeing that the race was going to start in a couple of minutes, and the entrance was no where near, we decided to climb over the barricades. Not exactly a nice thing to do, but it was the easiest thing to do with children in tow. The kids found it fun though.

We had a little time to take some pictures with the Skechers Shoe Mascot before the race and did a little warm up.

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Soon, the loud buzz was heard to flag the race, and all families leisurely crossed the start line. As I had sprained my ankle badly a month ago, I could only walk the entire 1.8km. My sprained ankle caused me to miss a few favourite run events this year to my great disappointment, and this family run of a short distance is the best I could managed for now. So, while I walked, my elder kids ran ahead, stopping only to wait for each other. My hub ran with the youngest and to my surprise, he did not even once asked the Daddy to carry him. It would be quite different if I were to run with him. It must be a Mummy’s boy thingy.

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Shape Run 2017

When I made it to the finishing line quite some time after the rest completed the race, my elder kids told me that 1.8km seemed surprisingly short compared to the NAPFA 1.6km run. They did not feel a single bit tired. All thanks to the amazingly light-weight Skechers Shoes that they were wearing on their feet. Missy told me that with her Go-Run 5 Skechers shoes, she felt her feet were light and could cover the distance effortlessly. That’s what I felt as well, I could walk slightly faster than usual and even attempted to run a few steps to test out my ankle’s recovery. Apparently, I did not feel any pain wearing the good support shoes. The shoes did give me some false hope of resuming my Mizuno Ekiden the next weekend. But of course, Ekiden is a totally different ball game.

Having good company made the run event more fun. We were happy to run with the cousins together (yes, you spotted correctly! The 3 cheerful kids of Summer from A Happy Mum), although at different speeds, and gathered again at the race village to play. It takes very minimal play toys to have fun when the kids are together. Balloons can keep them playing for hours. So can trampoline, if not for a photo-taking queue, they could jump for hours too.

Skechers Booth

It was easy to take family photos as well. We could help each other take photos instead of doing we-fies. And take unique pictures like this (with help from others of course)! Spot all our colourful Skechers Shoes!

Shape Run Bloggers

After the run and numerous photo-taking fun, we headed on to eat breakfast together. While I was thinking of my favourite Mac Donald’s at Kallang, a place I frequented during my Secondary School days with friends, both the hubs preferred Hawker Centre instead. Sometimes, I think my hub is like an old uncle who favours hawker and Chinese food anytime over restaurants and Western. Nevertheless, the kids were happy with whichever choice of breakfast place as long as they got to eat together and prolong their bonding time with their cousins. I can’t be happier with such strong ties. Hope they will grow up as close as ever.

Now that we have experienced our Skechers Shoes and tested the suitability for runs, you bet we will be running in them again in our next run event. If you are wondering how comfortable they are, check out Skechers shoes in any outlets in Singapore to try on them yourself 🙂

Disclaimer: We were happy to be invited to Shape Run and have our running shoes kindly provided by Skechers Singapore.

Cosentino in Singapore – Highly Entertaining Magic Show!

When I told my kids that we were going to watch Cosentino, they gave out a scream of joy! Whoa! I probably could not have made them so happy if I told them we were watching any other shows. To my No. 2, he is a great fan of magic and has always wanted to learn a few magic tricks to perform for anyone to see. This show, I was 100% sure, will have him glued with full attention from start till end!

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When I told my kids that we were going to watch Cosentino, they gave out a scream of joy! Whoa! I probably could not have made them so happy if I told them we were watching any other shows. To my No. 2, he is a great fan of magic and has always wanted to learn a few magic tricks to perform for anyone to see. This show, I was 100% sure, will have him glued with full attention from start till end!

The moment the curtains were unveiled, I found myself moving my body forward to ensure my eyes would not miss any possible magic tricks. While we were watching the captivating magician, Paul Cosentino, the Australian illusionist and escapologist, perform his magic, our minds were full of questions and attempts to see if there were any loopholes in the tricks! Were the good dance moves by Cosentino and his pretty assistants distractions to divert attention from possible hideaways? Was there shadows behind the cloth? Was there a secret side to the wooden box that allow the magician to escape? True to the title of International Magician of the Year, there was no loopholes that our eyes could catch!

Appearance

Creation

He performed a few classic illusions, street magic and thrilling death-defying escapes. One of which impressed me the most is the speed at which he switched bodies with his assistant trapped in the wooden box. That was really amazing!

A good performer really requires engagement with the audience which Cosentino did perfectly well. He engaged a good mix of audience, men, women, couple, and even a young boy. I must say the young boy is a lucky chap whom I am sure my elder son was secretly wishing he was the one on stage. The boy had a chance to ride a helicopter and won himself a magic trick set from Cosentino. I guess I am revealing a little too much! You really have to watch the show yourself to be as impressed as we were!

Helicopter

The last part of his performance was an escape from underwater through unlocking chains, shackles and handcuffs. It was breathless watching his attempt to break free and holding his breath for minutes. The audience was quiet when he took some moments to get ready his state of mind before he went underwater. Everyone applauded the moment he broke out of the tank! He had previously performed live in the Melbourne aquarium, sunk into the bottom of the main tank, surrounded by rays and sharks. The dare-devil indeed challenge himself to limits to bring entertainment to everyone!

Water Trap Escape

While writing this post, I had done some research online and read that he has a autobiography that is really motivating and inspiring for him to get to where he is today. I saw the book in the shop after the show and if I had known, I would have bought a copy! Nevertheless, my son, like many children that night, asked if he could have a magic trick set. Almost without hesitation, I knew I would agree and the Dad paid for it without a second word 🙂

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Cosentino is currently showing at Mastercards Theatres at Marina Bay Sands from 17 Aug till 27 Aug 2017. There are only 8 shows, and we were lucky to catch the Saturday 8pm show. The show is suitable for all ages and children above 3 will need a ticket.

Cosentino: Anything is Possible
Season: From 17 August 2017
Venue: Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
Performance Times:
Thursday, 17 & 24 August – 8PM
Friday, 18 & 24 August – 8PM
Saturday, 19 & 26 August – 2PM & 8PM
Sunday, 20 & 27 August – 1PM & 6:30PM

Ticket Prices:
Cat 1, VIP – SGD145
Cat 2, A Reserve – SGD150
Cat 3, B Reserve – SGD95
Cat 4, C Reserve – SGD75
Cat 5, D Reserve – SGD45
*Excludes booking fee of SGD4 per ticket
For bookings via:
Internet: www.MarinaBaySands.com/ticketing or www.sistic.com.sg
Phone: +65 6688 8826
In-person at: Marina Bay Sands Box Office (Museum, Theatres, SkyPark, Retail Mall and Hotel Tower 1 Lobby).
For more information please log onto: www.MarinaBaySands.com/ticketing

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Disclaimer: Thanks to Base Entertainment Asia for the kind invitation to watch the amazing performance. We truly enjoy ourselves! If you are thinking of bringing your kids to watch a performance, Cosentino is highly recommended, especially, with verdict from my kids! Cosentino Photos with courtesy by Base Entertainment Asia.

Yishun Park Playground – Family Fitness with Skechers

We have never thought of giving up our family weekend outings even if exams are nearing. We enjoy outdoor play. It refreshes the mind and lift up mood. While our kids are still keen on going out as a family, we will treasure every single opportunity to bring them to nature, parks and playgrounds. Last weekend, we visited Yishun Park Playground and yes, we wore our Skechers shoes along to test out the comfort!

Yishun Park 9

We have never thought of giving up our family weekend outings even if exams are nearing. We enjoy outdoor play. It refreshes the mind and lifts up mood. While our kids are still keen on going out as a family, we will treasure every single opportunity to bring them to nature, parks and playgrounds. Last weekend, we visited Yishun Park Playground and yes, we wore our Skechers shoes along to test out the comfort!

We hardly venture Yishun for playgrounds as it is not known for huge playgrounds and parks like Pasir Ris Park Playground and West Coast Park Playground. But the hub has been driving past this Yishun Park and has seen that the playground facilities look very fun, hence, he suggested to make a visit here.

A Merry-Go-Round Spider Web Structure

Yishun Park 1

A Bigger Spider Web Climbing Structure

Yishun Park 2

Mini-obstacle Playground with Slide

Yishun Park 3

Yishun Park 4

Mini Rock Climbing with 2 Slides on each side

Yishun Park Rock Climb

Balancing Rope Obstacle and Suspension Bridge

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Suspension Bridge at Yishun Park

Playground with Long Tubular Slide

Yishun Park 7

Yishun Park 8

Rock Climbing on an Inverted V Rubber Mat

Rock Climbing Structure

Isn’t this park awesome? There are jogging tracks beside the playground. Me and hub were able to jog while the kids play. But as usual, the kids sighted us and ran up to jog alongside with us when we really thought we had the luck to have some couple time on a weekend! Fat hope! Well, we enjoy exercising together as a family. Couple time can be arranged on other days.

Family fitness at Yishun Park
Look who outran us?!

Have you noticed the bright and cheerful Skechers Shoes on our feet? We have tested the shoes’ performance on the Yishun Park jogging tracks, the grip on climbing ropes and obstacles and the responsiveness on various grounds of sand, pavement, and even wet floors when we continued our weekend play to Safra Yishun Swimming Pool.

GOrun 5 red and purple

Our family is very new to Skechers shoes and my first pair was only recently bought from my US trip. I loved the GoWalk series to bits when I wore them to walk up and down 5th Avenue for hours without feeling tired. We heard lots of fave about Skechers shoes being extremely light weight and comfortable. And true enough, that was exactly our experience with the shoes! My hub’s first exclamation upon trying out the GOrun 5 in red/orange was: “They’re so LIGHT!”

Indeed, being light weight is a big advantage for attaining speed in running and responsiveness to avoid injuries. Both my hub and I love the GOrun 5 series especially when approaching towards the end of a long run, we did not feel that we had to drag our feet. GOrun 5 is the 5th generation of the GOrun series and its innovative technologies provide excellent cushioning and impact protection. Missy, being almost an adult has her first adult size sport shoes with the same Skechers GOrun 5 in purple. We chose the same colour so that we can go twinning on the same shoes! Isn’t that’s what having a daughter is all about?!

GOrun 5 Purple

Both the boys are wearing Skechers Flex Advantage 2.0 shoes with Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole. They, too, are enjoying the amazingly light weight footwear so that they can run fast! The Skech-Knit Mesh one piece fabric also allows breath-ability, hopefully cutting down the sweaty stench that the boys tend to have. They have chosen the bright blue colour which is an easy match to most clothes.

Skechers Flex Advantage

With the good grip and high comfort level, I have a piece of mind when the kids wear Skechers shoes for sports and play. You bet that from now on, Skechers would be our top favourite for comfort shoes. And we are going to wear them to our next family run event, Shape Run 2017!

Skechers Family

Back to Yishun Park Playground, here is the address if you are wondering how to reach here:

Address – Yishun Central, Yishun Avenue 11, 769027

Yishun Park is a 14-hectare park in Yishun, Singapore bounded by Yishun Ave 4, Yishun Central, Yishun Ave 11 and Yishun Ring Road. It is within the vicinity of Northland Primary School and Safra Yishun Country Club.

Disclaimer: We were sponsored Skechers shoes for a review on our experience. I am certainly a Skechers convert for comfort shoes after this review!

Eye Level Centre – Our Verdict on the English Lessons

Attending Eye Level English classes is really the very first time that my kids are exposed to an academic enrichment centre. Because of the “taste” of chance to spend time for extra-curricular academic assistance, they gain much in terms of knowledge as well as appreciate their freedom of no tuition. But having said that, 2 months after our last lesson at Eye Level, my kids still talk fondly of Teacher Jdrea and her lessons. They even told me that they do not mind continuing the lessons after the sponsorship! I certainly did not expect that! I guess that speaks volume for their experience with Eye Level!

Attending Eye Level English classes is really the very first time that my kids are exposed to an academic enrichment centre. Because of the “taste” of chance to spend time for extra-curricular academic assistance, they gain much in terms of knowledge as well as appreciate their freedom of no tuition. But having said that, 2 months after our last lesson at Eye Level, my kids still talk fondly of Teacher Jdrea and her lessons. They even told me that they do not mind continuing the lessons after the sponsorship! I certainly did not expect that! I guess that speaks volume for their experience with Eye Level!

Topics covered

After the Diagnostic Tests, Missy 12 was recommended to start from Eye Level English Level 6 and Master 10 to start from Eye Level English Level 5.
In case you are curious on what is taught, here are the topics!

Eye Level English Level 5 Eye Level English Level 6
Sentences Verbs
Punctuation Sentences
Parts of Speech Punctuation
Vocabulary Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension Text Patterns
Informational Text Informational Text
Literature Analysis Elements of Literature
Research Skills Genres
Writing Writing
Figurative Language

 

What we like about Eye Level English Lessons

Independence

I believe when a child takes charge of his own learning, he will be responsible for the consequences of his efforts. I truly think that hand-holding for learning cannot achieve much and will cause more harm than good in the long run. The last thing I want to hear from any of my kids is that they are working hard for ME than for themselves!

I like that Eye Level trains the students to be independent even from small details like taking their own homework from the shelf to giving the students an “air-time” for one-to-one consultation to clarify what they do not know with the teacher. The best part of it is the full attention dedicated to the student during the one-one teaching. This, perhaps, constitutes a great part of success in Eye Level curriculum.

 

Duration

The duration of the lessons is well-timed to allow students to focus at best within 45 minutes. Even though it may seem short compared to other enrichment centres, slow and steady wins the race in the long run. You cannot force to cramp knowledge by extending excessive hours beyond what the students can absorb. Thus, the duration is just right.

 

Drilling on Comprehension

Eye Level English

Yes, my kids complain on the numerous Comprehension practices during lessons and homework. I am totally with Eye Level that Comprehension practices are much to be appreciated in terms of training understanding, exposure to a bigger word bank, getting used to Grammar and sentence structures, etc. Painful as it may be, exposing to more Comprehension passages help in the long run.

However, Comprehension practices are not all there is in the curriculum. There are much more learning in the basics of English, like Quotation marks, Capitalisation, Tenses, etc that may seem trivial at Level 5 and 6 but totally helpful to correct previous inherited mistakes.

 

Learning at Own Pace

Eye Level English learning

In my opinion, the allowance for students to learn at their own pace is paramount. The reason that many fall behind in normal school hours is because lessons are conducted to a class of varying learning abilities and intellectuals. If a child were to send to an enrichment class and similarly fall behind in the class pace again, this child will be deprived of proper learning and a chance to grasp fundamental concepts.

Eye Level curriculum tackles this aspect very well. The teachers cater to the learning pace of each individual student, allowing them to advance only when they have mastered learning concepts and are comfortable to move up. So, if you are a Kiasu parent who is looking towards a fast pace teaching, then Eye Level will not be a suitable option. Like I mentioned, “Slow and Steady wins the race”. Learning takes time, and mastering takes even more time.

 

Little Gesture Motivates

Eye Level English Workbook

Another thing I like about Eye Level is more on Teacher Jdrea, whose practices I hope, are a representation of all Eye Level teachers. Instead of marking a cross on wrong answers, she put a circle instead. This serves as an encouragement to students in their learning journey. This may seem to you an insignificant thing, but I see it as an important gesture to boost a child’s confidence and motivates him/her. A cross, to me, especially when it is drawn in exaggerated dimensions, can be intimidating and demoralising. I certainly would not like my boss to draw crosses on my proposal when I present to him. What’s more, a child.

 

Feedback

As mentioned in my first post, I love the feedback given by Teacher Jdrea at the end of each lesson. Parents and Teachers should work hand in hand to complement each other in terms of educating a child. With that, I greatly appreciate that parents are given feedback on their children’s weaknesses and strengths. That helps me in identifying and focusing on the necessary areas of weakness.

 

American English

After singing so many praises of Eye Level, one thing I am not so in favour of is the American English that Eye Level is using for their English curriculum. As Eye Level originates from Korea, their books and lessons are all taught in American English. This is opposed to Singapore’s English which uses British English. As a result, I was afraid that my kids would be confused between the two. Schools do not allow American English to be used in examinations. Hence, I put up a request to Teacher Jdrea that whenever she comes across a part of the English language that uses American English, to explain to my kids the equivalent in British English. She was kind enough to accommodate to this request.

Soon, I found out that perhaps my fears were unfounded. My kids seemed to be able to differentiate between American and British English without difficulties. It could even be a plus point, like what Teacher JDrea said, for them to be exposed and know the difference between the two. After all, kids, by nature, are excellent in adapting to changes and differences.

Then, I was told a GOOD NEWS! Daekyo, the parent company in South Korea, is in the midst of reviewing the syllabus to replace the American English Curriculum with British English Curriculum! More details will be out as soon as they have firmed it up! That means my only concern on Eye Level English Class will be eliminated!

I have written our verdict on Eye Level English Curriculum, now is a chance for your child to experience for himself/herself!

 

GIVEAWAY!!!

Thanks to Eye Level Singapore, I have the pleasure to host a very generous GIVEAWAY for Kids R Simple Readers!
Not 1 or 2, but 5 lucky readers will get a chance to attend a ONE-MONTH FREE LESSON with a choice of Math or English at Square 2!

Contest details:
Prize – 1 month free lesson to 5 winners (choice of Math or English at Square 2)
Giveaway ends – 28 July 2359
Announcement of winners – on facebook post and this blog post

Steps to participate:
– Answer this question on the facebook post: Give 2 reasons why you think Eye Level will benefit your child.
– Complete the steps in the Giveaway App below.

1 Month Free Lesson @ Eye Level Square 2 x 5 WINNERS

Winners Picked!! Congratulations to all of you! Eye Level personnel will be contacting you via email soon!

Joanne Ho
Denise Yu
Olimomok
Anita Kaur

More information on Eye Level Centre:
Fees: $140 for 1x per week lesson; $180 for 2x per week lesson
Website: Eye Level Singapore
Facebook: click here
To enquire: call 6397 6117
To find a centre near you: click here

Click here to read my first post on how the English lessons at Eye Level is conducted!

Disclaimer: We were invited for 8 English lessons at Eye Level @ Square 2 for the purpose of this review. I would like to thank Daekyo Eye Level Singapore for the pleasant experience that my kids had in attending the lessons. I am happy that they have positive feedback and enjoyed their time while learning new things.

MCE Science Workshop for Students – Answering Techniques and Learning Strategies

Science is a subject that is intriguing to children and yet when it comes to it being placed on a set of papers with 40+ questions, it inevitably erode the initial interest of the student. So, how can we help our children to see the importance of answering techniques for Science paper such that their interest will not be killed eventually? I am happy to learn the ropes in a PSLE Science workshop organised by Marshall Cavendish Education (MCE) from a very qualified trainer, Mr Chee Chin Young. So does my Missy who attended the student workshop by the same trainer.

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Science is a subject that is intriguing to children and yet when it comes to it being placed on a set of papers with 40+ questions, it inevitably erode the initial interest of the student. So, how can we help our children to see the importance of answering techniques for Science paper such that their interest will not be killed eventually? I am happy to learn the ropes in a PSLE Science workshop organised by Marshall Cavendish Education (MCE) from a very qualified trainer, Mr Chee Chin Young. So does my Missy who attended the student workshop by the same trainer.

This is the second workshop that I have attended in the MCE PSLE Series of Workshop for parents. The first one is on PSLE English and if you would remember, I am impressed with the trainer. Now that I have attended the Science workshop, I am further convinced that MCE has a strict qualification of its trainers and only the best trainers are employed. Not only do the trainers engage well with students and parents, catering to different needs, they are totally selfless in imparting their knowledge, tips and tricks. I am full of admiration for such selfless sharing. I am sure those who attended are very encouraged by the optimism exuded by the trainers.

If you are thinking that the Science workshop is about learning further on the Science syllabus, then you are very wrong. The workshop is about tactics, tips, tricks on how to tackle the paper and prepare for PSLE Science. What we learnt are on ANSWERING TECHNIQUESLEARNING STRATEGIES and EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES! Everything all parents and students want to know about tackling the Science Paper!

learning strategies
Missy’s Concept Map for Learning Strategies and Exam tactics taught by Mr Chee Chin Young

Now, let me summarise what my girl has learnt from Mr Chee on a 2-day workshop for students on the topic of Science which school teachers may or may not have (the time to) shared.

 

1. Science Journaling (Note-taking)

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In Science, Note-taking should not be taken lightly. In fact, there is a way for effective note-taking!
a) Point-form Notes – a quick capture of information during class explanation, when reviewing worksheets and while doing corrections.
b) Concept Map – a capture of point-form notes reorganised on a visual form of flow charts, classification tables, radial diagrams or simply key words in clouds linked by arrows.
c) Science Journaling – where all important information are recorded and comes with a content page for easy referencing.

 

Keeping a Science Journal helps the students to brainstorm, list and infer between Science facts and terminology. Mr Chee emphasises greatly on the usefulness of having a Science Journal and spent a great deal of time teaching how to start one. Once you get the idea of a Science Journal, it shall help you all the way till beyond Secondary school in mastering the art of writing notes and keeping a handy self-written guide with you. A Science Journal needs to be no more than a size of an exercise book for ease of flipping and handy for bringing around. It serves as a quick reference to check up a concept or topic and good for quick revision before the examination.

Here is a page taken out from Missy’s Science Journal after Mr Chee’s workshop. She is so motivated by the idea of keeping a Science Journal that she went home the very day to find a nice notebook for this purpose!

Missy's Science Journal after Mr Chee's workshop
Missy’s Science Journal after Mr Chee’s workshop

 

2. Charting to PSLE Science Success

This is the strategising part to tackle the PSLE Science paper.

Now till Prelims

From the time of the workshop in June holidays till the Prelims, was about 6 weeks. This would be the time to revise concepts, understand the strategy of answering questions, practising against the clock to get the most number of marks. One shared tip is on practising the MCQ portion by aiming to get 20 right questions within 20 minutes; And on the written portion, to aim 20 marks attained in 20 minutes. Well, it certainly sounds achievable for bite sized practices to train for perfection in Section A which consists of 28 Questions equating to 56 marks.

Prelims till PSLE

From Prelims till PSLE, we would have about 2 months time. This will be fine-tuning of the Science concepts and ensuring whatever mistakes made in the past NOT BE REPEATED AGAIN. That means, studying and re-doing error questions till they are perfected with no mistakes. The Science Journal now comes handy in revision again. Bring out the P3 to P6 Science worksheets and revise on the corrections again.

ONE GRADE IMPROVEMENT

Mr Chee recommends to aim for ONE GRADE IMPROVEMENT from SA1 to Prelims and ONE GRADE IMPROVEMENT from Prelims to PSLE.

 

3. Marks Vs Points

What is the difference between Marks and Points?
Understanding the relationship between marks and points is essential to give the correct length of answer without writing too much.
Points – a point of information that expresses an idea, i.e. a fact or concept; a sub-point is part of a main point. It is good practice to write one sentence for one point.
Marks – the allocation of the one mark or half mark against a point or sub-point for right concept or use of appropriate keywords in answering correctly.
Mr Chee taught the K.I.S.S answering technique:

K.I.S.S. – Keep It Short and Simple!

 

4. Generating Keywords with Science-working

What is a Science-working? Does Science require working like Math?

Well, I find this is kind of similar to what we were taught in English workshop, if there is such thing as an English-working too. Remember I shared about doing inferences while reading Comprehension passages or Comprehension Cloze? In Science, we should also write and jot down keywords or ideas that come to mind when we read through a Question. Such scribbling helps the mind to work faster in making sense of the question, so that the logical answer can be formed by processing the keywords.

 

5. Type of Questions

Comparison Questions – marks are allocated for describing the two things in comparison. If you are asked for the difference, remember to mention specifically why the other thing is different. This will ensure you get the full marks for that question.

Explanation Questions – testing on the ability to explain scientific phenomenon extensively. The simplest way is to state two things:

Scientific Theory
Question Application

 

Scientific Theory is the statement on a fact or concept that can be universally applied in any similar situations, they can be lifted directly from the textbooks, and usually carry one mark.

Question Application is the statement that apply the scientific theory into the question scenario. By this application, it will show the understanding of the concept well enough to be used in the application.

Theory-Application Approach

Mr Chee shared with the students that when a scientist tries to understand a situation, he/she will first think of the relevant scientific theory before trying to apply the principle to the observation. If you are able to train yourself into thinking this way to form answer statements, most, if not all, required points in the examiner’s answer sheet will be covered.

 

6. Understanding Graphs Questions

In Graphs questions, it is important to note the following information on the graph:
a) Horizontal Axis – usually an independent / controlled variable
b) Vertical Axis – usually a dependent variable, i.e. effect or outcome
c) Starting point on the Vertical Axis
d) Slope of the Graph – whether it is going up or coming down or unchanged.
e) Peaks and Valleys – note the highest and lowest point of the graph.

 

7. Highlighting Keywords in Questions and Correct Answers

This is a study tactic where the student HIGHLIGHT KEYWORDS found in Questions and Correct Answers. This trains the student to have an eye for keywords and understand how to answer to such questions.

 

8. Legibility Training

Mr Chee even covered Legibility Training in this workshop! It may seem trivial but in fact, is extremely important to not lose marks due to illegibility! He suggests to print out letters from A to Z, 0-9 in Comic Sans light grey font size 20+ for students to trace over. This helps those who have problem writing legibly to train their handwriting.

I could not cover all those that have been taught to my girl as I could only refer to her notes and what I have learnt in the Parents’ workshop. However, these are pretty good tips to share with you. I shall be sharing more in my next post on the MCE PSLE Science Workshop for Parents as I have sat through 2 full day teachings by Mr Chee. More on Learning Strategies and Examination Techniques!

Mr Chee Chin Young

Great Resources!

Follow me on my PSLE Series post here on our home-learning without Tuition!

Follow me and fellow Blogger mums on our takeaways on Marshall Cavendish Education Workshops which all of us are full of praises for! –

PSLE English Workshop for Parents by Kids R Simple
PSLE English Workshop for Students by Kids R Simple
English – How to Write Confidently & Creatively by Mummy Ed
English – How to Excel and Speak Well in English Oral by Mummy Ed
Math – Heuristics Explained for Intermediate and Advanced Learners by DinoMama
Math – P3 and P4 Math Coaching Workshop by Xavvylicious
Math – Problems Solving with Essential Know-hows and Tools by ilovedefamily
Math – Stretching Your Child’s Mathematical Abilities by Mummy Ed
Chinese – Effective Strategies for Chinese Composition by Mummy Ed

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Marshall Cavendish Education for inviting me and my Missy to attend these insightful workshops on PSLE Science. We benefited tremendously from Mr Chee’s teaching and I must say we are more confident now in answering Science questions than before! The above notes are shared by Mr Chee’s handouts in the class and I hope I have presented here as best as I could to share with readers.