Author: John Reed

Sometimes the issue isn’t whether you should enrol your child in enrichment classes for primary students. It sometimes boils down to whether you should opt for a popular class. There are several reasons why a popular enrichment class may be tempting. 

• Social proof: The process of choosing a mathematics enrichment in Singapore can be overwhelming, especially for parents who aren’t sure whether their child needs one. So, when they see that other parents are enrolling their children, they are more likely to believe those parents have done their research and consider this move the best for their kids. 
• Feedback loop: In today’s world, everyone is networking to build connections that make it easier for them to do business and make friends. Some of these networks affect enrichment classes for primary students. For example, a parent may opt for a Chinese enrichment class in Singapore because of positive reviews from other parents.
• Motivated classmates: Sometimes, students may show interest in speech and drama classes in Singapore, and parents, in turn, agree because of the motivation from other students. Parents also appreciate that peer interest easily translates to competitive learning, which is especially helpful in mathematics enrichment in Singapore and other core subjects.
• Market validation: The popularity of enrichment classes for primary students, or specific student centres, is evidence of market approval. It could only mean that the facility and classes, such as the Chinese enrichment class in Singapore, have a proven track record with measurable results. 

These are all valid reasons for pursuing popular speech and drama classes among others. However, you should look beyond an enrichment class’s popularity.

Downsides of Choosing an Enrichment Class Based on Popularity

• No one-size-fits-all: While popularity speaks of the preference for enrichment classes for primary students, what works for others may not be suitable for your child. Consider your child’s unique needs and interests above everything else. For example, your child may prefer a Chinese enrichment class in Singapore over speech and drama classes, even though the latter are more popular.
• Mismatched philosophies: An enrichment class may have all the positive attributes, but it may also be unsuitable for your child. For example, if your child needs an exploratory environment befitting their creative nature, an enrichment class focused on rigorous drilling for exam performance may destroy their interest in the subject. 
• Teacher-student ratios: The downside of popular enrichment classes is the likelihood of a high student-to-teacher ratio. If your child needs personalised attention, their interest may not be catered to in a large class.
• Savvy marketing: An enrichment class may appear popular, but in reality, it may all be down to how it is marketed. Parent testimonies are not always reliable, as they may be mimicking what the agency says. Research a little deeper to separate fact from fiction, especially if you are seeking a specific class, such as speech and drama classes in Singapore.
• Trendy enrichment classes: One of the questions you must answer is whether the enrichment class is popular because it is trendy, or if it truly meets your child’s needs. If the class doesn’t trigger your child’s interest in the subject, it most likely won’t work out well for them. 

When eliminating enrichment classes from a long list, you can use popularity as a filter to narrow down to reputable centres. However, you will need to consider your child’s interests when making your choice.

Singapore is known as one of the most business friendly countries all across the globe. Its strategic position in the region, stable economic situation and transparent policies make it conducive for any new business, even franchising. For newcomers, entrepreneurs and franchisors, Singapore is the way to move forward. 

Working of Franchise

Franchising in Singapore is the blend of structure and entrepreneurship. Any business which wants to start small with minimal risk involved, the franchising offers good support by connecting with already established brand name, customer loyalty and marketing strategies. They need not look for consumers, which are already intact. However, maintaining the quality and the service benchmark is what is needed. Singapore is a very competitive market, thus for the survival of the business, it has to be backed by quality and consistent provision of service. 

When studying the population of Singapore, they are diverse, highly educated and urbanised people. They are pretty open to new business ideas which makes it easier for newcomers to enter the market. There are however, some traits like education, health, wellness and food which are openly accepted by many people. 

Place for Both Local and International Brands

Many international businesses and brands have already opened their ventures in Singapore considering it a lucrative market. There are some established brands already in the country, however some other international brands are trying to get into the market. 

Not only international, some local brands are also making their ways into the market with the help of franchising. 

Supporting Regulations and Ecosystem

There are as such no written rules and regulations for business franchises in Singapore, still their legal system is well structured. They provide required support and coverage to all franchises in the form of:

Licensing agreement

Intellectual property

Conduct of the business and 

Laws of protection

There is also a regulatory authority by the name of ACRA, i.e., Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority which provides insight on the running and operating of any new business. 

Some enterprises in Singapore also benefit from the enterprise resource grant being offered to some businesses. It covers costs linked with business innovation, and internationalisation. 

Key Challenges Faced by Franchisers

There are though many advantages of starting a franchising, there are certain challenges as well. 

• -Market saturation in certain areas of the industry makes it difficult to capitalise on it.
• -The high rental cost is also worrisome for many franchisers when they start any business. 

It is always good to do thorough research research and competitive analysis before deciding to go for the right option. The manpower needs to be properly trained and educated for investing in the right direction. 

The franchising business in Singapore continues to evolve, driven by digital transformation and changing consumer behavior. E-commerce integration, delivery platforms, and loyalty apps have become key tools for franchise success. Health-conscious, eco-friendly, and tech-enabled concepts are gaining popularity, opening up new opportunities for innovation in franchising.

Moreover, with Singapore acting as a springboard to the wider Southeast Asian market, entrepreneurs who master the franchise model locally can consider regional expansion through master franchise business agreements or joint ventures.

All across the globe, franchising has become a known and profitable business model. It offers individuals to work on the business idea which is already established and running successfully. For Singapore, franchising is not a buzzword, rather it is a latest and thriving trend, which offers business opportunities for both national and international clients. 

For almost all business operations looking for franchising opportunities, Singapore offers a second home like environment, owing to its conducive working environment, friendly policies and strong economy. 

The first and the foremost advantage of starting business through franchising is the easy and quick entry into the market. There is no stress of starting a business from scratch, it offers relief from marketing cost, branding and other initial investment costs. Many entrepreneurs can benefit from these simple formulas of not having to start a business from scratch. 

This business model is mainly effective in certain categories, i.e., food and beverages, health, fitness, education and beauty. 

Exploring Franchising Opportunities in Singapore

Considering the business opportunities in Singapore and areas, then food and beverages is the most wanted area to work and explore. The population dynamics are also diverse which makes it appealing for both national and international audiences. Also the appeal for cuisine is also attractive. This approach has made it easy for international big names in the food industry to start their operation in Singapore. While the same also offers good opportunities for local companies to work on this side of the world. 

The legal framework of any country impacts the working of any franchise. Singapore has a very well defined legal system, with clear policies and procedures. The level of confidence of both franchisee and franchisor is boosted and they feel motivated to start their business. 

As such there are no written laws of franchising in Singapore. There are still business laws and policies that provide necessary protection to both parties in terms of contract agreement, consumer rights and intellectual property. Both parties get an environment for starting their ventures with a safe profit margin. 

Government in Singapore provides full support to entrepreneurs. They have a proper mechanism and company working by the name of Enterprise Singapore, that provides services like offering grants and necessary training to the newcomers. 

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) helps in the business expansion opportunities as well as development of capabilities. Such support systems make it easier for startups to have a strong and easy start and make profit in the initial few months. 

The Digital Boost in the Industry

The digital transformation and boost in this industry has also encouraged many businesses for profitable margin. There are many different apps introduced by companies in the form of digital marketing, food marts and e-commerce which makes the business processes easy. 

This initiative is making the population of Singapore, which is already technological savvy, attractive towards new business chances.  The FLAsia, is one such step, which connects the potential partners and investors from Singapore with the franchisers. This way newcomers are able to learn the market dynamics, business opportunities, and make networking strong as well. 

Conclusion

Low cost franchising opportunities in Singapore present a dynamic and promising pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs and established brands alike. With its strong legal framework, supportive government initiatives, diverse market, and rapid digital transformation, Singapore offers an environment where franchises can flourish. 

Whether you are a local entrepreneur or an international brand looking to expand, Singapore’s thriving economy and business-friendly landscape make it an ideal destination to realise your ambitions. By leveraging the existing support structures and embracing innovation, franchisees can look forward to a rewarding and sustainable business journey in the heart of Asia.

It is estimated that in every 10 parents in Singapore, eight send their children for tuition. Also, English is Singapore’s most spoken language, but it wasn’t always like this. Approximately 80% of Singapore’s population is of Chinese descent, but in 2020 29.9% of households used Chinese in their homes. This was down from 35.6% in 2010. 

Despite the decline in the use of the Chinese language, it is still the second most spoken language. More than half of Singapore’s population uses it as their second language. Since Chinese is an examinable subject in primary and secondary schools, most parents send their kids to Chinese tuition to perfect their knowledge of the language, both written and spoken. 

Tuition in Chinese has proven very helpful for students in Singapore, but there are several misconceptions that we should debunk.

Chinese Tuition Is for Struggling Students

Many people struggle with learning Chinese and have labelled it one of the hardest languages. Unfortunately, this perception extends to tuition in Chinese where it is assumed that kids who request tuition in Chinese are struggling with it. 

This is not entirely true because some parents enrol their kids to give them greater exposure to the language. A Chinese tutor also helps ensure the kids are ready to tackle their exams. 

Chinese Tuition Is Repetitive Drilling

The Chinese language has its unique features, so it is not true that a Chinese tutor spends hours doing repetitive drills on the kids. The MOE has a Chinese curriculum that includes listening, reading, speaking, and writing. A good Chinese tutor will follow the teaching structure when giving extra classes. Be sure to understand the tuition centre’s programmes thoroughly before enrolling your child. Chengzhu Mandarin Centre offers a range of Chinese tuition programmes, including Chinese Enrichment classes from K1 – K2 and Pri 1 – Pri 3, as well as Exam Preparation classes from Pri 4 to Secondary 4. These programmes are tailored to different education levels, ensuring that your child receives the appropriate support and guidance at Chengzhu Mandarin Centre.

Chinese Tuition Is for Exam Preparation

Chinese is one of the subjects examined in Singapore, so Chinese tuition is technically for exam preparation. However, this is not the only reason why parents send their kids to Chinese tuition centres. 

As mentioned earlier, Chinese is the second most spoken language in Singapore. So, Chinese tuition will help improve the child’s fluency in the language. Chinese tuition is also an investment for the future because it will improve the child’s career prospects. Learning Chinese is also an excellent way of bridging the communication gap between the older and younger generation. 

It is Stressful

Another misconception about Chinese tuition is that it is stressful for students. Admittedly, it can be overwhelming since students have to set aside extra hours to learn their mother tongue. However, this time is not any different from tuition for any other subject. Just because it is taught using a different language doesn’t mean the child is more overwhelmed. 

These are some of the common misconceptions about Chinese learning. However, parents need to follow up with their children to ensure they are coping with the Chinese tuition. Sometimes the problem is the approach used in the Chinese tuition Centre or the Chinese tutor. 

Instead of parents taking these misconceptions at face value, they should check to find out if their kids are facing any difficulties and the reasons behind them. This is the only way to ensure parents get value for money, and the children get the best from the Chinese tuition. Learn more.

Parents often ask, “What afterschool programs do you offer?” when choosing student care centres. The answer helps parents determine which student care services best suit their children. To keep the parents interested and encourage enrolment, afterschool programs have evolved from homework support and a safe place for students to stay after regular classes. 

Enrichment programs have become popular because they instill life skills that are helpful to students today and beyond. Here are some of the best afterschool programs in Singapore’s dedicated student care centres. 

Arts & Creativity 

One popular afterschool program is art and creativity. These age-appropriate programs include painting, digital art, and crafts. These interactive programs encourage student collaboration while helping them foster social, creative, and problem-solving skills. Students also learn how to express themselves, and the skills they learn will prove handy in subjects like English composition. 

Tuition

Most parents enrol their children in afterschool programs for tuition. The hours spent at student care centres are a productive way to give students extra classes, especially in complex subjects. Most student care centres have professional tutors who help prepare students for examinations. 

Since student care centres offer various services, parents interested in tuition should choose a dedicated student care centre. Student care centres offering tuition services have a low teacher-student ratio for personalised attention. They are also flexible, allowing students to focus on tough subjects. A dedicated student care centre also helps students prepare for exams. 

Language Learning

English is the primary language spoken in at least 70% of Singaporean homes. However, about 75% of Singapore’s population is Chinese, and most young people don’t speak Chinese dialects. Mandarin is the most spoken dialect, with approximately 35% (primarily older Singaporeans) of the population speaking it. 

One of the student care services is language learning, and some parents consider it important, especially for students with parents or grandparents who don’t speak English. Mother tongue languages are also part of the school curriculum. 

STEM and Coding

Singapore is one of the countries with a high student enrolment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It all starts with a good foundation in STEM, and student care centres are critical in helping them excel in their primary and secondary school exams. 

Parents with kids interested in coding can find a dedicated student care centre offering age and skill-appropriate coding lessons. Parents can also introduce coding to young children, and they can build up on it as they get older. 

Sports and Games

Some student care centres offer opportunities for physical development. This feature is common in student care centres with students of all ages. Popular sports include swimming, football, and martial arts. Parents with children who need physical activity or those interested in sports thrive in student care centres offering physical activities. 

These are some of the popular afterschool programs. Singapore has hundreds of student care centres, and parents should consider their children’s interests and needs. It is important to find a balance to ensure their children get the most from the afterschool programs. 

Many parents overlook tuition in Chinese, especially native Chinese. They expect their kids to pick up the language easily, especially if they use it at home. However, a child’s fluency in Chinese is rooted in their ability and willingness to learn the language, not the background. Fortunately, there are several ways for parents to tell if a child needs Chinese tuition. To Learn more about how we can help your child excel in Chinese. Visit us!

A Child’s Engagement With the Language

If the household speaks Chinese often, parents can observe the child to see if they are improving in the language or if they are stagnating. If the child is attending Chinese classes and has regular exposure to the language at home, there should be an improvement in their vocabulary or fluency. If, over time there is no change, you should consider Chinese tuition.

Difficulties with Specific Concepts

Encourage your child to share the difficulties they face in Chinese learning, just like with all the other subjects. Chinese learning is not easy, especially for a child who hasn’t been exposed to the language from early childhood. Unfortunately, Chinese learning is limited to a few lessons a week, and the kids also have the burden of other subjects.

The time set aside may not be sufficient for a child to make much progress in the Chinese language. So, getting a Chinese tutor is a solution. When possible, enroll your child in Chinese tuition early so that he can progress along every level with no difficulties.

Lack of Confidence

Learning a new language can be equally exciting and frightening for a child. Some kids approach the lessons with the desire to learn Chinese, but their fear of failure makes it difficult for them to grasp some concepts. Some people may justify it with them being slow to learn the language, yet the problem is their confidence. Personalized lessons may help boost their confidence in reading and speaking Chinese.

Difficulties with Regular Chinese Classes

Some children find it difficult to concentrate or understand lessons in a class with many children. This may stem from their lack of confidence or difficulty in concentrating in the presence of many students. The teacher may also be moving too fast for the child, and if other students don’t have a problem with it, they may be left behind or “forgotten” as the class moves on with the syllabus. In this case, personalized learning is the solution.

The Child’s Attitude Towards the Language

A parent doesn’t have to look at a child’s performance before deciding they need Chinese tuition. Sometimes a child gives hints in their attitude towards Chinese. For example, if the parent is fluent in Chinese and speaks it often but the child responds in English, it is a sign that something is wrong. 

The child may have trouble speaking Chinese, they don’t know how to respond, or they are worried about saying the wrong thing. Despite this, the child may not initiate an interest in Chinese tuition but may be grateful if the parent brings it up first.

Some parents request for tuition in Chinese because they feel the Child needs it. Often, this is true. However, there may be instances when parents hire a Chinese tutor because they don’t have the time to monitor the child. All these are valid reasons to give the child additional support, especially since Chinese is examinable and it will affect their overall performance.

Finding the best student care centre is a challenge for many working parents. Sometimes, the student centre close to home is ideal, yet it is more convenient for some parents to use the one closest to their workplace.  Some parents face an internal struggle between paying for student care services over alternatives, like child care centres, tuition centres, hiring domestic help, or asking family members to help watch the kids in their absence. 

Predictable Schedule

Student care in Singapore usually has a fairly predictable program, and often, are willing to bend the rules to accommodate parents when they arrive later or need additional student care services during the weekend or holidays. 

The same cannot be said of alternative care options. Grandparents may have alternative plans or they may be unwell. Often, parents don’t get the information too late, so they can’t make alternative arrangements in time, and this affects their performance at work. 

Complementary Transportation Services

Most student care centres provide transportation for kids, from the school to the student care centres. This solves the logistical challenges, especially for parents who may not have the time or resources to handle this movement in the middle of a work day. The complementary transportation also makes it easier for parents to choose the best student care centre in Singapore without being restricted by location.

Structured Learning

Student care centre in Singapore offer structured learning opportunities for kids, something that the other alternatives don’t offer. When the kids go to student care centre, they get homework support from the teachers. 

Community-based student learning centres also have programs, such as enrichment classes. The classes also follow the regular school curriculum closely, so students get targeted assistance based on their needs. 

Group Learning

Student care centre offer a unique opportunity for students to learn with their peers from different schools. They learn in a group setting, and this can be helpful to students as they share ideas and learn from one another. This setup also encourages healthy competition for academic growth. 

Holistic Development

Unlike tuition centres which focus solely on academics, student care centres have a comprehensive approach to a child’s development. They offer homework support, academic programs, and enrichment classes, including arts, crafts, sports, and music. The strategy is to help boost a child’s academic performance while helping the child develop important life skills and interests. 

It is important to point out that the student care centres create their programs as they deem fit, so you’ll discover student care centres offering the bare minimum while others have many programs. Parents have to research the student care services offered by the different centres to determine if they align with their interests and budget. 

Safe Environment

Student care centres know they are liable if anything happens to a child under their care, so they have set up safety mechanisms to ensure the children are safe and protected at all times. The staff are trained and they supervise the kids at all times, whether they are playing or reading. This gives parents peace of mind knowing that their kids are safe at the student care centre. 

Student care centres offer comprehensive services that the alternatives don’t. Parents who can afford to pay for the service would rather do it than use free alternatives, like family support. Fortunately, the Singapore government under the Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) program offers subsidies to eligible families to reduce the cost burden for parents who prefer student care services but can’t afford them.

Singapore has more than 400 centres providing student care services for school-going children, aged 7 – 14 years. Most of Singapore’s households are dual-income, leaving many parents in a bind; who will care for kids when they leave school while the parents are at work? For most, a student care centre is a solution.

Other than a safe place for kids to stay for a few hours daily, student care centres have different purposes. 

Academic Supervision

According to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), student care services include homework supervision. This is expected of all student care centres, but the proprietors also have the flexibility to create a program for the day-to-day running of the facilities. Some student centres focus on homework supervision while others offer extra classes.

The academic program is usually aligned with the regular school’s curriculum. Student care centre teachers are also qualified to support students in different subjects. 

Enrichment Classes

Some student care centres offer different classes, including enrichment classes to give students hands-on learning. The enrichment classes include Chinese learning, Art, cooking, and much more. These classes impart knowledge to the students and also help them nurture social, communication, and language skills. 

Some of the student care in Singapore classes help students express themselves. Students also learn how to identify stress triggers and how to navigate stressful situations. 

Instill Life Skills

Since the students spend hours at the student care centre, they can learn so much during this period. The students are exposed to games and scenarios that will sharpen their coping, communication and decision-making skills. Age-appropriate life skills, such as cooking, that help students become more independent are also taught. 

Student care services in Singapore vary from one location to another, so parents get to decide if they want their kids in an academic-focused student care centre or one with enrichment classes that supplement what students learn in school. 

Feeding the Students

While this may not be the core responsibility of student care centres, it is just as important as other roles. Parents should know if the fees include feeding at the student care centre. Depending on how long the students are in student care, they may have a meal and a snack. 

Secure Environment for Students

Student care centres are a safe haven for parents to leave their children after classes. It is a secure environment where students are supervised and cared for until their parents pick them up. This is one of the primary reasons many parents pay extra for student care services. The knowledge that their children are safe is a priority for most parents. 

Individualized Attention

Although most student care services are offered to the students as a group, students also receive individualized attention. Parents may request specific academic support for their children, similar to private tuition. Fortunately, this is already offered as homework supervision, so each child gets personalized attention from the teachers at the student care centres. 

These are some of the services offered by student care centres. However, the type of services and quality of care vary from one centre to another. Parents choose the services they need before determining the best student care centre for their children.

In Singapore, the secondary school students need to go through the 4 years of secondary school to prepare for the high stake O level examination. While coming from the primary school these children are not yet aware of the new format in English language and face a decline in grades in the first semester. This is one of the major reasons why parents are inclined towards paying extra for tuition. With the parallel pressure of staying at the top paired with the fear of failing, 8 out of every 10 households sends their children for tuition.

Education is a billion dollar business in Singapore and the nation boasts exemplary results in math, science and reading. English is one of the official languages of the country, where almost all economic and political processes depend greatly upon. The country is host to many natives and English is the one that unites them all.  Parents encourage their children to communicate in the mentioned language from a very early age. And because ultimately an important exam is to be given by the child after secondary school, therefore a lot of focus in studying and reading it is given. Now, in the country there are a lot of excellent tuition centers with countless private tutors that people can hire and they promise good grades. Sometimes, instead of teaching the subject, coaching is given of how to learn. The west has been astounded by the results being produced here and it all comes down to the strategy of learning and a highly trained teaching staff.

The tuitions offered for secondary school English assure making the students well equipped in the following areas:

1. First and foremost is to guide the students of the new format in which they will have to give their examination. It is relatively different from the one that they were used to in the primary school so they need practice to master it.
2. Then gradually there is an introduction to higher level of sentence structure and vocabulary through comprehensions.
3. Passages are introduced and students are guided how to pick the right information and put it to use.
4. Students are guided how best to communicate in the language to ensure power.
5. Repeated testing in all regards ensures that the student is able to communicate, read and listen effectively.
6. Finally, the comprehensions and compositions that are selected that not only help learning English but also widen the general knowledge of the students. Topics ranging from scientific research to architectural wonders are introduced, that widen the awareness of the students.

After the secondary school, the child as well as the parent becomes aware of what subjects the child has an aptitude in and thus are marked for A-level examination. So going through the phase of tuition in secondary school ensures good grades. There are some top tuition centers that promise results and in the event of the student not coming up to the mark, offer full refunds.

Although the tuition market has been declared a business but the effort that they put to build the admitted child up to the next level is simply commendable. In fact, the west is analyzing how it can adopt some of the teaching methods into their own systems to boost learning.

If your child has an active imagination and has a thirst for writing, we can guide him with these super fun classes of creative writing for kids in Singapore.

Whether your child dreams of being a writer or just likes to make up stories, creative writing is a cathartic exercise that allows children to make sense of what is happening in their lives and their ever-changing feelings. Its something they can try out on their own at home, but if you want to provide a bit more guidance, here is how we guide creative writing classes for kids in Singapore.

With so ample amount of creative writing classes available in Singapore , it is common for its very concept to escape us.

Approaches to Creative Writing

Our creative writing program greatly aids in the development of techniques for composition writing. It does not interfere or has overlaps with the regular English curriculum that we teach our students. We mainly focus on it three important components of the 3 Minds.

The Champion Mind

Celebrating the individual students uniqueness, going beyond conventional wisdom and overcoming struggle to attain success.

The Learning Mind

Learning How to learn strategies that actively assist our learner to understand, store, recall and create material and concepts.

The Creative Mind

Linking many perspectives and incorporating them to generate new and creative ideas.

What Our Program is about?

The program is planned in accordance with the students ability. It is designed so as to work hand in hand with what the child is already learning at school. It focuses on the understanding and creative aspects of writing, rather than attempting to force a mechanical approach, before each student has adopted the super important desire to write.

During the program, an emphasis is placed on engaging the childs imagination, before facilitating writing from that engagement. Moreover, it provides the grammatical structures to allow for glowing appearance of the childs ideas.

Tips for creative writing for Singaporean kids:

How to start:

Like any other fear, one of the best ways to get past the I am not able to write phase is to just start writing. Often as the pen starts moving, kids should become less self-conscious and they start writing. If its gibberish, well so what? Nobody creates a masterpiece on the first attempt. Creative writers do not have a lack of ideas. Writers get a block when they are not able to really pinpoint where to start.

Think of what to write about:

The most basic and sort of difficult thing to consider is what the topic should be. Scoping the content is important as it sets what we are going to achieve at the end of the written piece. The best thing for creative writing is to sketch an outline of the story and then from there, you can add in the flesh. Less is more, meaning that in writing it is always okay to use simple words, short sentences and to begin with simple dialogues.

Enjoy the moment:

The best moments of creating anything is when there is joy in the process of creation. The sky is the limit when it comes to being imaginative and the world is the oyster when we attempt to visualize it through words. Start by picking up a pen. Enjoy the moment. Good luck!

A message for the parents

An acute sense of creativity in writing can also be cultivated from a young age of kids in Singapore. Parents can help develop enthusiasm from writing by encouraging their children to keep a writing journal, writing two pages a week. This helps encourage their champs to write freely about anything that interests them. We can guide interested parents and answer queries they might have. So what are you waiting for! Visit us now!

One of the popular questions that most parents have when it comes to learning abacus, is what is the right age to start learning? In general, there is no such

rule which limits abacus learning to a specific age but the results achieved are specific to age.

Brain development is catalyzed by learning abacus at an early age

Right half of the brain is attributed to creativity, visual thinking and imaging. When the right half of the brain is regularly used, it becomes dominant.

Childhood marks the time when the brain function is at its highest. If any changes in its utilization are to be made, childhood is the best time. In order

to learn abacus, the child must have the basic understanding of concepts like numbers, therefore an ideal age to start is 3. Disciplining a child under the

age of 3 to sit in one place and concentrate can be difficult. A child who has started training in pre-school has a statistical advantage over other children

when it comes to solving mental arithmetic of 6 digits.

Calculation skills are developed when trained during elementary school

Mental math strategies can be easily taught to children in elementary school can be used during math maths class and elimating the need for a calculator. A simple reason why junior high students are poor in math is because of lack of

basic practice. Practicing simple calculations like addition, multiplication, subtraction and division is important in order to progress. Also, there are

children who do not learn the multiplication table before advancing. Students, who have a firm understanding of the four mathematical operations, can easily

master complex calculations in high school. Training at the elementary level becomes important when the final goal is development of calculation skills.

Most training classes outside school enroll students who are of age 6 or higher. Six is an appropriate age to receive training. Such students have a fairly

clear understanding of numbers and sufficient concentration span to sit through class. At the same time, the right half of the brain is active to develop an

imagination to solve math mentally.

Teaching the basics of abacus to toddlers

The ages mentioned in above is for a classroom setting where the child is enrolled in special training. Parents can familiarize the concept of abacus to their

toddlers. There are many parents who use a simple abacus to teach colors and the primary concept of numbers and counting. Parents can start off with the initial

training at home. Toddlers are fascinated by colors, so ensure that the beads are divided into color groups of two. The first exercise in learning abacus at home

is through mirroring. Have your child mimic the move you make. Start in the beginning position when all the beads are in one side. Move a random number of beads

to the opposite side and move it back. Have your child mimic the movement with the same number of beads. The pattern can be mixed up and arranged in groupings.

The second exercise is the counting game. Learning starts at home and it is now common for a child to know the alphabets and numbers before he/she enters school.

Teach your child counting using abacus. Say the number out aloud when the move the appropriate bead(s). Also, count the number of beads left behind.

Abacus can also be used to teach skip counting. Skip counting is an alternative method to saying counting in 10s, 5s etc. Learning skip counting helps in recognizing

patterns (including odd and even number). Skip counting must be taught only after the child is through with counting from 1-50. Abacus simplifies teaching numbers

because it involves mirroring actions of the hand.

A popular Chinese proverb goes , Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember. Involve me and I will Understand.

According to VARK model, learners are categorized into 4 groups, which are:

” Auditory learners

” Writing/ reading learners

” Kinesthetic learners

” Visual learners

All young children can be grouped in Kinesthetic learners because they understand best when they watch a live demonstration. It is

common to teach young children rhymes and poems with gestures. Many teachers also incorporate voice intonation and dramatics during

story time to keep the listens hooked on.

Chinese Speech and drama class Singapore explores the importance of teaching Chinese through drama:

” Ability to solve problems with creativity: Drama is powerful tool which challenges a student s perception of themselves and the

world around them. Drama sets a safe stage for the child to express their feelings, dreams and thoughts which they cannot, otherwise.

For a brief moment, a student puts on a faade of a complete stranger. Such a liberated experience allows them to be whoever they wish to be.

A shy child will transform into the skin of a stern emperor when immersed in that part. Over time, a child develops the ability to solve problems by looking

at it from a different perspective. Start off by assigning simple plays in Chinese with a few lines for each child. Watch them bloom into confident speakers

as they take on more exercises.

” Improved Communication: Learning during young age is through repetition. When each child is given a limited number of lines, they not only learn their

own lines, but also understand the cues from a speaker before or after their turn. They end up learning most lines apart from their own. Memorizing the lines

improves understanding of the language. Drama is the ideal platform to improve communication in today s technologically merged world.

” Collaborative learning: Children fare better when they learn as a group. Teaching young children is effective when they have company. When in a group,

they lean on each other emotionally to create a symbiotic environment. Children within a group help each other learn. Sometimes, a child understands best when

a concept is explained by another child. Learning Mandarin Chinese becomes easy when the children in the group are each give a line to memorize. They will invariably

collaborate and co-ordinate to ensure that each child completes the given task. The task given is completed only when all the children in the group are successful

in their roles. There is no other learning form which is more collaborative than drama.

” Active learning: Active learning is fulfilled through empathetic understanding and kinesthetics. Making students enact a play is more than putting up a

show: it subtly influences the child to empathize with any given character leading to a deeper understanding of the topic. Information retention is improved when

understanding is deepened. Children who are learning Chinese through drama can also be taught portions of other subjects through enactment.

” Hone confidence: An attempt of learning a new language is successful when the child is confident while communicating. Drama instills confidence in

children and removes stage fright. It is OK for children to make mistakes while learning, what is important is the confidence with which they deliver.

Having understood the importance and efficiency of learning Chinese through drama, start today by assigning each child in class one or two lines to deliver.

As they grow confident and learn more words, the number of lines can be increased. Within no time, the child will develop fluency in the language and speak without any hesitations.

Children are very intuitive and intelligent and you will realize that they adapt to learning a new language like fish to water. Once you start with teaching your children Chinese, you will realize that children are far more advanced in understanding daily conversations than they are in recognizing Chinese characters. This is very common and one should create a learning environment for the children to develop listening skills and speaking skills through daily conversation.

How do I teach my children to read Chinese?

It is very important to have a very solid grasp on Chinese characters no matter at what age a child starts to learn Chinese. This is important to develop good reading skills. Children are very easily bored by the complexities involved in going from a phonogram-based language (English), to a logogram-based language (Chinese). It is the job of a teacher to make the child feel confident right at the start of their Mandarin-learning journey. This will help them to naturally sustain their enthusiasm and maintain their interest in the subject.

How should I prepare a younger child to learn Chinese?

For younger kids it s very easy to learn if you associate physical objects to the characters. What you can do is print out Chinese characters in a large font with their pinyin and stick it around the house and put these flashcards on the objects. This will help kids learn faster and they can also relate to the character much more and make Chinese characters seem much more approachable and fun.

Create a game and make Learning fun

You can make learning Chinese great fun for kids by creating a game out of it. You can start by asking your children to match Mandarin Chinese character flashcards to the objects in the house. All you need to do is prepare a host of flashcards and run around the house to stick the correct flashcard to the correct object. Slowly expand the game to the outdoors as well and match flashcards to items in the supermarket.

Buy Basic Level Chinese Books

For older kids when they attain a certain level proficiency, you can buy them Children’s books in Chinese. These Chinese children’s books are very child friendly and written with pinyin next to the characters. This is to help sound out the phonetics and can be a good confidence builder and be a very good resource to help expand your children’s vocabulary. For older kids it is very important to retain their excitement and maintain their interest in the subject. In order to that one must invest in the variety of books available on the market today. These books cover a variety of topics such as cooking, nature and comic books.

How do I teach My Child to Write Chinese Characters?

Apart from enrolling your kids in a Chinese Kindergarten Singapore writing Chinese characters can be pretty daunting for a child for the first few times and the child might feel it pretty difficult, but the key is perseverance and this needs to be taught to the child. Towards the beginning the child might feel it is doing rout memorization but their skills definitely improve over a period of time and the important thing is not give up. Practice makes perfect and eventually your kids will be able to write structured sentences in Mandarin Chinese. It is very important that you make the child understand that Chinese needs to be written by hand and you can introduce rewards to encourage the same.

These are some of the basic tips to help your child read and write Chinese. As already mentioned, perseverance is key in this regard.

First and foremost Speech and Drama is an extremely powerful tool and this a very good way for children to learn effective communication at a very early age. It is a great confidence builder and booster and lends a creative imagination, empathy, and maturity among children and enhances their interpersonal skills. Some of the fears that plague adults are fear of public speaking, anxiety and being at the centre of attention. What if you address these problems when the children are at a very impressionable age rather than at an advanced age? A Speech and Drama lessons help children to freely express themselves and be themselves in a safe environment where they do not feel judged and are free to express the way they want to.

Some of the advantages are;

A great boost of confidence

Thinking out of the box

New strategies and engage actively with their peers

Children learn to work in groups

They collaborate, thrive and overcome fear and dont fear being in the public eye

How does Chinese Speech and Drama Classes Benefit your Kids

Chinese speech and drama Classes can do wonders for your child. It can drastically improves your childs capacity to speak the language. Moreover it allows them to explore their identity through the language. Chinese speech and drama classes can be very enriching for your child as the kid will learn to emote and test their experiences in a language which is not native to them and this will highly benefit their ability to think and express. It takes a high level of confidence and strength of character to perform on stage in a language which is non native and might seem so difficult for a child as well adult.

It is a great way to learn Chinese

Chinese speech and drama classes can be a great way to learn the language and can be looked upon as a very viable option to encourage children to learn Chinese.In these classes children would learn the very basics of having a conversation in Chinese and perform an entire skit in front of a small audience. Learning Chinese helps in brain and cognitive development and also helps children get a good grasp on mathematics. What better way to encourage a child to learn a language than drama classes. This might seem as a very innovative and enriching option rather than sitting in the confines of a closed classroom set up. There are many ways to teach language to a child but as soon as dramatics is involved a child is naturally drawn towards it and wants to learn and get involved further, without much pushing from the parent. Chinese speech and drama classes also helps in group study and understanding, which might seem very beneficial and attractive to a child as it encourages social interaction of the same age group.

These classes not only teach speech and drama but it also teaches the basics of Chinese which is very important to perform in front of a larger audience. Thus it is a wrong notion that Chinese is not taught in the speech and drama classes. If you see your child struggling to learn Chinese in a classroom set up, this is the place to go to and help your child explore herself and emote in a language which she is trying to learn and grasp.

These are some of the great benefits of sending your child to a Chinese speech and drama class.

Language is one of the most important things that a child will learn in their life during activities for toddlers , it is a means of communication. As no individual is able to live an isolated life and has to be part of some sort of community it is essential that you teach them language right from the time they are old enough to start picking up the language. If you come from a bilingual home or if you feel that learning one language just isn’t good enough anymore then there are also many benefits of sending your child for additional language classes such as Chinese speech and drama classes.

A child is like a sponge i.e. they are able to pick up any language that they are taught more easily as they have a very high capability of hearing and reproducing the sound. This ability gets less as they grow older and it is lost between the ages of 8-12. Due to this, it is best to start including new language training for children as young as 3 years old.

Those children who learn languages from a young age are able to develop the concept of object permanence at a young age, they have better problem solving and critical thinking skills. They are more creative and have better flexibility of mind, enhanced memory and can also multitask better.

Learning a language can help the child achieve various academic benefits. Those children that learn a new language fair better at academic have shown higher math skills and standardized test scores. Learning a new language does not hamper the child’s English skills but on the contrary, it helps to enhance and improve the skills.

Learning a new language can open doors to your child that they had not even known existed. They can meet new people, go new places, and learn about new things that the rest of us will never be able to do. This helps give them a foot up on the competition on the work front but it also helps them to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for all of humanity and other cultures, this, in turn, enriches their personal life.

Finally, a child who has a better grasp of languages and can speak more than one language can add much to society and can contribute in ways that we may not have even thought about. Not only will they be able to communicate with a wide range of people they will also understand those people’s culture.

Being the largest country in the world the Chinese have a vast and interesting history and this is also reflected in the languages that they use throughout the area each different province has their own different dialect and language that a person from a different province may not understand. They also have one common language that is spoken throughout China. These different dialects were mainly known and used by the educated elite in China and even among them, the pronunciations were very different. The classical Chinese was a standard of writing and not of speaking the language.

We will discuss how the language evolved through the different time periods

Late Empire

During the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1912) Dynasties, there was no specific word that was used for the language that was spoken at courts the word that was generally used translated to official speech in English. The term Mandarin was borrowed from the Portuguese word mandarim that was further derived from a Sanskrit word mantrin meaning counselor of ministers and was first used in reference to the Chinese bureaucratic officials.

During the 17th Century, the Empire made an attempt to have a pronunciation standard by setting up the Orthoepy Academies but did not have much success till the 19th Century and it became difficult for the emperor to understand what his officials had to say.

Till the 19th century, the standards of the language were set based on the dialect from Nanjing which was later replaced by the Beijing dialect when it started to get more popular but Nanjing Mandarin was still considered higher than the Beijing dialect. It was in 1909 that the Qing Dynasty established the Beijing dialect as the national language.

Modern China

After the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, there was more success that was seen in promoting one common language throughout China. Delegates from the entire country convened in a Commission on the Unification of Pronunciation and published a dictionary of pronunciation that was a hybrid and did not match any single existing form of speech in China. Gradually most members of the National Language Commission settled upon using the Beijing dialect as the main source of the pronunciation standard in China.

In the early 1950s, nearly 41% of the people were able to understand the standard language, this number rose to around 90% in 1984 and it was 91% of those people who spoke Mandarin.

If you want to learn Chinese, visit http://www.chengzhu.edu.sg/mandarin-centre/ OR RSVP now, as for children if they are interest to learn, the quickest

way is to attend enrichment classes for kids.