We started Declan’s craft class in June. The programme has since ended in September. After much thought, I decided not to let him continue the class. He did fun things in the craft class, but I noticed that his “end products” are too perfect.
These were what he brought back from the first 2 lessons. Very Very well done – to me. Why would I even think of not continuing the programme if they taught him so well? My sentiment is, the works that he brought back are too perfect for his age. For subsequent lessons, he brought back more complex crafts and colourings, which I’m too lazy to take pictures of. When they are that perfect, with hardly any flaws, there is only 1 conclusion – the teacher/teaching aid did most of the work.
I know my son well. He is not someone who will take care of details. Imagine him bringing back paintings that are perfectly coloured, with hardly any smudges, clay figurines which are very nicely and accurately shaped. He must have gotten loads and loads of help to get those right.
Children are children. To me, it’s ok if the clay apple looks badly battered and is purple in colour. Or a clay turtle looks more like a piece of roti prata with legs stuck on them. At least, it is done through the kid’s own effort and imagination. Maybe I’m weird *shrugs*. I guess there will be parents who don’t mind the kids coming back with perfectly done crafts, but for me, I rather he do it his own way.
After some comtemplation, I’ve since enrolled him into another programme – I can Read!
I love to read. I think it is important to influence my kids so that they will grow to love reading. After the assessment, the teacher recommended Dec to start with the Thinking and Creative Skills first. The teacher tested Dec on his phonic skills. I’m surprised that he actually got most of them right, except for a few alphabets such as “Q’, “Y” and another 1 or 2 which I can’t remember. I never send him to any phonic classes and never teach him on my own. I guess the Leap Frog DVDs that Fannie recommended must be doing him alot of good. Ohh not forgetting that his childcare centre probably did most of the teaching as well. In fact I am statisfied with his initial assessment. Once he is familiar with his first sounds, he’ll then be able to proceed to the actual “I Can Read” programme.
He brought back a completed worksheet after his first lesson and I find it amusing.
hmmm… since when did he change his name to “Idol”? It was not instructed by the teacher. It is a mispelling of his own name. What a way to mispell hahaha. At this moment, he is pretty weak in his writing skill. So far, he’s attended 3 lessons. His feedback is he do like the class. Am glad to hear that he likes it as I thought he may find it repetitive to go thru similar worksheets as his childcare centre.
My friend gave me good feedback about the programme, let’s hope that Dec will be able to pick up some basic reading skills in a few months time. Can’t wait for him to read me a bed time story! Sometimes I prefer to be the child 
oh, i am also looking at this after a colleague says her son benefitted from this program.
But we are in the midst of shifting…so if we settle in pasir ris, i’d put her at white sands which is much easier…do share with me the outcome ya?
ya, I agree, those artworks are TOO perfect, can’t be the work of our kiddos…..too neat and tidy….kid’s work are supposed to messy right!!! at least the rays artwork are messy!!! sometimes, I can’t even tell what it is! lol!
I was thinking of sending Damien to this program too…but I wonder if it’s too late for him, given his age…hee hee…shall find out more…thanks for sharing the link!
You’re not alone. I am also suspicious of perfect arts and crafts. It doesn’t bring out their creativity when they get loads of help.