Mistakes That Education Business Franchisees Make in Singapore

Franchising has so much going for it. The business takes off immediately, and franchises have an easier time weathering storm, especially during tough economic times. However, things are not always rosy, especially in education. 

Franchises Overlook The Importance Of Marketing

Learning franchises sometimes need to rely on the brand to market itself. However, even established, relatively successful businesses always continue marketing. What’s worse is the business starts as a known product, so some education business franchisees assume there is no need for marketing.

What people need to remember is competition still exists. Some locations in Singapore may be more competitive than others, so learning franchises still requires marketing to have a competitive edge over the rest. 

Poor Location Choice

Franchises are usually guided on maintaining the same standards as the parent company. This means the fees, curriculum, and success should be similar across businesses with the same name. 

For example, a parent expects similar services when they transfer a child from one school to another because the assumption is it is under the same management. 

However, even the best business can have a poor-performing franchise because the location is wrong. For example, some entrepreneurs opt for areas where real estate costs are lower to keep the costs down. However, the target consumers may not be in this area, resulting in lower enrollment, and ultimately, the franchise may fail to take off.

Absence Of Skilled Workers

Another mistake learning franchises make when choosing a location is the need for more skilled workers. While it is essential to have the target market within easy reach, businesses also need to select areas where it is easy to get skilled workers. 

If the learning franchise has infant care, preschool, and primary school, entrepreneurs must ensure they have easy access to people with the right expertise. 

Alternatively, they need the resources and time to train employees to provide services similar to other franchises.

The Assumption Of Guaranteed Success

Granted, franchises have a higher chance of success than little-known brands. However, there is no guarantee that the education business franchise will thrive because of the famous brand. Entrepreneurs should work hard to ensure the brand doesn’t suffer negative publicity. 

The parent company always gives conditions when franchising on the quality of service expected, including training staff. The entrepreneurs are also trained in managing the school and the measures to ensure everything runs smoothly.

However, even with all this support, success is not guaranteed. The entrepreneurs have to own their investment and ensure the franchise’s success. 

Undermining The Competition

Education is quite competitive in Singapore. Some schools are more popular than others, but competition is still high. Those who invest in education business franchises often assume they have a competitive advantage, so much so that they do not consider other competitors.

However, it will take better rates and service from competitors for a franchise to start losing students. So, franchises should keep an eye on their competitors to see how their quality of service differs and how this will impact the franchise’s future. 

These are some of the common mistakes that learning franchises make. Sometimes the entrepreneurs forget that it is a new business, even though the brand has existed for decades. It is best to treat this business as a startup and offer services that will ensure the school lives up to its name. 

How To Choose A Learning Franchise In Singapore

Franchising helps education centres to expand quickly. It is also a great source of income for highly sought academies because the brand is well known. However, franchisors are cautious about who represents the business because they don’t want to risk giving the franchise to someone that will ruin their reputation. 

If you have multiple franchise opportunities, these considerations will help you determine your best option.

Contract Duration

Franchises usually have a contract duration beyond which the franchiser can request an extension or terminate the contract. Sometimes the contract duration is pegged on the franchise fees. If the cost is low, the contract duration will likely be low. On the other hand, if the fees are higher, it is likely because the contract lasts longer.

However, sometimes the fees are high because the brand is quite popular, and the returns will likely be higher. So, you need to consider the capital investment against the contract duration and return on investment.

Hidden Expenses

It is easy to give in and invest in a learning franchise when the fees look attractive. However, without looking at the hidden cost, it is easy to find yourself in a financial mess, especially when you don’t have sufficient capital to cover the expenses until the school takes off and becomes profitable. 

Marketing is one of the most critical costs to consider when investing in an education business franchise. Even though the brand is well known, the location will be new, and you’ll need to market it, just as you would a new school. 

Proximity To Other Schools Bearing The Same Name  

Often, franchisors have a list of possible locations for learning franchises. In rare cases, applicants are requested to pick an independent location subject to scrutiny. If approved, the franchise will proceed with its plans to establish the new school in the area. 

Sometimes the franchisor rejects the location. This may be for various reasons, including another franchise nearby. Franchisors appreciate that their franchises will compete with other schools. However, they try to minimize competition between schools bearing the same names. 

If you wish to establish a school at a high-end mall, the request may be rejected if a similar franchise is 100m away. 

The Brand’s Reputation

Investing in a franchise is costly, so you should pick one likely to have high returns. One way to guarantee this is by looking at a brand’s reputation. Most brands are careful when choosing franchises because when one messes up, the entire brand suffers. 

This is especially important in education business franchises because once parents lose faith in the brand, they readily move their children to another school, and the brand will suffer for years.  

Like any other business, you must perform due diligence before settling for a learning franchise. The benefits far outweigh the costs. However, one wrong move may delay your franchise’s success. It will also cost you more to make up for avoidable shortcomings. 

Picking an education business franchise that provides ongoing support is crucial to the success of your business.

A Guide To Education Franchise Opportunities In Singapore

A random look at some of the best schools, enrichment, and student care centres in Singapore will show the availability of franchise opportunities. Education business franchises have increased in popularity, following in the footsteps of hotels and restaurants. Before applying for a franchise, there are several things to consider, and this article will help you choose the best suited franchise for you.

Choose A Franchise That Most Align With Your Vision

Considering how many schools offer franchising opportunities in Singapore, getting a learning franchise is relatively easy. However, before settling on a specific brand, you need to find out if their curriculum program, popularity, and teaching styles align with your vision for the school, which, even though it is a franchise, is technically your business.

For example, do you want a more tech-focused school? Or do you prefer a specific teaching style, like a Montessori? 

Before opting for a learning franchise, you must have personal goals and intentions. Otherwise, if the brand’s goals and vision don’t align with yours, you’ll struggle to own and make the business successful. 

Analyze The Cost Of Opening The Learning Franchise

The cost of opening a learning franchise varies, depending on the franchise fees, preferred location, size of the centre, cost of government approvals, rental expenses, and operational costs before you start seeing a return on investment. 

Some education business franchises can range from tens or hundreds of thousands to as high as a million. Some franchises have caveats that do not cover certain costs, such as staff training, so you need to find out what the franchise cost covers and the expenses you’ll need to cover. 

Some franchises have lower upfront fees, which is great because it leaves you with more resources to invest in the education business franchise. However, often there is a catch. The franchisor may make up for the difference in the franchise fee by taking a percentage of the revenue. 

You will need to do the math. Save some money at the beginning and pay much more over a more extended period, or pay more at the beginning and not worry about sharing profits over an extended period. 

Carefully Choose The Ideal Location

The success of most businesses with walk-in clients, including schools, is pegged to the location. Some franchises have predetermined potential locations but may also be open to your suggestions. 

Before committing to the franchise, you must conduct a feasibility study of the neighbourhood. If you target preschoolers, find out if the district has young families. You also need to consider the number of schools in the area. 

If the area is sparsely populated, yet many schools exist, chances are they are all competing for few children, and you’ll just be joining the scramble for the few children available. 

Scrutinize all the locations thoroughly, especially those suggested by the franchisor. Some locations are likely to bring greater success than others, so getting one with better returns on investment is best. 

Franchisor Support

Parent schools or centres have significant experience and expertise in running schools, so as a franchise, you will probably get more support than most new businesses do. However, you need to know the support the franchisor offers you. This support usually comes at a price covered in the franchise fees.

However, it is crucial to find out the support the parent school offers. For example, do they offer staff training, site setup, marketing support, or operations management guidelines?

Since the parent school is established and has successfully marketed the brand, the new franchise can benefit significantly from the franchisor’s marketing support. 

Starting a business is complicated, but a franchise is generally more manageable because of the franchisor’s support. However, it does not guarantee the success of the franchise. However, the chances of success are higher when you get the location right and have adequate capital and trained staff. 

Guidelines Of Student Care Centres: What Parents Should Look At

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has standardized guidelines for Student Care Centres (SCCs) in Singapore. This ensures that no matter the location, children and parents get quality services. Some of Singapore’s best student care centres have gone above and beyond, but the extra facilities come at a cost.

Parents should consider the following when looking for an afterschool student care centre:

Indoor Space

The demand for student care centres in Singapore has been growing steadily. MOE has 320 registered centres to help parents choose the most suitable one for their children. Some parents send their children to the centres from Monday to Saturday. Others do it on weekdays or on Saturdays only.

The number of students on any given day fluctuates. However, the student care centre should have sufficient space to meet the needs of all the children, irrespective of the number.

MOE recommends sufficient floor space per student ratio. It has failed if the area is big enough for students on weekdays but fails to sustain the number of children on weekends.

Before enrolling their children in the student care centre, parents must ensure they have a glimpse of the rooms when filled to capacity.

Activities Offered

Student care centres mainly cater to the needs of children in primary and secondary school. Children have different needs, depending on the age group. A good student care centre in Singapore will have activities for children of all ages and interests.

For example, a room with art supplies is attractive to a 7-year-old and a 14-year-old. Even though their age difference is huge, and their skill levels differ, these children will enjoy their time at the school care centre because their primary needs are being met.

The student care centres should have age-appropriate materials, even if the children perform similar tasks. A 14-year-old passionate about art will want specific brushes and paint supplies. If an older child is forced to use the same tools as a seven-year-old, they will likely lose interest in the activity.

Parents may also want their children to get additional academic support. Does the centre have teachers with expertise in different subjects? It is a plus if the teachers can help students with their homework and challenging schoolwork.

Safety Measures

Student care centres should be a safe haven for children as they wait for their parents to come and pick them up. How safe are the children studying, eating, or sleeping? Are the premises secure? What safety protocols has the centre put in place to prevent disasters?

These are important questions that parents need to ask before enrolling their children in the centres. Children play and get injured all the time, but parents must know that their children will always be supervised. This will prevent accidents; if they occur, the child will get immediate attention.

Additionally, parents need to know what happens should an accident occur. Is there a registered nurse working at the centre? Parents need to have a clue about the steps taken to ensure their children are safe at all times.

Other factors, such as proximity to the school or home, may influence a parent’s decision on where to enrol the child. However, parents should also ensure the centre is conducive to the child’s holistic development.

Core Elements Of After School Care Programs

Every afterschool student care centre offers unique services to attract parents and children, prioritizing different aspects. Fortunately, most student care centres are strategically located within school compounds. So, parents make decisions based on the core elements of the programs offered.

There are several services offered by the best student care in Singapore:

Free Transportation

Although the afterschool care centres in Singapore are strategically located, the students may need to be transported from other schools. Instead of parents travelling long distances to bring their children from one school to the next, some centres offer free transportation within a given radius.

So, parents can relax, knowing their children are safe, moving from their regular school to the student care centre.

Extra Curricular Activities

Students usually spend several hours at the afterschool student care centre. Since children perform well in a structured environment, some centres have a range of extracurricular activities for the students to play and learn.

For example, some centres have art and music classes. Some have games that help boost critical thinking skills. These activities help increase concentration periods and limit destructive behaviours.

Homework Assistance

Most children attend afterschool care programs after school. This means they usually have homework they need to tackle. Instead of waiting until they get home to do their homework, some student care centres have teachers to assist with homework. Some even go as far as helping the students with some of the challenging topics.

Play Time

The idea behind afterschool care centres is for children to play and learn while waiting for their parents to pick them up. Since the youngest group of children are aged 7 years, the centre ensures they have structures and time set aside for playing.

Play is essential for a child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Children get extra time to explore their imagination and creativity. They also expend some of their energy so that they are ready to relax and sleep by the time they get home.

Parents-Teachers Feedback

Afterschool care programs offer holistic enrichment for children. Parents are bound to notice changes in their children, both positive and negative. Some programs will do wonders for children. Some may not be so agreeable.

Open communication between teachers and parents will help ensure that the child gets the best care possible at the centre. Children require different approaches because they perceive things differently.

If a parent notices strange behaviours, such as social withdrawal, discussing this with the teachers is important. The presence of new faces may overwhelm the child, and they need personalized attention as they slowly interact with other children.

The core elements vary from centre to centre. Some afterschool care centres offer programs to complement regular programs. However, this depends on how long a child is at the centre.

Sometimes parents request customized programs, especially for children who go to the centre over the weekend and during public holidays. These centres also offer snacks and sometimes meals for the children.

Before enrolling a child in the afterschool care centre, parents need to understand the core objectives and the extra services offered.

Guide for Choosing Childcare in Clementi

Clementi, one of Singapore’s neighbourhoods located outside the city centre, is popular with young families. This is likely because it is one of the places where the cost of housing is still low. However, as an education hub, Clementi has a large concentration of schools, including international schools. Childcare in Clementi is also in plenty. If you live in Clementi or its environs, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Fortunately, choosing the ideal child care centre is much easier today than it was a few years back. In 2013, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) took over the responsibility to oversee all childcare centres in Singapore. So, all childcare centres are expected to meet acceptable health, safety, hygiene, and nutrition standards. 

Choose a childcare centre that is strategically located.

Childcare centres in Singapore cater for children below the age of seven years. Most provide infant care for 2-18 months old babies. The location of the childcare in Clement matters because you want your child to be within easy reach. You may opt for a childcare centre that is closest to your home or workplace. 

The staff-child ratio

 

Young children are always demanding attention for one thing or another. If you send your infant to a childcare centre, you want to be sure that he will be fed, cleaned, and put to sleep on demand. You don’t want your child being neglected because the caregiver is overwhelmed with the needs of the other children. 

ECDA recommends one caregiver for every five children. However, you will discover some facilities providing childcare in Clementi with a ratio of 1:3 for more personalised care. When searching for childcare services, consider your child’s needs and if a smaller caregiver-child ratio is preferred. 

Communication between administration and parents

Whether you have a child in childcare, preschool or primary school, you want updates on your child’s progress. Children undergo significant changes in the first few years of life. Unfortunately, some parents miss some of the stages of development if their children spend the entire day in childcare in Clementi, five days a week. 

Find a childcare centre, which as a rule, gives parents periodic updates on how their children are responding to the care they receive. Some childcare centres do much more than caregiving, especially for older children. For example, some introduce activities to help children develop physically and cognitively. 

You should also choose a childcare centre that readily accepts feedback from parents, both positive and negative. An approachable management and childcare giver will make the transition easier for your child. Should you have concerns or wish to complain, you will be more comfortable doing it with a management that is responsive to positive criticism. 

Additional services offered

Since ECDA has set basic standards below which childcare centres should not operate, various facilities find ways to offer parents something more. This is the only way to separate the best childcare in Clementi from other centres. If you want a childcare centre with the edge over others, you should look at how much more the centre has to offer your child. 

For example, some childcare centres appreciate that unique programs can be prepared for children of all ages. For example, a senses-stimulating program is ideal for all children, from the infancy stage. This helps to monitor a child’s developmental progress. Some centres have programs to meet the needs of children with special needs.  

Going the extra mile in your search for childcare in Clementi will ensure you get nothing but the best care for your child. Fortunately, Clementi has plenty of options for parents with children of all ages. Some even offer customised programs for parents whose schedules make it impossible for them to choose either the half-day or full-day program. 

How Effective is The Singapore Nursery School Curriculum?

Children in Singapore attend nursery school for three years. Most join nursery school at the age of three years. However, some children, aged five years, attend nursery school for one year before joining primary school. 

The Ministry of Education appreciates that nursery school in Singapore provides the foundation for formal education. This is why nursery schools have the freedom to choose which of the six approved curriculums is most suitable. 

The six approved nursery school curriculums in Singapore

  1. Montessori – focuses on spontaneous learning, with the teacher as the facilitator.
  2. Play-based – uses the principle that children learn best when playing games that they enjoy.
  3. Waldorf Steiner – discourages exposure to electronics, such as television. Instead, this curriculum recommends practical activities through which children can learn. 
  4. Reggio Emilia – this curriculum believes that a hands-on experience is the best way for children to learn. 
  5. The Theory of Multiple Intelligences – views intelligence as multi-dimensional. Instead of focusing only on academic intelligence, this curriculum also tests children’s logical, linguistic, musical, interpersonal, naturalistic, intrapersonal, and body Kinaesthetic intelligence. 
  6. The High Scope Method – emphasizes the importance of following a schedule, such as a timetable, to ensure teachers keep track of a child’s interaction with the environment. 

While these curriculums use different approaches, they share several similarities. For example, they all take into account the age of the children. They all have a hands-on approach, whether it is learning through play or interactions. This explains why some Singapore nursery schools use more than one curriculum.

The different approaches have been highly effective for various reasons. 

Activities are chosen based on the curriculum’s goals and objectives.

All these curriculums emphasize the importance of play, interactions, and spontaneity. When they first join Singapore nursery school, children have barely developed cognitive skills, such as memory and attention. 

The different activities are designed to help children learn how to be attentive and retain information in preparation for primary school. 

The goals of the different curriculums are not static. The curriculums give educators the freedom to tailor the goals to the needs of the children. For example, the tailored curriculum and goals consider the child’s cultural background, prior education knowledge, and the child’s evolving interest.

The curriculum supports the child’s holistic development.

By the time children join a primary school, they are expected to be ready for learning. Nursery school in Singapore has the responsibility of ensuring the child is physically and emotionally ready for formal education by the time they turn seven years of age. This is why most children spend three years in a Singapore nursery school. 

The curriculums aim to improve the child’s communication, perceptions, creativity, reasoning, emotional security, problem-solving, sensory development, and social skills. 

The curriculum prepares children for the transition into primary school.

By the time children in Singapore nursery school get to their last year in school, they are expected to be ready to transition to primary school socially and emotionally. Some of the preschoolers will move to primary school with some of their friends from nursery school. 

This is common if the nursery school has a primary section. However, there are cases when the child will have to start over with new friends. Should this happen, teachers attempt to make sure the children know what to expect to have an easier transition. 

For example, teachers can tell stories about bigger schools and meeting new teachers and children. This way, the children will not be overwhelmed by the size of the primary school, which is often bigger than nursery school Singapore. 

Additionally, children are trained to care for their things. For example, they can learn how to keep items in their bags after use. 

The final test in nursery school often tests a child’s holistic development. All the nursery curriculums have one main goal, to ensure the child is ready for primary school. The activities ensure the child has well-developed motor skills, cognitive skills, and emotional intelligence. 

Benefits of Choosing Childcare in Serangoon

For years, childcare centres, preschools and primary schools have found their way into residential neighbourhoods in Singapore. The aim is to bring education closer to the communities. The situation is not any different with Serangoon, a residential area.

Five planning areas border Serangoon. These areas are set aside for Singapore’s urban planning framework. The advantage of having these planning areas close to Serangoon is that urban centres could be established. 

The result would be more quality childcare in Serangoon. If you live in this neighbourhood, there are several advantages to enrolling your child in a childcare centre close to home.

Traffic will not be an issue.

 

When you have to cover a long distance to drop and pick up your child from a child care centre, you will always worry about being late because of traffic. The situation can be more difficult if your child is on the full-day program, where he stays in the child care centre from 7 am to 7 pm. 

When you are always rushing to drop or pick up your child, you may not get the chance to observe changes in your child. Additionally, your child may be too exhausted to share quality time with you. By the time the weekend comes, you would have gone days on autopilot because of exhaustion. 

Choosing childcare in Serangoon means you get your child to and from the centre on time. You also get to visit the childcare centre, whenever you want, to see how your child is coping.

Your child is within easy reach.

If you counted how often your child hits himself against the door or the number of times he falls in a day, you’d probably be at it all day. Young children don’t usually have total control of their body’s movement and coordination. This is why they are prone to accidents.

Things will not be any different at the childcare centre. Accidents will happen. Hopefully, they will the usual minor knocks. However, if your child is in childcare in Serangoon, you can quickly get to him if there is an emergency. 

You are unlikely to change childcare centres.

If you have no intentions of moving from your current home, you are unlikely to change childcare centres, especially if you are happy with the childcare in Serangoon. Having your child in a childcare centre close to your workplace may be ideal at the moment. However, you will have no option but to move your child if you changed jobs. 

Your child would have greater stability if you sent him to a childcare centre near your home. Remember, your child will form a bond with his caregivers and other children. Sending him to another childcare centre will cause him to develop separation anxiety. 

Your child will be familiar with the neighbourhood.

Children tend to develop a memory after repeated actions done over time. Opting for childcare in Serangoon allows you to introduce your child to the neighbourhood. Before long, he will show signs of knowing the journey to and from the childcare centre. He will even know the landmarks, especially if he finds them fascinating. 

There are several advantages to choosing childcare in Serangoon. Fortunately, you have several options of childcare centres to choose from, so you still get the best child care for your child. 

Guide to Choosing a Toddler Playgroup in Singapore

Most playgroups in Singapore offer half-day and full-day programs for children aged 18 months-30 months. The demand for playgroups has been growing over the years. There are several reasons for this. Singaporean households have been growing smaller, with more families having one child. 

Reputable playgroups in Singapore has become the ideal place for toddlers to interact with other children. In most homes, both parents work outside the home, so some prefer sending their toddler to playgroup while they work. 

Although people send their toddlers to playgroup for various reasons, all parents want to ensure their children are in a safe environment. What should you consider when choosing a toddler playgroup Singapore?

The reputation of the centre

Some preschools in Singapore offer parents the option of bringing their toddlers to playgroup. Some parents with preschoolers take advantage of the playgroup facility in the same kindergarten since they only need to make one trip when dropping the preschooler in school. 

If you only have a toddler and wonder which playgroups in Singapore to use, you can get reviews from parents who have toddlers in the playgroup. The reputation of the playgroup will make it easier for you to choose the best playgroup for your toddler. 

Distance from your home or workplace

When searching for a playgroup Singapore, you need to decide if you want one closest to your home or workplace. Remember, you are looking for a place where your toddler will spend a few hours a day. 

You don’t want to exhaust him with a long trip to and from the playgroup daily, especially if you are likely to be stuck in traffic. 

A playgroup is supposed to be convenient for the parent and toddler. Choose one that is in an ideal location. For example, you can get one close to your workplace so that you can easily get to the playgroup should there be an emergency. 

Do toddlers in the playgroup get priority in joining preschool?

Choosing a preschool and getting a slot for your child is a challenge for many parents. When considering toddler playgroup, it would be helpful if you thought ahead. Do you have a preschool you wish your child to join when he turns three years old? How easy is it to get a place in the kindergarten? 

Some kindergartens, especially those with limited spaces and great demand, prioritize children who attend their playgroup. Enrolling your toddler in a playgroup associated with your preferred kindergarten will make the transition easier for you and your child.  

Activities in the playgroup

Some playgroups in Singapore do much more than care for the child. Some introduce educational activities, so your toddler has the edge over other children when he joins preschool. Most of the toddler playgroup Singapore that have a mix of play and learning make playgroups attractive. 

You can also find out if they offer additional services, such as toilet training. Anyone who has had to toilet train a child knows it takes time and consistency. Since your toddler will be in the playgroup several hours a day and will likely meet other toddlers who are toilet training, this may be a great opportunity for toilet training your child. 

Some of the additional activities are offered at an extra cost. Find out what additional activities are offered in the various playgroups you have in mind before making up your mind. Today, playgroup Singapore is more than a caregiving service. Choose one that is most beneficial to your child. 

English Creative Writing Classes

Creativity is an art. It can be in the form of stories, paintings, drawings or even poetry. Creative writing is that writing that is outside the bounds of professional, journalistic and even academic forms of literature.

Have you ever read a story book or novel and wondered how amazingly the author has described every character and how perfectly each scene is set. Sometimes it so well-written that you can imagine exactly how everything might have happened. Creative writing is a skill that can be polished. English being the second most used language, it would not be an exaggeration to state that giving your child the creative writing in English would be an investment.

Writing can be a very valuable skill. Below are a few tips to help your child develop and improve their English creative writing skills.

A few steps our teachers follow:

1. Encourage students to read:

Reading and writing go hand in hand. You cannot develop one skill without the other. We can get your child to read, the chances of improving their creative writing skills increase. Encourage them to read English newspapers, story books, short stories. This will not only improve their vocabulary but will also develop an interest in writing.

2. Give them time for reading and writing:

With today’s busy schedules of both the parents and the children, it’s wise to take time out for reading and writing. Make your student read English stories before bed, ask them about it next day in class. Set some time aside during class to do creative writing.

3. Focus on creativity!

The most important thing to become a good creative writer in English is the creativity. Since English is not their first language, do not discourage them for not having a grasp on the proper grammar. The teacher in the English creative writing classes should help bloom the creativity.

4. Make it exciting

Play games and activities that encourage writing. Crossword puzzles and word games are great for everyone. Little ones will especially like the “write the word” game: where they search for items and write down the word when they find each item.

5. Make writing worksheets

For young children just learning to write, try creating a worksheet where they can trace letters and words. Write out letters and words, place another piece of paper on top, and have your child trace onto the blank piece of paper. You can also create a connect-the-dots game by having your child trace along dotted lines and then tell you which letter or word they find.

6. Write letters

Today, writing letters is a bit of a lost art. Encourage your child to write letters to friends or family members. Distant family members will especially love receiving handwritten letters and it’s a great way to work on improving writing skills for kids.

Having penpals are also a fun idea, or you can even write letters to each other and leave them around the class to find. You can make students write letters to their classmates too.

7. Utilize technology to your advantage

There’s no getting around the fact that technology plays a huge part in our lives. Use it to your advantage by having your child create a blog. This can help your child work on improving his or her writing skills by encouraging frequent writing habits.

8. Generate story prompts

A fun way to improve kids’ creative writing skills is to have them write short stories. Cut out pictures from a magazine with different characters or locations, or write down different words. Place these in a container or glue them to cards to use as writing prompts for creating a unique story. This also makes a fun activity for the whole family to join in.

9. Praise their efforts

The most important thing for a student is appraisal. Show lots of interest in your child’s writing and stories. Ask questions, celebrate when he or she brings home a good piece from school, and encourage his or her writing as much as possible. Appreciation, especially from the teacher can do wonders for the students’ self-esteem. This will definitely help them improve their creative writing skills.

Things to Look For When Choosing a Chinese Teacher

 

Finding a good Chinese teacher can seem pretty easy as there are many Chinese speaking people around the world, but finding a good Chinese teacher can be pretty difficult. There can be quite a few reasons for this, teaching Chinese was not considered as a professional skill until 1981. It was only in 1981 that the Beijing Language and Culture University started to enroll college students who majored in teaching Chinese as a second language, known as Duiwai Hanyu across the world. The first thing to check for in a Chinese teacher is her academic background of Duiwai Hanyu.

Below are some tips which you can keep in mind while looking for a good Chinese teacher.

Somebody who really knows the language and teaching

It can be argued that everybody who has grown up in mainland China or Taiwan and trained at a Chinese speech and drama class will speak Mandarin, but not everyone who knows Chinese would have detailed knowledge of how the language works. Most importantly not everyone can teach and impart the knowledge to people who would like to learn. A good teacher needs to be more than a native speaker to teach it to people, it is a skill which not many can master. A good Chinese teacher should be experienced in working with Chinese learners. The teacher should be able to understand the difficulties faced by a student. Moreover the teacher should be able to make cross-references and give you plenty of examples to learn and understand.

Someone who knows the why and can explain things clearly


According to reports there many native speakers in China who have got teaching jobs but they sometimes struggle to answer questions from learners. These questions can be pretty technical in nature and would require skill, training and experience to explain to a student. It is important for you to find a teacher who would explain exactly how it works with the language. If you always hear your teacher say that s the way it is, that s how Chinese works or I don t know either, then its time you look for a qualified and experienced teacher who can explain things to you more clearly. Your teacher should also be well be well versed in English to explain to you the nitty gritties of the language.

Somebody who can make Chinese lessons interesting

Like all other languages, Chinese is a fascinating language. It is also considered a difficult language and a learner can get de-motivated and frustrated if he does not make good progress. It is very important for a good Chinese teacher to make lessons engaging, make the lessons engaging and bring the language to life. If the teaching methodology is boring and melancholy learning the language can be very boring. Hence the teacher needs to make the lessons interesting and full of life.

A good Chinese teacher needs to have a lot of patience

Since learning Chinese can be pretty daunting, all Chinese learners make a lot of mistakes. It s just part of the process and students tend to make hundreds of mistakes with the tones until you remember them clearly. A teacher needs to be very patient in dealing with so many mistakes and correct you every time you are wrong.

Someone who gets along well with you

It is very important to get on well with the teacher, as it makes things much easier and simple. Sometimes a teacher might be patient, hardworking, et all but if you don t get along well with the teacher everything might seem to go hay wire.

These are some of the things to keep in mind while looking for a good Chinese teacher. Alternatively you can look for a good private school with a good chinese curriculum, one such school is Chengzhu education.

How Can Learning Chinese Help Your Child

The competition for getting into good colleges and then ultimately landing a good job is very high and many parents worry that their child may not be able to get into the college of their choice or get the job that they desire because of this competition. However, there are a few ways you as a parent can give your child an edge over the competition and there is nothing better than helping them learn a new language.

Choosing a language, however, can be a very daunting task but do not let this deter your decision of helping your child. Here are a few reasons why learning Chinese can help your child in a great way.

1.Chinese is a very challenging language to master. Due to this, the child has to put in a lot of effort and also concentrate on the lesson that is being taught. This concentration gets ingrained into the child and they apply the same in the other aspects of school as a whole and they do better in school.

2.The biggest challenge for your child is being able to stand out in the crowd of thousands of students that are graduating every year from schools. Most of the schools offer Spanish and French as a second language and this will be common to all students. Hence, learning a language that is not common like Chinese will give your child the edge that they need.

3.If you are not Asian, being able to speak the language becomes even more impressive as these children will have to work harder to learn the language as they do not have any cultural ties to the language nor do they have anyone to practice the language on.

4.Learning Chinese is a very difficult task as it needs a lot of dedication. This not only makes your child unique but they will be a citizen of the world as they will learn to understand and respect the culture of the place whose language they are learning.To faciliate their learning, they can attend enrichment classes for kids

5.Chinese is an important skill to have as China is growing at an exponential rate and there can be various business opportunities that can come the way of people who know the language. If you send your child to Chinese speech and drama classes your child will be able to take advantage of these opportunities that can come their way.

Benefits Of Enrichment Classes For Toddlers

Enrichment class for toddlers is not something that Singaporean parents argue about. They usually tend to agree that this is the best thing the can do for their child. Despite some parents who disagree because they believe babies or toddlers are very young, there are, without question, many benefits of allowing your toddler or baby to enroll in enrichment classes.

Here are the main benefits:

#1: The way young children like babies and toddlers have to learn is through social interaction. So, you, as a parent, should be able to provide them the social interaction with you, with other adults, with other babies and toddlers, and with older children as well.

#2: Language development is also crucial for babies and toddlers. The simple fact of listening to other people speaking to them, using different expressions, different words, or gestures, or body postures, allows them to increase their language skills a lot more than if they were simply home, with their parents. Another reason why some parents enroll their toddlers in such classes is the fact that they want their toddler to speak two languages.

#3: Children explore and learn their world through creativity, discovery, and play. Sending your toddler or baby to school is not mandatory. However, since they like to dance, sing songs, pretend play, messy play, and imitating adults, this can be a good opportunity for them.

#4: The developmental progress of your toddler or baby can be easily followed by either teachers or peers in enrichment classes. Don’t forget they are trained professionals that are able to deal with babies and toddlers. And they don’t only know what is expected them but also how to motivate them. These early years are crucial in terms of development. In case anything isn’t quite as right as it should be, they can provide you with solutions to avoid bigger problems when they are in school or even in their adult lives.

#5: Enrichment classes for toddlers tend to provide them with important social skills like positive interaction or confidence, EQ skills like social-mindedness or empathy, and technical skills like aesthetic appreciation or sense of music.

Although most pre-schools don’t look at toddlers and place them at first of the list because of their previous enrichment classes, there are a few pre-schools who prefer to interview them before they are accepted. And in these specific cases, a toddler who has had some enrichment classes may have a bigger chance to shine.

Choosing Childcare – One Decision Where You Can’t Afford To Make A Mistake

When a couple decides to have a child, decisions must be made above and beyond potential names. Who will be the child’s doctor? Where will the child attend school? What activities should the child try out? Baseball, soccer, or maybe playing the violin? All are matters eventually factored in the child’s life. But usually the initial, and the most important, decision that must be made is who will care for the child after he or she is born.

If one parent is able and willing to devote years to raising the child, then the decision is an easy one. Another simple viable option, if both parents must work, is enlisting a close, trusted relative like a grandparent or sibling to care for the child. In today’s society, however, these options are often not available. In this current economy, both parents usually work to support the household, and, due to today’s increased mobility, parents often live miles and miles away from immediate relatives. Parents, then, must turn to other options for childcare.

Do they wish to find a live-in nanny that will watch the child in his or her own home, or is a formal or privately owned daycare the best option? Choosing childcare is a daunting task, and parents must be very prudent, thorough and unhurried when making the decision that is best for their circumstances. Here are some tips to read before choosing a childcare provider:

Research Options Before or During Pregnancy – If parents research their options early, then a hasty decision can be avoided. Compare your options, investigate local daycare centers, and obtain recommendations from friends, family, doctors, referral agencies, and nanny or au pair services. And make sure that the daycare, referral agencies, or nanny services are accredited and properly licensed. A good place to begin your research is Childcare.gov, an official U.S. government child care source that presents solid information to parents.

Ask Questions and Investigate – After parents narrow down their options, they should talk extensively with the potential providers. Everything may look good on paper, but parents must discuss their needs and their standards with the provider in person to insure that these needs can be upheld. Learn about childcare laws pertaining to your area. Ask potential providers many, many questions: How many years of experience do they have? What is the ratio of children to adults in his or her facility? What type of training, background, and education does the caregiver have? Will other adults be around the child? What are the caregiver’s rules and how are they enforced? Also, critique the daycare center or individual caregiver’s home. Make sure the space is clean and appropriately safe for all the children in attendance. Remember, there are many childcare providers, and it is perfectly reasonable not to pick a certain one because of a bad feeling or unsatisfied answers to any of your questions. It is also perfectly reasonable to request a background check from a daycare provider and any adults that will interact with your child. Any provider who refuses that request should be viewed with suspicion.

Be Involved – Parents should stay involved with their chosen daycare provider, speaking with then regularly, visiting with them when they drop off or pick up their children, asking questions, and learning about problems should they arise in playgroup Singapore. Parents should build relationships with all the individuals involved in the child’s daily care, to encourage open and continued communication.

Whatever childcare parents choose, it must be the most appropriate and comfortable for their situation. But no matter what the decision, following the aforementioned steps is one more step parents can take to ensure their child’s continued safety away from home.