Plan B

Met up with Principal Mrs E Tan.
Plan B activated!

It is confirmed - wont be back in LSK during the 6mths of SOT.
After some consideration, she decided to put me on “sabbatical leave” instead of me resigning.

Even so, she didn’t give me any pressure of returning back after the 6mths. She is ok with any decision I would make, even if I decided to move to elsewhere. But she assured me that LSK doors will always be opened for me.

I’m thankful and grateful for a boss who supported me in so so so so many ways.

Now question - what’s Plan B since no $$-source from LSK during the 6mths of SOT??

Little Moment #3

Little Child Z - Miss Lim’s “shadow”

In the early weeks, probably 8 out of 10 days, the teachers at the door will welcome both crying Little Child Z and his sister (apparently cried almost everyday last year when she was in Nursery).
This year probably 5 out of 10 days but recently improved, up to no tears for the entire week. But Little Child Z still in “adjusting mode”, still cried on and off.

It used to be quite bad when both of them combined power to CRY. As they entered, both hugged tightly and CRIED together. At times the sister hugged tightly to the grandma as she CRIED to ask for a kiss. Little Child Z will then grab tightly to the sister as he CRIED too. When both being brought in by the teachers, both still tightly together and refused to be separated.

Once it turned can be quite “drama” when the sister hugged the grandma tightly as she CRIED and refused to let go, the grandma then pushed the sister (quite rough) into the school and left w/o turning back.

Lately both entered the school w/o crying BUT both still held to each other during assembly. The moment Little Child Z got to be separated from the sister, he started to cry and of course can see the sister having teary eyes.

Back in class, on and off Little Child Z still CRIED and said “I want to go home!" or "I want Ah Ma!"

Reason he is Miss Lim’s “shadow”? He will follow very closely to Miss Lim. Maybe he is a boy who needed security?

He can be quite "funny" - When he has my hand to hold, he will hold my hand. But at times when my hands are busy, he would hold my pant, my shirt and even my leg… haha!

When I left the room to prepare for snack, Little Child Z followed behind. When I left my seat for a while to other child, Little Child Z stood up and followed. When I left him during lesson time, Little Child Z ran behind. Haha!

But thank God that from “glue very closely” and refused to let me go to now able to sit alone on his own for quite a while. Am happy to see his improvement!

Reunion!!!

LSK’s first of its kind - K2 reunion!
A project initiated by Principal for the K2 of 2010.

Main focus of Principal:
1) to have a proper closure with the children
2) to let them have an “air time”
… the time that teachers talk less and the children talk more
3) to let them know they are not alone
(of the “problem” they faced at primary school)

It been just 2mths since we last see them BUT trust me, most of them looked different! Some taller, some more matured-looking and MANY lost weight (haha… transition stress?).


During the arrival time, it was “Hey! Hey!” and “Wow! Wow” from the various teachers when they see the children! And it definitely brought great warmth when the different ones greeted me but the greatest was when they gave me a hug immediately when they saw me!

Throughout the 2hrs reunion, we just had just simple activities, games and songs that kept the children occupied but the most precious moments was of course the time they have with their friends!

It was basically a day of “no government” - they get to choose where they want to sit during snack time, they get to choose where/how they want to play at the learning corners, they get to stand in “group” instead of “pair” during queuing up time! Haha!


It made me =) and -_- when I heard them shared about their life in primary school.
Some of them shared they like their new school, few shared they don’t, some said they didn’t cry on their first day/week, few said they did, some said they were afraid, few said they don’t… surprising, most of them said they have fierce teachers! Haha!


Recently one of the mothers of my ex-student from this batch of K2 shared with us that her daughter was still adapting to her new environment. She told the mum, “How come my teachers never hug my friends when they cry?”. Mum then jokingly shared with us that the things we are doing in LSK don’t know should consider good or bad cause good as we showered the children with love but bad is that when they may be upset or get some “culture shock” when they don’t get the same “treatment” in their primary school.

The reunion ended with Principal praying for them.

Throughout my years of teaching, taught many batches of K2 but this is still the first batch who I still get to see them “officially” after they graduated.

Confirmed!

Spoken to the person-in-charge…
Confirmed that “Plan A” not going to happen…
“Plan B” got to be activated…

Believe! Trust!

SAME but DIFFERENT

There seem to be quite a number of “children who needed special attention” in LSK this year.
- some “medically diagnosed” but some “suspected” cases
- some only attend LSK but some also attend special school
… early intervention, kindergarten is like a place for them to mix with others and a place for them to put what they have learnt into action.

One thing that I really salute Mrs E Tan - she never reject any parents who want to send their child who needed special attention to LSK. But her policy is that during the trial period and when accepted, one of the child’s caregivers must be present at all time, reason being that this particular child may need one-to-one attention.

Recently there was this K2 child, Child GY who seem to be rejected by other kindergartens as he was diagnosed with “Dyslexia” - according to Mrs E Tan, reason would probably be that since he is medically diagnosed, not many schools/teachers will want/know how to handle/coach/teach since he may need special attention/teaching.

Mrs E Tan accepted him for trial first. One of the days, Child GY’s mum came to the principal and asked “Can Child GY come to school tomorrow?” and when Mrs E Tan replied “Yes! Can go buy school uniform for Child GY already!”, there were tears in the mum’s eyes as she replied “Really?! Child GY can continue in LSK?!”.

My heart breaks when I heard this, who knows how much this mum and of course the child went through in search for a kindergarten.
4weeks into school, according to Child GY’s form teacher, Child GY is doing well in class and he has not much difficulties learning too.

Never “label” a child...
Never stop a child's learning opportunities…
Never despite what the child can do even if the child is “medically diagnosed”…

Sometimes when I look at the “children who needed special attention” in class, it can also be quite heart-breaking.

There is this particular Child EK in the N-class that I assist. He attends school twice a week, with his grandma with him at all times. He is medically diagnosed and is quite “severe” actually so for his case, he really need one-to-one. Reason mum sent him to us is for the area of social skill.

At times it made me =( when I see how he struggled to follow/do what other children follow/do easily - be it snack, work, queue, lesson or even as simple as playtime.
And how his friends look at him with this "why he like that" expression, esp when he screamed during lesson. I am not being disappointed with his peers cause I know they don’t mean anything bad but… but… haiz… hard to explain with words here… mind in deep thoughts when I saw that scene.

During one queue up, partner Child JW used all his mights and strengths to hold Child EK’s hand. Despite Child EK struggled and struggled. Child JW still hold on tight with his two hands, though can see from his look that he must be thinking why Child EK is like that.
Eventually Child JW gave up holding Child EK’s hand as his reaction is too massive and rough. Is a simple sight but it got me in deep thoughts again...

Whenever I look at them, especially recently - I do feel helpless at times. I don't find myself talking about my years of experience with children or people with special needs, I don't find myself talking about child's psychology or some special needs theory.

But I know something I can do and I want to do it well, very well - to love them more and to love them the way they are! =)

Done!

Registered online… Docus sent (finally!)…
Next is to wait for interview and… … I be an official SOT student!!!

Though “struggled” a little during the first two weeks being a non-teaching staff but thank God am more or less settled now.
Of course I still prefer teaching! Haha!

Will continue in LSK till SOT starts in Mar.
Have yet to talk to principal about the arrangement “during SOT“. On one hand, I do hope that she will offer me a part-time job but on the other hand that if she offer, I may not accept.

Reason being that by the time I head back to LSK after SOT class, it will probably be after school hours thus wont be able to be of much help to where they actually needed help at. Then even if she offer me to do admin, it wont be quite “hmm… hmm.. ” to me since LSK already has an admin clerk.

Couple of weeks more in LSK then it will be “the day”.

Beside excitement as “the day” draws near, there is of course bit of fear, uncertain about what’s going to happen.
One is of course in term of $$, it will be the “first time” that I may not be getting a full pay for 6mths. Even if I take up some other part-time job, it would still be different.

Yanni’s SOT Fees Fund… Yanni’s SOT fund… Yanni’s Mission Fund…
Know I very "thick-skinned" but people, don’t take seriously. Hee!

I may ask people to be my “sponsor“ for one of my installments, I may ask people to be my “sponsor” for my meals/leisure etc BUT of course all done out of fun (better clarify before my friends take it seriously or feel "pressurized"… Opps!).

As much as possible, though I don’t know how and from where but wants to pay for the SOT school fees on my own. Need to stay positive, hold on to the faith and trust that God will provide the provision.

Last but not least.. If you would love to be a blessing to Yanni through her journey in SOT, you can do so by: buying her ice-cream! Haha!
Just cheer her on and keep her in prayers! =)

Little Moment #2

Little Star #1: Little Child T (a chubby little boy, 3 years old)

Moment #1A
* during lesson time *
Little Child T: * touched his leg and spotted a small dot *
You… You see! You see!
Miss Lim: Yes?
Little Child T: I… I have pimple!
Miss Lim: * flipped * Haha!

Moment #1B
Little Child T: * out of a sudden * Where is my mummy?
Miss Lim: Oh! She will be coming later.

* shortly later *
Little Child T: Where… Where is my mummy?
Miss Lim: She went to buy something for you. She be back later.

* shortly later *
Little Child T: Tea… Teacher, where is my mummy?
Miss Lim: She be back later.

* shortly shortly later *
Little Child T: * innocent look* Where… Where is my mummy?
Miss Lim: Haha! Little Child T, you asked me many times already. Your mummy will be coming in a while to fetch you home ok?

* less than 1 minute *
Little Child T: Where is my mummy? * gave a cheeky smile *
Miss Lim: Hahaha! Little Child T…

* a while later *
Miss Lim: Little Child T, where is my mummy?!
Little Child T: * smiled shyly *
Miss Lim: Haha!

Moment #1C
* during written work *
* Little Child T started scribbling on his work *
Miss Lim: Little Child T, what are you doing?
Little Child T: * shy look *
Miss Lim: * held his hand and supported him *
Okie! Now your turn to write…
* the moment I let go his hand, he started scribbling *

Miss Lim: Little Child T! Little Child T! Haha!
Little Child T: Can… Can I help you?
Miss Lim: ??? Haha! You mean “Can you help me?”

Little Child T: * the moment I let go his hand *
Teacher, can I help me?
Miss Lim: Hahahahaha! Little Child T, you are so funny! You should say “Can you help me?”

Moment #1D
* during play time *
Little Child T: * showed me his “plane” * Tea… Teacher, you see!
Miss Lim: Wow! What is that, Little Child T?
Little Child T: Is… is aeroplane!
Miss Lim: Wow! Where are you flying to?
Little Child T: China!

Moment #1E
Mrs C: Ok, Children, go back to your seat and drink water?
Little Child T: * anxiously * Can I… Tea… Teacher… Can I?
Miss Lim: Yes, Little Child T, you can drink water.
Little Child T: Tea.. Teacher… Teacher!
Miss Lim: Yes?
Little Child T: Can… Can I?
Miss Lim: * puzzled * You mean “Can you help me to open?”
Little Child T: * nodded his head *

Miss Lim: * push out the straw for him *
Little Child T: No.. No… Can… Can I?
Miss Lim: ????
Little Child T: I… I don’t want the cute cute one (the straw), I want this (the cover)
Miss Lim: Cute cute one?! You mean you want me to open for you?
Little Child T: * nodded his head *
Miss Lim: -_-

Little Star #2: Little Child J (a Chinese-speaking boy, 3 years old)

* Little Child J’s hair styled up as spiky *
Miss Lim: Little Child J, how come your hair like that? Why stand like that?
Little Child J: * in Chinese * That time… That time when I was young… I fall down… Then then when I stand up, my hair also stand up…
Miss Lim: Haha!
ps: true story!

Little Moment #1

I =) just by looking at them…
I =) =) when I see them smile…
I “melted” when they give me a hug…
I’m happy when they stop crying...

I smile at their conversation they had with their peers…
I laughed when I had conversation with them…
I laughed my head off when they cracked something funny…
I enjoyed the time with them…


Still remembered week1, there were couple of crying children, especially after “separating” them from their loved ones.

Little Child I, Little Child T, Little Child R, Little Little Child N and Little Child G are some of the children who I managed to “calm“. And is nice to know that when they are back to school the next day, though for a while they refused to come in but when they see Miss Lim or Miss Lim let out her hand, they entered.

That’s why I make it a point to try my best to remember their names, especially those who may need slightly more attention at the start so the moment I see them at the door, I'm able to greet them enthusiastically.

There was once - after 3days of orientation, the prenursery parents were not allowed to enter thus the parents got to leave after we "take" their child over. Little Little Child N was holding on tightly to his mum and had a going-to-cry face but immediately when I saw him, I waved my hand enthusiastically and shouted his name. He looked up, smiled which for a moment melted my heart and released his mum’s hand and walked in. I’m so proud of him!

@@!

It was “physical shock” last school week.
As mentioned earlier - being with the older children for many years, need to make some "personal adjustment” when switched to working with the younger ones. It can be quite physical demanding as there are couple of things we got to help them, unlike the K2 who are more independent.

Few examples are like toileting - for K2, probably I only need to stand aside to monitor but for the younger ones, Miss Lim got to help some pull down/pull up their underwear/shorts, to carry some up the toilet bowl, to on the tap for some and to carry some.

Queue up! It can be a “nightmare” in the beginning. Putting aside counting on them to find their own partner, another would be to get them walk behind each pair. But it can be quite fun to see - just when you got Pair A into the line, Pair B wandered off, when you catch hold of Pair B, Pair A and Pair C gone then Pair D separated! Haha! Of course for the K2, I only need to give the command, stand aside and wait for them to get into their line.

Back in class - as they have shorter attention span thus to get them to pay attention can be challenging too. Teacher A is quite particular to get the children to sit accordingly on the floor but 9 out of 10times the children sat wrongly.
There was once Teacher A wanted this Little Child Z to sit back to her place, she called and called but there was slow/no movement so then I went over to carry her over. Haha!
Was joking with my colleague that by the time the children stand up and move, I think it be faster to carry them over.


And then it was a “culture shock” this week.

What shocked me was the "inconsistency" in the class. I shall not reveal much. But I guess I am just a temporary Assistant Teacher thus for now, I just got to be quiet and work. Have no "rights" to make any noise. =)

NEW journey

NEW school year… NEW school term… NEW role…
NEW responsibilities… NEW challenges

4 Jan - the day Miss Lim’s NEW journey started
Was overwhelmed by the welcome full of warmth and love from different colleagues.

Double joy - saw my mentor!!!
Just the day before school reopens, I was still thinking that “life in LSK is going to be different w/o her around” but thank God she decided to stay on (at least for now).

Week 1 - Orientation Week for Nursery to K2


Was assigned to help at one of the nursery classes.
Having to work with the older children for many years, it is really nice and fun to work with the younger ones… though it can be quite challenging for the start, especially being the first week of school.

Just the first three days, I encountered “vomit on my pants”, mucus and tears on my sleeves… Haha! Not forgetting - hands muscles were strengthen cause of carrying.

But there was great joy when you see the different crying child settled. Different strategy for different!

It can be quite interesting to be with them.
e.g I managed to quiet down Little Child M after a massive cry. He was ok when I brought him back to class. Just when he sat down, one of his friends who sat diagonally opposite him started crying then when I turned and looked at Little Child M, could see that he was actually trying, trying very hard to control not to cry. But the next thing you know it, Little Child M burst into tears! Haha!

e.g Another was Little Child T… quite similar to Little Child M. He was all ok until someone near him started crying. But unlike Little Child M who burst into tears, there flowed down one drop of tears. Awww...

On the third day of school, I felt so proud of myself when I managed to quiet down Little Child R who cried “massively” and eventually brought her back to class and even get her to do her work!

Haha!
Is not easy job ok - haha - just like how it pains the parents’ heart to see their child cry so badly … it also pains the teachers’ heart as we take them away.

Looking forward to Week 2
… the week where the Pre Nursery children arrive.

Choice A or Choice B (Final) - Favor!

Looking back 2010 journey in LSK, I really thank God for tremendous favor. Not forgetting what I experienced during this “leave-stay process”

#1
When I first made known my decision that I will leave LSK in 2011, knowing that SOT will only start in March, Mrs E Tan immediately offered me a post to help her with the resource in Term 1 2011. But after much consideration, I didn’t take up the offer.

#2
During the school holiday, had another talk with the principal With my first reject of helping her with the resource, she actually offered me few other choices. Eventhough is only one term but she was willing to offer me post like “Reading Teacher” or “Assistant Teacher“.
I was totally overwhelmed by her effort and the offers.
I thought about it, I agreed.

Really thank God for the favor and opportunities!


Some others…
#1 - Mrs E Tan is pretty “careful” in allocating teachers to the different classes. She will seek the Lord for guidance and peace.
~ with that, I am really blessed, as a newbie to be entrusted by to take K2 who being the last year in LSK, she put great importance in

#2 - With my post as a K2 form teacher, not only did I get to work closely with the Senior Teachers but also the Principal and Vice-Principal.

#3 - Being a newbie in LSK, I was given the opportunities to conduct Peer Sharing with the teachers/principals from other kindergarten

#4 - Not forgetting the favor I get from the management, the parents, the colleagues & the children.

Choice A or Choice B (3) - What's Next?!?!

Some of the questions I may be asked:
What are you going to do before SOT?
What are your plans during SOT?
What will be your plans after SOT?
Haha!

Before SOT…
By God’s grace and favor, Miss Lim will still be back in LSK.
Really thank God that Mrs E Tan generously still put me on the staff payroll which means I’ll receive the pay of a role of “Teacher” where actually my role in 2011 is not really so.

After SOT…
If everything goes accordingly to plan, I should be back in LSK after SOT which means probably for the last semester which according to Mrs E Tan, that will be a busy period where much help needed as many year-end events/agendas plus concert thingy.

During SOT…
That’s a big ????????
Due to SOT school hours, I may not be able to work during LSK school hours thus no clear offer is being given by Mrs E Tan yet. But she assured me that she will talk to me again regarding this and of course to see the schedule/busyness of my work in SOT.

If not in LSK then what?
Any readers out there who need a maid? A baby-sitter? Haha!
Or probably that’s when YSF (Yanni’s SOT Fund) come in… haha… readers out there and friends of readers, please donate generously. Haha!

Probably may take up tuition? Probably may go sell bubble tea? Just shake legs? Haha!
Just kidding… actually I also don’t know.
One step at a time first I guess.
Just wants to give my best shot this two months @ LSK!

Choice A or Choice B (2) - It hurts!

During first week of Dec-holiday, I felt lost after principal announced the level the teachers will be teaching in 2011 as it doesn’t involve me.

There was a moment where I was working alone in the office, my eyes went teary when I found myself not in the classroom or even not in any level meeting.

The days get tougher when thoughts of “not able to teach in 2011” flooded my mind.
This explained one fb status [enjoyed every moment of “you” when I first encountered “you” years ago. It makes me -_- knowing I may have to stop the moment of “you” for a moment]
… that “you” = teaching.

Sound dramatic? But.. But.. I love my job!
Ever since I started teaching years ago, I have never stop teaching…
Even when I went through courses like CPT/DPT, I have never take a break in teaching…
Even when I’m physically or mentally tired, I have never give up teaching…

Seem easy to take a break from teaching and can actually take it as an opportunity to rest but I guess to me is pretty sad especially in the recent years where I found great joy and fulfillment.

Though SOT is only 6mths but due to my availability, I would have to stop teaching for a year and even being a form teacher to have ownership of class. =(

Shared with one of my colleagues that 2011-LSK-days will not be easy for me, probably at least for the start … though beside being in the office, I may be able to go back to class to be assist as Assistant Teacher/Reading Teacher or even in any case stand in to teach but… but… but the feeling would be different. =(

Just before we were release for our “official holiday”, I had another talk with principal.
It was really a WORD in SEASON … she eased my anxiety and fears.
Know it may not be easy but I know God will see me through!

Choice A or Choice B (1) - Decision Time!

WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!!
Heavy sharing! Not just long entry but MANY long entries on ONE topic! Haha!

WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!!
Do not continue if you are not able to take Yanni’s long-windedness! Hee!

If you have been following closely with my fb status, probably you came across a season in 2010 where I spoke in “parables”.

Buckle your seat belt! All mystery going to be revealed!
Choice A - leave LSK, go to SOT in 2011
Choice B - stay in LSK, go to SOT in 2012

Was confused to the MAX!
Trust me, it was one of the hardest decisions ever.

On one hand I want to go SOT but on the other hand I would also love to continue in LSK.
My thoughts - after a year of “swimming & drowning“ in 2010, I would be better in LSK 2011. After a good team work with Mrs ML & Z Laoshi in 2010, 2011 would be better!
So that’s mean Choice B?

After much prayerssss, considerationssss, a talk with Pst and principal.
Decision made … … … Choice A!
Before I took out the courage to talk to principal, I was pretty “afraid” cause I know once I made known to her, I won’t be able to turn back.

Principal Mrs E Tan made known my decision to the staff one of the days in 2010.
She gave a little report of me to the colleagues … wow! wow! I was overwhelmed by her observations and her praises! Her “word of faith” shocked me too! And the prayer she made touched my heart.
My colleagues were shocked to know my move. I myself was shocked to see Colleague S cried too.

Everything seem ok, I also thought I be ok UNTIL the first two weeks of Dec-holiday. I struggled BIG BIG time again!
Found myself “tossing around” BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG time!
Trust me, that period wasn’t easy for me!

Right choice?! Wrong move!?
Should I? Should I not? Should I? Should I not?
Yes? No? Yes? Now?
2011? 2012? 2011? 2012?

2011 First

2011 - 7th year into lyn-peace… haha… thank you faithful readers!

It shall continue to go strong this year, still a place where I...
testify God’s goodness (PTL!)
share the little joy I have with my little angels (Awww…)
vent my anger ($&%#$*@) ps: of course not vulgarity =p
release my unhappiness (Arrggh...)
talk about the person who step my toes (ouch!)
gossip about the person who I step on (opps!)
share my ups and downs (Woohoo!)
etc etc etc etc...

I guess lyn-peace is still a place where I share more than when you meet me in person… strange ar?
Hee! You see, I am afterall a SHY girl.. =p

Faithful readers, get ready for a year of adventure @ lyn-peace!!!