WoWoWoW

After the long break from Certificate in Preschool Teaching (CPT), it was a challenge to take up Diploma in Preschool Teaching (DPT). One of the challenges cum fear I can say will be to face the “outpouring” of assignmentsssss!

Up to date... I have accomplished 2 individual assignments & 3 group assignments (quantity like so little but it felt like I have done many ... haha).

Out of 2 individual assignments, one B+ and another which I got back recently was A! Didn't expect A for that module as the lecturer has high expectation and I did this assignment rather last minute also.
Out of 3 group assignments, one yet to get back but the other two we got A (the only group to get A). Wowowow!

PRAISE THE LORD! =)

just a thought ... if only this I have this kind of result for my olevel ... haha!

a peep into some of our assignments.....

cHiLdReN lEaRn WhAt ThEy LiVe...

Found this @ the back of my school's report book...

If a child lives with criticism,
he will learns to condemn

If a child lives with hostility,
he learns to fight

If a child lives with ridicule,
he learns to be shy

If a child lives with shame,
he learns to feel guilty

If a child lives with tolerance,
he learns to be patient

If a child lives with encouragement,
he learns confidence

If a child lives with praise,
he learns to appreciate

If a child lives with fairness,
he learns justice

If a child lives with security,
he learns to have faith

If a child lives with approval,
he learns to like himself

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
he learns to find love in this world

oVeRwHeLmEd...

Guess how did I spent the eve of my bdae?
The most amazing way one could ever ask for ... I spent it with God in His presence @ JAMs Overnight PM. =)

I must admit that in the beginning, I wasn't really focusing, many agenda flooded my mind but very quickly I told myself I need to focus on God, I need to tarry, I can't let go just like that, I must wait until God touch me.
Wow! Not long after, the breakthrough that I'm longing for came!

And suddenly, a touch from heaven
Jesus came
And rescued me

And suddenly, a touch from heaven
Jesus came
And set me free

I wept and wept and wept ... don't know how to describle but just felt overwhelmed by God's love despite how undeserving I am. =) I love being in His presence!
DaJie prayed for me ... one word that she said to me which I remembered clearly was “BOLDNESS!”

BOLDNESS ... as I desire to do more for Him & for His kingdom!
Looking forward for MORE encounters with Him! =)

hEeHeE...

Few days back, I was on my way home from visitation. * super tired *

The train arrived @ Serangoon but I didn't alight ... why?
Not because I overslept but because I was happily observing the “happenings” between two little girls with their mothers.

I was shocked when I alighted, I was not one or two stops away from Serangoon but rather 5!!!!

Guess having to work with children for a while now + the recent module I took about “Observing Children”... now I am more observant when little children are around me - I love listening to children's conversation, listening/"watching" how they solve conflicts etc. =)

If you ever get a chance to join in any conversation among children, be sure to LISTEN carefully.
If you ever encounter children having “conflicts” among themselves, do not immediately help them to solve but leave them to solve it among themselves. If things don't work well then you can guide them along.

bAnG! bAnG! bAnG!

Just yesterday, we had our annual event, Parent-Teacher-Meeting (PTM).
Once the clock struck 8.15am, parentsss started flowing in. We, the teachers talked and talked and talked and TALKED until 1pm++, don't even have time to take a toilet break.

I encountered many different parents - those who came friendly, those who came in peace, those who came humbly, those who are appreciative and those who came with a “knife”, an invisible one. Haha!

I was talking to this particular parent when I saw from the corner of my eyes that Parent T is “verbally stabbing” my colleague, a Chinese Teacher. Then and then, I told myself I must be mentally prepared and true enough, the moment she sat down infront of me, I was greeted by a loong face. She laid a stack of worksheets on the table. She started her intense shooting session - Bang! Bang! Bang! Throughout her tone/attitude wasn't very good.

One incident she mentioned that I remembered very clearly - “My child previous spelling got 4/6 then previous previous he got 5/6 then this recent one he got only 3/6, why did you put “Good try”?
I almost fall off my chair when I heard this remark, I feel like telling her “Oh! Next time I will put Lousy!” =p
After working with children for few years, I understand how scary a spelling can so to me, I didn't want to damper his morale or even instill fear in him. To me, spelling is nothing so big that I must scold if a child didn't get full mark. The reason why I put "Good try!" is because I can see that this boy put in effort and he tried his best to spell the words.

After the intense PTM, it really got me thinking. May I post this questions to you too?
If you have a CHILD, what will be your purpose of sending him to a preschool?
What do you hope to see in him after the ~3years of preschool education?

. that he has ALL the Math/English theory but no foundation of the basic?
. that he go through drilling and know all numbers, know how to add/subtract/multiply/divide big big numbers, know how to solve problem sums, know number bonds inside out etc?
. that he can recognize ALL words, able to read ALL books, able to form sentences, able to write journal etc but if you really zoom down, he don't know what he is doing?
. that he loses interest in studying? He don't have self-learn spirit. He study not because he want to but because you ask him to?
. that his academical vessel is full but other aspects zero?

P.I.E.S = Physical, Intellectual, Emotion, Social. Is the intellectual aspect the most important? Is knowing how to add/subtract @ the age of 5 is so important?

=) I guess is really up to individual, up to individual parent.
At the end of the day, I have parents who demanded the worksheet to go up, the curriculum to up (to teach MORE and teach what primary school is teaching), want their child to do this and that, to know more than what is expected at their age. But I also have parents who want worksheet to go down and that they want their child to enjoy the learning process, don't believe in drilling a child but rather letting a child enjoy and create his own learning.

If I were to be a mother one day, what kind of mother will I be?
If you were to be a mother/father one day, what kind of parent will you be?

08 NeW cHiLdReN's CoRnEr PaRt 3

Finally after monthssss of intense battle, 1^st semester have to an end. Is HOLIDAY TIME! =)

Was super busy during the last 2 weeks of school ... got to sort/pack children's works, got to write report books, got to prepare a little note for the children, got to prepare for Parent Teacher Meeting, got to prepare children's evalution etc etc.
Thank God for His strength & wisdom, managed to end 1^st semester well. =)

The “last” Children's Talk before we take a long commerical break.
=) Meantime, stayed tuned for MORE when school reopens!

sCeNe #11 – Young Evangelist @ work
* while waiting for their lunch, children were everywhere – majority were playing except for Child N who sat at a corner *
Cher Lim: * saw her mumbling to herself *
Child N: * saw Cher Lim looking at her, got a shock and put her hands now *
Cher Lim: =) Child N, was you praying just now?
Child N: * nodded her head * I am praying for E
Cher Lim: Who is E?
Child N: E is my cousin, my brother
Cher Lim: Oh... what happened to him?
Child N: E is in the hospitial
Cher Lim: Oh no! What happened to him>
Child E: I also dont know... He is sick
Cher Lim: So you praying that God will heal him?
Child E: Yes... I pray for him everyday
Cher Lim: Wowow... that's nice!
* conversation went on *
Child E: You know hor, that time night I always have nightmare
Cher Lim: Oh! Then?
Child E: Then I pray to Jesus. And you know hor, now I sleep I dont have nightmare
Cher Lim: Wooo... God take your nightmare away?
Child E: * nodded her head* You know hor, Jesus is powerful person! * said it with full conviction *
* conversation went on *
Child E: Jesus is in heaven. Those who believe Jesus will go to heaven. You will meet special people.
Cher Lim: What special people?
Child E: Last time people, they believed in Jesus
Cher Lim: Oh I see... So they are there?
Child E: Y... Yes!

sCenE #12
* during work time ... Child L & Child J just about to start doing their work *
Child L (a K1 boy in K2 class): * out of a sudden * You must BEWARE ok, today I am Power Ranger!
Child J: * starred @ Child L *
Cher Lim: * amazed by the word “beware” he used

sCeNe #13
* like adults, my “angels” seem to have Monday blues also (basically they are very “colourful” everyday)
* after a day of “vocal battle” + nagging session with both levels of children *

Cher Lim: * exhausted * so Children, do you think Cher Lim likes to scold you all?
K1 Children: Noooo...
Cher Lim: Do you know why Cher Lim will scold?
Children: never listen... very noisy... never sit down...
Cher Lim: Yes that's right!
Children: ... ... ...
Cher Lim: Do you think Cher Lim likes to scold you all?
Children: Noooo...
Cher Lim: Do you know Cher Lim dont like to scold you? Everytime I scold you, Cher Lim gets very tired
Children: ... ... ...
Cher Lim: Cher Lim's blood level is very high now. Cher Lim will old very fast you know
Children: @@!? old?!
Cher Lim: * jokingly * When Cher Lim's friends are all 30 years old, Cher Lim already 50 years old.
Children: @@! * laughters broke out *
Cher ZN: Then you will die you know
Cher Lim: Haha!

sCeNe #14
* “confiscated” a bag cause Child A was playing with it *

Cher Lim: * carried it * Children, do you like my new bag?
Children: @@! Child A, that's your bag!
Child A: Y... Yes =(
Cher Lim: Nice right? My mummy buy this bag for me
Children: @@! Mummy?!
Child ZN: Cher Lim, you don't have a mummy ar!
Cher Lim: Haha! Of course Cher Lim has a mummy
ps: actually this not the first time ... on few ocassion at the mentioning of my mum/dad, my children will be @@ cause to them, is unbelievable that teachers has daddy & mummy. Haha!

sCenE #15
* due to outbreak of HMFD, special procedures were carried out *
Cher Lim: Come Children, I am going to give you some distinfectant
... Child Lu & Child Se walked away after they got their “share” ...
Child Lu: * rubbing his hands * Child Lu, you see! My house also got this
Child Se: My house also but not this one. My house is Dettol
Child Lu: * rubbing his hands *
Child Se: You know hor, my sister go and eat the Dettol
Child Lu: @@! Eat Dettol will die one you know
Child Se: Ya loh
Child Lu: She die already?
Child Se: No... Haven't die yet... She only 3 years old. 3 years old wont die one

sCeNe #16
* a conversation with a 4-year old child *
Cher Lim: Child JE, where is your mummy? Is she working?
Child JE: * nodded her head *
Cher Lim: How about your daddy?
Child JE: * puzzled look * I dont have daddy. I... I only have mummy, ah ma & jiejie (maid).
Cher Lim: Where is your daddy?
Child JE: Disappeared
Cher Lim: ... ... ...

sCeNe #17
* a conversation between a 2-3years old girl with her parents *
Little Girl: Mummy, I have mosquito bite
Mummy: Come, let mummy see. Where was you just now?
Little Girl: Outside @ garden, auntie maid asked me dont go out but I still go
Mummy: Oh! You see, auntie already told you not to go out, why didnt you listen to auntie?
Little Girl: ... ...
Mummy: So baby, whose fault is it that you got a mosquito bite?
Little Girl: * thinking * the mosquito's fault
Mummy + Daddy: * bursted out laughing *

@@!

Hmmm... everytime when this particular parent from our kindergarten come to fetch her children, I will always see her smile to other parent/s and sometime strike a conversation then soon exchange number... I always wonder why, maybe she is just being friendly, very friendly?

Recently guess I understood why and have witness her “power”. I'm @@!

Due to the change of management this year, there was couple of changes that took place in our kindergarten, from snack time to curriculum ... guess all along this parent been unhappy with the new management but never voice out UNTIL recently then she “manifested”. This few weeks had not been easy for the management and us the teachers.

Decision made – she is going to withdraw her children from our kindergarten. Together with her, there will be another 4 parents who will be withdrawing their child too. According to my principal, majority of the 4 parents are fine with the management but been badly influenced by this particular parent who is in CLOSE contact/relationship with them.

=) Our management been calm ... my principal don't seem to have any intention to keep this particular parent. To the management, they felt disappointed and angry on how this parent handle this matter.

...............

An encouraging note for us teachers ... we have another particular parent. Everyday when she come to fetch her girl, she will surely greet the teachers as she see us. Though is a simple acknowledgment of "Cher Lim!" or "Cher W" or "Cher X" but to us, is GREAT! =)

JIAYOU C____ Kindergarten! JIAYOU teachers!

sTd JaC

“Teacher LZ, Teacher YN, next time I bring you go Orchard ok, they sell very nice xxx” said Std Jac (one of the students in JAMs Church)
... during one of the lunch we had with Std Jac & two others students monthssss back, one of the sentences which I can still remember clearly

“Teacher YN, later we finish watching Energy VCD then I will send Friend SS home ok” said Std Jac
... that I believed is few years back already, despite staying in north, Std Jac always been willing to send her Friend SS who stays in the west home as then Friend SS was unfamiliar with the transport

Std Jac – always bubbly & always happy, had a trademark smile that will brighten up your day
(even when I'm typing, I can visualize her smile)
I always enjoyed talking to her... her attitude, her expression, her smiley face

But just recently, Std Jac ended her own life... ... ... ...

“Tomorrow (Mother's Day), Jac will kneel infront of Jesus and pray, 'God, bless my mama!” said the church minister who was conducting the service

“Byebye Jac” said her dad as he bid his last farewell

gO YaNnI gO!

An update on how Yanni is doing for her course, Diploma in Preschool Teaching (DPT).
... Yanni has finally picked up the momentum of studying & working
... Yanni wont get @@ easily when assignments after assignments are added

When Yanni's DPT first started in Sep 2007, she studied for couple of weeks before she was given a 3 mths “honeymoon” due to exemption for couple of modules. When she was back in Feb 2008, she was rather worried actually, especially to find/join a “gang” since she know group's assignments/discussions are a must throughout her course. Like what she expected, many 'gangs' were well-established when she was back from “honeymoon”.

But all things work together for good ... a new “gang” was formed and she was one of the “member”. Hee! Within her group, there are actually also another 2 classmates who like her, also went for 3mths “honeymoon”. Another half of her group's members are new addition to her batch. =)

Up to date, they have worked together for quite many assignments/discussions and it been awesome!

Yanni is looking forward for more in DPT ... keep on keeping on! =)

a visit to Children's Garden @ Botanic Garden with coursemates... part of our assignment


MYSTREE ... located near the entrance

w.h.y

Can someONE explain to me?
Why can ONE react this way and that way?
Why can ONE changed so “dramatically”?
Why can ONE just can't cooperate?
Haiz... I'm ________ !!!!

..... ..... ..... .....

Hmmm... I've made my decision known!

JaMs JaMs

ChEr JoJo * HuNk * ChEr NiNi

hEeEe...
lOoK @ tHe HaNdSoMe BoY's ExPrEsSiOn ... mY gOoDnEsS, sO cUuuuTTTeeee!

ChEr Ni wItH hAnDsOmE mAlCoLm...

DO NOT DISTURB!

tImE wiTh J - 3

J's PoWeR #8
* lesson on being helpful to one another *
Cher X: Children, remember is good to help your friends. You will be happy when you help them.
* ~hours later ... during playtime *
Child J: Cher X, can you help me remove this toy please?
Cher X: * no immediate response as was busy with other children who were doing their work *
Child J: Cher X, you... you must help me you know... you help me then you will be happy
Cher X: @@! Haha!

J's PoWeR #9
Cher Lim: Child J, so do you want to go with us for the excursion?
Child JW: * in deep thought * Yes! Yes! I want to go!
Friend JN: Then... Then you must ask your mother to pay $xx ok
Child JW: * in deep thought * But... But I dont have money in my pocket
Friend JN: Then... Then you must ask your daddy to work hard
Cher Lim: * enjoying their conversation *

J's PoWeR #10
* work time *
Friend ST: Friend SY I bring you ok
Friend SY: Ok... I want to go!
Friend ST: I... I bring you and bring him (Friend M)
Friend M: =)
Child J: Then... Then me lehz?
Friend ST: * in deep thought for a sec * No... you cannot
Friend SY: Yes... You cannot
Child J: I want! I want!
Friend ST: Cannot! You always shout! I... I already gave you many chance! (hmm... sound familiar? haha!)
Child J: I want! I want to go!
Friend SY: Cannot... You cannot go
Friend M: Ya lohz... later at night you shout, we cannot sleep
Cher Lim: * laughing sercetly ... didnt interfere, listening to their conversation *
Child ST: I bring Child SY and Child M only!
Child J: Cher Lim... ... ... .... * burst out CRYING *
Cher Lim: * flipped ... like that also can cry *
ps: Child ST is from Thailand so she actually wanted to bring them with her there

J's PoWeR #11
* Cher Lim spotted a mark on Child M's face *
Cher Lim: Child M, what happened to your face?
Child M: * fearful look * Child J, Child J used pencil and made my face
Cher Lim: @@! Oh no, is quite a deep mark! When did it happened?
Child M: there! * pointed to their working table *
Cher Lim: * volcano erupting * Child J, you come here now!
Child J: * innocently doing his work * Yes Cher Lim? But... but I'm doing my work you know
Cher Lim: You continue later, come here now!
Child J: * walked over * Yes Cher Lim?
Cher Lim: What happened to Child M's face?
Child J: I... I dont know
Cher Lim: Child M, who went to scratch your face?
Child M: Child J
Child J: @@!
Cher Lim: Child J, was you the one who scratched Child M's face with a pencil?
Child J: @@! I... Sorry... I promised I will not do it again
Cher Lim: * volcano erupted as mark on Child M's face quite bad * Child J... * nagging session *
I need to bring you to the principal's office
Child J: * immediately bursted out crying * I... I dont want~~~~
Cher Lim: Then you tell me why did you go and scratched Child M's face?
Child J: * sobbing * He... He want to eat my tortoise~~~
Cher Lim: ???? Tortoise?
Child J: My... my paper tortoise!
Cher Lim: * ring a bell ... earlier, Child J was colouring a picture of tortoise * ... * fainted *
* nagging session began *

* just before dismissal *
Cher Lim: Child J, why did Child M wants to eat your tortoise?
Child J: * smile * Lollipop!
Cher Lim: Child M thinks is a lollipop?
Child J: * nodded his head with a cheeky smile *
Cher Lim: Child J, if Child M say he want to eat your tortoise, do you think he will really eat it?
Child J: No * giggled *
Cher Lim: Then? Then why must you go and scratched him?
Child J: ... ... ...
* Child J ran happily up onto his school bus. Once up, his “muahaha-smile” appeared immediately *
~~ this boy ar... minutes ago he was still crying (so bad that even till his eyes were super red) then next minute his “usual self” returns.

J's PoWeR #11
* children were asked to draw their favourite food/fruit/drinks *
Cher Lim: Child J, what is this?
Child J: Oh... this is milk!
Cher Lim: Hmm... but how come your milk is blue in colour?
Child J: * paused for a second * ... the ouside!
Cher Lim: =)

..... ..... .....

I've made up my mind...

08 nEw ChIlDrEn'S cOrNeR pArT 2

mOmEnT #5A
Cher Lim: What did you learn in church yesterday?
Child N aka Young Evangelist: Yesterday... Yesterday sister sick so we never go church
Cher Lim: Oh! Child N, Easter is coming, do you know what is Easter?
Child N: I... I don't know
Cher Lim: Is it Jesus' birthday?
Child N: No... Jesus' birthday is Christmas
Cher Lim: Oh I see! Child N, do you love Jesus?
Child N: Y... Yes!
Cher Lim: Why?
Child N: * super convicted * Because... Because He love you (guess she trying to say “me”)
Cher Lim: Child N, who do you like most? Mummy or Jesus?
Child N: * stopped for seconds * I like... I like Jesus more!
Cher Lim: Wooo....
Child N: But... But God also said that we... we must honor our parents
Cher Lim: @@! That's right!

mOmEnT #5B
Cher Lim: Children, can you name me words that start with the letter J?
Children: Jelly! Jungle! Jack! ... etc etc ...
Cher Lim: Anything else?
Child N: Cher Lim, I know! J for Jesus!
Child K: Jesus? What is Jesus?
Child L: J... Jesus!
Child S: I also got go to Sunday School
Child N: * full of conviction * Jesus is God!
Cher Lim: * secretly Amen * Ok Children, back to lesson now. If you want to know who is Jesus, you can go to Child N later.

MomEnT #6
(Cher Lim don't know to be discouraged or encouraged about ... hEeHeE)
* in the morning, during snack time *
... ... ...
Cher Lim: Child SH, you have extra class later so must finish your food during lunch ok
Child SH: I... I have class?
Cher Lim: Yes... later after school
Child SH: Yeah! I have class!
* in the afternoon, during lunch time *
... ... ...
Child SH: * beginning .. eating normally *
* a while later .. unwilling look *
Child SH: Cher W, I... I don't want to eat already
Cher W: * turned around, just about to address to him *
Child SH: * looked up and saw Cher Lim standing at the entrance * @@!
Child SH: * just before Cher W can say anything to him, Child SH get back to his food again *
Cher W: * wondered why the sudden change, looked up and saw Cher Lim ... giggled *
Cher Lim: * giggled ... walked away *

* shortly after *
Auntie G: * goes to Child SH cause he “looked” very full to her * You still want to eat?
Child SH: * silence ... “helpless” look *
Auntie A: You still want to eat?
Child SH: * super full-look * I... ... * looked up and saw Cher Lim at entrance again * I... I want
Cher Lim: * giggling ... walked to him * Child SH, you still want to eat?
Child SH: * fearful look * I... I dont want already
Cher Lim: =) Ok.. if you are full already then you can stop
Child SH: * relieved *

mOmEnT #7
Cher Lim: Child N, what did you do in church yesterday? Did you celebrate Easter?
Child N aka Evangelist: Yes... I go to church
... ... ... ... ...
Cher Lim: Jesus died already?
Child N: Yes! He on the cross... But He alive already
Cher Lim: Oh... how come? I thought He died already?
Child N: Yes... But... but now He alive already
Cher Lim: How come He can be alive again?
Child N: Powerful... Jesus is powerful
Cher Lim: How come He never died?
Child N: Because... Because He is powerful what!
Cher Lim: Oh... I see... Then where He is now?
Child N: He... He is in heaven
Cher Lim: What is He doing there?
Child N: He... He looking after all of us. When we died then we can go heaven and see Him.
Child S: * joined in suddenly * Yes... I also know Jesus is in heaven
Cher Lim: Child N, did Jesus punish the soldiers who killed him?
Child N: No.. He never... He is good
Cher Lim: Why He never punish them?
Child N: * being challenged * Because... Because... Because He died to wash our sin away
Cher Lim: Oh... what is sin? Is it good or bad?
Child N: I... I dont know. Jesus died to wash our sin
Cher Lim: Oh...

mOmEnT #8
Cher Lim: Children, can you name me words that start with the letter “M”
Children: Monkey! Mother! Mouth! Monday! March! .. .. .. ..
Cher Lim: That's good! Anymore?
Child JO: Mas... Mas Selamat!
Cher Lim: @@!

mOmEnT #9
* Cher Lim having sharing-session about occupation *
Cher Lim: ... ... ...
Children: ... ... ...
Cher Lim: How about those in a school?
Children: Teacher! Cleaner! Principal
Cher Lim: Ok! Do you know who is the principal of our kindergarten?
Children: Teacher JA!
Cher Lim: Yes.. correct!
Child B: Then what about Teacher ST (one of the shareholders)
Cher Lim: Hmm... Teacher JA is the principal and Teacher ST is the big big boss of this school
Cher Lim: What is the teachers' role in school?
Children: Teaching!
Cher Lim: Then how about the principal
Children: * silence *
Child S: Walk around

mOmEnT #10
* children having their own conversation *
... Cher Lim @ the other side of classroom, totally not sure what's going on ...
Child J: * very frustrated-look * Cher Lim... ....
Cher Lim: @@! Yes, Child J?
Child J: I tell them (friends) I am “christian” but they said I am not “cristian”
Cher Lim: * confused for the start *
Child J: I am “christian” but that “cristian”. Jesus! I know Jesus one!
Cher Lim: * enlightened *
Child J: I am that Jesus' “christian” * walked away happily *

ps: Haha! Actually there is a boy in Child J's group whose name is “CRISTIAN”

hOw? wHy?

Week 2 DaY 1
Cher Lim: * conducting lesson * this... that... those... this...
Children: * listening attentively *
Principal * came in *: Cher Lim, Child C's mother just came to make the payment
Cher Lim: Ok can! * about to continue lesson *
Child E: * burst out CRYING *
Cher Lim: Oh no... Child E, what happened to you?
Child E: * sobbing real badly *
Children: * shocked, just like Cher Lim *
Friend Child M: Child E... his finger got blood
Friend Child Z: Child E, what happened?
Friend Child V: His finger... His finger got blood
Cher Lim: Child E, what happened? Come, show me your finger? Your fingers are ok!
Cher Lim: Child E, did someone bully you?
Child E: * sobbing as he shaked his head *
Cher Lim: *purposely * Is it you, Child J?
Child J: * very innocent look * No... No, not me
Cher Lim: * knowing his closeness with mummy * Hmmm... you miss mummy is it?
Child E: * nodded his head *
Cher Lim: * flipped *
ps: just the mentioning of the word “mother” by the prinicpal, it reminds Child E of his mum

dAy 2
* Child E absent *

DaY 3
* Child E cried very badly when he came to school with mum *
Cher Lim: Hello Child E!
Child E: * crying ... hugged the mother real tight, refused to let go * I want to go home with you~~~
Cher Lim: * shocked .. found mum in tears * Come, Child E, you are hurting mummy.
Child E: * sobbing ... still hugging very tightly *
Mum: Child E, let go! Mummy will come back later ok!
Child E: I dont want~~~ I want you to stay here with me~~~
* the “drama” went on until Cher Lim carried Child E away *
* shortly after mum left ... Child E back to his usual *

dAy 4
* sama sama ... this time involved his maid *
* hugged the maid then the mum verrrrrry tightly and refused to let go *
* after mum & maid left, the boy sobbed for a while before he joined his friends normally *

Week 4 DaY 5
* arrival ... Child E grabbed mum's leg and refused to let go *
Child E: Mummy~~~ I got fever~~~ I want to go home~~~
Mum: * silence *
Cher Lim: * on standby to “grab” him away to release the mum *
Child E: Mummy~~~ I want you to stay with me~~~
Mum: * in tears * Child E... ... ...
Child E: Mummy~~~ I beg you~~~ I really beg you!
Cher Lim: @@ by the words he used

dAy 6
* Child E came to school in peace *

DaY 7
* drama started ... Child E pulled his mum's shirt, hold tight to her leg as he cried and cried *
* Child E cried ... mum also with tears in the eyes, helpless *
* finally after some struggle, mum managed to be released and left quickly ... Child E cried for a while more, cooled off then joined his friends *
* dismissal time ... mum came 5mins late cause she went for check-up, Child E bursted out crying *

dAy 8
* Child E came in late *
* struggle took place @ the gate, mum was “caught” pulling Child E who refused to come in *
* mum cant take it, broke down as she pulled, really pulled Child E in *
* finally in class, midst of separation *
Child E: Mummy, pls dont go~~~ I dont want you to go! I want you to stay here with me~~~
Mum: * silence ... wiped her tears off as she gave Child E a hug *
Child E: Mummy~~~ * hugged mum real tight *
Cher X: @@!
Mum: * cant take it ... gave Child E a tight slap *
Child E: Pls dont go~~~ Can you dont make me vomit~~~
Mum: Then you stop crying!
Child E: Can you bring me home now~~~. I want to rest one more day~~~
* 3min ... 5mins ... 10mins later *
* mum decided to bring him back home ... Cher X & Cher Lim had a talk with him *

DaY 9
* Child E came to school in peace ... likewise during his stay in school*
* shocked the teachers, we made it a point to praise him *
* dismissal time ... while walking down from class, can see a change in his face but thank God before he can burst out, his name was called as his mum reached *

Week 5 DaY 1
* mum brought crying Child E up the class *
Child E: Mummy, I want to go home~~~ I want to rest one more week~~~
Mum: * silence, helpeless, in tears *
Child E: Mummy~~~
* struggle took place near stairs ... Cher X worried of both safely and interfered *
Child E: * kept crying and crying *
Mum: * gave Child E a slap and asked him to stop crying *
Child E: * clinged on to mum real tight *
* Principal came and carried Child E and asked mum to leave immediately *
Child E: * cried for a while then went in class normally *

* during class when Child E cooled off, Cher X & Cher Lim got a talk with him. He didnt say much, just say he dont want come to school cause he want play with his hamster *
* mum was on time during dismissal *

dAy 2
* Child E absent *

DaY 3
* struggle took place ... mum blowed up and gave Child E another slap *
Chers nearby: @@!
* principal interfered and brought Child E up, stopped mum to *
* Child E cried for a while as he walked up the stairs *
* 1^st half of lesson Child E was ok *
* snack time Child E cried for a while *
* 2^nd half of lesson Child E was ok, even rather chatty with his friends *
* mum was on time for dismissal so Child E was ok *

dAy 4
* Child E came to school crying *
* mum was stopped @ entrance and Child E made his way to his classroom on his own *
* lesson starts, Child E was ok *
* Chers had a chat with Child E *
Chers: Child E, why you dont want to come to school?
Child E: * smiling ... shunned away *
Chers: Child E, come tell us what happened?
Child E: I... I want... to play with my hamster
Chers: @@!

DaY 5
* Child E perfectly ok as he came to school *
* during 4hrs of school, he was ok too *
* almost going home time, suddenly he burst out crying for a while *
* mum was early so Child E was ok during dismissal *

It been couple of weeks since Child E behaved this way. Actually one thing I didn't mentioned is that this mum is pregnant and due date soon so you can imagine how big her stomach is. Totally not easy for her to go through this period. That's why whenever struggle took place between her & son, teachers around will be very worried for mum's safety. That's just physical, not to mention the emotional difficulties the mum could be facing.

Just this week...
DaY 1
* Child E absent *

dAy 2
* Child E came up classroom alone, without tears *
Child E: * said aloud * You know ar, I got baby sister already!
Cher Lim: Wooo! Child E, your mummy gave birth already?
Child E: * nodded his head *
Cher Lim: Wow! That's great! So where is she now?
... ... conversation went on ... ...
* can feel his joy & excitement as he shared with us about his baby sister *

DaY 3
* Child came with maid, everything ok *
* Teachers continued to chat with him about his baby sister & mummy *

Teachers' reflection – Child E is very attached to his mum and knowing his mum is giving birth soon, he could be worried for his mum's safety and probably that could be the reason to his dramatically change of mood past few weeks.

T.E.A.C.H.E.R

T – thoughtful
E – educated
A – artistic
C – cheerful
H – humorous
E – energetic
R – resourceful

...... warm, loving, caring, understanding, stern, strong, OVERWORKED, UNDERPAID, OVERTIME, UNDERSTRESS, passion, commitment, children...

mAsTeRpIeCeS...

fRiEnDs Oh FrIeNdS oH fRiEnDs

It had been a “sweet” week – met up with sec school's friends & friends from CHEC. =)
The last time CHEC friends met up was ~3yrs ago... it been a great gathering!

We laughed & laughed & LAUGHED as we talked about the days in CHEC... ... ....
~ class starts @ 2pm and 1.58pm we still waiting for each other @ mrt station
~ we walked like bullet-train through the looooooong CityHall link
~ we queued for discounted bread despite knowing we will be late for science class (then the class was conducted by our principal ... opps)
~ we finished up the biscuits in the resting area and made auntie refill again and again
~ we played “crocodile” & catching @ playground once almost every week ... our self-PE lesson? Haha!
... ... etc etc ... ...
~ one Chemistry's note we all remembered till now... if you kill someone and wish to destroy the body totally, use coke (pls do not try it unnecessary.. hEeHeE)

FrIeNdS fOrEvEr! =)

wHhhhhhhhy???

they are friendly, they have a smile on their face... WHEN they need help, WHEN they need to find out something, WHEN they have a request from us!

BUT the moment we made a mistake or something... everything changed BIG TIME!

Whhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyyyyy like that?!!!!???

cRaZy, WiLd, FuNnY, wAcKy EaStEr

JAMs' Easter 2008 - just when I thought I can take a “break”, I was informed by Cher S that I will be doing games instead. This time 2 games all by myself! @@!

On top of games, I was also involved in drama, though a minor role but major “fear” as this role required me & drama partner to sing (a mission impossible for Yanni). @@!
The nightsss of rehearsal can be pretty tiring, especially during the last week to Easter where almost all the nightsss ended @ 2am. And some of the nights I will rushed down after class. @@!

In addition, I also had assignmentss to watch out for. During the packed period, I have couple of assignments that required special attention – group assignment where powerpoint is required and of course individual assignment which due date approaching. @@!
ps: Cher Jinzhi, thank you for your laptop! Cher Joli, thank you for helping me with the layout!

My week was filled with drama rehearsalss, games' preparation, school's work & assignmentss. Overall, really thank God for His strength for each day, especially during the hours teaching in school despite the little hours of sleep.

=) Thank God for the success of the games too! Overall the preparation was quite last minute, I nearly had difficulty finalising the games but once set, everything went well.
ps: Teachersss, thanks for the suggestions of games! Yanjie & Eena & Gina, thanks for helping with the games stuffs!

=) Of course, thank God for every SOULS in W5... including parent/sibling, 26 for W5!
Was believing for 25 but indeed God can do exceedingly above all that we can ask or imagine.
Few backsliders came and even one of them who I never expect her to come.

... ... ... ...

Argggggghhhhhhh!

=) go Yanni go! Keep on keeping on!

????

Are you a FRIENDLY HELPER, CRITICAL THINKER or TOUGH DECISION-DOER?

STOP "running"!

Hmmm ... quite rare actually – YaNnI down, she is sick

Her nose been very “hardworking” so been running non-stop for couple of days.

tEsTiMoNy

Want to thank God for His strength & favor! =)

A month ago, I took up another part-time admin job in one particular company, recommended by one of my cg members.

Right from the start, the boss already wanted a full-timer so I was pretty shocked when he is willing to employ me eventhough I can only work part-time.
Last week was my last week wih them, though will wish to stay on but guess is not “realistic' for long-term.

This is my first time doing admin job – typing, scanning, filing, sorting etc so actually @ the beginning, it was pretty “challenging”.
Everyday after my “battle” in kindergarten, I will rushed down to the company and spend ~4hrs there.
Two of the nights, after admin job, I got to rush for my diploma classes. Other nights includes other commitment like visitation & cgm.
Throughout that 1month, everyday is like so rush for me. Really want to thank God for His strength! And especially during the nights when I have classes. I'm able to pull through each day with His strength! =)

Thank God for understanding & nice boss!
Right from the start, my boss was ok with my “jelly timing” as most of the time I will reach office late and leave office early.

On top of that, I also get to earn extra income for myself ... being paid $6-$7 per hour.

All in all, it was a nice experience!

TiMe WiTh J - 2

J's PoWeR #4
* free time *
Cher Lim: Child J, why was you shouting just now during assembly?
Child J: Huh?!
Cher Lim: Were you shouting just now when we were downstairs?
Child J: * out of a sudden * Curry puff (asked “east”, he answered “west”)
Cher Lim: Huh? What is curry puff?
Child J: Chili hot hot thing
Cher Lim: ... ... ... * continued her nagging session *

J's PoWeR #5
* Cher Lim wiping the table *
Child J: * suddenly * Cher Lim, can I play later?
Cher Lim: Hmmm... not yet
Child J: * very serious look & tone * Cher Lim, I'm very sorry ... for always being rude to you
Cher Lim: @@ * shocked, very shocked by his confession *
Child J: I promised you... I promised you I will try to be good ok
Cher Lim: O...K

J's PoWeR #6
* Friend JS & Friend ZN had a quarrel & small fight *
Cher Lim: * having nagging session for both children, JS and ZN *
Child J: * very concerned * Oh... What happened?
Cher Lim: * ignored him *
Child J: * hanged around to listen *
Cher Lim: ... ... ... Who started first?
Friend ZN: Is Friend JS!
Child J: * bossy look * Friend ZN, you cannot like that you know. You must tell Cher Lim!
Cher Lim: * ignored him *
Friend JS: he beat me first!
Child J: * before Cher Lim can speaks * You 2 need to say... need to say sorry to each other ok
Cher Lim: * haha SECRETLY * Yesh that's right! * guess Child J wont be like that if he was involved *

J's PoWeR #7
* lesson time *
Cher X: Children, do you know why must we eat fish during Chinese New Year?
Children: * total silence *
Child J: * suddenly * Because we eat fish then we won't blind
Cher X: Hahaha!