A "eXcITiNg" SuNdAy

Wah! Got a “shock” early in the morning!

Student XYZ had not been going to school ever since school reopens, guess the long Dec holiday really made XYZ prefer to stay home. For 2weeks, XYZ also refused to come to church.
Last Sun, XYZ's parents decided to put a stop to that and told XYZ to go church. After XYZ changed, XYZ just refused to leave home so the mum gave me a call to ask me up to help talk to XYZ.
When I reached, XYZ was doing “morning exercise”: papers-cutting! Despite the long soft talk by the parents, XYZ just refused to put down the “weapon” to go with me.

Finally XYZ's mum cant take it, she snatched away the container that XYZ used to contain the papers. And this “provoked” XYZ who stood up to attempt to snatch it back. The moment XYZ stood up, I was the nearest person XYZ can reach so very quickly, XYZ got hold of my hand for a second and I actually can see the scissor approaching! Ohh! My hand = papers? But thank God XYZ stopped immediately, guess when realised “Oppps! Is Teacher Yanni!”

XYZ left me for the mum. BEWARE! The scissor is still on XYZ's hand! My goodness! Struggle took place between XYZ, mum & dad. XYZ can be quite strengthFULL. He attempted to attack mum but thank God for dad who was around to stop. Can you imagine the scissor was so close to all of them in the midst of the struggle.

The dad managed to pin XYZ down. My heart almost stopped! I ever witnessed the way XYZ attacked mum so really cant imagine what will happen if XYZ got the mum and with the the scissor. Thank God for His protection!
After that, though XYZ still didnt want leave home but shortly after XYZ left with me willingly, thank God for that. Through the journey & even XYZ's stay @ church, XYZ was ok. Was sharing with another worker, she was telling me to check XYZ's bag for “weapon”. Haha!

The end? Of course not! “Exciting” Sunday you see!

Miss Perseverance, ST was in action BIG time!
She was ok in the beginning but after coming back from the toilet (routine), she started her “ktv time” - from loud to louder to verrrrrry LOUD.

Wanted to ignore her as past “experiences” she ktv for long as she will be carried away by “happening” on stage but this time she didnt ... she went on and on and on, louder and louder and louder.

No choice, brought her out. I got to pass her to another worker who I got to bring ST for a “lift tour” up & down as I need to lead games. Before I left her, she was still “singing”, after I done with games and back with her (at least more than 15mins), she STILL “singing”.

Used hard & soft approach, her favourite drink & newspaper, drama & very firm ... she just refused to get out of the lift as she wants to go home.
“I want to go home! I want to go home! Wahhh! I want to go home! I want to go home!” x50

=) A big thank you to Cher JY & Cher YQ who played a part in this “drama production”! Haha!

During dismissal, she managed to force her way down and boarded the wrong buses. I almost cant get her down for one time. There I was - one Cher Yanni with 2 “powerful” students: ST & Bryant. One hand of mine tried to stop ST from boarding all the buses, the other to hold bryant who thank God was being “entertained” by his “zoo”.

In the end, brought both of them to carpark first to board our bus. Thank God for “journey mercy” as from church to carpark, I was alone with them! Just when we reached where the motorbikes are ... Oh no ... bryant's recent hot pick! Know bryant love motorbike but didnt expect he will do anything”.

Just when I was looking high & low for the bus, Bryant was comfortably seated on one of the motorbikes! My goodness! Haha!
Cant tahan his “ya-ya-papapya cool look” when he on it, like finally dream came true! Hahaha!
But thank God I just called him once and he got off the bike.
Can you imagine if he refuse to? Hmmm... I will faint there and ask him to ride ST home?!

Am I drained @ the end of the day? Not so actually ... hahaha ... guess all my last few years' "trainers" - Mr Sato & Miss Wennie really taught me well. Hahaha!

tImE wiTh J - 1

In my new form class (K1), I have a verrrrry “interesting” boy, Child J: well-known since last year as throughout his nursery days, he caused headache & heartache for his teachers. Though I didnt come into contact with him much but was warned about his “style” so I had been quite “unfriendly” towards him. His teachers like to bring him to me when he misbehave badly as other than principal, I am the next teacher who he quite scare of.
In 2008, he is in my class! I am going to “experience” him everyday! Hmmm... Can you imagine, just first 3days of school, he already “released his power”: when everyone are seated nicely on the floor, he twisted/turned his body & even fall flat on the floor, put his legs on the table, pee pee without license, placed his bowl on his knee & made his bowl danced during snack time.

J's PoWeR #1
* Child J shouted, ran around & disturbed his friends ... despite MANY chances given by Cher Lim *
Cher Lim: * very angry * Child J, I want you to stand there now
Child J: * started crying IMMEDIATELY * Cher Lim, I dont want. I promise you I will be good boy
Cher Lim: Don't talk to me. You always never keep your promise. Go stand there now!
Child J: * walked over super unwillingly *
* a minute later *
Child J: Cher Lim ... Can I sit down already?
Cher Lim: * ignored him *
Child J: Please, Cher Lim! My legs are grumbling already!
Cher Lim: * tried not to laugh * Ok good! Now I want to see your legs cry!
Child J: Cher Lim, dont... dont say like that please
Cher Lim: * bursting laughters out soon * If you are tired then you can sit down where you are now
(away from his friends)
Child J: I ... dont ... want ... I want to sit with all those man
Cher Lim: @@! Man? What man?
Child J: * pointed to his friends *
Cher Lim: * fainted *

J's PoWeR #2
* during Chinese Lesson on differences*
Cher X: Children, let me ask you ... do you think Cher X & Cher Lim are the same?
Children: No.... Not the same!
Cher Xu: Why & how are we not the same?
Children: * started naming the differences *
Cher X: Okok ... that's correct!
Cher Xu: That's all?
Children: * silence *
Child J: * with a very serious tone & look * But then hor, you two have one thing same
Cher Xu: @@! * thinking how can that be * What is that, Child J?
Child J: * very serious look * You 2 are very fierce!
Cher Xu: Haha!

J's PoWeR #3
* after Cher Lim read the book, Pinocchio*
Cher Lim: Ok! Children, now you know is not right to tell a lie. Do you know why is not right to tell a lie?
Children: No good.
Child A: Must ask permission first
Cher Lim: ?????
Cher Lim: If you tell lie, of course you wont become like Pinocchio that your nose grow long but what will happened is that nobody will believe you again
* shortly after *
Cher Lim: Child J, so are you going to lie to Cher Lim again?
Child J: No already! I am a good boy!
Cher Lim: So next time if you promise you going to be a good boy, you must keep your promise ok!?
Child J: Ok! I... I am a good boy!
Cher Lim: If not next time I wont believe you again
Child J: * deep thought * * very serious tone * I guess you are right!
Cher Lim: * shocked by the phrase he used * Good!

1sT eNtRy oF 2008

school AGAIN!!! =)

Busy! Noisy! Confused! Haha ... that's how I can described school so far.

It can be quite challenging for the start as need to work very hard on children's discipline, especially my form class K1 : I have been giving them "nagging session" almost everyday.
But of course more than just the "stressing moments", there's still "sweet moments" with my little "Angels".

Though just 2^nd week of school but been really buuuuusssssssy!
With the change of management etc, there are more work loadssss for us teachers now.

ps: to my "faithful readers" of Children's Talk ... stay tuned for new series this 2008! =)

JAMs XmAs MaGiC

DEAL! =) He is the man, Teacher Szeming ... the key person to my game's props!
He deserved the credits more than me as he almost did the games' props all by himself.

Teacher Rebecca, came down despite last minute's notice! =) She really did helped a lot!

*bEfOrE*

*AfTeR*
my Xmas Games' Partner - Teacher Rick!

Check out his game! =) Coooooool boxes!

And that's me in action! =)

Wowow! Snowgirl & Snowboy looked awesome on stage!!

What? When? How? Who?

“What to play?” “How to play? How to do the props needed?”
“When to do?” “Who to ask for help as I'm a ... person when it comes to art?”
... questions that went through my mind when I was told by Boss S that I'm doing game for JAMs Xmas.

Unlike normal svc, big day's games can be quite challenging.
Though this is my xth time doing big day's games but if you ask me, "are you nervous?!" The answer is .. .. .. OF COURSE!
=) But to me, is always a great privilege to be doing games segment for big day. Am not a very “steady” person when it comes to speech/presentation so the fact that Im chosen ... is a miracle! Haha!

JAMs Xmas 2007 ... Magic theme!
What games will Teacher Rick & Teacher Yanni play?
What props are they going to make?
=) Let's wait and see ... meantime you can be a great help by keeping them in PRAYERS!

Recently wanted to find some “creative juice” so looked through the games photos for last 2 years' big day. Is very coooooooool wor! =)
Of course total credits don't go to me but fellow helpful & creative workers who offered help!

National Day 2005 - SnAkE & LaDdEr (the late nightsssss of hard works by Cher Szeming, Cher Huimin & I).

Wowow! Don't you think it looked great on stage?!?! =) One of the props I'm most "proud" of.

Christmas 2007 - @@ at all the presentssssss ... hands-wrapped by few workers!

Little Snowman...

Pass Candy Canes Competition... =) all those colourful equipment was kindly "borrowed" from my previous kindergarten! Can still remembered how I will go back to school in the early morning and cab them to church.

See! =) Thanks guys!

National Day 2006

*tears* don't play play ... 18 letters! Other than the letters where I asked my colleague to help me write, the rest I did myself: the sticking & the wrapping.
AFTER the game ... all threw away! Argghhh ... .... so sad!

Christmas 2006 - props' team (Cher Jinzhi, Cher Szeming, Cher Karen, Cher Huimin & Cher Yanni) @ work ... on 2 mega xmas trees, 2 mega stars & 2 mega boxes!

Nice ar! =) The few props that wasn't throw away immediately after big day. It was being reuse for couple of times!

Cher Karen's masterpiece! =)

*clap clap clap* The 2 EXPENSIVE Xmas Trees! =)
Surely this 2 trees don't come easily! Haha!

*the most important moment* ... the "LAST" appearance for the trees before they goes into the d_st_n! Haha!

$$$

Last week being our 1^st week of holiday, one of my colleagues Cher W & I hosted a 3 days “Exploration Enrichment Holiday Program” for some of our school's children.

1st day was @ Botanic Garden ... thank God for GOOD WEATHER! =)
Cause of the “bad unexpected weather” for the past few days, I did include this item in my QT and true indeed that morning not only it didn't rain, the weather was not warm too ... it was perfect. After the outing, Cher W just cant stop talking about it, on how amazed she was by the weather (as the night before it was pouring heavily). I told her I prayed (she was a non believer). Then she agreed and even told me to go church and share the good report.

Thank God for His PROTECTION! =)
That day, we allowed the children to not walk in twos or hold partner's hands ... we allowed them FREEDOM (but of course under our close supervision) as we thought since we are out in the nature so no point being so controlling over them.

We collected $xxx from the parents for this 3 days program and the $$$ was divided equally just between my colleague & I as our principal didnt requested us to contribute to the school.
3 days, 12hours - I managed to earn $3xx which really a lot a lot. This $$$ come just on time for my Arise & Build. Thank God for the extra income!
Just a thought... wait till my colleague & I more “stable”, maybe we can quit our job and focus on doing such program. Wooooo!

@ Cactus Garden

it was peaceful and quiet UNTIL........

little "angels" came!!! Muahaha!!!

wooo... special guest-appearance?!?!

Shhhh... let me check this leaves out!

iM aFfEcTeD...

Had school's orientation during the last weekend of school, for parents of ex, present & future children. Right from the start was already “trembling” as was told that I need to give a short presentation to parents about next year's new curriculum.

Everything went off well UNTIL parent ABC came. It was during one-to-one time where she voiced out, there was no smile & no greeting from ABC. ABC had a look that going to overthrow everything and a look that ABC is all out to “attack” teachers. But worse was when ABC had a harsh tone throughout the conversation, a tone that may just start a “war”. (am not exaggerating).

“hncaabdsjsdajasitumasdkasdot” ... the moment parent ABC made that kind of remarks, my mood went all the way down! After parent ABC left, the biggest “challenge” to me is to brace myself up and carry on for the rest of the meeting and even to force a smile out.

1 bad remarks received ... does 1 or more good remarks “heal” the “wound” in my heart?
Not at all I supposed.

After parent ABC left, there were many good comments/praises (for school and personally for me) made by parents:
. their child love the kindergarten
. loved and greatly influenced by the teachers
. their child benefitted from the teaching system
. their child enjoyed Cher Lim's lesson
etc etc etc etc

But still none of the good comments was able to lift me up.
Haiz... guess we just cant please all the parents?

** Do your best and let God do the rest **

tHe EnD...

Term 4 was buuuuuussssssssssssssssy!
More than just the late nights, I guess I'm down physically by all the works that I need to accomplish within a tight period. But thank God for His strength, really, that kept me through. =)
~ It started few months earlier during the season of intense concert preparation.
~ During last few weeks of Term4, on top of the concert's busyness, there's more stuffs given. like to make sure children complete stacks of worksheet, works to mark/sort, filing, testimonials, report books and other admins.
~ To make it more “exciting”, there was a BIG change to next year curriculum so on top of everything, I need to digest the new curriculum fast so as to be better prepared for the orientation with parents on the last weekend of school.

As I looked back to my one year in C_n_a_ Kindergarten ... it was a pleasant one!
~ As compared to previous kindergarten, the teaching system here very different ... THANK GOD for the wisdom & grace that I was able to switch over well. Though struggling to cope in the beginning but better when I get the hang of it.
~ Also the favor from principal, colleagues, parents & children. Just being my 1st year, I was given much responsibilities from boss ... THANK GOD & also for the confidence to communicate & good rapport with parents.
~ The children was awesome! It was a great one year with the children, especially the K2 who be moving on to next phrase of their life next year.
Though at times (most of the times actually ... haha) they really can drives me up the wall but still they are class of nice, interesting, sweet, loving, happy children.
=) going to miss them!

Check out some of them... ...

=) Our school's "Miss Gorgeous" ... thats what us the staff & even her friends always call her in school.
Best of all, she herself also acknowledged that. Haha!

Miss Koo ... a nice girl who never fails to always make my day! =)

Mr Tan = Mr Gentleman! =)

Miss Ng, an outstanding student! =)
I always like to "disturb" her by placing my palm over her face! HeEhEe!

=) K2 boys ... what can I say, what can I say?!?!?!

HoOoOoOrAy!

FINALLY...
after mths of trainings, practices, scoldings, naggings (opps! haha!) ... my school's Concert & Graduation Ceremony ended successfully! PTL! =)

Though this my 1^st year with the school, I was given much responsibilities. Together with another colleague, we like the coordinators for the whole ceremony, our “job” to make sure everything went smoothly.
=) Thank God for favor & opportunity!

Just when everyone think the stage looked great, the backstage was in MESS- talkingss & talkingss, children everywhere entertaining themselves in many ways, teachers changing costumes for children, teachers getting children ready etc etc etc. But still in the midst of "chaos", item by item managed to carry out smoothly.
=) Thank God for the success & good team work with colleagues!

My “greatest joy” was still to see the success of the 2 dance items that I'm totally in-charge of. From recommendation of songs to the dance steps (some “pirated” from JAMs ... opps!) to trainings of children was done by Cher Lim & Cher Lim only.
=) Thank God for His strength & PATIENCE!.

It can be quite a challenge to want see all children dance perfectly together with similar coordination. You may have children who are good but still bound to have three or four who will play you out. On the actual day, after I sent forth my children out to dance, I just stood at the backstage to use “eyes power” to “communicate” with them. Haha! Though wasn't very perfect but I could feel a “kandong-ness” as I see each child gave their best shot (as compared to their practices) and received the applause/good comments from audience.

Way earlier, I promised K2 children reward after their concert, asked them what they wanted instead. One child replied, “Cher Lim, later you waste $$$”. I replied him & rest, “Is ok! I know you all practice hard for the concert. Is a reward for all of you!” =)

Is my way to give salute to the graduands - not only they need to memorize the procedure of the whole concert (as they are the main stars that night), they also need to memorize 2 different dance's moves, individual speech in Eng/Chi and also a speech on behalf of classmates. Wow!

Mr HaNdSomE & MiSs BeAuTy, our co-hosts for the night...

children waiting "patiently" for their turn to perform...

=) some of the K2 graduands...

HoW tImEs...

I was cordially invited to my ex-kindergarten's Graduation Concert yesterday. Their 2008's graduands are actually the last batch of K1 I taught last year before I left the school.

the boy, my “godson” who I will give special “treatment” ... graduated
the boy who rolled & twisted on the floor, climbed and jumped off table ... graduated
the boy who made me vomitted blood ... graduated
the girl who can always “stepped” my toes ... graduated
the boys who zzzzzzz easily during lesson time ... graduated
the sweeeeet boy who touched my heart ... graduated
the class who always made my day ... graduated
the class who always made me very “fearful” of entering ... graduated

It was a pleasant night to see the grown-up and changed (physically) children in their graduation gown and to see them put up great performances. It was also a time of catching up with few ex-student's parents.

One of them, my “godson's” aunties, they told me that the star sticker I once gave to “godson” is still on their fridge as “godson” instructed them not to throw away because it is from Teacher Yanni. =) ~super kandong


Wow! this boy once touched my heart ... a great gentleboy!

twin brothers!

handsome boy ar! guess he must have spent quite a while at home before he can make his way to school. Haha! =) He always made my day!

hEeHeE... the boy who I will give SPECIAL "treatment"!

=) the children are always ready for shots!

oppps! supper unwillingly?!?!

=) though small but.....

=) he is the boy! the boy! the boy!

nEw ChIlDrEn'S taLk 7 ... lAsT oF 2007

sCeNe 1
+ class work time +
Child N (evangelist) was doing her work & chit chatting @ the same time with Child K
+ Cher Lim sitting purposely came and sit near them as know Child N may “preach” +
Child N: ... ... You know hor, you cannot play awfully
Child K: + innocently listening +
Child N: Later you play awfully ... Satan will take control of you
Child K: @@! Satan! Satan is a bad guy right!
Child N: Yes! Remember I got teach you right! Satan... Satan is a bad guy!
Child K: + listening +
... ... ... conversation went on ... ... ...
Child N: Jesus... Jesus is your father!
Child K: @@! My father name is ___ ___ ___
Child N: Yesh! But you have 2 fathers!
Child Z: + opp Child N + My father name is ____
... ... ... conversation continued ... ... ...
Child N: You... You must tell your mummy about God ok
Child K: + listening very attentively ... UNTIL legs went up the table +
Huh! But my mummy dont know Jesus
Child N: Then ... then you must tell your mummy about Jesus & God

sCeNe 2
+ due to the outbreak of HFMD over at our centre few mths back, we had to have thorough check +
Mdm L: + check on Child L +
Hmmm... Cher Wong, come and take a look at him
Cher Wong: + check on Child L from top to bottom +
Hmmm... Cher Lim, come over here!
Cher Lim: + went over and continued the check +
Oh! he has some red spots
Cher Wong: Child L, what are all these (pointing to the red spots)?
Child L: + very serious look + I... fall down on the grass
Cher Wong & Cher Lim: @@! + speechless +
++ Child L become a “suspect” so all teachers alerted ++
+ Principal: came and did another thorough check +
Child L: + cant take it anymore + suuppper serious look +
How... How many minutes are you done with me?
Principal: + shocked by how he phrased himself +
Cher Lim: + giggled + Child L, wait a while more ok
Principal: + final check +Mdm Tan & Principal came over +
Child L: + verrry serious look +
Ok already!?
Principal: =) Ok already!
Cher Lim: Let's go, Child L.
++ Child L safe ... not HFMD ++

sCeNe 3
+ play time +
Child R & Child I had some “quarrel” with Child K
+ Cher Lim heard it but didnt want interfere ... wants to see how they solve the problem +
Child I: ... Later we all dont friend you ...
Child R: Ya lohz!
Child K: Dont friend then dont friend lohz
Child I: My house... My house got gun you know! (attn! Is toy gun! Haha!)
Child R: Ya lohz! I also have!
Child K: + silence +
Child I: I also have “knife” ... tomorrow I bring
Child R: + indigestion of Child I's words + Huh!?! Real or fake one?
Cher Lim: + overheard + Haha! Children's imagination does run WILD~~~

sCeNe 4
Cher Lim: Child D, come here!
Child D: Yes?
Cher Lim: What happened to your eyes?
Child D: My eyes... My eyes got something wrong
Cher Lim: Hmm... something wrong?! Haha!

sCeNe 5
+ dismissal time +
Child E: + sobz face + Cher Lim, I... I have stomachache
Cher Lim: Oh! You need to go to the toilet?
Child E: + shaked her head with tears slowly filled her eyes +
Cher Lim: + knowing Child E is quite an emotional girl +
Ah! Dont cry. I apply oil for you then you rest a while. You be fine.
Child E: + burst out crying +
Cher Lim: Aiyoyoyo!
Child E: + secs later after she went back to her seat, she BURST out crying again +
Children: Oh ... what happened to Child E?!?!
Cher Lim: Ok! Child E, dont cry already. You going home soon.
Child E: + crying mode + The... the bus drive... drive very fast... I cannot... I cannot breathe
+ burst out crying even LOUDER +
Cher Lim: + flipped +

sCeNe 6
Child Z (6yrs old): Cher Lim, see! This is my new watch!
Cher Lim: Wow! Do you know what time is it now?
Child Z: Yes... now is 1.36pm
Cher Lim: @@! Now is not even 12pm. Now is only 11.36am
Child Z: ~ dont want to be defeated look~ OH! Mine is faster.
Cher Lim: ~ flipped ~ toooo fast already!
Child Z: Hahaha!

CaN yOu??

Some thoughts of mine this week...

Can you work under pressure? Can you not lose your cool in midst of pressure?
Can you work well in midst of crowd? Can you handle pressure & crowd?

=)

I'm blessed with weeks of FREEEEEEEEEE rides on buses & trains.

For the very first time ... I'm blessed this way – Boss J blessed me with $xx top up to my ezlink card. Now whenever I tap on board, I feel like a rich passenger! Haha!

Boss J ... I know you be reading this ... is YOU is YOU! =)
Though very pai seh to accept but still ... thank you very much!

mY 23rD...

wItH mY gReAtEsT fRiEnDs @ AiRpOrT

IrIs Da-JiE wAs ThErE tOo!

mY pReSeNt FrOm Cg ... dRuM rOlL pls!

dInNeR wItH bS-gRp ... Da-JiEsSsS tHeRE toOo

mY bDaE cArD fRoM mY fRiEnDs In JaMs

GuEsT-aPpEaRaNcE bY mRs ChIa! =)

=) mY fRiEnDsSsSsSsSsSssSSSsss


sOOooooOOOOoooOOOoo hAnDsOmE!!!