School Smart Parent
Contents:
'Learn From My Mistake: Apply to Big Schools Early'
I don't think I realized this was going to be an year commitment, that I better do good now and not regret anything later. As I await the verdict on my cramming skills we are still waiting to hear from two schools -- cross your fingers , one good thing that can come out of this is you can learn from my experience. You can never apply too early when it comes to prominent schools. My daughter and I should have started applying around September last year.
All schools especially the good ones have a fixed number of applicants that they can accommodate. Once those slots are filled, it's application game over. Since I missed that window, I rode on the second wave of applications in January for one school.
By sheer luck, we made it just in time for the third wave of another school we wanted. I found out last February 13 that they reopened for applicants and deadline for requirements was February 20!
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Now don't think these openings always happen; in fact, they are rare occasions. It will require constant follow-ups in the school's admission office and no one likes naggers, even admission officers. Putting together the requirements for the applications will take time -- and a lot of paper. You need to fill up various detailed forms provided by the school. Some even require family photos and lengthy interviews with both parents -- all these before the entrance exam.
Be prepared with cash. Application fees will vary from school to school.
Schoolwork Struggles
I only spent P in one school. But I ended shelling out P3, for another where the medical requirements were stringent. My daughter has no medical conditions; this was just a basic requirement. Then we had to pay P for application fee, and we had to submit her a certified copy of her NSO birth certificate not a photocopy , which cost us P it was purchased online.
While they applaud achievements in and outside school, they are also confident that their children are at their best in everything they do. The Dynamic Duo It makes you wonder if this mom and dad are just plain rich or simply lucky to be able to make a living while being there to see off their child together in the morning, bring hot lunch together at noon, and pick up their child in the afternoon still together. Or you may have a high-energy kid -- she can't control herself during circle time or other quiet moments yet. Kids With Special Needs. Based on my experience and those of fellow mommy friends, the kids walk out of examination rooms looking like they had a really fun time. Ask about the symptoms: Check in regularly with the teacher.
Most schools adhere to no vaccinations, no admission policy. Find out the deadline of "confirmation" once you receive notice that your child has passed the exam. You want to know the closing date because confirmation here means you need to pay to reserve your child's slot.
My initial plan was to collect all the schools where my child passed and select come enrollment time. Not only was that a bad idea regarding application costs, but it was also genuinely naive of me.
Misbehaving
The reality is you will receive a notice that says: Please confirm your slot on or before within the next four weeks or so. If you can, transfer your child to a big school as early as Kinder 2. For excellent schools, they only have limited slots for first grade as the bulk of students will come from their existing Kinder 2 classes. Starting Kinder 2 in a big school also means an easier transition to Grade 1 for your child. On a last note, there is no need to fear entrance exams.
Or you may have a high-energy kid -- she can't control herself during circle time or other quiet moments yet. One worry to cross off the list: ADHD, even though it's tempting to panic and jump to that conclusion. If you suspect performance anxiety is the culprit, say, "Your teacher mentioned that she gave you a time-out before gym again. Would it help if you and I practiced jumping rope together?
If your child is just naturally a little too peppy, ask the teacher whether there are ways she could release some energy before quiet times. Maybe she could erase the board or do some other activity before she has to settle down. To handle an attention seeker, remind her that the best way to get noticed is to follow the rules and do well on her work. You might also ask the teacher for a list of class rules so you can go over them with your child.
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Suggest other ways she can get attention, like doing something nice for a classmate. Meet with the teacher to make sure your child has settled down; if she's still acting up, see your pediatrician. Make sure you understand the teacher's definition of anxiety. Ask about the symptoms: Is your child crying at certain times of the day? Does he complain of stomachaches and ask to go to the nurse frequently? But if he always liked school and now you learn that he's crying in class every afternoon, there may be a bigger problem," says Dr.
Perhaps your child is being bullied by another child at recess or he's intimidated by a particular teacher. Be empathetic -- "I bet it's scary when the music teacher asks you to sing a line in front of the class" -- then ask how you can make him feel more comfortable. Offer solutions if he's at a loss: Sing songs with him at home or have him practice taking deep breaths. If he's afraid of a bully, first reassure him that the teasing isn't his fault and you want him to feel safe.
This encourages him to open up so you can get more details: Was the kid threatening him physically? The teacher and the administration should step in most schools have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying ; they often recommend getting the other child's parents involved. Keep in touch with the teacher and the school to make sure your child is more at ease. If he still seems worried, ask the teacher what else you can do to help.
Find out how severe the harassment is. Did it happen once -- maybe a classmate pressured your daughter to hit another child and now she feels bad about doing it? Or has she been repeatedly taunting another classmate by calling her names or hurting her physically? If it was one incident and your child feels bad about it, talk about what caused her to behave so badly and have her apologize to the other child.
If a friend told her to do it, discuss the dangers of peer pressure. However, if the bullying has been part of a pattern of aggressive behavior, speak to the school psychologist or an outside counselor to see what's triggering it. Check in regularly with the teacher. If your child's still struggling, continue counseling or ask whether the school offers services that help kids improve their social skills. It's never easy to receive bad news about your child. We asked teachers how they wish parents would handle this delicate situation.