If-If Heuristic: Solving It In Pictures

Hi!

The video below shows how to solve 'If-If' type of questions in Math. Many children still struggle at solving this type of questions in P6. I hope your child can benefit from the video.

Have fun!

The Hidden Trap: 3 Stages Of Giving Up On Your Child

Recently, a parent told me that she tutors her own child and saves a lot of money on engaging a private tutor. Her child is in Primary 2 and her SA1 results are:

English: 81%
Math: 84%
Chinese: 72%

I know the child personally and she is seriously underperforming. She is bright and mature for her age. She likes challenges and is strong in her Math thinking skills.

You heard it in my blog before and I will say it again: Proper foundation in P1 and P2 is crucial for your child. Do not fall into the trap of taking it easy in these two years.

It might be shocking to you but many parents actually go through three stages before giving up on their children.


Stage 1: She is Band 2 in Primary 1 and 2. It should be fine.

At this stage, the parent feels that the child is coping well and very limited guidance is given to the child. The parent feels that the child should have 'some childhood' and resists to enrol the child in extra lessons.

The child scores well and most of his/her time is squandered away.

Primary 1 and 2 syllabuses are easy to MASTER and should be mastered before the child goes to Primary 3. The child should at least score high 80s for all subjects at these levels.


Stage 2: My child is struggling! I must enrol her in more enrichment programs!

This usually happens in Primary 3. At this level, there is an additional subject (Science). English and Math have also become SIGNIFICANTLY harder.

I pity the child at this stage. The parent goes into panic mode and starts to enrol the child in various enrichment programs. The intention of the parent is good. However, this is also the point where most of the interest in learning was destroyed.

The child is already overloaded with a new subject and the increased difficulty of the other subjects. On top of this, the parent still loads the child with more classes.

The child is a child and will not think like an adult. She will go for the enrichment classes and secretly resents them. In addition, it was the parent who first instil the concept of 'It's okay' into the child. The child is confused and does not understand the change in the attitude of the parent.

At this point, the child's results drops because she is experiencing burnout. With the drop in results, the parent enrols the child in even more tuition classes. Thus, a vicious cycle ensues.


Stage 3: My child is not the 'studious type'. No amount of tuition can help her.

This is the stage where the parent gives up on the child. The child is not improving even though she is going for multiple enrichment classes.

Both the child and the parent are tired. The parent convinced himself/herself that the child is not inclined towards studying and stops all enrichment lessons.

The child got the message and also gave up on herself. She just drags her days along and hopes for a pass in PSLE.


It is very sad. Rewind a few years back and give the child a proper foundation in the subjects. Be a little more involved and proactive. Don't you think there will be another ending to this story?

I am not advocating that all children must go for enrichment classes. However, we have to be realistic. It is simply too difficult to meet good and passionate school teachers to take your child to the next level. The only alternative is private tuition.

Actually, I believe strongly that parents are the best teachers if they know the syllabus and content well. They have the highest probability to have 'teachable moments' with their children.Some parents are very good in teaching their children. However, these parents are also rare. 


If your child is in P1 or P2, be more involved in your child's education. Lay the foundation properly for your child. It will help your child in her studies in P3 and P4.

If your child is in P3 or P4, do not panic when your child's results are dropping. Encourage your child. Speak positively to him/her. Find a good tutor to help him/her. The most important thing at this stage is quality in tuition is better than quantity in tuition.

If your child is in P5 or P6. Help your child to set goals for PSLE and direct him/her to do his/her own self-study.


Remember this: Never give up on your child.