english language enrichment

Introducing: The Picnic – A Pop-up Class by Jan & Elly

One of the most frequently asked questions from my blog readers is which Phonics class that Little Edison attended during his kindergarten. So, I thought I’ll share it in a blog post today.

He attended Jan & Elly Phonics program since the beginning of K1 and completed the 3 courses (Phonics Readiness, Phonics Intermediate and Phonics Advanced) by the end of K2. Now, he’s continuing with Creative Writing and Composition in P1.

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Photo Credit: Jan & Elly

For the Phonics program, the class duration is one hour per week. The class is fun, full of activities and very well structured. Edison looks forward to his English class every week, and I’m happy to see that he enjoys his lessons too.

I’d like to take this opportunity today to inform you about a very interesting pop-up class that is happening at Jan & Elly this coming term break. This is a totally new event. If you have a preschooler and are considering a Phonics program for them, you should check this out.

The pop-up class will be held on Saturday, March 22 from 10am – 12pm. Details are as follow:

The Picnic – A pop-up class by Jan & Elly

The Picnic is the first of a series of pop-up classes by Jan & Elly. Kids between the ages of 5-6 years preparing for Primary One can sign up for an outdoor picnic-themed class where they will be learning Phonics in Jan & Elly’s signature fun style.

Parents unsure of what level their kid is at need not worry as we’ll be doing free assessments on-site at the event as well. Our director and founder, Ms Elly Sim, will also be there to talk to parents and share some tips on getting both parents and the little ones ready for the school years ahead.

Where: Labrador Seafood, No. 8 Port Road, Singapore 117540
When: 22 March 2014, Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $10 per child
Contact: +65 6481 8892 or enquiry@jan-elly.com
Info: http://www.jan-elly.com/upcoming-events-0

Pop-Up Class 1
Pop-Up Class 2

Introducing: The BrainFit Classroom

I’m a firm believer of brain training techniques that are aimed to help young children learn more effectively. With the right training, each child can experience extra success in school.

For that reason, I was thrilled when I was introduced to BrainFit Classroom. BrainFit Classroom is an English Language program that incorporates an interactive and structured English curriculum with online reading program, as well as proven brain fitness training.

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The program is aimed to help students build stronger memory, attention, focus, processing speed and sequencing, while boosting their English Language performance. The English curriculum is developed based on the MOE English syllabus.

This program may sound relatively new to you because BrainFit Classroom is FIRST of its kind in Singapore. Nonetheless, its expertise is based on more than 30 years of scientific research into how the brain learns.

As a parent, I admit that I do not like to send my son for too many enrichment classes and submit him to unnecessary stress. So, this program is truly a time-saver. It’s a two-in-one program that combines English Language and brain fitness training.

I’m not going to talk into details about the neuroscience now, but more about this program itself. BrainFit Classroom program consists of 8 levels, with 46 weeks for each level, and is designed for students from K1 to P6.

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Each session runs for 90 minutes, and it’s divided into 3 segments with 30 minutes each. The class details are as follow:

1. 1 x 90 minutes session at the centre:

* 30 minutes of specially designed English Curriculum (based on MOE English Language syllabus)

* 30 minutes of training using Fast ForWord® Reading or Reading Assistant ™ software

* 30 minutes of specially selected SMART Vision ™ Brain Fitness training exercises

2. 2 to 4 x 30 minutes online sessions at home

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Students will be given access to the two online programs. The computer-based homework is to be completed at home for 2 to 4 days for 30 minutes each day. This is to allow practise and reinforcement on the concepts and skills taught in the classroom.

No enrichment class can guarantee instant success with just one lesson a week without regular and frequent practise. Thus, the home access to these online programs is truly useful. Regular practice of the computer-based homework builds stronger neuro-networks for greater language mastery. Remember, practice makes perfect. It can never go wrong.

I wrote a review on the Reading Assistant software HERE, and this program is mainly on reading. Fast ForWord is another interesting program that will improve critical language and reading skills such as auditory processing, phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, working memory, syntax and grammar. As you can see, it is very comprehensive.

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This is Little Edison, doing his exercise on ‘Bed Time Beasties’ from Reading Level 1. Mama Elephant will read a sentence. After that, the Beasties will provide four word choices for him to complete the sentence. This exercise helps him to develop sentence comprehension skills and build critical early reading skills. He enjoys doing these exercises. He usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete one exercise.

BrainFit 1
Little Edison having his assessment at BrainFit Classroom Kovan Branch

All in all, I find that BrainFit’s teaching method is unique, and their online software is effective in improving language as well as reading abilities.

For more information about BrainFit Classroom, please visit their website at www.brainfitclassroom.com. Call them to arrange for a trial lesson.

Read Also: Reading Assistant – Our New Reading Tutor

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Disclosure: Reading Assistant and Fast ForWord softwares were provided by BrainFit Classroom for review. No monetary compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.

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