Objectively speaking, I am not exactly a kiasu parent. I only start to worry about my kids when they seem to be having a really difficult time hitting the milestones they should be hitting. Otherwise, I prefer to let nature take its own course. I do believe that every child is unique and has different learning abilities – Some are just academically advanced and self-motivated, while others need more time and motivation. I remember Joey started to read on her own when she was 5 years old and while I was a little concerned that she was not able to read even simple words at the beginning of the year she turned 5, she miraculously started reading proficiently a few months later, without any help from me. That is why when Jayne didn’t show any signs of reading at all last year (when she was 5), I was cool and collected. I thought she would start reading suddenly too, just like her sister did. But when the year end came and she was still struggling with phonics blending, I thought it’s time she gets some help.
I had a talk with Jayne’s school teacher, who shared the same sentiments as me. She said that Jayne had no problems pronouncing the phonics sounds of every alphabet individually, but she had problems blending them. Knowing how to blend is the only pathway to knowing how to read words and sentences. And the reason why she couldn’t was because she missed school way too often. When Joey was having Year-End school holidays, she also skipped school and had her own vacations. It so happened that every time she missed school, the lessons were on blending. So, the teacher encouraged me to coach Jayne on blending at home so that she could start reading soon. By the time we reach 2015, I was a little panicky all of a sudden. She’s turning 6 and in a few months’ time, I’d be registering her for Primary One, and she doesn’t know how to read yet?? I started to get really concerned.
Thank goodness I remembered that Jan & Elly English Language School had approached me last year on a review opportunity and I thought it was a perfect chance to train Jayne on her phonics skills. Jan & Elly English Language School is a school that specialises in teaching English language, with a heavy emphasis on phonics to facilitate quicker reading and better pronunciation. I brought Jayne to Jan & Elly branch at Greenwich V, and did an evaluation for her. The results were as expected – She was strong in individual alphabet sounds, but she was not confident at blending. The teacher taught her a few simple skills on the spot and she could get it immediately. The saving grace is that at least she is a fast learner.
So Jayne embarked on her journey of learning phonics at Jan & Elly English School last Saturday and she was extremely excited about it. :) Take a look at this mini footage I captured of her 1st lesson:
I observed the class for the last 10 minutes of the lesson and my first impression is that the class size is small, so every kid could get a lot of attention from the teacher. The kids seemed to have a good relationship with the teacher and were enjoying themselves during the lesson as well, so that is a good sign. I also like it that there was some homework for Jayne to bring home and do, so that I can revise with her. Apart from a Phonics textbook, every kid will also complete worksheets produced by Jan & Elly English Language School at every lesson. The more they practise, the better they get. :)
I am looking forward to see Jayne improve in her phonics and then get hooked on reading in a few months’ time. Follow us on this journey - Exciting times ahead! :)
Jan & Elly English Language School
http://www.jan-elly.com/branches
https://www.facebook.com/janandellyschool
P/S: The J Babies was provided with 10 lessons at Jan & Elly English Language School for purpose of this review. All photographs and viewpoints expressed are our own. No other monetary compensation was received.
